In this article, we will take a look at some of the hidden penny stocks to buy now.
One thing that investors are always on the hunt for is the next big opportunity, but what most of them don’t realise is that a real gem doesn’t necessarily mean high-profile blue chips or darling tech stocks making headlines.
While penny stocks carry a reputation of being volatile and risky, they offer what very few do. With, of course, the right strategy, these stocks can deliver explosive growth since they have more room to grow. Whether it’s a stock awaiting game-changing FDA approval or an innovator breaking traditional trends, most exciting stories start from the lowest levels.
Research by Qianqiu Liu and Liang Zhang associates penny stocks with high return, high beta, small size, high book-to-market ratio, high idiosyncratic volatility, and poor past performance. Based on this, acquiring penny stocks through an appropriate strategy can return abnormal profits.
Our Methodology
We have compiled a list of 10 hidden penny stocks to buy now. Using Finviz screener, we filtered for stocks priced under $5, with a positive sales growth in the past 3 years and a debt-to-equity ratio of under 1. These are then ranked in ascending order according to their upside potential, calculated using one-year price targets by Yahoo Finance.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? 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. Beam Global (NASDAQ:BEEM)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 36.19%
George Syllantavos, Director of Beam Global (NASDAQ:BEEM), has offloaded 20,700 shares of the company’s stock. This transaction of approximately $50,024 occurs as the company expands globally, focusing on revenue growth, high-potential contracts, and new patents.
Last week, Beam Global (NASDAQ:BEEM) announced that it has secured a fresh patent by the United States Patent Office for its Phase Change Composite (PCC) material utilized in lithium-ion batteries. The patent, titled “Smart Phase Change Composite for Passive Thermal Management,” relates to technology that operates as a thermal switch, functioning as both an insulator when the batteries are cold and cooler when they’re hot.
Aimed at enhancing battery performance in extreme conditions, particularly as Beam Global (NASDAQ:BEEM) enters into various markets, this innovation will power multiple applications. As stated by the CEO, Desmond Wheatley,
“This new patent covers our latest, innovative thermal management technology, which makes our battery solutions more dynamic and capable of addressing a wide range of customer requirements.”
Beam Global (NASDAQ:BEEM) is a California-based clean-technology innovation company specializing in renewably energized infrastructure products and battery solutions. Founded in 2006, the company offers EV ARC, Solar Tree DCFC, EV, and ARC DCFC.
9. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCMI)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 42.67%
According to a latest report by Marketbeat, National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCMI) has received an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from six analysts, with three analysts advising to hold the stock and the remaining three issuing a buy rating.
While praising the management’s resilience during the tough quarter, F. Lesinski, CEO of National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCMI), highlighted the strategic initiatives undertaken by the company. With plans to triple the programmatic footprint by the end of the year, Lesinski noted,
“Programmatic advertiser volume grew by more than 50% quarter-over-quarter with approximately 70% of second quarter programmatic advertisers new to NCM.”
That’s not all. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) is expected to sustain its box office momentum, supporting an already strong film slate for the remainder of 2025. Names like Wicked for Good, Avatar: Fire & Ash, and Zootopia are positioned to power box office reacceleration.
National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:NCMI) is a Colorado-based company operating cinema advertising networks in North America. Incorporated in 2006, the company is dedicated to connecting brands with movie audiences through cinema advertising.
8. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 58.66%
According to a report by Marketbeat, five analysts have assigned an average rating of “Buy” to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE). While one analyst recommended holding the stock, another issued a strong buy rating, and the remaining three advised buying it.
On Thursday, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) secured a contract to design, build, and operate a second hydrogen fueling station for Foothill Transit in a $11.3 million transaction. Situated at Foothill Transit’s Arcadia bus yard, the project is set to support an initial order of 19 new hydrogen fuel cell buses. Under the contract, federal and state grants will provide partial funding.
This marks the continuation of a 20-year-long collaboration between Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE) and Foothill Transit. Driving multiple strategic partnerships, the company boasts the largest RNG fueling network and a robust anchor customer in Amazon.
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ:CLNE), headquartered in Newport Beach, California, is a company that provides natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets and associated fueling products. Incorporated in 2001, the company is committed to creating a healthier planet.
7. VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 63.81%
According to a recent press release and SEC filing, Dr. Arthur Laffer has resigned as a director of VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME) on Wednesday, effective immediately. This resignation isn’t linked to any disagreement with the company concerning its functions, rules, or practices. David Edmonds will now serve as a member of the audit committee, effective Friday.
During the latest earnings call, the leadership expressed confidence in the company’s recent performance, all of which is due to PeriShip’s focus. Although a 14% decline in PeriShip revenue was noted, the segment witnessed new customer sales and expanded revenues from some existing customers. On top of that, VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME) is working to build relationships with key freight carriers and adopt a new treasury strategy.
Recently, VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME) announced its collaboration with two freight carriers managing most of the non-US Postal Service parcel shipments in the US. This move facilitates the company’s transition from a single-carrier strategy. As cited by the CEO, Adam H. Stedham,
“The process of integrating our technology and services with our additional freight carrier will take a couple of months, but the addition of a second carrier further reinforces the confidence we have in organic revenue growth in 2026.”
VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRME), based in Lake Mary, Florida, and incorporated in 1999, is a company that provides brand protection and precision logistics solutions. With two main segments: Precision Logistics and Authentication, the company is committed to protecting brands and growing businesses.
6. High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ:HITI)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 69.49%
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity Group have reaffirmed their “Buy” rating on High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ:HITI), while maintaining a price target of $7.25. This optimism stems from the company’s recent initiatives, particularly the expansion into the German cannabis market through the highly accretive acquisition of Remexian.
At the same time, High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ:HITI) has maintained its growth momentum in Canadian cannabis retail, which ultimately strengthens an impressive earnings growth outlook for the company. In just three years, the company delivered a return of 154.68%, compared to the market’s average of 62.39%.
Currently, High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ:HITI) holds the largest share of the Canadian cannabis retail market, operating a network of 207 Canna Cabana cannabis retail stores. What’s even more interesting is that the company leverages a membership program that helps to keep customers coming back for more.
High Tide Inc. (NASDAQ:HITI) is a Canadian cannabis retail business operating through two segments: Bricks and Mortar Operations and E-commerce Operations. Founded in 2009, the company is committed to bringing technology, data, and customer experience together.
5. SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 102.15%
According to a recent disclosure with the SEC, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has raised its position in SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) by 17.1% in the first quarter. After the purchase of 62,004 shares, the global investment bank now owns 424,317 shares of the company’s stock, translating to an investment of $598,000.
The company’s year-to-date return has been nothing short of commendable. While the market delivered a return of 12.96%, SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) returned an impressive 30.17%, over double the market’s average. What investors like most about the company is the quantity of assets that it holds to support its business strategy.
The company is well-positioned to receive additional revenues from new cannabis retail store openings over the next quarter. To say the least, SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) is succeeding in international expansion, particularly in the U.K. and Continental Europe. As stated by the CEO, Zachary Ryan George,
“This robust performance gives us the confidence to continue investing in our business and people, affirming that we are on the path to delivering sustainable long-term value to our shareholders.”
SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ:SNDL) is a Canadian company that develops, distributes, and markets cannabis products for the adult-use market. Incorporated in 2006, the company operates through four segments: Liquor Retail, Cannabis Retail, Cannabis Operations, and Investments.
4. Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:REI)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 119.30%
During the first quarter, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. trimmed its holdings in Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:REI) by 33.5% through the sale of 394,814 shares. According to a recent filing with the SEC, the bank now owns 783,618 shares of the company’s stock, which translates to an investment of $901,000 and an ownership of about 0.38%.
One thing that has kept the investor’s interest is the company’s strategy to reduce its debt, and for this, Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:REI) has “acquired its way to more production.” While facilitating cost savings from both better operations and higher levels of production, the company has achieved a relatively low debt ratio.
For the second half of 2025, Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:REI) anticipates an average total sales volume of approximately 20,000 BOEPD, comprising 13,250 barrels per day of oil sales volumes. Thanks to the Lime Rock acquisition, the company’s credit facility utilization has also increased to the mid-70% range.
Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:REI) is a Texas-based independent oil and natural gas company offering oil and natural gas properties. Founded in 2004, the company is dedicated to delivering competitive and sustainable returns.
3. VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 135.29%
During the first quarter, Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) through the acquisition of 91,200 shares of the company’s stock. According to the disclosure with the SEC, the firm owns 0.09% of the company, an investment worth approximately $343,000.
As revealed in the latest earnings call, VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) has exceeded or at least maintained its quarterly production guidance, which in turn has led to robust operational and financial results. If we consider the 5-year return delivered by the company, it has outshone the market’s return by an impressive 345.39%.
As stated by the CEO George Walter-Mitchell Maxwell,
“Maintaining operational excellence and consistent production across our portfolio is essential to continued strong adjusted EBITDAX generation, which will enable us to fund organic growth initiatives and position us as a larger player in the industry.”
The future of VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) appears equally promising, all of which is due to excellence in financial management. By 2027, the company aims to double its production while leveraging ongoing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and late-stage projects in Africa.
VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) is a Texas-based independent energy company that is committed to creating sustainable value. Founded in 1985, the company specializes in crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.
2. Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPSI)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 142.49%
According to a press release on September 25, the City of Long Beach, California, has awarded a $725,000 contract to Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPSI) for its e-Boost mobile EV charging system.
Placed through reseller partner AssetWorks, the order includes a 250kW e-Boost Mobile ’Stretch’ system for the flexible charging of Battle Motors EV sanitation trucks, along with medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles. This will not only help Long Beach enhance its fleet electrification efforts but also integrate ChargePoint chargers and power modules on skids to improve the operations of permanent EV charging.
As noted by the CEO of Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPSI), this order highlights the emerging scalable charging solutions sector, which extends far beyond traditional fleet use cases. Outperforming the market by 168.61% in five years, the company is considered an appealing investment opportunity in the electrification of everything. With EV adoption on the rise, the company is well-positioned for market share growth.
Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPSI), headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, is a company offering distributed energy resources, power generation products, and mobile EV charging solutions. Founded in 2008, the company operates through two segments: Electrical Infrastructure Equipment and Critical Power Solutions.
1. Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX)
Upside Potential as of September 27, 2025: 579.61%
During the first quarter, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. expanded its holdings in Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX) by a whopping 482.3%. Following the purchase of 239,751 shares, the global investment bank now owns 289,461 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $741,000.
Investing in Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX) is like planting a tree; with time and patience, it ought to grow. The biopharmaceutical company develops recombinant therapeutic proteins through its ProCellEx platform, while leveraging its expertise in rare genetic diseases.
What’s even more interesting is that Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX) is striving to expand ProCellEx into drug delivery optimization by aiming for particular tissue requirements. This step is what they call a “game-changer” since this system offers what traditional systems lack. From cost efficiency to expressing complex protein capabilities, this platform is poised to lead the future.
Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX) is a New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in recombinant therapeutic proteins. With a commitment to developing innovative plant-based biologics, the company offers Elelyso, Elfabrio, PRX-115, and PRX-119.
While we acknowledge the potential of PLX to grow, 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 PLX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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