The $10-50 price range often includes mid-sized businesses with proven track records and plenty of growth runway ahead. They also usually carry less risk than penny stocks, though they’re not immune to volatility as many lack the scale advantages of their larger peers.
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 is one stock under $50 with massive upside potential and two that could be down big.
Two Stocks Under $50 to Sell:
QuidelOrtho (QDEL)
Share Price: $14.44
Born from the 2022 merger of Quidel and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ: QDEL) develops and manufactures diagnostic testing solutions for healthcare providers, from rapid point-of-care tests to complex laboratory instruments and systems.
Why Do We Pass on QDEL?
- Weak constant currency growth over the past two years indicates challenges in maintaining its market share
- Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 21.9 percentage points
- Eroding returns on capital suggest its historical profit centers are aging
QuidelOrtho’s stock price of $14.44 implies a valuation ratio of 7.1x forward P/E. If you’re considering QDEL for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.
Hercules Capital (HTGC)
Share Price: $14.82
Named after the mythological hero known for his strength, Hercules Capital (NYSE: HTGC) is a business development company that provides debt financing to venture capital-backed and growth-stage technology and life sciences companies.
Why Is HTGC Risky?
- Incremental sales over the last two years were much less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 4.2% annually while its revenue grew
- High net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 6× increases the risk of forced asset sales or dilutive financing if operational performance weakens
Hercules Capital is trading at $14.82 per share, or 7.8x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including HTGC in your portfolio.
One Stock Under $50 to Buy:
Skyward Specialty Insurance (SKWD)
Share Price: $45.90
Founded in 2006 to serve markets where standard insurance coverage falls short, Skyward Specialty Insurance (NASDAQ: SKWD) provides customized commercial property, casualty, and health insurance solutions for underserved or specialized market niches.
Why Is SKWD a Top Pick?
- Net premiums earned expanded by 25.4% annually over the last two years, demonstrating exceptional market penetration this cycle
- Additional sales over the last two years increased its profitability as the 38.2% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue
- Expected book value per share growth of 21.8% for the next year suggests its capital position will strengthen considerably
At $45.90 per share, Skyward Specialty Insurance trades at 1.6x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
ONE MORE THING: Top 6 Stocks for This Week. This market is separating quality stocks from expensive ones fast. AI 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%. AppLovin before it ran 753%. Nvidia before it ran 1,178%. 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 (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
