Three Russell 2000 Stocks to Avoid
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 22 2026
0mins
Source: Yahoo Finance
- QuidelOrtho Underperformance: Formed from the 2022 merger of Quidel and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, QuidelOrtho (market cap $960.8 million) has shown disappointing revenue performance over the past two years, indicating its product offerings are not resonating with customers, while its free cash flow margin has shrunk by 23 percentage points over five years, suggesting increased capital consumption to remain competitive.
- AMN Healthcare Demand Weakness: AMN Healthcare (market cap $1.19 billion) has seen a decline in travelers on assignment over the past two years, indicating soft demand, and its earnings per share have contracted by 7.1% annually, creating headwinds for stock prices as increasing competition erodes profitability.
- Nabors Industries Cost Risks: Operating one of the largest land-based drilling fleets globally, Nabors Industries (market cap $1.51 billion) faces challenges with a low gross margin of 39% and a poor free cash flow margin of 2.3% over the last five years, limiting its ability to invest in growth initiatives and indicating vulnerability due to high extraction costs and unfavorable asset economics.
- Small-Cap Investment Risks: Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 face greater challenges due to their instability and limited resources, making stock selection critical for investors, particularly for those companies showing underperformance, necessitating careful consideration of their long-term profitability and market competitiveness.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy QDEL?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on QDEL
Wall Street analysts forecast QDEL stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 18.180
Low
35.00
Averages
35.00
High
35.00
Current: 18.180
Low
35.00
Averages
35.00
High
35.00
About QDEL
QuidelOrtho Corporation provides in vitro diagnostics, developing and manufacturing intelligent solutions. The Company specializes in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. Its business units include labs, molecular diagnostics, point of care and transfusion medicine. Under the labs business unit, its product categories include virology & bioassays, specialty products, VITROS platform and immunodiagnostics. Under the molecular diagnostics business unit, its product categories include Lyra, Solana and Savanna. Under the point of care business unit, its product categories include rapid immunoassay and cardiometabolic immunoassay. Under the transfusion medicine business unit, its product categories include immunohematology and donor screening. It provides diagnostic testing solutions under various brand names, including AdenoPlus, BIOVUE, FreshCells, InflammaDry, Lyra, MeterPro, MicroVue, Ortho, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Ortho Optix and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Universe Pharma Acquires Patent Portfolio, Shares Surge
- Strategic Acquisition: Universe Pharmaceuticals Inc. (UPC) announced a $10.75 million acquisition of 100% of Best Praise International Limited, securing five Chinese patents covering elderly healthcare and cognitive health, with the deal expected to close in Q3 2026, significantly enhancing its competitive edge in the pharmaceutical market.
- Stock Surge: Following the acquisition announcement, UPC's shares soared over 300% to close at $12.18 on Monday, reflecting strong market confidence in its future growth potential and solidifying its position in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.
- PIPE Financing: Decoy Therapeutics Inc. (DCOY) announced a PIPE financing of up to $21 million, leading to a 70% stock price increase, which includes $3.5 million in upfront proceeds, indicating strong market recognition of its funding capabilities and expected support for future R&D.
- Exploring Business Sale: QuidelOrtho Corp. (QDEL) shares rose over 30% as it explores the sale of its point-of-care testing business for approximately $1.5 billion, attracting interest from several private equity firms, which could provide significant capital inflow to support its strategic transformation.
See More
QuidelOrtho Considers Sale of Testing Business
- Significant Stock Surge: QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) shares jumped 34.7% in the afternoon session after reports emerged that the company is considering selling its point-of-care testing business for approximately $1.5 billion, aimed at alleviating its $3.8 billion debt burden.
- Private Equity Bids: The company is evaluating bids from private equity firms for its business known for rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, with analysts viewing the potential sale as a net positive for the company, although final details are still awaited.
- Increased Market Volatility: QuidelOrtho has experienced over 50 moves greater than 5% in the past year, indicating significant market reaction to this news, which reflects cautious optimism among investors regarding the company's future prospects.
- CEO's Confidence Boost: CEO Brian Blaser's purchase of 23,500 shares for approximately $501,490 seven months ago, increasing his holdings by nearly 390%, was seen as a strong vote of confidence in the company's future, despite a 35.4% decline in stock price year-to-date.
See More
QuidelOrtho Explores Sale of Testing Business Amid Debt Concerns
- Stock Surge: Shares of QuidelOrtho Corporation (QDEL) soared 35% on Monday following reports that the company is exploring the sale of its point-of-care testing business at a valuation of around $1.5 billion, marking its best performance since May 2025 if gains hold.
- Debt Reduction Strategy: The potential divestiture aims to help QuidelOrtho address its approximately $2.6 billion net debt load, primarily resulting from the merger of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in 2022, highlighting the urgency in the company's financial restructuring.
- Strong Market Interest: Private equity firms including Advent International, SK Capital Partners, and Archimed have expressed interest in QuidelOrtho's point-of-care testing business, indicating robust demand for the asset that could lead to significant capital influx for the company.
- Divergent Analyst Ratings: Despite QDEL stock losing about 35% year-to-date, one of five analysts covering the stock rates it as a 'Buy', while three rate it as 'Hold', reflecting mixed market sentiment, with a 12-month average price target of $18.63 suggesting a potential upside of about 35%.
See More
QuidelOrtho Plans to Sell Testing Unit for $1.5B
- Sale Plan: QuidelOrtho is evaluating bids from private equity groups, including Advent International, aiming to sell its point-of-care testing unit at a $1.5 billion valuation, which is intended to alleviate its $3.8 billion debt burden.
- Financial Status: As of March 31, QuidelOrtho reported total liabilities of $3.8 billion, with $3.5 billion in long-term borrowings, primarily due to a $6 billion cash-and-stock acquisition of Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in 2022 that significantly increased its debt load.
- Revenue Decline: The testing unit experienced a revenue drop of approximately 13% year-over-year to $601.6 million last year, indicating weak market demand and challenges faced by the company in the rapidly evolving medical testing sector.
- Transaction Progress: Although the sale process has reached an advanced stage, there is no guarantee that QuidelOrtho will ultimately proceed with the divestment, reflecting uncertainty in the company's strategic adjustments.
See More
QuidelOrtho Appoints New CFO Micah Young Effective July 2026
- Executive Transition: QuidelOrtho has appointed Micah Young as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 6, 2026, succeeding Joseph Busky, who will remain in an advisory role to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
- Background Insight: Young joins from Masimo, where he served as Executive Vice President and CFO, and his extensive financial management experience is expected to bring new perspectives and strategic direction to QuidelOrtho's future growth.
- Financial Outlook: QuidelOrtho forecasts revenue between $2.7 billion and $2.75 billion for 2026, while targeting free cash flow of $100 million to $120 million, despite facing pricing uncertainties in the Chinese market, indicating confidence in future growth.
- Performance Review: In its recent earnings report, QuidelOrtho reported a non-GAAP EPS of $0.04, missing expectations by $0.38, with revenue of $620 million falling short of projections by $39.17 million, reflecting challenges in market competition.
See More
QuidelOrtho Appoints New CFO Micah Young
- Executive Change: QuidelOrtho announced the appointment of Micah Young as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 6, succeeding Joseph Busky who resigned, indicating a strategic shift in the company's leadership.
- Background Credentials: Micah Young previously served as CFO and Executive Vice President at Masimo Corporation, bringing extensive financial management experience from senior roles at NuVasive and Zimmer Holdings, which is expected to provide a fresh financial perspective for QuidelOrtho.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, QuidelOrtho shares fell 3.31% in pre-market trading on Nasdaq to $11.96, reflecting market uncertainty regarding the executive transition.
- Strategic Implications: This appointment could influence QuidelOrtho's financial strategy and future direction, particularly in the context of intense competition in the medtech industry, as new financial leadership may drive innovation in financial management and resource allocation.
See More
Universe Pharma Acquires Patent Portfolio, Shares Surge
- Strategic Acquisition: Universe Pharmaceuticals Inc. (UPC) announced a $10.75 million acquisition of 100% of Best Praise International Limited, securing five Chinese patents covering elderly healthcare and cognitive health, with the deal expected to close in Q3 2026, significantly enhancing its competitive edge in the pharmaceutical market.
- Stock Surge: Following the acquisition announcement, UPC's shares soared over 300% to close at $12.18 on Monday, reflecting strong market confidence in its future growth potential and solidifying its position in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.
- PIPE Financing: Decoy Therapeutics Inc. (DCOY) announced a PIPE financing of up to $21 million, leading to a 70% stock price increase, which includes $3.5 million in upfront proceeds, indicating strong market recognition of its funding capabilities and expected support for future R&D.
- Exploring Business Sale: QuidelOrtho Corp. (QDEL) shares rose over 30% as it explores the sale of its point-of-care testing business for approximately $1.5 billion, attracting interest from several private equity firms, which could provide significant capital inflow to support its strategic transformation.
See More
QuidelOrtho Considers Sale of Testing Business
- Significant Stock Surge: QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) shares jumped 34.7% in the afternoon session after reports emerged that the company is considering selling its point-of-care testing business for approximately $1.5 billion, aimed at alleviating its $3.8 billion debt burden.
- Private Equity Bids: The company is evaluating bids from private equity firms for its business known for rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, with analysts viewing the potential sale as a net positive for the company, although final details are still awaited.
- Increased Market Volatility: QuidelOrtho has experienced over 50 moves greater than 5% in the past year, indicating significant market reaction to this news, which reflects cautious optimism among investors regarding the company's future prospects.
- CEO's Confidence Boost: CEO Brian Blaser's purchase of 23,500 shares for approximately $501,490 seven months ago, increasing his holdings by nearly 390%, was seen as a strong vote of confidence in the company's future, despite a 35.4% decline in stock price year-to-date.
See More
QuidelOrtho Explores Sale of Testing Business Amid Debt Concerns
- Stock Surge: Shares of QuidelOrtho Corporation (QDEL) soared 35% on Monday following reports that the company is exploring the sale of its point-of-care testing business at a valuation of around $1.5 billion, marking its best performance since May 2025 if gains hold.
- Debt Reduction Strategy: The potential divestiture aims to help QuidelOrtho address its approximately $2.6 billion net debt load, primarily resulting from the merger of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in 2022, highlighting the urgency in the company's financial restructuring.
- Strong Market Interest: Private equity firms including Advent International, SK Capital Partners, and Archimed have expressed interest in QuidelOrtho's point-of-care testing business, indicating robust demand for the asset that could lead to significant capital influx for the company.
- Divergent Analyst Ratings: Despite QDEL stock losing about 35% year-to-date, one of five analysts covering the stock rates it as a 'Buy', while three rate it as 'Hold', reflecting mixed market sentiment, with a 12-month average price target of $18.63 suggesting a potential upside of about 35%.
See More
QuidelOrtho Plans to Sell Testing Unit for $1.5B
- Sale Plan: QuidelOrtho is evaluating bids from private equity groups, including Advent International, aiming to sell its point-of-care testing unit at a $1.5 billion valuation, which is intended to alleviate its $3.8 billion debt burden.
- Financial Status: As of March 31, QuidelOrtho reported total liabilities of $3.8 billion, with $3.5 billion in long-term borrowings, primarily due to a $6 billion cash-and-stock acquisition of Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in 2022 that significantly increased its debt load.
- Revenue Decline: The testing unit experienced a revenue drop of approximately 13% year-over-year to $601.6 million last year, indicating weak market demand and challenges faced by the company in the rapidly evolving medical testing sector.
- Transaction Progress: Although the sale process has reached an advanced stage, there is no guarantee that QuidelOrtho will ultimately proceed with the divestment, reflecting uncertainty in the company's strategic adjustments.
See More
QuidelOrtho Appoints New CFO Micah Young Effective July 2026
- Executive Transition: QuidelOrtho has appointed Micah Young as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 6, 2026, succeeding Joseph Busky, who will remain in an advisory role to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
- Background Insight: Young joins from Masimo, where he served as Executive Vice President and CFO, and his extensive financial management experience is expected to bring new perspectives and strategic direction to QuidelOrtho's future growth.
- Financial Outlook: QuidelOrtho forecasts revenue between $2.7 billion and $2.75 billion for 2026, while targeting free cash flow of $100 million to $120 million, despite facing pricing uncertainties in the Chinese market, indicating confidence in future growth.
- Performance Review: In its recent earnings report, QuidelOrtho reported a non-GAAP EPS of $0.04, missing expectations by $0.38, with revenue of $620 million falling short of projections by $39.17 million, reflecting challenges in market competition.
See More
QuidelOrtho Appoints New CFO Micah Young
- Executive Change: QuidelOrtho announced the appointment of Micah Young as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 6, succeeding Joseph Busky who resigned, indicating a strategic shift in the company's leadership.
- Background Credentials: Micah Young previously served as CFO and Executive Vice President at Masimo Corporation, bringing extensive financial management experience from senior roles at NuVasive and Zimmer Holdings, which is expected to provide a fresh financial perspective for QuidelOrtho.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, QuidelOrtho shares fell 3.31% in pre-market trading on Nasdaq to $11.96, reflecting market uncertainty regarding the executive transition.
- Strategic Implications: This appointment could influence QuidelOrtho's financial strategy and future direction, particularly in the context of intense competition in the medtech industry, as new financial leadership may drive innovation in financial management and resource allocation.
See More
