Unprofitable companies face headwinds as they struggle to keep operating expenses under control. Some may be investing heavily, but the majority fail to convert spending into sustainable growth.

A lack of profits can lead to trouble, but StockStory helps you identify the businesses that stand a chance of making it through. That said, here are two unprofitable companies with the potential to become industry leaders and one best left off your radar.

One Stock to Sell:

Plug Power (PLUG)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -204%

Powering forklifts for Walmart’s distribution centers, Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) provides hydrogen fuel cells used to power electric motors.

Why Do We Avoid PLUG?

1. Annual revenue growth of 1.3% over the last two years was below our standards for the industrials sector
2. 138.1 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
3. Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders

Plug Power is trading at $0.97 per share, or 0.9x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with PLUG, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Two Stocks to Watch:

HubSpot (HUBS)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -2.6%

Started in 2006 by two MIT grad students, HubSpot (NYSE:HUBS) is a software-as-a-service platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses market themselves, sell, and get found on the internet.

Why Does HUBS Stand Out?

1. Ability to secure long-term commitments with customers is evident in its 21.1% ARR growth over the last year
2. Superior software functionality and low servicing costs lead to a best-in-class gross margin of 85%
3. Operating margin expanded by 6.7 percentage points over the last year as it scaled and became more efficient

At $614.55 per share, HubSpot trades at 10.7x forward price-to-sales. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.

QuinStreet (QNST)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -1%

Founded during the dot-com era in 1999 and specializing in high-intent consumer traffic, QuinStreet (NASDAQ:QNST) operates digital performance marketplaces that connect clients in financial and home services with consumers actively searching for their products.

Why Is QNST a Good Business?

1. Annual revenue growth of 27.1% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
2. Notable projected revenue growth of 21% for the next 12 months hints at market share gains
3. Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last two years, increasing by 99.4% annually

QuinStreet’s stock price of $17.48 implies a valuation ratio of 17.9x forward price-to-earnings. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years.

Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like United Rentals (+322% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.