3 Small-Cap Stocks That Concern Us

By Kayode Omotosho | January 11, 2026, 11:34 PM

ENS Cover Image

Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street. Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.

The downside that can come from buying these securities is precisely why we started StockStory - to isolate the long-term winners from the losers so you can invest with confidence. That said, here are three small-cap stocks to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.

EnerSys (ENS)

Market Cap: $5.84 billion

Supplying batteries that power equipment as big as mining rigs, EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) manufactures various kinds of batteries for a range of industries.

Why Does ENS Worry Us?

  1. Declining unit sales over the past two years suggest it might have to lower prices to accelerate growth
  2. Anticipated sales growth of 1.6% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
  3. Gross margin of 26.1% reflects its high production costs

EnerSys’s stock price of $158.94 implies a valuation ratio of 14.1x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ENS.

Scorpio Tankers (STNG)

Market Cap: $2.58 billion

Operating one of the youngest fleets in the industry, Scorpio Tankers (NYSE: STNG) is an international provider of marine transportation services, specializing in the shipment of refined petroleum.

Why Do We Think Twice About STNG?

  1. Number of total vessels has disappointed over the past two years, indicating weak demand for its offerings
  2. Anticipated sales growth of 4.5% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
  3. Falling earnings per share over the last two years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term

Scorpio Tankers is trading at $55.12 per share, or 9.6x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why STNG doesn’t pass our bar.

LGI Homes (LGIH)

Market Cap: $1.23 billion

Based in Texas, LGI Homes (NASDAQ:LGIH) is a homebuilding company specializing in constructing affordable, entry-level single-family homes in desirable communities across the United States.

Why Should You Dump LGIH?

  1. Demand cratered as it couldn’t win new orders over the past two years, leading to an average 10.4% decline in its backlog
  2. Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging
  3. Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders

At $53.18 per share, LGI Homes trades at 12.1x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including LGIH in your portfolio.

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