Stocks in the $10-50 range offer a sweet spot between affordability and stability as they’re typically more established than penny stocks. But their headline prices don’t guarantee quality, and investors should exercise caution as some have shaky business models.
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 is one stock under $50 with massive upside potential and two best left ignored.
Two Stocks Under $50 to Sell:
MGM Resorts (MGM)
Share Price: $37.22
Operating several properties on the Las Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM) is a global hospitality and entertainment company known for its resorts and casinos.
Why Should You Sell MGM?
- The company has faced growth challenges as its 4.2% annual revenue increases over the last two years fell short of other consumer discretionary companies
- Waning returns on capital from an already weak starting point displays the inefficacy of management’s past and current investment decisions
- 12× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio shows it’s overleveraged and increases the probability of shareholder dilution if things turn unexpectedly
MGM Resorts is trading at $37.22 per share, or 19.6x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including MGM in your portfolio.
Jefferies (JEF)
Share Price: $38.42
Tracing its roots back to 1962 and rebranded from Leucadia National Corporation in 2018, Jefferies Financial Group (NYSE: JEF) is a global investment banking and capital markets firm that provides advisory services, securities trading, and asset management to corporations, institutions, and wealthy individuals.
Why Is JEF Not Exciting?
- Muted 4.1% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its financials peers
- Annual earnings per share growth of 1.8% underperformed its revenue over the last five years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
- High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 34× could force the company to raise capital at unfavorable terms if market conditions deteriorate
At $38.42 per share, Jefferies trades at 9.8x forward P/E. If you’re considering JEF for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
One Stock Under $50 to Watch:
MediaAlpha (MAX)
Share Price: $9.67
Powering nearly 10 million consumer referrals each month in the insurance marketplace, MediaAlpha (NYSE: MAX) operates a technology platform that connects insurance carriers with high-intent consumers shopping for property, casualty, health, and life insurance products.
Why Does MAX Stand Out?
- Annual revenue growth of 69.4% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Estimated revenue growth of 11.8% for the next 12 months implies its momentum over the last two years will continue
- Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 564% over the last two years outstripped its revenue performance
MediaAlpha’s stock price of $9.67 implies a valuation ratio of 7.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren't just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meeting near-term momentum — both boxes checked at the same time.
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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.
