In this piece, we will take a look at eight best stocks under $10 to invest in now.
Investing in stocks priced under $10 can be an appealing strategy for investors looking for growth opportunities without a significant upfront investment. Such stocks, often referred to as penny stocks or small-cap stocks, can offer high returns but also come with greater risk and volatility compared to blue-chip stocks. However, when chosen carefully based on strong fundamentals, solid management, and positive market sentiment, these investments can yield substantial gains over the long term.
According to BlackRock’s Q4 2024 Equity Market Outlook, there are compelling reasons to consider small caps as part of a diversified portfolio. The firm’s analysis highlights that while the economy continues to face uncertainty, this does not necessarily equate to poor stock performance. Market volatility can present investors with an opportunity to buy high-quality stocks at discounted prices, particularly when driven by sentiment rather than company fundamentals.
Fundstrat’s Tom Lee is also bullish on small caps, we covered this in our article about the 10 Best Young Stocks To Buy Now, here’s an excerpt from it:
“As for small-cap stocks represented by the Russell 2000 index, Lee acknowledged some profit-taking after a strong week but maintained that such fluctuations are typical during bottoming phases. He drew parallels to previous market recoveries, such as energy stocks in 2021, suggesting that while current movements may feel erratic, they signal a multi-year growth opportunity for small caps.”
The past year has seen several “mini rolling recessions,” starting in sectors like technology and housing, as the global economy grapples with a post-pandemic recalibration. Yet, the stock market has shown resilience and adaptability, with many companies adjusting to what can be seen as a return to more stable economic conditions. Volatility, though unsettling, can be a favorable condition for seasoned investors who can spot value opportunities.
In the current environment, where the Federal Reserve’s policy decisions and upcoming elections are expected to further influence volatility, it’s essential for investors to look beyond temporary market disruptions and focus on the fundamentals of individual companies. Historically, the stock market has been a forward-looking mechanism that attempts to predict recessions with mixed success. Market volatility can present investors with an opportunity to buy high-quality stocks at discounted prices, particularly when driven by sentiment rather than company fundamentals.
One key takeaway is that large-cap stocks may present greater opportunities compared to both mega-caps and small-cap stocks. This perspective is based on observations from the third quarter when concerns over a slowing economy led to market turbulence. However, these concerns were largely rooted in sentiment rather than the actual financial health of most companies.
Moreover, volatility can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can trigger sell-offs due to investor fear or uncertainty, but on the other, it can provide strategic buying opportunities for fundamentally sound stocks trading at lower prices. Investors should consider adopting a selective approach during these periods, ensuring that they have a deep understanding of the companies in which they invest. This strategy can instill confidence and conviction when markets experience short-term volatility.
Historically, market corrections, defined as declines of 10% or more, are not uncommon. In fact, over the past 35 years, corrections have occurred in 20 years, with an average drawdown of 14%. Yet, during this period, the S&P 500 Index has delivered an average annual return of 11%. Investors who stay the course through these corrections have often been rewarded with strong returns as the market eventually rebounds.
The impact of Federal Reserve rate cuts on different stock categories is also an important consideration. Equity markets generally perform well when the Fed initiates rate cuts, particularly in the absence of a recession. Historical data shows that in the year following the first rate cut of a cycle, large-cap stocks tend to outperform small-cap stocks, with high-quality and low-beta stocks also being strong performers. This trend is observed two and three years after the start of a rate-cutting cycle, suggesting that investors might consider shifting focus to these segments as the Fed’s monetary policy evolves.
Sector performance is another crucial area to explore. Sectors such as healthcare and consumer staples have historically outperformed in the year following the first rate cut of a cycle, driven by their defensive nature and consistent demand. Meanwhile, cyclical sectors like financials typically gain momentum as the cycle progresses and the economy enters a recovery phase.
While every market cycle is unique, the healthcare sector is seen as a potential outperformer over the long term, supported by secular tailwinds such as an aging population and rising health needs. Furthermore, the technology sector, driven by innovation in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, is also poised for long-term growth despite recent setbacks. The integration of AI and machine learning into various industries has created new revenue streams, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability for companies involved.
As the stock market navigates these complexities, investors should maintain a balanced perspective and not shy away from exploring undervalued opportunities. Stocks under $10, while inherently riskier, can still provide substantial upside when identified through rigorous analysis and an understanding of industry trends. For example, some companies in sectors like renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital transformation have shown the potential to scale rapidly from a lower base, driven by strong business models and favorable macroeconomic factors.
Furthermore, sectors that are less sensitive to economic downturns, such as utilities and essential consumer goods, also present interesting opportunities for investing in lower-priced stocks. These sectors tend to exhibit stable revenue streams, which can help cushion portfolios during periods of heightened market volatility. For investors with a higher risk tolerance, energy and tech stocks could offer substantial gains, especially as new innovations and infrastructure developments continue to take shape.
Ultimately, the key to successfully investing in lower-priced stocks lies in adopting a diversified approach, focusing on sectors that demonstrate long-term resilience and growth potential. By analyzing company fundamentals, industry position, and market sentiment, investors can better position themselves to capture opportunities that arise from market fluctuations.
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Our Methodology
For this article, we used the Finviz screener and identified 20 stocks with market capitalizations of over $2 billion, having Buy or better rating from analysts, with share prices under $10, as of September 27. Next, we examined Insider Monkey’s data on 912 hedge funds as of Q2 2024. We narrowed down our list to 8 stocks most widely held by institutional investors and ranked them in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them as of Q2 of 2024.
At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with 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 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
08. Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Share Price as of September 27: $7.65
Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO) is a financial technology company offering a payment infrastructure platform that provides customers with a comprehensive multi-currency account to manage their accounts receivable and payable. The company’s services include cross-border payments, working capital, risk management, and virtual and physical MasterCard cards. Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO) platform offers extensive payment options, bank-grade security, and support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in 190 countries. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York, Payoneer Global Inc. enables businesses to navigate the complex landscape of global payments.
In its Q2 2024 earnings report, Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO) demonstrated strong financial performance driven by strategic growth initiatives. Total revenue for the quarter was $240 million, reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase. Excluding interest income and adjusting for non-volume fees, revenue rose by 21%, indicating consistent momentum across its operations. The company’s ability to drive revenue growth was supported by a 22% increase in transaction volume, with B2B volume growing by an impressive 40% for the fourth consecutive quarter. This growth was fueled by Payoneer’s continued expansion in higher take-rate regions, such as APAC, EMEA, and Latin America.
Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO) average revenue per user (ARPU) also showed positive trends, with a 27% increase compared to the prior year. This was achieved through the successful implementation of pricing strategies and improved product adoption. The company’s strategic focus on the B2B segment, which now accounts for a significant portion of its growth, has led to higher customer retention and increased cross-sell opportunities.
Adjusted EBITDA reached a record $73 million, with a 30% margin, highlighting the company’s strong expense discipline and efficient operations. Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO) management raised its full-year guidance for revenue and EBITDA, citing continued momentum and successful integration of recent acquisitions, such as Squad.
In terms of institutional interest, the number of hedge funds holding the stock stood at 35 as of Q2 2024, compared to 34 in the previous quarter. This shows that Payoneer Global Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYO) remains a compelling investment due to its strong financial performance, innovative product offerings, and growing market presence in the global payments industry.
07. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Share Price as of September 27: $8.61
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT), founded in 1898 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a prominent player in the global tire industry. The company manufactures, distributes, and sells a diverse range of tires for automobiles, trucks, buses, aircraft, and specialty equipment. It markets its products under well-known brands such as Goodyear, Cooper, and Dunlop and operates through a vast network of retail outlets and online platforms.
In the second quarter of 2024, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT) demonstrated notable financial resilience, despite facing industry headwinds. The company achieved a segment operating income (SOI) of $339 million, representing a 7.4% margin—almost three times higher compared to the same period last year. This improvement was driven by strong price and mix performance relative to raw materials, contributing $99 million in favorable net pricing. Moreover, raw materials were a significant tailwind, adding $158 million to the company’s profitability.
Earnings per share (EPS) on an adjusted basis rose by $0.53 year-over-year, showcasing effective cost management and strategic pricing adjustments. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT) focus on high-margin segments and SKU rationalization under its Goodyear Forward Plan continues to bear fruit. This plan aims to improve operational efficiency, particularly by eliminating lower-margin, low-value products, while emphasizing premium segments.
The Americas region was a standout performer, delivering a remarkable $241 million in segment operating income. This growth was fueled by cost control measures, net pricing improvements, and volume gains in the 18-inch and larger tire segments. However, challenges remain in the smaller rim sizes due to aggressive pricing from low-end importers. Goodyear’s focus on reducing complexity and its investments in high-value segments are expected to bolster its market position in the coming quarters.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT) debt remains manageable, with net debt holding steady at $7.7 billion. Cash flow was impacted by working capital changes but should normalize as inventory levels adjust. Additionally, the number of hedge funds holding Goodyear increased to 36 in Q2 2024 from 35 in the previous quarter, indicating growing institutional confidence in the stock. With continued focus on margin expansion, operational efficiency, and strategic pricing, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ:GT) appears well-positioned to weather current industry challenges and deliver sustainable growth, making it an attractive investment opportunity among stocks under $10.