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 is one stock under $50 with massive upside potential and two that may have trouble.
Two Stocks Under $50 to Sell:
Papa John's (PZZA)
Share Price: $35.33
Founded by the eclectic John “Papa John” Schnatter, Papa John’s (NASDAQ: PZZA) is a globally recognized pizza delivery and carryout chain known for “better ingredients” and “better pizza”.
Why Do We Steer Clear of PZZA?
- Lagging same-store sales over the past two years suggest it might have to change its pricing and marketing strategy to stimulate demand
- Forecasted revenue decline of 6.1% for the upcoming 12 months implies demand will fall off a cliff
- Expenses have increased as a percentage of revenue over the last year as its operating margin fell by 3.3 percentage points
Papa John's is trading at $35.33 per share, or 22.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering PZZA for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
WeightWatchers (WW)
Share Price: $11.36
Known by many for its old cable television commercials, WeightWatchers (NASDAQ: WW) is a wellness company offering a range of products and services promoting weight loss and healthy habits.
Why Are We Out on WW?
- Products and services have few die-hard fans as sales have declined by 12.4% annually over the last five years
- Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth
- Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value
WeightWatchers’s stock price of $11.36 implies a valuation ratio of 3.9x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including WW in your portfolio.
One Stock Under $50 to Watch:
Lazard (LAZ)
Share Price: $44.77
Tracing its roots back to 1848 when it began as a dry goods merchant in New Orleans, Lazard (NYSE: LAZ) is a global financial advisory and asset management firm that provides strategic advice to corporations, governments, institutions, and wealthy individuals.
Why Does LAZ Stand Out?
- Stellar return on equity showcases management’s ability to surface highly profitable business ventures
At $44.77 per share, Lazard trades at 11.9x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don't just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses.
But our AI platform says the party isn't over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating 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-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
