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 swipe left on and some alternatives you should look into instead.

Zeta Global (ZETA)

Share Price: $19.65

Powered by an AI engine that processes over one trillion consumer signals monthly, Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA) operates a data-driven cloud platform that helps companies target, connect, and engage with consumers through personalized marketing across channels like email, social media, and video.

Why Does ZETA Worry Us?

1. Gross margin of 60.9% reflects its relatively high servicing costs
2. Operating losses show it sacrificed profitability while scaling the business

Zeta Global’s stock price of $19.65 implies a valuation ratio of 3.1x forward price-to-sales. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including ZETA in your portfolio.

Viatris (VTRS)

Share Price: $10.70

Created through the 2020 merger of Mylan and Pfizer's Upjohn division, Viatris (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a healthcare company that develops, manufactures, and distributes branded and generic medicines across more than 165 countries worldwide.

Why Do We Steer Clear of VTRS?

1. Sales tumbled by 4.9% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
2. Earnings per share fell by 12% annually over the last five years while its revenue grew, partly because it diluted shareholders
3. Push for growth has led to negative returns on capital, signaling value destruction, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam

At $10.70 per share, Viatris trades at 4.6x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than VTRS.

Hope Bancorp (HOPE)

Share Price: $11.21

With roots in serving Korean-American communities and now expanded to a multi-ethnic clientele across 12 states, Hope Bancorp (NASDAQ: HOPE) operates Bank of Hope, providing commercial and retail banking services with a focus on serving multi-ethnic communities across the United States.

Why Is HOPE Risky?

1. Net interest income stagnated over the last five years and signal the need for new growth strategies
2. Overall productivity fell over the last four years as its plummeting sales were accompanied by a degrading efficiency ratio
3. Performance over the past five years shows each sale was less profitable as its earnings per share dropped by 6.6% annually, worse than its revenue

Hope Bancorp is trading at $11.21 per share, or 0.6x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with HOPE, check out our full research report (it’s free).

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 6 Stocks for this week. 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% 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

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