A number of stocks fell in the morning session after the Trump administration's announcement of new global tariffs reignited trade policy uncertainty. The move came swiftly after the Supreme Court ruled the previous week that the president could not use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for such duties, a decision that had initially sent markets higher. However, the administration invoked a different authority, the Trade Act of 1974, to impose a 15% global tariff for up to 150 days. The rapid reimposition of trade barriers creates significant uncertainty for companies across multiple sectors that depend on international supply chains and global trade. Investors are now weighing the potential impact of these new duties on corporate earnings and broader economic activity.
Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 (^RUT) can be a goldmine for investors looking beyond the usual large-cap names.
But with less stability and fewer resources than their bigger counterparts, these companies face steeper challenges in scaling their businesses.
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.
QuidelOrtho’s fourth quarter was marked by improved operational efficiency and growth in its core labs and non-respiratory businesses, but the market responded negatively to its results. Management identified cost discipline and organizational realignment as key drivers, with CEO Brian Blaser highlighting $140 million in cost savings and an expanded adjusted EBITDA margin. The company’s Labs segment maintained mid-single-digit growth, and its Triage business saw strong adoption. However, respiratory revenues declined as expected, and tariffs, product mix, and increased instrument placements pressured gross margins. CFO Joseph Busky described margin improvements as “a direct result of our company-wide cost savings initiatives,” but acknowledged that timing and product mix remain ongoing challenges.
Healthcare diagnostics company QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) reported Q4 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 2.2% year on year to $723.6 million. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $2.8 billion at the midpoint came in 1.1% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.46 per share was 8.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Healthcare diagnostics company QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) reported Q4 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 2.2% year on year to $723.6 million. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $2.8 billion at the midpoint came in 1.1% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.46 per share was 8.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains.
This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.
Stocks trading between $10 and $50 can be particularly interesting as they frequently represent businesses that have survived their early challenges.
However, investors should remain vigilant as some may still have unproven business models, leaving them vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the broader market.
QuidelOrtho trades at $27.60 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 5.8% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 8.8%.
As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q3. Today, we are looking at medical devices & supplies - imaging, diagnostics stocks, starting with QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL).
A beaten-down diagnostics stock is quietly tightening margins and drawing fresh institutional conviction—here’s what that means for long-term investors.
The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is home to many small-cap stocks, offering investors the chance to uncover hidden gems before the broader market catches on.
However, these companies often come with higher volatility and risk, as their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to economic downturns.
