While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity".

Not all profitable companies are created equal, and that’s why we built StockStory - to help you find the ones that truly shine bright. That said, here is one profitable company that generates reliable profits without sacrificing growth and two that may struggle to keep up.

Two Stocks to Sell:

CTS (CTS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 15.2%

With roots dating back to 1896 and a global manufacturing footprint, CTS (NYSE: CTS) designs and manufactures sensors, connectivity components, and actuators for aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and transportation markets.

Why Does CTS Fall Short?

1. Annual sales declines of 3.3% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
2. Earnings per share have dipped by 3.5% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term
3. Diminishing returns on capital suggest its earlier profit pools are drying up

At $43.82 per share, CTS trades at 18.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with CTS, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Winnebago (WGO)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 2.5%

Created to provide high-quality, affordable RVs to the post-war American family, Winnebago (NYSE: WGO) is a manufacturer of recreational vehicles, providing a range of motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel products for outdoor and adventure lifestyles.

Why Do We Steer Clear of WGO?

1. Sales tumbled by 6.7% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
2. Incremental sales over the last five years were much less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 10.1% annually while its revenue grew
3. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging

Winnebago’s stock price of $40.34 implies a valuation ratio of 15.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why WGO doesn’t pass our bar.

One Stock to Buy:

Ameriprise Financial (AMP)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 37.5%

Founded in 1894 and spun off from American Express in 2005, Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) provides financial planning, wealth management, asset management, and insurance products to help individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals.

Why Are We Bullish on AMP?

1. Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 22.5% to outpace its revenue gains
2. Balance sheet strength has increased this cycle as its 35.5% annual tangible book value per share growth over the last two years was exceptional
3. ROE punches in at 59.9%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments

Ameriprise Financial is trading at $493.68 per share, or 11.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today.