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.
These dynamics can cause headaches for even the most seasoned professionals, which is why we started StockStory - to help you separate the good companies from the bad. Keeping that in mind, here are three stocks under $50 to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.
nLIGHT (LASR)
Share Price: $42.25
Founded by a former CEO and Harvard-educated entrepreneur Scott Keeneyn, nLIGHT (NASDAQ:LASR) offers semiconductor and fiber lasers to the industrial, aerospace & defense, and medical sectors.
Why Are We Hesitant About LASR?
- 3.8% annual revenue growth over the last five years was slower than its industrials peers
- Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating margin losses
- Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
nLIGHT’s stock price of $42.25 implies a valuation ratio of 111.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering LASR for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
QuidelOrtho (QDEL)
Share Price: $14.43
Born from the 2022 merger of Quidel and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) develops and manufactures diagnostic testing solutions for healthcare providers, from rapid point-of-care tests to complex laboratory instruments and systems.
Why Do We Pass on QDEL?
- Constant currency revenue growth has disappointed over the past two years and shows demand was soft
- Diminishing returns on capital from an already low starting point show that neither management’s prior nor current bets are going as planned
- Limited cash reserves may force the company to seek unfavorable financing terms that could dilute shareholders
At $14.43 per share, QuidelOrtho trades at 18.9x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than QDEL.
United Community Banks (UCB)
Share Price: $34.84
Starting as a small community bank in 1950 and expanding through strategic acquisitions across the Southeast, United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB) is a regional bank holding company that provides financial services including loans, deposits, wealth management, and merchant services across the southeastern United States.
Why Does UCB Worry Us?
- Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 8% annual growth was below the typical banking company
- Estimated net interest income growth of 2.1% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its five-year trend
- Earnings per share were flat over the last five years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
United Community Banks is trading at $34.84 per share, or 1.1x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why UCB doesn’t pass our bar.
Stocks We Like More
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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.