Our list of the top 10 penny stocks so far this year offer plays in several different sectors, but they all have something in common. While the major benchmarks are basically flat for the year, these penny stocks have logged meteoric gains.
Penny stock investing can be risky. For example, stocks that trade on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or Pink Sheets are not required to report the same financial information as the major indexes.
The 10 penny stocks on our list here, however, all trade on the Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange.
A few are in the biotech sector, where breakthrough drugs spell big stock advances. Several are in the oil industry, where an oil-price rebound could bring hefty returns. All carry some risk, but also have the potential for even bigger gains.
Top 10 Penny Stocks in 2015
Genetic Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq ADR: GENE) shares are up a blistering 93% year to date. The Australia-based company offers a range of genetic tests for breast, ovarian, bowel, uterine, and prostate cancer, as well as neurological diseases. Late last month, GENE announced that six new breast diagnosis/treatment centers will begin offering one of its tests to high-risk patients. Shares began the year at $0.40 and ended Monday at $3.68.
Miller Energy Resources Inc. (NYSE: MILL) shares are up 65% year to date. Based in Knoxville, Tenn., Miller is an independent exploration and production company that explores for, develops, and operates oil and gas wells in south-central Alaska. Shares are a play on an oil rally. Shares started 2015 at $1.27 and finished Monday at $2.02.
PostRock Energy Corp. (Nasdaq: PSTR) shares have gained 60% year to date. Based in Oklahoma City, PostRock is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, production, and gathering of crude oil and natural gas. In response to the steep drop in oil prices, the company has taken steps to reduce costs. Earnings grew 78.52% last year. Shares closed at $5.85 on Monday.
China Green Agriculture Inc. (NYSE: CGA) share are up 47% year to date. The Beijing-headquartered company engages in the research, development, production, distribution, and sale of fertilizers and agricultural products primarily in the People's Republic of China. The company just reported Q2 earnings of $0.16 per share and year-over-year revenue growth of 33%. Shares began 2015 at $1.51 and closed Monday at $2.26.
Exelixis Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) shares have gained 40% year to date. Based in San Francisco, Exelixis is a biopharmaceutical company that develops cancer treatments in the United States. Its key product is a treatment for thyroid cancer. Bullish option activity has picked up ahead of two key trial results expected in the second half of 2015. EXEL ended Monday at $1.99.
Vringo Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNG) shares are up 38% year to date. The New York City-headquartered company develops, acquires, licenses, protects, and monetizes intellectual property worldwide. Its intellectual property portfolio includes approximately 500 patents and patent applications covering telecom infrastructure, Internet search, and mobile technologies. Volume has picked up over the last three months. Shares opened 2015 at $0.56 and ended Monday at $0.809.
Sampson Oil and Gas Ltd. (NYSEMKT ADR: SSN) shares are up 31% year to date. The Australia-based independent energy company acquires, explores for, and develops oil and natural gas properties in the United States. Shares started 2015 at $0.19 a share and finished Monday at $0.2516 a share. The stock jumped 25% last week when oil prices spiked.
Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUU) shares have gained roughly 30% year to date. The San Francisco-headquartered company develops and publishes a portfolio of action, adventure, and casual games for the smartphone and tablet market. Glu Mobile gained attention in June when it launched the mobile game Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. The company just reported the game based on the reality TV star brought in $74.3 million in revenue in 2014. Earlier this month, Glu announced it inked a deal with pop singer Katy Perry for a game featuring the singer's fully licensed voice, likeness, and personality. Shares started 2015 at $3.90 and finished Monday at $5.08.
Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ARNA) shares have popped 27% year to date. The San Diego-headquartered company discovers, develops, and commercializes novel drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors. Arena also offers BELVIQ, a drug used to treat obesity in adults. The company just received approval to market the weight loss drug in South Korea. Shares started 2015 at $3.55 and ended Monday at $4.46.
Paragon Offshore Plc. (NYSE: PGN) shares are up nearly 25% so far in 2015. The Houston-based company is a global provider of offshore drilling rigs. The company has operations in Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, West Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. When drilling activity picks up, shares are expected to benefit. PGN started 2015 at $2.77 and closed Monday at $3.35.
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