Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

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Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

2 Stocks Under $50 to Keep an Eye On and 1 to Turn Down

CDRE Cover Image

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.

Luckily for you, our mission at StockStory is to help you make money and avoid losses by sorting the winners from the losers. That said, here are two stocks under $50 that could 10x and one that may have trouble.

One Stock Under $50 to Sell:

AMN Healthcare Services (AMN)

Share Price: $22.94

With a network of thousands of healthcare professionals ranging from nurses to physicians to executives, AMN Healthcare (NYSE: AMN) provides healthcare workforce solutions including temporary staffing, permanent placement, and technology platforms for hospitals and healthcare facilities across the United States.

Why Should You Dump AMN?

  1. Declining travelers on assignment over the past two years suggest it might have to lower prices to accelerate growth
  2. Sales are expected to decline once again over the next 12 months as it continues working through a challenging demand environment
  3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

At $22.94 per share, AMN Healthcare Services trades at 18.9x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with AMN, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Two Stocks Under $50 to Watch:

Cadre (CDRE)

Share Price: $34.93

Originally known as Safariland, Cadre (NYSE: CDRE) specializes in manufacturing and distributing safety and survivability equipment for first responders.

Why Are We Positive On CDRE?

  1. Solid 9.7% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates its offering’s solve complex business issues
  2. Market share is on track to rise over the next 12 months as its 19.3% projected revenue growth implies demand will accelerate from its two-year trend
  3. Earnings growth has trumped its peers over the last two years as its EPS has compounded at 19.7% annually

Cadre is trading at $34.93 per share, or 21.9x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Verra Mobility (VRRM)

Share Price: $24.53

Managing over 165 million tolling transactions per year, Verra Mobility (NYSE: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology that enhances safety, efficiency, and convenience on roadways.

Why Is VRRM a Good Business?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 13.8% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Offerings are mission-critical for businesses and lead to a best-in-class gross margin of 62.1%
  3. Strong free cash flow margin of 20% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently, and its recently improved profitability means it has even more resources to invest or distribute

Verra Mobility’s stock price of $24.53 implies a valuation ratio of 18x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years.

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.

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