Running at a loss can be a red flag. Many of these businesses face mounting challenges as competition increases and funding becomes harder to secure.

A lack of profits can lead to trouble, but StockStory helps you identify the businesses that stand a chance of making it through. Keeping that in mind, here are three unprofitable companiesto avoid and some better opportunities instead.

C3.ai (AI)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -86.6%

Founded in 2009 by enterprise software veteran Tom Seibel, C3.ai (NYSE:AI) provides software that makes it easy for organizations to add artificial intelligence technology to their applications.

Why Does AI Give Us Pause?

1. 16.4% annual revenue growth over the last three years was slower than its software peers

2. Gross margin of 59.9% is way below its competitors, leaving less money to invest in areas like marketing and R&D

3. Extended payback periods on sales investments suggest the company’s platform isn’t resonating enough to drive efficient sales conversions

C3.ai’s stock price of $22.55 implies a valuation ratio of 6.6x forward price-to-sales. If you’re considering AI for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more .

Zeta (ZETA)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -4.5%

Co-founded by former Apple CEO John Sculley, Zeta Global (NYSE:ZETA) provides software and data analytics tools that help companies market their products to billions of customers.

Why Are We Hesitant About ZETA?

1. Net revenue retention rate of 97.1% shows it has a tough time retaining customers

2. Gross margin of 60.4% is below its competitors, leaving less money to invest in areas like marketing and R&D

3. Rapid expansion strategy came at the expense of operating profitability

Zeta is trading at $13.57 per share, or 2.3x forward price-to-sales. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including ZETA in your portfolio, it’s free .

Compass (COMP)

Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -2.7%

Fueled by its mission to replace the "paper-driven, antiquated workflow" of buying a house, Compass (NYSE:COMP) is a digital-first company operating a residential real estate brokerage in the United States.

Why Does COMP Worry Us?

1. Annual revenue declines of 3.3% over the last two years indicate problems with its market positioning

2. Sluggish trends in its principal agents suggest customers aren’t adopting its solutions as quickly as the company hoped

3. Persistent operating losses suggest the business manages its expenses poorly

At $7.88 per share, Compass trades at 61.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with COMP, check out our full research report (it’s free) .