Companies that burn cash at a rapid pace can run into serious trouble if they fail to secure funding. Without a clear path to profitability, these businesses risk dilution, mounting debt, or even bankruptcy.

Not all companies are worth the risk, and that’s why we built StockStory - to help you spot the red flags. That said, here are three cash-burning companies to steer clear of and a few better alternatives.

Camping World (CWH)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: -2.7%

Founded in 1966 as a single recreational vehicle (RV) dealership, Camping World (NYSE: CWH) still sells RVs along with boats and general merchandise for outdoor activities.

Why Do We Pass on CWH?

1. Weak same-store sales trends over the past two years suggest there may be few opportunities in its core markets to open new locations
2. Performance over the past three years shows each sale was less profitable as its earnings per share dropped by 58.4% annually, worse than its revenue
3. Short cash runway increases the probability of a capital raise that dilutes existing shareholders

Camping World is trading at $11.33 per share, or 15.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with CWH, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Strategy (MSTR)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: -71%

Once a traditional business intelligence software provider, Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) develops AI-powered enterprise analytics software while also functioning as a major corporate holder of Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Why Do We Think MSTR Will Underperform?

1. MicroStrategy’s core analytics software has been eclipsed by its all-in Bitcoin strategy, leaving product innovation and enterprise deals starved for attention
2. The company’s debt-financed Bitcoin buying ties shareholder fortunes to crypto swings and interest rates, amplifying downside risk and uncertainty
3. On the bright side, its vast Bitcoin treasury gives Executive Chairman Michael Saylor a unique springboard to capture crypto upside and court investors seeking leveraged exposure to digital assets

Strategy’s stock price of $134.23 implies a valuation ratio of 73.1x forward price-to-sales. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than MSTR.

Moderna (MRNA)

Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin: -106%

Rising to global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic with one of the first effective vaccines, Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) develops messenger RNA (mRNA) medicines that direct the body's cells to produce proteins with therapeutic or preventive benefits for various diseases.

Why Do We Avoid MRNA?

1. Sales tumbled by 46.7% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
2. Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were much less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 30.2% annually
3. Free cash flow margin dropped by 178.4 percentage points over the last five years, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up

At $42.34 per share, Moderna trades at 8x forward price-to-sales. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including MRNA in your portfolio.

Stocks We Like More

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