Three Undervalued Growth Stocks Under $100: Seizing the Next Wave of Opportunity

The market’s relentless focus on short-term volatility has created a rare opportunity to acquire three undervalued growth stocks—Carnival (CCL), AstraZeneca (AZN), and Block (SQ)—all trading at or below $100. Each offers a compelling mix of strategic positioning, financial resilience, and catalysts for long-term growth. Here’s why now is the time to act.

1. Carnival (CCL): Riding the Cruise Industry’s Rebound

Current Price (May 20, 2025): $17.94
P/E Ratio: 12.1
Dividend Yield: N/A

[text2img]A sleek Carnival cruise ship gliding across calm seas under a blue sky[/text2img]

Carnival’s stock has been held back by lingering economic uncertainty and rising oil prices, but the fundamentals are undeniable. Post-pandemic demand for travel is surging, with booking trends pointing to a return to pre-2020 revenue levels by 2026. Carnival’s fleet modernization and focus on premium experiences—like its new “Grand Voyages” initiative—position it to capture a larger share of a rebounding market.

While critics cite near-term headwinds like fuel costs, Carnival’s $20 billion market cap and $4.5 billion in liquidity underscore its financial strength. With a P/E ratio below its peers and no dividend (yet), this is a stock primed to capitalize on pent-up demand.

2. AstraZeneca (AZN): A Healthcare Leader at a Discount

Current Price (May 20, 2025): $69.92
P/E Ratio: 18.7
Dividend Yield: 3.2%

[text2img]A scientist in a lab holding a vial labeled “AZN Pipeline Drug”[/text2img]

AstraZeneca’s stock has been overshadowed by macroeconomic fears and sector-specific headwinds like drug pricing debates. Yet its pipeline of oncology and respiratory therapies—paired with a 3.2% dividend—makes it a bargain at current levels.

The company’s $80 billion market cap and strong cash flow ($12.3 billion in 2024) provide a safety net, while its late-stage drugs targeting chronic diseases could drive 10%+ annual revenue growth through 2030.

Critics cite regulatory risks, but AZN’s diversified portfolio and partnerships with biotech innovators (e.g., its $1 billion deal with ImmunoGen) mitigate this. At a P/E ratio 20% below its 5-year average, this is a stock ripe for a valuation reset.

3. Block (SQ): Dominating the Digital Wallet Race

Current Price (May 20, 2025): $57.34
P/E Ratio: 19.4
Dividend Yield: N/A

[text2img]The Block Cash App logo glowing on a smartphone screen[/text2img]

Block’s payment platform and Cash App have been battered by fears of a slowing economy and competition from Venmo and PayPal. But the company’s $45 billion market cap and $3.2 billion in cash position it to outlast rivals.

Cash App’s 40% user growth in 2024—driven by crypto integration and small-business tools—proves its staying power. While near-term profit margins are pressured by investment in AI and financial services, Block’s $75.74 price target (per analysts) implies a 32% upside. This is a stock to buy while it’s still undervalued.

Why Act Now?

Each of these stocks trades at a discount to its intrinsic value, offering a margin of safety amid market turbulence. Carnival’s cruise comeback, AstraZeneca’s drug pipeline, and Block’s digital dominance are all catalysts for multiyear growth. With P/E ratios below their historical averages and no meaningful downside risks, these stocks could deliver outsized returns as the economy stabilizes.

The market’s myopia has ignored these opportunities. Don’t let fear hold you back—these three stocks are primed to outperform.

Final Call to Action:
Investors seeking growth at a reasonable price should act swiftly. Carnival, AstraZeneca, and Block are all trading at or below $100—a rare entry point for companies with such clear long-term trajectories. The time to buy is now.