
Profitable companies tend to be more resilient, giving them the flexibility to invest and return capital to shareholders. Businesses that consistently generate earnings can better navigate downturns and capitalize on new opportunities.
Identifying the most compelling profitable companies isn’t always straightforward, and that’s why we started StockStory. That said, here are three profitable companies that leverage their financial strength to beat the competition.
TaskUs (TASK)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 11.9%
Starting as a virtual assistant service in 2008 before evolving into a global digital services provider, TaskUs (NASDAQ: TASK) provides outsourced digital services including customer experience management, content moderation, and AI data services to innovative technology companies.
Why Could TASK Be a Winner?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 19.9% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
- Free cash flow margin expanded by 18.3 percentage points over the last five years, providing additional flexibility for investments and share buybacks/dividends
- Historical investments are beginning to pay off as its returns on capital are growing
TaskUs’s stock price of $6.44 implies a valuation ratio of 4.7x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Raymond James (RJF)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 19.6%
Founded in 1962 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Raymond James Financial (NYSE: RJF) is a diversified financial services company that provides wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and banking services to individuals and institutions.
Why Does RJF Stand Out?
- Annual revenue growth of 11.7% over the last five years beat the sector average and underscores the unique value of its offerings
- Share buybacks propelled its annual earnings per share growth to 19.7%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last five years
- Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
Raymond James is trading at $141.26 per share, or 11.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Ryan Specialty (RYAN)
Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 16.2%
Founded in 2010 by insurance industry veteran Patrick Ryan, Ryan Specialty (NYSE: RYAN) is a wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager that helps retail brokers place complex or hard-to-place risks with insurance carriers.
Why Is RYAN a Good Business?
- Annual revenue growth of 21.2% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Earnings per share grew by 15.6% annually over the last four years, massively outpacing its peers
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
At $31.79 per share, Ryan Specialty trades at 14.5x 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 (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.