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.
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.
Teradata (TDC)
Share Price: $27.50
Pioneering data warehousing technology in the 1980s before "big data" was a common term, Teradata (NYSE:TDC) provides cloud-based data analytics and AI platforms that help large enterprises integrate, analyze, and leverage their data across multiple environments.
Why Do We Think TDC Will Underperform?
- Products, pricing, or go-to-market strategy need some adjustments as its billings have averaged 4.4% declines over the last year
- Gross margin of 59.4% is way below its competitors, leaving less money to invest in areas like marketing and R&D
- Static operating margin over the last year shows it couldn’t become more efficient
Teradata is trading at $27.50 per share, or 1.6x forward price-to-sales. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than TDC.
Accel Entertainment (ACEL)
Share Price: $11.18
Established in Illinois, Accel Entertainment (NYSE:ACEL) is a provider of electronic gaming machines and interactive amusement terminals to bars and entertainment venues.
Why Do We Avoid ACEL?
- Performance surrounding its video gaming terminals sold has lagged its peers
- Lacking free cash flow generation means it has few chances to reinvest for growth, repurchase shares, or distribute capital
- Returns on capital haven’t budged, indicating management couldn’t drive additional value creation
At $11.18 per share, Accel Entertainment trades at 13x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including ACEL in your portfolio.
NBT Bancorp (NBTB)
Share Price: $46.36
Tracing its roots back to 1856 when it first opened its doors in Norwich, New York, NBT Bancorp (NASDAQ:NBTB) is a community-oriented financial institution providing banking, wealth management, and insurance services to individuals and businesses across the northeastern United States.
Why Does NBTB Fall Short?
- Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 8.5% annual growth was below the typical banking company
- 9.7% annual net interest income growth over the last five years was slower than its banking peers
- Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were less profitable, as its 4.3% annual earnings per share growth trailed its revenue gains
NBT Bancorp’s stock price of $46.36 implies a valuation ratio of 1.2x forward P/B. If you’re considering NBTB for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
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-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.