By midday Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Russell 2000 was up 1.57% for the week. This compares to a 0.9% gain for the S&P 500. Over the past seven days, the Russell has increased by 2.17%, beating the S&P 500’s 1.44% increase.
So far this week, the Russell 2000 index, which tracks small-cap US stocks, has been outperforming the S&P 500 index of large stocks.
In July alone, small-cap stocks have gained 4.62%, while large-cap stocks have increased by 2.4%. Over the last three months, small stocks are up 18.58%, which is slightly more than the 18.18% increase in large stocks.
However, so far in 2025, large caps are ahead with an 8.02% gain. This compares to an increase of only 2.04% for small caps.
Despite this difference in year-to-date performance, the recent shift in performance suggests that small caps may be gaining momentum and could start to outperform large caps.
With this background in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025.
Stocks
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 10 best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025, we used the Finviz stock screener to look for stocks with a share price of under $5 as of July 23, 2025. We narrowed down our list by looking for stocks with a market capitalization of more than $300 million and sorted our results based on year-to-date performance. Finally, we ranked the 10 best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025 in ascending order based on their year-to-date performance as of July 23, 2025.
Additionally, we mentioned the hedge fund sentiment surrounding the best-performing stocks, which was taken from Insider Monkey’s Q1 2025 database of 1,000 elite hedge funds.
Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Performing Penny Stocks So Far in 2025
10. Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA)
Year-to-Date Performance: 111.05%
Share Price: $4.01
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On June 4, H.C. Wainwright analysts initiated coverage of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) and gave it a “Buy” rating with a price target of $8.
This decision was based on confidence in the company’s drug, Vafseo (vadadustat), which is used to treat anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on dialysis.
In March 2024, Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) received FDA approval for Vafseo (vadadustat) for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease in adults who have been receiving dialysis for at least three months. Vafseo became available in the US market starting January 2025.
Currently, Vafseo is being rolled out for dialysis patients. However, there is also potential for expansion in the non-dialysis segment. Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) plans to start a Phase 3 trial for the use of Vafseo (vadadustat) in treating anemia in late-stage CKD patients who are not on dialysis.
H.C. Wainwright analysts expect further growth for Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) as the drug gains acceptance among dialysis organizations, including large ones.
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for kidney disease.
9. United States Antimony Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:UAMY)
Year-to-Date Performance: 115.61%
Share Price: $3.73
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20
United States Antimony Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:UAMY) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On July 3, United States Antimony Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:UAMY) reported that earlier this year it had started quietly reacquiring mining claims and property next to its existing antimony smelting operations located in Sanders County, Thompson Falls, Montana.
As per the report, United States Antimony Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:UAMY) now owns about 24 acres of surface fee simple land and holds non-patented mining rights on about 1,200 acres.
Earlier this year, after carefully reviewing the geology and history of the area and inspecting the site in and around its existing operations, the company found that there could be sufficient antimony in the three vein systems on the property to restart profitable mining activities.
United States Antimony Corporation’s (NYSEAMERICAN:UAMY) smelter, which is located next to these mines, is the only operating smelter in the United States. This makes the economics of this project very attractive.
United States Antimony Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:UAMY) is a company focused on the production and sale of antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the US and Canada.
8. CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX)
Year-to-Date Performance: 129.25%
Share Price: $2.43
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15
CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On May 12, CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX) shared encouraging interim Phase 1 data for CX-2051, its EpCAM PROBODY ADC candidate, in advanced, late-line colorectal cancer (CRC).
The findings were based on data collected as of April 7, 2025, from the ongoing CTMX-2051-101 Phase 1 study.
As part of this trial, 23 patients were treated with three different doses. These were the 7.2 mg/kg, 8.6 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg doses. Out of these, 18 patients could be assessed, having had a minimum of one post-baseline tumor assessment as of the data cutoff.
According to the report by CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX), CX-2051 was generally well-tolerated with manageable side effects, with no observed dose-limiting toxicities.
CX-2051 is showing strong and durable anti-tumor activity in late-line metastatic CRC, which is a very hard tumor to treat. Sean McCarthy, D. Phil, CEO and chairman of CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX), noted that this is an area that has high unmet needs.
Overall, CX-2051 has been generally safe, which highlights the potential of CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:CTMX) special PROBODY masking technology.
CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTMX) is a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company focused on developing masked biologics that conditionally activate in the tumor microenvironment.
7. Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ:XNET)
Year-to-Date Performance: 136.19%
Share Price: $4.96
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 1
Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ:XNET) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On June 2, Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ:XNET) announced that it has completed the acquisition of Shanghai Kuanghui Network Technology Co., Ltd., the company that operates Hupu, a leading sports media and data platform in China.
According to the agreement, Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ:XNET) paid RMB 400 million in cash prior to the closing of the transaction. The company will pay another RMB 100 million in cash in two equal installments. This will include one installment after 12 months and the other after 24 months from the closing of the transaction.
Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ:XNET) expects to create strong benefits from its acquisition of Hupu. This strategic move will allow the company to combine its large user base and technological expertise with Hupu ‘s high-quality sports content and active community. This is expected to help promote content downloads, community engagement, and sports consumption.
This transaction will also improve Xunlei Limited’s (NASDAQ:XNET) community services by adding Hupu’s premium sports content and active user base.
Xunlei Limited (NASDAQ:XNET) is a Chinese multinational technology company that provides distributed cloud services in China. The company offers a range of products and services across cloud acceleration, shared cloud computing, and digital entertainment.
6. Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMPX)
Year-to-Date Performance: 137.86%
Share Price: $3.33
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMPX) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On July 14, Stifel reiterated its “Buy” rating for Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMPX) with a price target of $11. This decision came after investor meetings with the company’s management.
According to the research firm, the extended timeline for overall survival event accrual in the Phase 2/3 COMPANION-002 trial is a good thing. The trial is testing paclitaxel with or without tovecimig in patients with second-line biliary tract cancer.
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMPX) now expects to share the topline data in the fourth quarter of 2025. This means patients will be followed up for more than 19 months on average. Stifel noted that this is important because in this disease, the overall survival of the control arm rarely goes beyond 6 months.
Besides the COMPANION-002 trial, Stiefl analysts believe upcoming data disclosures for two other compounds in the second half of 2025 could potentially prove to be important catalysts for Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMPX). These include Phase 1 dose-escalation data for CTX-8371, a PD-1xPD-L1 bispecific antibody, and preclinical data for CTX-10726, a PD-1xVEGF-A bispecific antibody.
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMPX) is a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary antibody-based therapeutics. The company focuses on the relationship between angiogenesis, the immune system, and tumor growth.
5. Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI)
Year-to-Date Performance: 142.50%
Share Price: $3.88
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On July 2, Canaccord Genuity increased its price target for Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) from $11 to $12 while keeping a “Buy” rating.
This decision came after Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) and Beckley Psytech shared positive data from a Phase 2b clinical trial for BPL-003, an intranasal mebufotenin treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The study met its primary and all key secondary endpoints.
Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) and Beckley Psytech plan to consult with the FDA to advance into Phase 3 clinical development for the 8mg dose of BPL-003. This positive data also supports Atai Life Sciences N.V.’s (NASDAQ:ATAI) previously announced plans to acquire Beckley, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2025.
Canaccord pointed out that if approved, BPL-003 could have a big commercial advantage as it might only require about two hours or less post-dose clinic time.
The research firm believes that Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) is still “significantly undervalued relative to the sizes of the opportunities in the mental health indications it is targeting.”
Atai Life Sciences N.V. (NASDAQ:ATAI) is a German clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is focused on developing new mental health treatments to transform patient outcomes.
4. Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS)
Year-to-Date Performance: 156.41%
Share Price: $1.00
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On June 25, Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS) reported that it has closed its previously announced $100 million senior secured debt facility from SAF Group.
These funds will mainly be used to support the growth and development projects at the Galena Complex in Idaho, which Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS) fully acquired in December 2024.
The Term Loan Facility gives Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS) the financial strength it needs to carry out its aggressive growth plans. The company plans to use the funds to increase development rates, tonnage mined, and reduce unit costs at Galena.
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS) recently started using a new longhole drill at Galena. This drill is now working on longhole stoping areas, which is expected to provide several benefits compared to the underhand cut-and-fill mining method. The longhole stoping mining method is safer, more productive, less costly, and allows more backfill.
Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:USAS) is a Canadian precious metals mining company with multiple assets across North America.
3. fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO)
Year-to-Date Performance: 157.45%
Share Price: $3.63
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17
fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On June 26, fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) announced that it entered into a multi-year agreement with Weigel Broadcasting Co. to offer seven new networks.
This agreement will bring MeTV, America’s #1 classic TV entertainment network, H&I, MOVIES!, WCIU, The U, and the home of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky to the platform.
According to the report by fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO), subscribers of Fubo’s Pro and Elite channel plans will be able to stream Weigel’s national entertainment networks while customers living in the Chicago area will get access to WCIU-TV’s local sports, news, and entertainment programs.
With this partnership agreement, fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) is bringing more entertainment programs, including some of the most-loved movies and TV shows of all time, to its subscribers.
FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO) offers live TV streaming services that focus on sports. It features top leagues and teams, along with popular shows, movies, and news. The company operates in the US, Canada, France, and Spain.
2. Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM)
Year-to-Date Performance: 275.26%
Share Price: $3.64
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 6
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On July 22, Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) shared that it continued strong production momentum in the second quarter of 2025, producing 645,602 silver equivalent ounces.
For the first half of the year, the company produced a total of 1.325 million silver equivalent ounces. This puts Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) on track to reach its original production estimate of 2.5 to 2.8 million silver equivalent ounces for 2025.
The company reported that tonnes milled during Q2 2205 surpassed its internal forecasts. This was mainly because of improved plant performance and operational efficiency.
In Q2 2025, Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) managed to increase its total production by 5% compared to Q2 2024. This increase was supported by improved mill availability as the company achieved its highest quarterly mill throughput in history. However, Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) moved through a lower-grade section of the mine, which meant that the record throughput was partially offset by lower feed grades in silver, gold, and copper.
Notably, the company reported gold production for Q2 2025 was 1,774 gold ounces, representing an increase of 17% year-over-year. This improvement came from increased tonnes processed and improvements in gold recovery rates. According to the report by Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM), copper production rose by 12%. On the other hand, silver production saw a decline of 3% year-over-year.
Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) is a Vancouver-based mining and exploration company. It has a diversified pipeline of gold, silver, and base metals produced at its wholly owned Avino Mine near Durango, Mexico.
1. The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ:TOI)
Year-to-Date Performance: 1179.31%
Share Price: $3.71
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12
The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ:TOI) is one of the best-performing penny stocks so far in 2025. On July 23, Noble Capital initiated coverage of The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ:TOI), giving the stock an “Outperform” rating and setting the price target at $8.
The private equity research firm highlighted that The Oncology Institute, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:TOI) treatment regimens have helped improve patient outcomes while also cutting down care costs.
According to Noble Capital, the company is well-positioned to benefit from current healthcare trends like the need to control medical costs and small medical practice consolidation. The firm values The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ:TOI) at 1.25 times its estimated revenues for the fiscal year of 2026. Noble Capital projects the company will reach $583.4 million in revenues by 2026.
The Oncology Institute, Inc. (NASDAQ:TOI) is an American company that specializes in community-based cancer care services.
While we acknowledge the potential of TOI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TOI and that has a 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None.
