Orphan Stock

Stock that has been neglected by research analysts. Orphan stocks do not attract much attention because they are too small, or because they are in out-of-favor sector, or have had disappointing returns. Orphan stocks tend to trade at low price/earnings ratios. Investors who buy the stock when it is neglected can earn high returns if the company presents a solid record of rising profitability, thereby boosting the stock price.