10 Most Promising Small-Cap Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 10 Most Promising Small-Cap Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Tom Lee of Fundstrat spoke on CNBC’s Closing Bell on June 9 about chip stocks, market mood, and the overall picture for stocks. According to Lee, investor nervousness ahead of SpaceX’s projected $75 billion IPO and the substantial capital anticipated to be raised by large tech companies like Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic is reflected in the recent market turbulence. He saw the retreat as a healthy consolidation rather than a danger to the current technological surge in spite of these worries.

Lee pointed out that institutional investors might raise money to take part in the IPO and modify their portfolio positions in response to SpaceX’s anticipated inclusion in the Nasdaq-100. Additionally, he cited memory and semiconductor stocks’ ability to withstand recent lows as proof that the industry’s long-term trend is unaffected by short-term pressure.

In light of this, small-cap stocks have become a significant market topic in 2026. Up 18.6% year-to-date through June 12, the Russell 2000 beat the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq, and S&P 500. The index was trading close to a record high in mid-June, according to MarketWatch. However, because many of them are unprofitable and heavily dependent on future cash flows, Reuters reported in May that small-cap companies continue to be especially vulnerable to rising borrowing costs.

In biotechnology, this mix of high risk and significant development potential is particularly noticeable. Small-cap stocks, which are defined as companies with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion, include a number of biotech companies with extremely high analyst upside expectations. According to EY’s 2026 Biotech Beyond Borders report, biotech funding increased 11% to $68.5 billion in 2025. Reuters reported that biotech M&A activity reached $84 billion in the first quarter of 2026, nearly twice as much as the previous year. Positive clinical, regulatory, or acquisition-related developments can therefore significantly increase the value of these businesses.

With that said, let’s now take a look at the most promising stocks on this list.

Our Methodology

For our methodology, we screened for small-cap stocks with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion and analyst price targets implying at least 20% upside potential. From this universe, we selected the 10 best stocks based on their most recent news and corporate developments. We then ranked these companies in ascending order according to the number of hedge funds holding their shares as of Q1 2026, using data tracked by Insider Monkey.

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. Insider Monkey’s quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 599.2% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 372 percentage points (see more details here).

Here is our list of the 10 most promising small-cap stocks to buy according to hedge funds.

10. Prenetics Global Limited (NASDAQ:PRE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Market Cap: $344.98 million

Prenetics Global Limited (NASDAQ:PRE) is one of the most promising stocks on our list.

TheFly reported on June 16 that Benchmark initiated coverage of PRE with a Buy rating and a $30 price target. The firm highlighted the company’s IM8 health and wellness brand, which targets the expanding nutritional supplements market. Benchmark noted that PRE is positioned for long-term growth through broader product offerings, expansion into related categories, diversification of marketing channels, and increasing international market penetration.

On June 10, Prenetics Global Limited (NASDAQ:PRE) reported its first quarter 2026 financial results, highlighted by strong growth from its IM8 health and longevity brand. Total revenue reached $36.0 million, including $33.8 million generated by IM8, representing substantial year-over-year and sequential growth. Encouraged by the brand’s performance, the company increased its full-year 2026 IM8 revenue outlook to between $190 million and $210 million and projected continued momentum for the second quarter.

The business also completed the sale of its digital asset holdings, generating $41.3 million in proceeds. In addition, the company outlined plans to introduce three new IM8 products in the fourth quarter of 2026 and strengthened its leadership team through the appointment of a new chief financial officer for the IM8 business.

Prenetics Global Limited (NASDAQ:PRE) is a health sciences and biotechnology company focused on consumer wellness, preventive genetics, early cancer detection, and longevity solutions, aiming to advance personalized and preventive healthcare.

9. Lands’ End, Inc. (NASDAQ:LE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Market Cap: $382.42 million

Lands’ End, Inc. (NASDAQ:LE) is one of the most promising stocks on our list.

TheFly reported on June 18 that Noble Capital Markets initiated coverage of LE with an Outperform rating and a $20 price target. The firm cited the company’s improved financial position following the repayment of its term loan and highlighted the strategic partnership with WHP Global as a key value driver. According to Noble Capital, the agreement creates opportunities to generate additional value from LE’s brand and intellectual property assets while supporting future growth initiatives.

On June 9, Lands’ End, Inc. (NASDAQ:LE) announced its first-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results. The company reported net revenue of $238.9 million, reflecting a decline from the prior-year period due to temporary disruptions from the implementation of a new warehouse management system and slower shipment activity during distribution center recovery.

Despite the impact, LE noted that revenue would have shown low single-digit growth without the disruption. Net income reached $330.7 million, primarily driven by the WHP Global transaction, while adjusted net loss was $3.5 million. The company also highlighted improved financial flexibility after repaying its term loan and provided updated full-year 2026 guidance for revenue, earnings, and adjusted EBITDA.

Lands’ End, Inc. (NASDAQ:LE) is an American lifestyle retailer offering apparel, swimwear, outerwear, and home products through e-commerce, distribution channels, its Outfitters division, and global licensing partnerships.

8. Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ:PDYN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15

Market Cap: $330.71 million

Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ:PDYN) is one of the most promising stocks on our list.

TheFly reported on June 8 that Northland analyst Michael Latimore raised the price target on PDYN to $15 from $10 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The update followed the company’s announcement of an exclusive U.S. manufacturing and distribution partnership for advanced loitering munitions produced by Israel Aerospace Industries. Northland viewed the agreement as a potential catalyst for future growth and noted the possibility of a significant Department of War contract opportunity.

Additionally, more recently, on June 17, Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ:PDYN) announced that it received two contracts from the U.S. Army to advance the development and operational testing of its SwarmOS and Gremlin-X autonomous technologies. The projects will evaluate the company’s AI-driven systems in military exercises, including Northern Strike 26-2, a major Department of War joint exercise. SwarmOS is designed to enable coordinated control of multiple autonomous platforms, while Gremlin-X focuses on reusable strike drone capabilities for challenging operational environments.

The demonstrations will provide further validation of PDYN’s autonomy solutions and support the company’s efforts to expand its role as a provider of advanced defense technologies for military applications.

Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ:PDYN) is a U.S.-based AI and robotics company developing embodied AI software that enables robots and autonomous systems to observe, learn, and operate in complex environments.

7. Perion Network Ltd. (NASDAQ:PERI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15

Market Cap: $330.70 million

Perion Network Ltd. (NASDAQ:PERI) is one of the most promising stocks on our list.

TheFly reported on June 18 that PERI announced the launch of Ask Perion, an agentic self-service interface integrated into the Perion One platform, along with the Ask Perion Mobile App at Cannes Lions 2026. The new solution is designed to simplify digital advertising workflows by helping marketers access insights and take action more efficiently. Ask Perion combines an Insights Agent that provides campaign performance analysis through natural language queries and a Planning Agent that transforms marketing objectives into structured cross-channel media plans. The platform aims to reduce complexity across advertising operations by connecting data, planning, and execution within a unified system.

In separate news, on June 16, Perion Network Ltd. (NASDAQ:PERI) announced a strategic partnership with Best Buy Canada to support the retailer’s in-store digital advertising network through Perion’s technology platform. Under the agreement, Best Buy Canada selected Perion as its technology provider to enhance the monetization of its programmatic digital signage operations.

The partnership expands PERI’s presence in the retail media sector by enabling a more automated advertising model. Best Buy Canada will utilize Perion’s technology solutions, including its Ad Server, SSP, and Header Bidding capabilities, to improve ad performance, optimize revenue generation, and transition toward dynamic impression-based media management.

Perion Network Ltd. (NASDAQ:PERI) is an AI-driven digital advertising technology company providing omnichannel marketing solutions across CTV, retail media, DOOH, and social platforms through its Perion One platform.

6. Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (NYSE:BBBY)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

Market Cap: $438.46 million

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (NYSE:BBBY) is one of the most promising stocks on our list.

TheFly reported on June 22 that BBBY announced the launch of its nationwide “Legendary Coupon Hunt,” a 21-day promotional event running from June 22 through July 13, 2026. The campaign invites customers to submit old Bed Bath & Beyond coupons for a chance to win a $100,000 home transformation prize, along with additional gift card rewards. The initiative brings back the company’s well-known blue coupon and encourages customers across the country to search for their oldest saved coupons. Through the event, BBBY aims to reconnect with longtime customers while creating a large-scale brand engagement campaign across its stores, digital platforms, and media partnerships.

Apart from that, on June 9, Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (NYSE:BBBY) expanded its Beyond Home Services platform through the acquisition of Installed Right and SFV Services, strengthening its third strategic pillar focused on home services. The deal adds installation, renovation, construction, and project management capabilities to the company’s offerings while enhancing its retail and home ownership initiatives.

The acquired businesses bring additional scale and expertise, generating approximately $60 million in combined revenue and $5 million in adjusted EBITDA in the latest fiscal year. The transaction will be completed through the issuance of Bed Bath & Beyond common stock and is expected to support growth while contributing positively to adjusted EBITDA.

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (NYSE:BBBY) is an e-commerce-focused home goods retailer operating through a digital platform, co-branded stores, and its revived brand ecosystem following its acquisition after the 2023 bankruptcy.

Click to continue reading and see the Most Promising Small-Cap Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.