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. That said, here are three stocks under $50 to swipe left on and some alternatives you should look into instead.
Wendy's (WEN)
Share Price: $10.57
Founded by Dave Thomas in 1969, Wendy’s (NASDAQ: WEN) is a renowned fast-food chain known for its fresh, never-frozen beef burgers, flavorful menu options, and commitment to quality.
Why Does WEN Fall Short?
- Poor same-store sales performance over the past two years indicates it’s having trouble bringing new diners into its restaurants
- Sales are projected to tank by 1.9% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates
- 7× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio shows it’s overleveraged and increases the probability of shareholder dilution if things turn unexpectedly
Wendy’s stock price of $10.57 implies a valuation ratio of 10.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why WEN doesn’t pass our bar.
Global Industrial (GIC)
Share Price: $35.98
Formerly known as Systemax, Global Industrial (NYSE: GIC) distributes industrial and commercial products to businesses and institutions.
Why Is GIC Risky?
- Annual revenue growth of 6.9% over the last two years was below our standards for the industrials sector
- Earnings per share fell by 2.3% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
- Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability
Global Industrial is trading at $35.98 per share, or 20.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including GIC in your portfolio.
WesBanco (WSBC)
Share Price: $31.46
Tracing its roots back to 1870 in West Virginia, WesBanco (NASDAQ: WSBC) is a bank holding company that provides retail and commercial banking, trust services, insurance, and investment products through its subsidiaries across several Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states.
Why Do We Think Twice About WSBC?
- Inferior net interest margin of 3.1% means it must compensate for lower profitability through increased loan originations
- Tangible book value per share was flat over the last five years, indicating it’s failed to build equity value this cycle
- Underwhelming 6.7% return on equity reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities
At $31.46 per share, WesBanco trades at 0.8x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with WSBC, check out our full research report (it’s free).
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.
Take advantage of the rebound by checking 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
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