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You Don't Need Big Money for These 3 Under-$30 Stock Plays
Author: Chris Markoch. Article Posted: 12/26/2025.
Key Takeaways
- Stocks under $30 can help investors build meaningful positions with limited capital while maintaining diversification.
- Nintendo, NU Holdings, and Carnival each offer distinct growth catalysts heading into 2026.
- Analyst optimism, improving fundamentals, and company-specific tailwinds support upside potential.
There's something appealing about stocks you can buy for under $30 per share. For investors with $5,000 or less to invest, finding quality names at a low price can create an opportunity to build a meaningful position that can grow over time.
Of course, the key is identifying stocks under $30 with real growth potential. That's the case with the three names profiled here. Low-priced stocks shouldn't make up an entire portfolio, but they can play a useful supporting role in a diversified investment strategy.
Switch 2 Sales Momentum Makes Nintendo a Holiday Bargain
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Click here to learn moreNintendo Co. (OTCMKTS: NTDOY) has had a solid 2025. The stock is up about 14.5% year-to-date, even after a 21.7% drop in the 30 days ending Dec. 24. That recent pullback reflects a surge in RAM prices driven by demand for artificial intelligence applications, which has put pressure on Switch 2 margins.
Despite that headwind, Nintendo raised its Switch 2 sales forecast from 15 million to 19 million units and said it will maintain the current console price. Management can likely do this because of long-term supplier contracts that should help mitigate higher component costs, at least in the near term.
The investment case is straightforward: if Nintendo hits its sales targets, NTDOY looks attractive trading at under $20 per share.
One caveat: Nintendo trades on the over-the-counter market (OTCMKTS), so some trading platforms may not offer the stock.
Explosive Customer Growth Fuels Bullish Case for NU Stock
NU Holdings (NYSE: NU) has been a standout in 2025, rising more than 61% and outperforming many finance stocks and the broader market. The Latin American fintech reported particularly strong results in its most recent quarter, adding roughly 17 million new customers and increasing revenue 42% year-over-year.
The bullish thesis for NU heading into 2026 hinges on continued customer growth, which should boost revenue and cost efficiency. The company also plans to pursue a banking license, which could open additional revenue streams.
The risks include slower customer acquisition—especially in Brazil—or failure to secure the banking charter. Investors also face currency risk from exchange-rate swings.
Analysts remain optimistic. Goldman Sachs recently reiterated its Buy rating with a $21 price target — about 16% above the consensus price, which itself was roughly 8% above the stock's Dec. 24 level.
Dividend Reinstatement Signals a New Chapter for Carnival
For many, the holiday season is cruising season. And for Carnival Cruise Lines (NYSE: CCL), 2025 has been largely smooth sailing. CCL is up about 21% year-to-date, roughly in line with the broader market.
The stock has shrugged off some headwinds following its latest earnings report. Analysts are generally bullish: the consensus price target of $34.41 implies about 10% upside, and several analysts have set significantly higher targets.
On Dec. 19, Carnival provided a business update that included an upgraded full-year outlook and management's forecast for net yields of at least 2.5% in the coming fiscal year.
The company also reinstated its dividend — a quarterly payout of $0.15 per share to be paid on Feb. 27, 2026, to shareholders of record on Feb. 13, 2026. Having suspended the dividend in 2020, Carnival's move to resume payouts suggests the company is on firmer financial footing and is able to support shareholder returns while funding future growth.
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