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.
Luckily for you, our mission at StockStory is to help you make money and avoid losses by sorting the winners from the losers. Keeping that in mind, here are three stocks under $50 to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.
Amtech (ASYS)
Share Price: $12.82
Focusing on the silicon carbide and power semiconductor sectors, Amtech Systems (NASDAQ: ASYS) produces the machinery and related chemicals needed for manufacturing semiconductors.
Why Do We Steer Clear of ASYS?
- Annual sales declines of 20.4% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
- Poor free cash flow margin of 6.6% for the last two years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends
- Negative returns on capital show that some of its growth strategies have backfired, and its decreasing returns suggest its historical profit centers are aging
Amtech’s stock price of $12.82 implies a valuation ratio of 2.6x trailing 12-month price-to-sales. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why ASYS doesn’t pass our bar.
CONMED (CNMD)
Share Price: $39.43
With over five decades of experience in surgical innovation since its founding in 1970, CONMED (NYSE: CNMD) develops and manufactures medical devices and equipment for surgical procedures, specializing in orthopedic and general surgery products.
Why Is CNMD Not Exciting?
- Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 5.1% annual growth was below the typical healthcare company
- Subscale operations are evident in its revenue base of $1.37 billion, meaning it has fewer distribution channels than its larger rivals
- Forecasted revenue decline of 1.3% for the upcoming 12 months implies demand will fall off a cliff
At $39.43 per share, CONMED trades at 9.2x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than CNMD.
United Bankshares (UBSI)
Share Price: $39.93
With roots dating back to 1982 and a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, United Bankshares (NASDAQ: UBSI) is a bank holding company that provides commercial and retail banking services through its United Bank subsidiary across multiple states.
Why Should You Sell UBSI?
- Muted 3.4% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its banking peers
- 4.8% annual net interest income growth over the last five years was slower than its banking peers
- Earnings growth underperformed the sector average over the last five years as its EPS grew by just 4.6% annually
United Bankshares is trading at $39.93 per share, or 1x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with UBSI, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Stocks We Like More
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI taking down whole sectors with no warning. In a rotation this fast, you need more than a list of good companies.
Our AI system flagged Palantir before it ran 1,662%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. Each week it produces 6 new names that pass the same tests. Get Our Top 6 Stocks for Free HERE.
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.
