In this article, we will discuss the 8 Best Fast Growing Penny Stocks to Buy Right Now.
On May 4, Gregory Daco, EY-Parthenon Chief Economist, joined CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the current state of the US economy and the Fed’s likely trajectory. He described an environment characterized by high nominal growth that is increasingly driven by inflation rather than real growth. While GDP remains relatively strong, Daco argued that the breadth of this growth is dangerously narrow, resting on three specific pillars: affluent consumers, AI investment, and asset price appreciation through stock market gains. He warned that while these pillars can create a virtuous cycle, they are vulnerable to shocks from geopolitical conflicts or doubts regarding AI returns.
Daco elaborated on the overlap between these growth pillars and noted that stock market wealth significantly fuels consumer spending. However, he highlighted a growing fragility beneath the surface. While higher-income families continue to spend freely, lower and median-income families are struggling with high prices. Data from a recent Friday shows that real disposable income grew at only 0.4% year-over-year, while consumer spending advanced at 2%. This discrepancy is further emphasized by the fact that real disposable income has been negative for two of the last three months and three of the last four.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz Screener to identify stocks trading between $1 and $5 a share and focused on companies that have generated more than 100% sales growth over the past year and 50% growth over the past three years. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q4 2025.
Note: All data was sourced on May 7.
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).
8 Best Fast Growing Penny Stocks to Buy Right Now
8. Gevo Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 10
Gevo Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO) is one of the best fast growing penny stocks to buy right now. On April 15, Gevo announced its withdrawal from the US Department of Energy’s loan guarantee process for its Alcohol-to-Jet (or ATJ)-30 plant. The decision followed a determination that the department’s requirement to support enhanced oil recovery is not currently commercially viable in the project area. By withdrawing, Gevo aims to pursue alternative financing that better aligns with its corporate strategy and provides improved returns while accelerating the timeline for project execution.
The company plans to continue developing the ATJ-30 project at its recently acquired North Dakota facility, which already features low-carbon ethanol production and carbon sequestration capabilities. Management noted that this site is cash-generating and serves as a strategic foundation for expanding sustainable aviation fuel/SAF production. Gevo Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO) had previously worked with the Department of Energy on a conditional commitment for a South Dakota project, but is now shifting its focus to this more integrated location.
Despite the change in financing direction, Gevo remains committed to securing funding for the plant by the end of 2026. The company believes that its efforts over the past year have significantly reduced risk in its low-carbon ethanol supply chain, putting it in a stronger position to attract private capital. CEO Paul Bloom emphasized that the North Dakota facility’s existing economic foundation will support the company’s broader franchise development strategy for renewable fuels and chemicals.
Gevo Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO) works on abating carbon, providing different kinds of fuel, specific items for the food chain, hydrocarbons for gasoline, and plastic material. It is also engaged in the development, construction, and operation of Alcohol-to-Jet initiatives.
7. TriSalus Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:TLSI)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 10
TriSalus Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:TLSI) is one of the best fast growing penny stocks to buy right now. On May 4, TriSalus Life Sciences initiated patient enrollment for the PREDICTT clinical trial, a prospective study evaluating its proprietary Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery/PEDD technology in patients with primary or metastatic liver tumors. Conducted at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the study uses the TriNav Infusion System to deliver Y90 radioembolization therapy.
The goal is to determine if this pressure-enabled approach can enhance tumor targeting and improve the distribution of radiation doses compared to traditional methods. The investigator-led trial will enroll approximately 20 adult patients with unresectable tumors to analyze how the TriNav system affects tumor-to-normal liver enhancement ratios. Researchers will use CT and SPECT/CT imaging to correlate these measurements with actual microsphere distribution and overall treatment outcomes.
This focus on precision delivery aims to maximize the therapeutic dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy surrounding liver tissue. The collaboration with MD Anderson represents an effort to generate clinical evidence that could redefine the standard of care for liver-directed therapies. By assessing the safety and efficacy of the TriNav system in conjunction with Y90, TriSalus seeks to address the long-standing challenge of optimizing drug delivery in solid tumors.
TriSalus Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:TLSI) develops drug delivery technology platforms and immuno-oncology therapeutics aimed at improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat liver and pancreatic cancers in the US.
6. Autolus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AUTL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Autolus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AUTL) is one of the best fast growing penny stocks to buy right now. On April 29, Autolus launched a strategic initiative to improve operational efficiency and accelerate its path to profitability for the acute lymphoblastic leukemia/ALL business. As part of this plan, the company will reduce its workforce by ~13%, a move expected to save $15 million annually starting in 2027. Despite these cuts, Autolus plans to double its manufacturing capacity for commercial and clinical products in 2026 to support growing demand.
The company reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance for AUCATZYL, projecting net product revenue between $120 million and $135 million, nearly double the previous year’s figures. Management also anticipates a shift to a positive gross margin this year, driven by strong commercial momentum. Restructuring charges of approximately $8 million are expected to be recognized mostly in H1 2026, with the reorganization largely completed by Q3.
Clinical development remains on track across several key programs, including pivotal trials for pediatric leukemia and lupus nephritis, as well as exploratory work in multiple sclerosis. Current cash reserves are projected to fund operations into Q4 2027. CEO Dr. Christian Itin emphasized that while the workforce reduction is difficult, the focus remains on optimizing the operating model and delivering long-term value to stockholders.
Autolus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AUTL) develops T cell therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases in the United Kingdom and internationally.
While we acknowledge the potential of AUTL 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 AUTL and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Fast Growing Penny Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Disclosure: None. None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
