12 Penny Stocks with Insider Buying in 2026

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 12 Penny Stocks with Insider Buying in 2026.

The CEO of Wealth Consulting Group, Jimmy Lee, told BNN Bloomberg on March 25 that as conditions calm, the ongoing geopolitical crises in the Middle East may eventually present investors with selective chances. He pointed out that the current market collapse, which was caused by geopolitical concerns and made worse by the AI-related sell-off, has produced appealing entry points in the technology sector, especially in small-cap companies, which he thinks are still cheap. If interest rates drop, Lee continued, tiny caps may experience additional gains.

Lee stressed that after the disputes subside, a wider market recovery might ensue, especially if the Strait of Hormuz completely reopens and maritime flows resume as usual. He claimed that in that case, oil prices may drastically drop, allaying worries about continuously rising energy prices and increasing investor confidence. With leadership expanding beyond large-cap tech into more value-oriented and cyclical sectors, particularly small caps, he anticipates that this might aid in an equity recovery.

Despite their allure, penny stocks continue to be a high-risk market. The iShares Micro-Cap ETF returned 22.8% in 2025 using BlackRock ETF proxies, which was greater than the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF’s 17.9%. However, over ten years, the micro-cap fund annualized 9.4% compared to the S&P 500’s 14.8%, and its three-year volatility was significantly higher at 22.5% versus 12.0%. Additionally, the SEC cautions that penny stocks are easier to manipulate, less liquid, and more volatile.

Since February 28, 2026, the situation with Iran has increased in instability. On March 15, 2026, Forbes reported that the S&P 500 plummeted 3.5%, foreign stocks sank 8.3%, WTI crude increased from $67 to almost $100 per barrel by March 13, 2026, gasoline increased from $2.98 to $3.68 per gallon, and prediction markets increased the likelihood of a recession in 2026 from 22% to 34%.

With that being said, let’s look at the penny stocks with Insider buying.

12 Penny Stocks with Insider Buying in 2026

Our Methodology

For our methodology, we screened for stocks trading below $5 with at least 20% insider ownership. From this list, we favored stocks with recent news and developments and ranked them in ascending order based on insider ownership.

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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

Here is our list of the 12 penny stocks with Insider buying in 2026.

12. CVD Equipment Corporation (NASDAQ:CVV)

Insider Ownership: 23.53%

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $4.98

CVD Equipment Corporation (NASDAQ:CVV) is one of the stocks with Insider buying on our list.

TheFly reported on March 30 that CVV reported fourth-quarter 2025 results showing revenue of $4.95 million, down from $7.41 million in the prior-year period. Management said bookings remained under pressure due to weaker demand in its CVD Equipment segment, uncertainty tied to tariffs, lower U.S. government funding for universities, and slower adoption of its products in certain markets. The company added that it is closely tracking customer demand, geopolitical risks, and potential tariff effects as it adjusts its planning.

Separately, on March 24, CVD Equipment Corporation (NASDAQ:CVV) said it signed a definitive deal to transfer its Stainless Design Concepts (SDC) division to Atlas Copco Group for about $16.9 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The company expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending standard closing requirements.

Management said the sale supports its previously disclosed review of strategic alternatives and will sharpen its focus on the core CVV business. The divestiture is also expected to improve the balance sheet and increase financial flexibility as the company continues assessing opportunities across its operations, product portfolio, and facilities with the aim of enhancing shareholder value.

CVD Equipment Corporation (NASDAQ:CVV) is a U.S.-based industrial equipment company that designs and manufactures chemical vapor deposition, thermal processing, and gas delivery systems for semiconductor, aerospace, energy, and advanced materials applications.

11. Tilly’s, Inc. (NYSE:TLYS)

Insider Ownership:26.52%

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $4.09

Tilly’s, Inc. (NYSE:TLYS) is one of the stocks with Insider buying. 

TheFly reported earlier on March 12 that Roth Capital increased its price target on TLYS to $3 from $2.25 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm pointed to the company’s fourth quarter results, which showed improving comparable sales, stronger operating leverage, progress in profitability, and positive free cash flow. However, Roth remains cautious and said it would like to see clearer evidence of sustained positive comps and consistent profitability before taking a more constructive stance on the shares.

Additionally, on March 11, Tilly’s, Inc. (NYSE:TLYS) provided its outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, projecting net sales between $119 million and $125 million, representing a comparable sales increase of roughly 16% to 22% versus the prior year.

The company anticipates product margins to improve by 310 to 330 basis points and SG&A expenses near $44 million to $45 million, excluding any potential non-cash impairments. TLYS expects a net loss in the range of $10.1 million to $8.0 million, or $0.34 to $0.27 per share, reflecting continued deferred tax asset allowances. The firm plans to operate approximately 220 stores by the quarter’s end, down from 238 last year, while maintaining strong comparable sales momentum.

Tilly’s, Inc. (NYSE:TLYS) is a U.S. retail company specializing in casual apparel, footwear, and accessories, targeting youth and young adult consumers through stores and e-commerce platforms.

10. Niagen Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:NAGE)

Insider Ownership: 34.01%

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $4.2

Niagen Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:NAGE) is one of the best stocks with insider buying. 

TheFly reported on March 5 that Canaccord Genuity revised its price target for NAGE to $13, down from $14, while maintaining a Buy rating. The adjustment follows updated modeling after the company’s Q4 results, which showed continued robust demand for its main product lines. The firm also highlighted potential growth opportunities in NAGE’s injectable segment, noting that this area could contribute additional upside for the business.

Separately, on March 19, Niagen Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:NAGE) announced that its board of directors approved an increase to the company’s existing share repurchase program, doubling the total authorization from $10 million to $20 million of outstanding common stock.

As of March 17, the company had already repurchased roughly $2.6 million of its shares under this program. The expansion of the buyback authorization reflects the company’s continued focus on returning capital to shareholders while providing additional flexibility to repurchase stock in the open market. The move positions NAGE to manage its capital structure proactively while supporting shareholder value.

Niagen Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:NAGE) is a Los Angeles–based bioscience company pioneering NAD⁺ research and healthy‑aging solutions, best known for its patented nicotinamide riboside ingredient powering Tru Niagen supplements and other NAD⁺‑boosting products backed by scientific research.

9. Gambling.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:GAMB)

Insider Ownership: 47.22%

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $3.7

Gambling.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:GAMB) is also one of the stocks with Insider Buying on this list.

TheFly reported on March 13 that Truist Securities lowered its price target for GAMB to $5 from $6 while maintaining a Hold rating on the shares. The company’s fourth-quarter EBITDA slightly exceeded consensus estimates, supported by growth in its sports data services segment. However, guidance for 2026 fell well short of expectations, as management adopted a cautious stance considering potential impacts from Google algorithm changes and regulatory pressures in the EU.

In a recent move, on March 26, Gambling.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:GAMB) announced a major leadership change, appointing co-founder Charles Gillespie as Executive Chairman of the Board and naming co-founder Kevin McCrystle as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. The transitions will take effect after the Annual General Meeting in mid-May 2026. Gillespie, who has led the company since its founding in 2006, will continue to provide strategic guidance, including evaluating mergers and acquisitions and supporting the company’s AI initiatives.

McCrystle, previously Chief Operating Officer, will take full operational responsibility, leveraging his extensive experience overseeing product, marketing, sales, technology, and international operations. Both executives emphasized their commitment to sustaining growth, expanding the sports data services business, and strengthening the company’s market position globally.

Gambling.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:GAMB) is a publicly traded performance marketing company providing digital marketing, reviews, and comparison services for the online gambling and sports betting industry, helping players find and evaluate regulated operators worldwide.

8. Wellgistics Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:WGRX)

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $0.10

Insider Ownership: 56.05%

Wellgistics Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:WGRX) is one of the stocks with Insider buying in 2026.

TheFly reported on March 23 that WGRX announced it had signed a non-binding, non-exclusive Letter of Intent to explore a potential all-stock acquisition of Neuritek Therapeutics, a company specializing in neuroscience research. The proposed $105 million deal, if completed, aims to expand WGRX’ existing healthcare platform by integrating research capabilities alongside its technology-driven pharmacy distribution and services operations.

By combining prescription fulfillment, wholesale distribution, and AI-enabled patient access, Wellgistics Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:WGRX) seeks to better connect manufacturers, providers, and independent pharmacies nationwide. The acquisition could improve coordination between drug development and commercialization, enhance pipeline visibility, support new revenue opportunities, and create a more integrated platform to strengthen long-term shareholder value.

In a recent corporate move, on March 19, WGRX converted roughly $2 million of accrued compensation into common stock at $0.20 per share, resulting in the issuance of about 10 million shares.

Alongside this, the company granted 10 million warrants exercisable at $0.01 per share with a five-year term. The conversion, approved by independent board members, reflects management’s confidence in the company’s strategy and aligns leadership incentives with long-term shareholder value. Newly issued shares are subject to a six-month lock-up, with customary exceptions. This transaction is designed to reinforce commitment to the company’s growth while supporting alignment between executives, directors, and shareholders.

Wellgistics Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:WGRX) is a Tampa‑based healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics company offering wholesale distribution, prescription fulfillment, technology‑enabled pharmacy services, and clinical support to independent pharmacies and manufacturers.

7. Pyxis Tankers Inc. (NASDAQ:PXS)

Insider Ownership: 58.13%

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $4.41

Pyxis Tankers Inc. (NASDAQ:PXS) is one of the best stocks with insider buying. 

TheFly reported on March 16 that Alliance Global increased PXS price projection from $8 to $10 while maintaining a Buy rating following strong fourth-quarter results. The company’s 2026 outlook aligns with a positive perspective, though ongoing Middle East conflicts that could disrupt global trade remain an unpredictable factor.

Earlier on March 5, Pyxis Tankers Inc. (NASDAQ:PXS) released its fourth-quarter results, showing $10.538 million in revenue compared with $12.035 million the previous year. For 2025, the company generated $39.0 million in total net revenue and an adjusted EBITDA of $14.1 million. Despite lower charter rates across both sectors relative to 2024, the fleet achieved higher utilization and reduced daily operating costs. To manage global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and trade limitations, the company strategically expanded its time charter agreements, aiming for more predictable cash flow. Short-term time charters accounted for 95% of total net revenue, with the remainder coming from spot voyage activities.

The results position PXS to pursue strategic opportunities while maintaining operational efficiency and financial stability, demonstrating resilience in a challenging market environment. The company emphasized disciplined management to navigate potential disruptions and maximize revenue generation throughout the year.

Pyxis Tankers Inc. (NASDAQ:PXS) is a Greece‑based maritime shipping company owning and operating a modern fleet of eco‑efficient product tankers and dry‑bulk vessels that transport refined petroleum products and bulk commodities globally. Its common shares trade on NASDAQ under the ticker PXS.

6. Linkers Industries Limited (NASDAQ:LNKS)

Insider Ownership: 62.00%

Share Price as of Last Close of March 27: $0.02

Linkers Industries Limited (NASDAQ:LNKS) is among the stocks with Insider buying in 2026.

TheFly reported on March 25 that LNKS announced it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to acquire additional equity in Thailand’s LPW Electronics. If completed, the deal could boost Linkers’ manufacturing and production capacity and support its growth plans. LPW, founded in 2023, specializes in producing wire harnesses and operates a three-level factory with a 6,500-square-meter warehouse on roughly 8,000 square meters of land in Pathum Thani, Thailand.

Under the MOU, LNKS plans to acquire up to 29% of LPW’s shares from the controlling shareholder and assume certain company loans. Currently holding 20%, Linkers’ stake could rise to 49% if the acquisition is finalized. The transaction depends on due diligence, execution of a definitive agreement, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions, and there is no guarantee it will be completed.

Separately, on March 23, Linkers Industries Limited (NASDAQ:LNKS) announced the pricing of a best efforts public offering designed to generate roughly $16 million in gross proceeds, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses. The offering includes 23,088,023 units, with each unit containing one Class A ordinary share, one Series A Warrant to acquire one ordinary share at an initial exercise price of $0.7277, and one Series B Warrant to acquire one ordinary share at an initial exercise price of $1.1781.

The pre-funded warrants are immediately exercisable and expire once fully exercised, while the Series A and B Warrants also become exercisable at issuance and will expire one year after issuance. Each unit is priced at $0.693, with pre-funded units priced slightly lower. Univest Securities, LLC serves as the sole placement agent for the offering.

Linkers Industries Limited (NASDAQ:LNKS) is a Malaysia‑based manufacturer and supplier of wire and cable harnesses, connectors, and assemblies for home appliance, industrial, and automotive OEMs, with global operations and Nasdaq‑listed stock trading under the symbol LNKS.

While we acknowledge the potential of LNKS 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 LNKS and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

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