Many small-cap stocks have limited Wall Street coverage, giving savvy investors the chance to act before everyone else catches on. But the flip side is that these businesses have increased downside risk because they lack the scale and staying power of their larger competitors.
Luckily for you, our mission at StockStory is to help you make money and avoid losses by sorting the winners from the losers. Keeping that in mind, here are three small-cap stocks to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.
Wynn Resorts (WYNN)
Market Cap: $8.29 billion
Founded by the former Mirage Resorts CEO, Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) is a global developer and operator of high-end hotels and casinos, known for its luxurious properties and premium guest services.
Why Should You Sell WYNN?
- Muted 2.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its consumer discretionary peers
- Poor free cash flow margin of 10.7% for the last two years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends
- High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 5× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens
Wynn Resorts’s stock price of $81.75 implies a valuation ratio of 18.7x forward P/E. If you’re considering WYNN for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Sphere Entertainment (SPHR)
Market Cap: $5.21 billion
Famous for its viral Las Vegas Sphere venue, Sphere Entertainment (NYSE: SPHR) hosts live entertainment events and distributes content across various media platforms.
Why Is SPHR Risky?
- Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 10.8% annual growth was below the typical consumer discretionary company
- Capital intensity will likely increase as its free cash flow margin is anticipated to drop by 2.7 percentage points over the next year
- Unprofitable operations could lead to additional rounds of dilutive equity financing if the credit window closes
Sphere Entertainment is trading at $145.06 per share, or 17.5x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why SPHR doesn’t pass our bar.
Bank of Hawaii (BOH)
Market Cap: $2.94 billion
Founded in 1897 as a financial anchor for the newly annexed Hawaiian territory, Bank of Hawaii (NYSE: BOH) is a financial institution providing banking, investment, and insurance services primarily to customers in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands.
Why Are We Wary of BOH?
- Annual net interest income growth of 3.8% over the last five years was below our standards for the banking sector
- Net interest margin of 2.5% reflects its high servicing and capital costs
- Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were less profitable as its earnings per share were flat
At $74.63 per share, Bank of Hawaii trades at 1.8x forward P/B. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including BOH in your portfolio.
Stocks We Like More
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+1,154% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
