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. Keeping that in mind, here are three stocks under $50 to avoid and some other investments you should consider instead.
WillScot Mobile Mini (WSC)
Share Price: $18.06
Originally focusing on mobile offices for construction sites, WillScot (NASDAQ: WSC) provides ready-to-use temporary spaces, largely for longer-term lease.
Why Do We Avoid WSC?
- Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 2.4% annually over the last two years
- Earnings per share were flat over the last five years and fell short of the peer group average
- Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management’s recent investments are destroying value
WillScot Mobile Mini’s stock price of $18.06 implies a valuation ratio of 15.1x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than WSC.
Fortune Brands (FBIN)
Share Price: $39.52
Targeting a wide customer base of residential and commercial customers, Fortune Brands (NYSE: FBIN) makes plumbing, security, and outdoor living products.
Why Are We Bearish on FBIN?
- Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth
- Overall productivity fell over the last five years as its plummeting sales were accompanied by a decline in its operating margin
- Falling earnings per share over the last five years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term
Fortune Brands is trading at $39.52 per share, or 13.3x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with FBIN, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Avantor (AVTR)
Share Price: $15.70
With roots dating back to 1904 and embedded in virtually every stage of scientific research and production, Avantor (NYSE: AVTR) provides mission-critical products, materials, and services to customers in biopharma, healthcare, education, and advanced technology industries.
Why Do We Pass on AVTR?
- Organic sales performance over the past two years indicates the company may need to make strategic adjustments or rely on M&A to catalyze faster growth
- Adjusted operating margin declined by 5.9 percentage points over the last five years as its sales cratered
- Sales were less profitable over the last five years as its earnings per share fell by 7.8% annually, worse than its revenue declines
At $15.70 per share, Avantor trades at 17.9x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including AVTR in your portfolio.
Stocks We Like 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.
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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 Kadant (+214% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
