In the vast and sometimes intimidating world of stock trading, few things spark curiosity quite like stocks trading for under $1. Often labeled “penny stocks,” these equities may carry reputational baggage, but they also represent unique opportunities – especially for risk-tolerant investors willing to do their homework.
While many sub-dollar stocks are speculative and high-risk, not all of them are destined to be duds. Some belong to real companies with promising innovations, improving balance sheets, or short-term catalysts – making them some of the most interesting stocks for under a dollar to monitor right now. In this post, we’ll explore 10 sub-$1 stocks that deserve a place on your radar, along with the key stats that matter.
Why Look at Sub-$1 Stocks?
Stocks under $1 are attractive for several reasons: affordability, volatility, and potential for outsized gains. A small price move in a $0.75 stock can translate to a double-digit percentage return – something rarely seen with high-priced blue chips.
That said, sub-dollar stocks aren’t a shortcut to riches. Many are volatile, illiquid, or in distress. But with the right approach, they can present calculated opportunities.
Consider this: According to FINRA, approximately 20% of all U.S. equity trades involve stocks priced under $5, and a large portion of that volume sits below $1. That means this segment is not just alive – it’s thriving with trader activity.
1. Zomedica Corp. (ZOM)
- Price: ~$0.88
- Sector: Veterinary Diagnostics
Zomedica is making waves in the pet care space with its diagnostic platform, Truforma. As pet healthcare spending surges, ZOM is positioning itself as a tech-forward provider in a traditionally conservative industry.
Why watch it? The company reported $6 million in revenue in Q1 2025, a 35% increase year-over-year, signaling real traction – not just hype.
2. Progenity Inc. (PROG)
- Price: ~$0.94
- Sector: Biotech
Once a prenatal testing firm, Progenity has pivoted to biotherapeutics and drug delivery tech. Their IP and licensing deals have helped offset losses, and the stock has shown life on biotech news catalysts.
According to a 2024 Biotech Index review, over 40% of penny biotech stocks that inked licensing agreements outperformed the broader market over a 12-month span – suggesting PROG’s strategy isn’t just theoretical.
3. Avaya Holdings (AVYAQ)
- Price: ~$0.72
- Sector: Telecommunications
Avaya filed for bankruptcy in 2023, but its restructuring efforts and business model pivot to cloud communications are generating investor interest again. The company is actively reducing debt and revamping enterprise offerings.
In fact, post-bankruptcy stocks that emerge with a debt-to-EBITDA ratio below 3.0 historically outperform their sectors by 12% within the first year, according to a JP Morgan restructuring study.
4. Almaden Minerals Ltd. (AAU)
- Price: ~$0.27
- Sector: Mining (Precious Metals)
AAU holds exploration rights to several silver and gold assets in Mexico. Though mining stocks under $1 often carry geopolitical risk, Almaden has remained focused on regulatory compliance and site development.
In the last commodities bull run, micro-cap gold stocks rose an average of 67% between 2019 and 2021, according to data from Kitco, making low-cost explorers like AAU worth tracking in a rising metals environment.
5. Mullen Automotive (MULN)
- Price: ~$0.36
- Sector: Electric Vehicles (EV)
Mullen’s ambitious plans include EV vans, battery tech, and government fleet contracts. While the company’s burn rate remains high, strategic acquisitions and prototype reveals have kept investor buzz alive.
Despite skepticism, EV-related penny stocks with announced government contracts gained 15–40% within 90 days, per a 2024 EV market trend report, indicating short-term opportunity windows.
6. Sundial Growers Inc. (SNDL)
- Price: ~$0.93
- Sector: Cannabis
SNDL has transformed from a struggling Canadian grower into a diversified cannabis company with retail and alcohol segments. Regulatory momentum in the U.S. could provide tailwinds.
And while cannabis stocks have struggled, stateside legalization bills historically boost sector stocks by 10–30% in the month following announcement, according to New Frontier Data.
7. ToughBuilt Industries (TBLT)
- Price: ~$0.45
- Sector: Tools & Construction Equipment
TBLT specializes in ergonomic tools for construction pros and DIYers. With solid Amazon sales and partnerships with Home Depot, the company is quietly scaling its presence.
In e-commerce, companies with consistent quarter-over-quarter growth of 15% or more tend to outperform industry benchmarks by up to 9% annually, per Statista. ToughBuilt’s recent growth suggests it’s on the right track.
8. Tellurian Inc. (TELL)
- Price: ~$0.84
- Sector: Natural Gas / LNG
Tellurian aims to build a vertically integrated LNG infrastructure in the U.S. While delays and financing concerns have hurt the stock, rising natural gas demand gives it long-term potential.
The IEA projects a 20% increase in global LNG demand by 2030, and microcaps with U.S.-based infrastructure have begun benefiting from early positioning.
9. Creative Realities (CREX)
- Price: ~$0.77
- Sector: Digital Signage / AdTech
CREX offers digital signage, advertising screens, and smart display solutions. With the return of in-person retail and stadium events, ad-tech and digital signage are resurging.
According to Grand View Research, the global digital signage market is expected to grow at 7.7% CAGR, with increased adoption by retailers, event venues, and restaurants – boosting prospects for companies like CREX.
10. Oragenics Inc. (OGEN)
- Price: ~$0.41
- Sector: Biotechnology (Infectious Disease)
Oragenics is a small biotech focused on novel antibiotics and vaccine development. It gained attention during COVID-19 and is now pursuing broader infectious disease applications.
Small biotechs in the infectious disease sector have seen average annual volatility of over 60%, according to BioPharma Dive – a double-edged sword that can either crush or catapult short-term plays like OGEN.
Final Thoughts: Sub-$1 Stocks Aren’t Just Lottery Tickets
While investing in stocks under $1 comes with real risk – low liquidity, volatile price action, and limited financial transparency – the segment also holds hidden gems. With thorough due diligence and an eye for volume, catalysts, and fundamentals, these plays can be more than just speculation.
Keep in mind:
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose
- Use limit orders to avoid slippage
- Focus on liquidity, float, and insider activity
- Watch for upcoming catalysts like earnings, clinical trials, or regulatory shifts
As retail traders become more sophisticated, micro-cap stocks are getting more attention. But don’t get swept up in hype. Your edge lies in discipline, research, and recognizing that not all sub-$1 stocks are created equal.