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.
This is precisely where StockStory comes in - we do the heavy lifting to identify companies with solid fundamentals so you can invest with confidence. That said, here are three stocks under $50 to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.
Marqeta (MQ)
Share Price: $18.94
Powering the cards behind innovative fintech services like Block's Cash App, Marqeta (NASDAQ: MQ) provides a cloud-based platform that allows businesses to create customized payment card programs and process card transactions.
Why Do We Think Twice About MQ?
- Revenue increased by 11% annually over the last five years, acceptable on an absolute basis but tepid for a software company enjoying secular tailwinds
- Long payback periods on sales and marketing expenses limit customer growth and signal the company operates in a highly competitive environment
- Capital intensity will likely increase as its free cash flow margin is anticipated to drop by 9 percentage points over the next year
At $18.94 per share, Marqeta trades at 2.6x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with MQ, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Scholastic (SCHL)
Share Price: $38.63
Creator of the legendary Scholastic Book Fair, Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL) is an international company specializing in children's publishing, education, and media services.
Why Do We Avoid SCHL?
- 3.2% annual revenue growth over the last five years was slower than its consumer discretionary peers
- Poor free cash flow margin of 13.3% for the last two years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends
- Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value
Scholastic’s stock price of $38.63 implies a valuation ratio of 21.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including SCHL in your portfolio.
Rivian (RIVN)
Share Price: $13.01
The manufacturer of Amazon’s delivery trucks, Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and commercial delivery vans.
Why Are We Wary of RIVN?
- Declining vehicles delivered show it’s struggled to move its products and might have to lower prices to stimulate growth
- Negative free cash flow raises questions about the return timeline for its investments
- Depletion of cash reserves could lead to a fundraising event that triggers shareholder dilution
Rivian is trading at $13.01 per share, or 1.7x forward price-to-sales. If you’re considering RIVN for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI is 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% between October 2022 and February 2026. AppLovin before it ran 753% between February 2024 and February 2026. Nvidia before it ran 1,178% between January 2023 and February 2026. 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 (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,552% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
