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.
This is precisely where StockStory comes in - we do the heavy lifting to identify companies with solid fundamentals so you can invest with confidence. That said, here are three stocks under $50 to swipe left on and some alternatives you should look into instead.
Cadre (CDRE)
Share Price: $29.63
Originally known as Safariland, Cadre (NYSE: CDRE) specializes in manufacturing and distributing safety and survivability equipment for first responders.
Why Does CDRE Give Us Pause?
- Costs have risen faster than its revenue over the last five years, causing its operating margin to decline by 1.7 percentage points
- Flat earnings per share over the last four years underperformed the sector average
- 7 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
Cadre’s stock price of $29.63 implies a valuation ratio of 19.9x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including CDRE in your portfolio.
The Pennant Group (PNTG)
Share Price: $24.75
Spun off from The Ensign Group in 2019 to focus on non-skilled nursing healthcare services, Pennant Group (NASDAQ: PNTG) operates home health, hospice, and senior living facilities across 13 western and midwestern states, serving patients of all ages including seniors.
Why Does PNTG Fall Short?
- Subscale operations are evident in its revenue base of $798.9 million, meaning it has fewer distribution channels than its larger rivals
- Low free cash flow margin of 1.2% for the last five years gives it little breathing room, constraining its ability to self-fund growth or return capital to shareholders
- Below-average returns on capital indicate management struggled to find compelling investment opportunities
At $24.75 per share, The Pennant Group trades at 21x forward P/E. If you’re considering PNTG for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
United Bankshares (UBSI)
Share Price: $37.30
With roots dating back to 1982 and a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, United Bankshares (NASDAQ: UBSI) is a bank holding company that provides commercial and retail banking services through its United Bank subsidiary across multiple states.
Why Are We Wary of UBSI?
- Annual revenue growth of 1.7% over the last two years was below our standards for the banking sector
- Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were less profitable, as its 4.4% annual earnings per share growth trailed its revenue gains
- Capital trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 7.3% annual tangible book value per share growth was below the typical banking firm
United Bankshares is trading at $37.30 per share, or 1x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than UBSI.
Stocks We Like More
Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.
The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
