In this article, we will take a look at some of the best micro-cap stocks to buy now.

Just as we overlook loose change, micro-cap stocks are often ignored for larger, more dominant enterprises. Investors trying to play safe ignore the fact that every strong stock was once a micro-cap stock. This niche segment of the market offers higher risk and, if successful, higher returns, particularly present in emerging industries where there is potential to outperform peers.

This leads us to the basic definition of micro capitalization — stocks are considered micro-cap if the market capitalization of publicly traded companies is less than $250 million. Few analysts and institutions cover these stocks, and mainly operate under the radar. The basic features involve earlier stages of development, more volatility, and significant liquidity constraints. Best suited for investors with high tolerance, these stocks are vulnerable to market manipulation, debt levels, price swings, and greater regulation and legislation. So, one might ask: what’s in it for me?

With the Russell small-cap index soaring last year, mega-cap stocks mainly stayed behind the scenes. Various studies highlight that micro-cap stocks generate additional shareholder value, even after making risk adjustments. Apart from the 2007-08 financial crisis, micro- or small-cap stocks have generally outperformed large-cap stocks. A report by Oberweis Asset Management outlines that micro-caps generate higher returns than small-cap stocks as they behave differently from other asset classes, particularly when coming out of economic stagnation.

Most analysts have a positive stance on investing in these small stocks with big returns. For instance, Saxo Group, in their article on micro-cap stock made the following comment:

“Micro-cap stocks can provide substantial upside because they represent companies in the earlier stages of development. With fewer investors, micro-caps have greater room to grow as they expand operations and gain recognition in their industry.”

Underestimating these stocks results in a missed opportunity and is reflected in an old saying: “A day late and a dollar short.” It is essential to realize the potential of these stocks to fully capitalize on the company’s revenue growth.

The advocacy for micro-cap stocks is stronger now more than ever, with monetary policy easing, Trump’s pro-business approach facilitating mergers and acquisitions, attractive valuations, and reshoring trends.

Boston Partners, in their white paper, wrote:

“Historical analysis shows that over time, actively managed, value-oriented micro-cap funds tend to outperform private equity.”

Thus, with low price valuations by the investors, these stocks will continue to offer returns that surpass the returns from private equity fund investments. In view of this, we will take a look at some of the best micro cap stocks to invest in.

Our Methodology

In this article, we have considered the 10 best microcap picks, arranged in ascending order according to their market capitalization, that have the potential for growth, given the market potential and successful mergers and acquisitions. Spread across a range of industries, from biopharma to AI, these stocks have a story to tell. The companies listed are mostly in their early stages of development, so they have upside potential. Although price volatility is high, these micro-cap stocks extend opportunities to investors willing to accept greater uncertainty for growth prospects. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of their market cap, as of March 4, 2025.

At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with hedge funds. 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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

10. Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CDT)

Market Capitalization: $5.55 million

Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CDT) is a Naples, Florida-headquartered clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that provides clinical assets in the areas of autoimmune disease and idiopathic male fertility. Formed in 2019, the company is one step ahead of the traditional biotech business model as it seeks assets that are Phase II ready and undergoes third-party license deals upon successful clinical trials. The overall strategy involves fulfilling medical gaps, acquiring intellectual property for its assets using cutting-edge technology, and commercializing these products with life science companies. CDT is among the best micro-cap stocks to buy now.

Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CDT) recently announced the completion of Phase I of its partnership with Sarborg Limited. The Phase II of this collaboration focuses on AI and cybernetics in drug development. As the plan proceeds, differentiated dashboards will be created to enhance efficiency, and real-time data on clinical trials and drug discovery will be provided. This development underscores Conduit’s attempts to structure drug repurposing and improve clinical trial monitoring.

In this world of AI, the collaboration between Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CDT) and Sarborg Limited marks a significant technological milestone in the pharmaceutical industry, with benefits beyond mere process automation. While Phase I laid the foundation for AI integration, Phase II will ensure accelerated product optimization using AI insights for the company.

Keeping this in consideration, Wall Street research analysts have maintained a Strong Buy rating on Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CDT). Additionally, the stock seems to be more preferred by analysts in contrast to other medical companies, with a positive trend surrounding the stock, particularly in the short run. It is safe to conclude that for investors seeking short-run benefits, CDT is one of the best micro-cap stocks to consider.

9. Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTH)

Market Capitalization: 23.079 million

Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTH) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, thriving to develop life-changing medicines aimed at patients with challenging diseases. Incorporated in 1999, this Gainesville, Florida-based company’s lead drug candidate, Trappsol Cyclo, is currently in Phase III trials for the treatment of Niemann-Pick Type-C disease and Phase IIb trials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Not limited to this, the company also offers products related to pharmaceutical, nutritional, and other industries. With a market cap of over $23 million, CYTH is one of the best micro cap stocks on our list.

With the stock price soaring by 22.2% year to date, one can’t ignore the story that this stock is telling. It is among the best micro-cap stocks to buy now. The talks surrounding a merger between Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTH) and Rafael Holdings are causing a stir. The potential of this collaboration is high, with strengthened synergies and strategic alignment. It will also allow the company to take full advantage of Rafael’s broader capital base and resource access.

Cyclo Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTH) participation in the 21st Annual WORLDSymposium gives yet another insight into the future of the company. While the stakes of Phase-III trials are high, driven by Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 (NPC1), the exceptional rarity of this disease could enable the company to tap the untapped.

Although the financials of the company imply a somewhat different story, major happenings, like the merger and identification of a niche market, carry immense weight. The financial hurdles faced by the company can be considered negligible in the face of new avenues for future growth.