Stocks in the $10-50 range offer a sweet spot between affordability and stability as they’re typically more established than penny stocks. But their headline prices don’t guarantee quality, and investors should exercise caution as some have shaky business models.
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.
Intel (INTC)
Share Price: $24.49
Inventor of the x86 processor that powered decades of technological innovation in PCs, data centers, and numerous other markets, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) is a leading manufacturer of computer processors and graphics chips.
Why Do We Pass on INTC?
- Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 7.6% annually over the last five years
- Operating profits fell over the last five years as its sales dropped and it struggled to adjust its fixed costs
- 39.4 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
At $24.49 per share, Intel trades at 78.5x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including INTC in your portfolio.
Luxfer (LXFR)
Share Price: $12.40
With its magnesium alloys used in the construction of the famous Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, Luxfer (NYSE:LXFR) offers specialized materials, components, and gas containment devices to various industries.
Why Is LXFR Risky?
- Sales tumbled by 1.9% annually over the last two years, showing market trends are working against its favor during this cycle
- Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 7.8 percentage points
- Waning returns on capital imply its previous profit engines are losing steam
Luxfer’s stock price of $12.40 implies a valuation ratio of 11.3x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why LXFR doesn’t pass our bar.
OceanFirst Financial (OCFC)
Share Price: $17.13
Tracing its roots back to 1902 when it began serving coastal New Jersey communities, OceanFirst Financial (NASDAQ:OCFC) operates as a regional bank holding company that provides commercial and consumer banking services primarily in New Jersey and surrounding metropolitan areas.
Why Should You Sell OCFC?
- 1.9% annual net interest income growth over the last five years was slower than its banking peers
- Net interest margin dropped by 41.3 basis points (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) over the last two years, implying the firm’s loan book profitability fell as competitors entered the market
- Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were much less profitable, as its earnings per share fell by 5.1% annually
OceanFirst Financial is trading at $17.13 per share, or 0.6x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than OCFC.
Stocks We Like More
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 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 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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