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 three stocks under $50 to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.
Comcast (CMCSA)
Share Price: $29.80
Formerly known as American Cable Systems, Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) is a multinational telecommunications company offering a wide range of services.
Why Do We Steer Clear of CMCSA?
- Number of domestic broadband customers has disappointed over the past two years, indicating weak demand for its offerings
- Projected 4.3 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin next year reflects the company’s plans to increase its investments to defend its market position
- Returns on capital are increasing as management makes relatively better investment decisions
Comcast is trading at $29.80 per share, or 8.1x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CMCSA doesn’t pass our bar.
Driven Brands (DRVN)
Share Price: $16.02
With approximately 5,000 locations across 49 U.S. states and 13 other countries, Driven Brands (NASDAQ: DRVN) operates a network of automotive service centers offering maintenance, car washes, paint, collision repair, and glass services across North America.
Why Do We Think Twice About DRVN?
- Lagging same-store sales over the past two years suggest it might have to change its pricing and marketing strategy to stimulate demand
- Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
- Negative returns on capital show management lost money while trying to expand the business, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam
At $16.02 per share, Driven Brands trades at 11.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with DRVN, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Renasant (RNST)
Share Price: $38.45
Founded in 1904 during a time when the South was rebuilding its economy, Renasant (NYSE: RNST) is a regional bank holding company that offers banking, wealth management, insurance, and specialized lending services throughout the Southeast.
Why Does RNST Fall Short?
- Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 8.1% annual growth was below the typical banking company
- Earnings per share fell by 2.1% annually over the last two years while its revenue grew, showing its incremental sales were much less profitable
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 3.7% over the last two years was below our standards for the banking sector
Renasant’s stock price of $38.45 implies a valuation ratio of 0.9x forward P/B. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including RNST in your portfolio.
Stocks We Like More
Your portfolio can’t afford to be based on yesterday’s story. The risk in a handful of heavily crowded stocks is rising daily.
The names generating the next wave of massive growth are right here in our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).
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 Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
