3 Stocks Under $50 We’re Skeptical Of

The $10-50 price range often includes mid-sized businesses with proven track records and plenty of growth runway ahead. They also usually carry less risk than penny stocks, though they’re not immune to volatility as many lack the scale advantages of their larger peers.

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.

Match Group (MTCH)

Share Price: $38.94

Originally started as a dial-up service before widespread internet adoption, Match (NASDAQ:MTCH) was an early innovator in online dating and today has a portfolio of apps including Tinder, Hinge, Archer, and OkCupid.

Why Are We Hesitant About MTCH?

1. Struggled with new customer acquisition as its payers averaged 4.5% declines
2. Platform has lost its luster lately as engagement trends have been sluggish and its average revenue per user has declined by 12.1% annually
3. Projected sales are flat for the next 12 months, implying demand will slow from its three-year trend

Match Group’s stock price of $38.94 implies a valuation ratio of 9.7x forward EV/EBITDA. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why MTCH doesn’t pass our bar.

Yum China (YUMC)

Share Price: $42.98

One of China’s largest restaurant companies, Yum China (NYSE:YUMC) is an independent entity spun off from Yum! Brands in 2016.

Why Does YUMC Worry Us?

1. Weak same-store sales trends over the past two years suggest there may be few opportunities in its core markets to open new restaurants
2. Anticipated sales growth of 5.6% for the next year implies demand will be shaky
3. Gross margin of 20.3% reflects the bad unit economics inherent in most restaurant businesses

At $42.98 per share, Yum China trades at 14x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including YUMC in your portfolio.

Global Industrial (GIC)

Share Price: $33.46

Formerly known as Systemax, Global Industrial (NYSE:GIC) distributes industrial and commercial products to businesses and institutions.

Why Are We Out on GIC?

1. Muted 3.1% annual revenue growth over the last two years shows its demand lagged behind its industrials peers
2. Earnings growth over the last two years fell short of the peer group average as its EPS only increased by 1.6% annually
3. Shrinking returns on capital suggest that increasing competition is eating into the company’s profitability

Global Industrial is trading at $33.46 per share, or 16.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering GIC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Stocks We Like More

ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren’t just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meet near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.

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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 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.