In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Affordable Stocks Under $30.
On January 12, Emily Roland, Manulife John Hancock Investment Management, co-chief investment strategist, appeared on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to talk about the latest market trends.
According to her, the earnings engine in the United States is on, with analysts expecting 8% earnings growth this quarter, making the bar “pretty manageable”. There are several tailwinds in place as well, including lower rates coming through the pipeline this year, lower taxes related to the One Big Beautiful Bill, and a weaker US dollar, which should help US-based companies, as 40% of their revenue is derived from overseas.
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She also highlighted lower oil prices, which could help reduce transportation costs for several of these companies. Roland thus stated that while she is not expecting a ton of multiple expansion at 22x forward earnings, she does believe that the United States continues to have the most powerful earnings engine of any companies across the world.
With these positive trends in view, let’s look at the best affordable stocks under $30 to buy now.
Our Methodology
We used stock screeners to find stocks with a forward P/E below 15 and stock price under $30. We then selected the top 10 stocks with the highest number of hedge fund holders as of Q3 2025, and sourced the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund holders.
Note: All data was recorded on January 12.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Affordable Stocks Under $30
10. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA)
Stock Price: $24.10
Forward P/E: 11.80
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) announced on December 12 that it completed its global move to the Cloud with a single data and AI platform. It completed the successful global rollout of ADA (Analytics + Data + AI), its new global data and AI platform built around Amazon Web Services, in 2025, instrumental in allowing the company to offer more personalized, efficient, and agile services to its customers.
The company stated that it has now completed the expansion of ADA as the common data platform for the Group, and it is now operational across all its geographies. The company thus now operates on a single, cloud-native data infrastructure that is fully aligned with the regulatory requirements of each country.
In another development, Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) on January 9 and set a price target of €24.30. The stock also received a rating update from Morgan Stanley on January 5, with the firm reaffirming a Hold rating with a price target of €20.70.
The same day, Goldman Sachs added Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) to its European Conviction List. Released as part of its monthly update, the firm told investors that it expects the company to post double the sales growth of the sector in 2026, supported by its exposure to high growth markets such as South America and Mexico.
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and operates in the traditional banking businesses of asset management, retail banking, private banking, and wholesale banking. Its operations span the United States, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and the Rest of Eurasia segments.
9. Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN)
Stock Price: $12.06
Forward P/E: 12.02
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN) received several rating updates from top firms in January. On January 10, Bank of America Securities reaffirmed a Hold rating on Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN) and set a price target of €11.00. The stock also received a rating update from Barclays on January 9, with the firm reiterating a Buy rating and a €11.30 price target. RBC Capital also maintained a Hold rating on the stock on January 8 and set a price target of €8.50.
In addition, Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN) was downgraded to Hold from Buy by DZ Bank on December 19 with a EUR 10 price target.
In a separate development, Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB) announced on December 9 that its U.S. broker-dealer, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, entered into a strategic equity research alliance with MoffettNathanson LLC, focused on the Technology, Media, and Telecom industry. The initiative marks Santander CIB’s fourth U.S. equity research alliance, coming after earlier agreements with Vertical Research Partners LLC (industrials and materials), Telsey Advisory Group LLC (retail, consumer, and e-commerce), and Nephron Research LLC (healthcare).
Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN) is a Spain-based company that operates as a retail and commercial bank. Its segments are scattered across Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the United States.
8. Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR)
Stock Price: $23.97
Forward P/E: 9.09
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17
Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. Bank of America Securities maintained a bullish stance on Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) on January 9, reiterating a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of NOK260.00. However, the same day, UBS reaffirmed a Sell rating on Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) and set a price target of NOK205.00.
The rating updates came after Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) announced on January 8 twelve new framework agreements for modifications and maintenance on the company’s onshore plans and offshore installations. Management reported that the agreements commence in H1 2026 and have a 5-year duration, with two- and three-year extension options.
Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) further reported that the total annual value comes up to approximately NOK 10 billion, with the agreements creating “ripple effects” for the Norwegian supplier industry across the country.
Kjetil Hove, executive vice president for the Norwegian continental shelf at Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR), stated that the Norwegian continental shelf would remain the company’s backbone for a long time, and that the agreements “facilitate long-term collaboration and continuous improvement on core tasks at Equinor’s offshore installations and onshore facilities in Norway.”
Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) explores, transports, produces, refines, and markets petroleum and petroleum-derived products. The company’s operations are divided into the following segments: Exploration and Production Norway, Exploration and Production International, Exploration and Production USA, Marketing, Midstream, and Processing, Renewables, and Other.
7. Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA)
Stock Price: $10.49
Forward P/E: 13.41
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. Jefferies maintained a Buy rating on Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) on January 9 and set a price target of €13.00. The stock also received a rating update from Piper Sandler on January 8, with the firm upgrading Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) to Overweight from Neutral while raising the price target to $15 from $9.
The firm told investors in a research note that Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) trades at a lower multiple compared to several peers, and investor expectations are low following several disappointing quarters. It, however, sees a favorable risk/reward, and believes that Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) has the potential for “rapid upside” if it shows faster-than-expected margin expansion, especially given the company’s history of attaining EBIT margins well above current levels.
The firm further sees tangible drivers capable of supporting a turnaround, with the company’s US business, which is a key center, expected to improve with market share stabilization and the upcoming 2026 vehicle launches helping rebuild competitiveness. Piper also highlighted other potential catalysts for the company, including possible brand divestitures, supportive policy developments, and the resumption of share repurchases, all of which hold the potential to support the earnings recovery story.
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells vehicles. The company offers products under various brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and Vauxhall.
6. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET)
Stock Price: $17.07
Forward P/E: 12.68
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. On January 12, Barclays cut the price target on Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) to $22 from $25 and maintained an Overweight rating on the shares, stating that although concerns associated with the upcoming re-contracting events across key assets on the company’s footprint exist, the partnership “continues to demonstrate commercial discipline and ingenuity, supporting a constructive forward outlook.”
The rating update came after Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) announced on January 6 its outlook for capital investment and earnings estimates for full-year 2026. The company aims to invest $5.0 billion to $5.5 billion in growth capital, primarily on projects boosting its natural gas network. It also expects continued growth in 2026, with the goal of generating a consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $17.3 billion and $17.7 billion, including SUN and USAC.
Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) further stated that it expects key new projects to either ramp up or come on-line in 2026, which includes Mustang Draw I and Mustang Draw II processing plants in the Permian Basin, Nederland Flexport NGL expansion, NGL projects on the Lone Star Express and Gateway Pipelines, Hugh Brinson Pipeline Phase I, and natural gas pipeline projects serving data center facilities in Texas.
Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) offers natural gas pipeline transmission and transportation services. The company operates through the following segments: Intrastate Transportation and Storage, Interstate Transportation and Storage, Midstream, NGL and Refined Products Transportation and Services, Crude Oil Transportation and Services, Investment in Sunoco LP, Investment in USAC, and All Other.
5. Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE)
Stock Price: $13.98
Forward P/E: 6.57
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. Barclays lifted the price target on Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) to $15.50 from $14.50 on January 8 and reiterated an Overweight rating, telling investors that it is “constructive” on the European miners while seeing upside risks for copper and precious metals in a backdrop expecting a Federal Reserve easing cycle. The same day, Scotiabank downgraded Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) to Sector Perform from Outperform and set a $15 price target.
Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) also received several updates in December. Wells Fargo lifted the price target on the stock to $13 from $12 on December 23 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm supported the rating update by telling investors in a research note that supply constraints have the potential to support aluminum and copper prices, especially through fiscal Q3 2026. It added that steep power costs and copper switching are particularly significant for a boost in aluminum.
Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) produces and exports copper, pellets, iron ore, manganese, and iron alloys. Its operations are divided into the Energy Transition Materials, Iron Solutions, and Coal and Others segments.
4. Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE)
Stock Price: $16.63
Forward P/E: 12.24
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. On January 10, National Bank reaffirmed a Buy rating on Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) and set a price target of C$29.00. In another development, Goldman Sachs reinstated coverage of the stock with a Buy rating and $20 price target, stating that it sees the company posting “strong” free cash flow growth over the long term. The firm also believes that factors such as the sale of the company’s 50% interest in the Wood River and Borger refineries, and the acquisition of MEG Energy, allowed an improvement in its fundamentals.
Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) also received several rating updates in December, with RBC Capital reiterating a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of C$32.00. Jefferies and TD Cowen also maintained a Buy rating on Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) on December 12 and December 11, respectively. Jefferies set a C$30.00 price target, and TD Cowen set a C$29.00 price target.
The rating updates came after Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) announced its 2026 capital budget and corporate guidance on December 11, reporting a capital investment of between $5.0 billion and $5.3 billion in its 2026 guidance highlights. The capital investment includes around $350 million of capitalized turnaround costs and is expected to be between $4.7 billion and $5.0 billion, excluding turnaround costs.
Based in Canada, Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) is an integrated energy company that provides gas and oil. Its operations are divided into the Upstream, Downstream, and Corporate and Eliminations segments.
3. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD)
Stock Price: $29.45
Forward P/E: 11.06
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55
JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. On January 7, Freedom Capital cut the price target on JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) to $47 from $57 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock, telling investors that the company’s “aggressive” advertising spending is weighing on profitability.
In addition to Freedom Capital, Citi also cut the price target on JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) to $37 from $44 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm told investors that it cut the price target to take into account the “steepening decline” of home appliance sales, adding that JD.com, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:JD) December sales could be weak in comparison to November. In addition, Citi sees limited catalysts for the shares in the near-term, as it anticipates consensus estimates for fiscal Q4 and 2026 to drop.
In a separate development, JINGDONG Property, the infrastructure investment and asset management arm of JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD), announced on December 30 an investment in a new logistics facility at the Special Integrated Logistics Zone in Saudi Arabia. Management stated that the project supports the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy while also coinciding with the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
It added that the facility would be located in the Riyadh Integrated Logistics Zone and be developed as a Grade-A warehouse, strategically situated at a mere eight-minute drive from the King Khalid International Airport (KKIA), the Kingdom’s busiest cargo airport, and approximately 28 km (35 minutes) from Riyadh city center. The location would thus allow the new warehouse to benefit from direct access to global air routes through a bonded corridor while also allowing fast and efficient urban delivery.
JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) is an e-commerce company that deals with online retail and online marketplace through its retail website and mobile application. Its operations are divided into four segments: JD Retail, JD Logistics, Dada, and New Businesses segment. The JD Retail segment is engaged in online retail, marketing services, and online marketplace in China, while the JD Logistics segment covers internal and external logistics businesses. The Dada segment is a local on-demand delivery and retail platform in China. The New Businesses segment, in contrast, manages JD Property, Jingxi, and overseas businesses.
2. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Stock Price: $25.23
Forward P/E: 8.14
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) announced on January 10 positive results from Cohort 3, which is a separate randomized cohort of the pivotal BREAKWATER trial, evaluating BRAFTOVI® in combination with cetuximab and FOLFIRI in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation. The company reported that its BRAFTOVI® regimen with additional chemotherapy backbone managed to increase response rates for certain patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, with the Cohort 3 analysis from the BREAKWATER study showing an objective response rate of 64% with BRAFTOVI plus cetuximab and FOLFIRI in comparison to 39% with standard-of-care treatment FOLFIRI with or without bevacizumab.
According to Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), the BREAKWATER study shows statistically significant and clinically meaningful results, highlighting potential flexibility in the chemotherapy backbone for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.
In a separate development, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) received a rating update from Berenberg Bank on January 7, which reaffirmed a Hold rating on the stock with a $25 price target. In addition, UBS assumed coverage of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) on January 6 with a Neutral rating and set a $25 price target, citing a backdrop of continued revenue uncertainty with around $15 billion to $20 billion in revenues coming from significant drugs losing patent exclusivity over the upcoming three years. UBS clarified that while it is positive on the recent MTSR obesity deal, more is required from Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to offset the 2028 LOE risk.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is a global biopharmaceutical company that manufactures, develops, markets, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It advances wellness, prevention, treatment, and cures in developing and emerging markets.
1. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)
Stock Price: $23.78
Forward P/E: 11.64
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is one of the best affordable stocks under $30. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) received several rating updates from analysts in January. On January 8, Bernstein reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and set a $31 price target. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) also received a rating update from Scotiabank, with the firm lowering the price target to $29.50 from $30.25 and reaffirming a Sector Perform rating. The firm told investors that it is updating price targets for stocks in the Telecommunication Services under its coverage before the fiscal Q4 2025 results, adding that although there was a rise in promotional intensity in wireless during the holiday season, revenue and EBIDTA industry growth remains positive.
In addition, KeyBanc and Arete also provided rating updates for AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) on January 6. KeyBanc downgraded the stock to a Sell, bringing the price target down to $20 from $30. Arete also downgraded AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) to Sell from Neutral with a $20 price target.
In a separate development, Reuters announced on January 6 a partnership between AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and American Airlines for the launch of free in-flight Wi-Fi for customers enrolled in the latter’s loyalty program. Heather Garboden, chief customer officer of American Airlines, said in a statement that free high-speed Wi-Fi is a necessity for travelers in today’s age, instead of a mere perk. The rollout would begin in January, gradually becoming available on nearly all of the carrier’s flights by early spring.
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) provides telecommunications and technology services and operates through the Communications and Latin America segments. Its Communications segment offers wireline telecom, wireless, and broadband services in the US and globally, while the Latin America segment manages services in Mexico.
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