Not all profitable companies are built to last - some rely on outdated models or unsustainable advantages. Just because a business is in the green today doesn’t mean it will thrive tomorrow.
Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. That said, here is one profitable company that leverages its financial strength to beat the competition and two that may face some trouble.
Two Industrials Stocks to Sell:
Hertz (HTZ)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 2.8%
Started with a dozen Model T Fords, Hertz (NASDAQ:HTZ) is a global car rental company providing vehicle rental services to leisure and business travelers.
Why Is HTZ Risky?
- Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 2.2% annually over the last two years
- Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam
- 9× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio makes lenders less willing to extend additional capital, potentially necessitating dilutive equity offerings
Hertz’s stock price of $1.76 implies a valuation ratio of 55.7x forward EV-to-EBITDA. To fully understand why you should be careful with HTZ, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Graphic Packaging Holding (GPK)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 5.8%
Founded in 1991, Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK) is a provider of paper-based packaging solutions for a wide range of products.
Why Do We Think GPK Will Underperform?
- Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 2.5% annually over the last two years
- Estimated sales for the next 12 months are flat and imply a softer demand environment
- Earnings per share have dipped by 36.8% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
At $9.34 per share, Graphic Packaging Holding trades at 10.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering GPK for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One Industrials Stock to Buy:
GE Vernova (GEV)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 4.4%
Born from the energy business of industrial giant General Electric in a 2023 spin-off, GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV) designs, manufactures, and services power generation equipment and grid technologies to help customers build more reliable and sustainable electric systems.
Why Do We Love GEV?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 10.7% annual revenue growth over the last two years was exceptional
- Share repurchases over the last two years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 169% to outpace its revenue gains
- Free cash flow margin increased by 45.3 percentage points over the last four years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders
GE Vernova is trading at $952.80 per share, or 45.4x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,552% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.