In this article, we will take a look at some of the best stocks to buy for a stock market game.
We all have heard the phrase ‘value isn’t always visible at first glance’ at least once in our lifetime and this isn’t something to overlook, particularly when you are playing the stock game. A small investment results in a big fortune, but only if you’re lucky or a contrarian genius.
In his ‘How To Start Investing in Stocks in 2025 and Beyond’ guide, Peter Gratton provides a list of 7 steps to lead the stock market game. When selecting stocks, it is pertinent to consider stocks with good track records or as he says,
“The greater the chances for outsized growth in a stock, the riskier investing in it will be. Beginners interested in growth stocks should target industries with long-term potential, such as technology or healthcare.”
The foundation of the preference of most of the stocks listed below is how deeply the company embraces AI. Since the last few years, everyone has been going on about AI, just as blockchain was once a buzzword. Research by IDC expects that AI could add around $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. While Warren Buffett stays away from most of the technology stocks, simply because he doesn’t understand their business, he reports missing out on some golden stocks. Today, almost every investor owns a stock based on the company’s AI-related strategies.
Similarly, analyzing the global demand patterns can help in identifying highly valued sectors. A report by WHO reported that global healthcare spending reached an impressive $10.3 trillion in 2024 underscoring the demand for such a crucial sector. And when you integrate healthcare with the tech sector, that’s when you get another cutting-edge healthcare technology sector, that too is expected to lead the market in the years ahead.
Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, stated:
“In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists. The future is never clear, and you pay a very high price in the stock market for a cheery consensus. Uncertainty is the friend of the buyer of long-term values.”
Thus, it is the long run when the true value of a stock is realized as the short run just focuses on the investors’ sentiments. In making investment decisions, it is important to know the value that you will be getting not the price that you will be paying.
To assist you in getting ahead, we have compiled a list of 12 stocks that have the potential to surpass peers amid the growth of key industries like semiconductors, cybersecurity, health, and AI. These sectors are considered the most-yielding and highly safe bets in this world of extreme volatility.
A stock market graph. Photo by energepic.com
Our Methodology
For this list, we screened for 12 penny stocks from Finviz and Yahoo Finance that have exhibited positive returns in the past year. These companies have been listed in descending order, with the lowest returns to the highest. The growth trend has been captured from Google’s latest stock prices, in correspondence to the returns of the respective shares.
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).
12. Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB)
Price momentum over the past year: 23.71%
Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB) is a mid-tier mining company that acquires, develops, and operates mineral properties. Incepted in 1966, this Canada-based company explores copper, molybdenum, gold, niobium, and silver deposits. With interests in the Gibraltar, Florence Copper, Aley Niobium, Yellowhead, New Prosperity, and Harmony projects, the company is focused on unlocking the true value of copper for its investors, communities, employees, and for an ever-evolving world. This North American mining company is known for its operational efficiency, safety, and delivery of 360 degrees of value.
The company’s recent financials unveiled that despite reduced production, revenues increased by 9% to CAD$167.8 million, owing to a relatively higher price of copper. This continuous rise in copper prices sets Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB) toward a good start.
Apart from the factor that is, in general, externally controlled, Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB) has plans that will further define its future trajectory. The company is aiming to increase full-year production to 120-130 million pounds of copper from 106 million reported in 2024 supported by increased mill availability. We can expect an even 70% more production with the Florence project, anticipated to begin later this year and ramp up in 2026.
With every day, the world demand for copper only grows stronger. Electrification across various industries, the rising deployment of copper-heavy renewable energy, and robust electrical conduction properties are just a few reasons to believe copper is the right choice. According to the Future of Copper Report by S&P Global, the demand for copper could double from the 2022 levels, surging toward 50 million metric tons of demand per year.
At the current price level, TGB seems undervalued compared to its competitors. Although it is trading in line with its peers, the Florence project boost isn’t taken into account. Driven by these growth catalysts, analysts rate Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB) as a Strong Buy.
11. Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA)
Price momentum over the past year: 26.98%
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) is a fully integrated renal biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing therapeutics. Incepted in 2007, the company provides solutions for people with kidney disease. AKBA is also involved in the development of drugs for treating people living with renal and metabolic disorders. The core offerings of this US-based company include Auryxia and Vadadustat. From collaborative agreements with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation to research and license agreements with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, the biopharma powerhouse is well-equipped to target countries from all over the globe.
From relying on Auryxia to Vafseo, Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) is transitioning to a low-risk future. Apart from this shift, the company also has plans for a label expansion to target a wider population with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current year is one of the most crucial years for the company as it will not only offset Auryxia’s declining sales but also aim to tap a wider TAM in the process. Much of the company’s success in the years ahead depends on the growth curve of Vafseo, which we are positive about.
In its recent earnings call, Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKBA) disclosed strong growth for Vafseo since its launch, with the number of prescribers and prescriptions rising throughout the quarter. The management also shared its vision for the first quarter of 2025, anticipating between $10 million and $11 million in Vafseo net product revenue.
With the company’s full focus on driving the demand for Vafseo, we can expect the company to capitalize on this potential, becoming the foundation for our bullish thesis.
10. Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB)
Price momentum over the past year: 40.38%
Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp based on gross merchandise value (GMV) in food deliveries, mobility, and the financial services sector. This Singapore-based application allows its users to access the drivers and merchant partners to order food or groceries, send packages, book a ride, pay for online purchases, or access services across 700 cities in eight countries. From necessities to earning opportunities, the company claims to be an all-in-one platform that makes each day better.
Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) has recently gained attention owing to the FinTwit influencers posting about Grab on X and new tax rebates announced by the Singaporean government. The company witnessed a growth in its Monthly Transacting Users by 16% year-over-year, as disclosed in its recent earnings. Additionally, GrabUnlimited, a paid subscription plan, reached an all-time high in signups, generating around 35% of Deliveries GMW. These are strong indicators signaling GRAB’s success for years to come.
The management plans to continue to evolve its product strategy to make the most of its ecosystem by maintaining GMV growth momentum in 2025. In doing this, Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) will focus on balancing premium and affordable pricing to support overall growth acceleration. With a forecasted revenue of $3.33 billion to $3.40 billion in 2025, the company is committed to delivering an annual growth rate of about 19% to 22%. Similarly, the EBITDA is anticipated to be between $440 and $470 million, reflecting a growth of 41% to 50%.
As GRAB advances into the future, it aims to invest in strategic initiatives powered by AI to enhance efficiency in areas like marketing, customer service, and menu translation. For instance, the company recently integrated an AI translation tool into its platform for its Help Center articles.
Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB) CEO and Co-founder Anthony Tan underscored the company’s efforts to leverage generative AI further to fuel product improvements. This is what he said during the earnings call:
“For example, we have now developed our own in-house LLM-powered marketing tool, which has enabled us to reduce content generation time from 99 hours to just 90 minutes while raising output quality.”
9. BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI)
Price momentum over the past year: 58.64%
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI) is a Columbia-based AI giant delivering artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. The core offerings of the company include data ingestion, data enrichment, predictive analysis, machine learning, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometric solutions. From national defense and intelligence agencies to transportation security and tourism sectors, the tech powerhouse serves some of the key critical markets. These customers depend on the company’s products to make decisions based on the best possible solution by creating order from complex data, recognizing blind spots, and developing predictive outcomes.
While this is a stock with mixed reviews, we remain a BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI) bull, and we have many reasons to back up our stance.
In just six months, BBAI has witnessed a growth of about 90.3%. Although this may not be truly impressive, the stock still has a long way to go. Just recently, BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BBAI) was awarded a prime Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under the U.S. Department of Navy’s SeaPort Next Generation program, allowing the company to provide its innovative technologies to the U.S. Navy and other federal agencies. We view this as one of the many projects set to take off.
This America First tenure is entering the world of AI. Trump’s emphasis on “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI” ought to benefit technology-delivering companies, particularly as overregulation could choke innovation. If America has to gain a competitive edge on the world stage, it needs to hold strong technological ground.
In addition, Trump recently disclosed the AI-centered Stargate initiative involving big names in the industry like Oracle Corporation and SoftBank Group Corp. This project, with an initial investment of $100B to fund AI infrastructure and support the “re-industrialization of the United States,” will benefit not only the ones directly involved but also the ones exposed.
8. BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)
Price momentum over the past year: 70.57%
BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB) is a Canada-based provider of intelligent software and services to enterprises and governments. The company offers operational resilience with a certified platform for mobile fortification, mission-critical communications, and critical events management. With three main segments: Secure Communications, IoT, and Licensing, the company is allowing automakers and industrial giants to find innovative solutions, diversify their revenue streams, and launch transformative business models. Focusing on safety, security, and reliability, BB plans to power the world.
The redesigned focus of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB) has renewed investor interest. With struggles surrounding its hardware segment, the company’s software transition has turned things around. The giant’s cybersecurity business is the strongest, with a $435 million annual run rate and a 55% gross margin. Followed by the Internet of Things (IoT) segment, generating a $245 million annual run rate and 80% in gross margins.
The company’s offering of its cutting-edge driver-assistance platforms and infotainment systems is a testament to the company’s emphasis on sustained growth for connected cars. As autonomous driving technology gains momentum, the BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB) platform is attracting automakers seeking robust safety measures.
Additionally, the Canadian tech giant’s QNX software is reported to be embedded in over 255 million vehicles and around 68% of electric cars. This is one of the biggest business segments delivering highly secure software for automobiles, medical devices, robotics, and other industrial systems. The fact that almost all top electric vehicle manufacturers make use of the software underscores how crucial BB is going to be in the long haul.
BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB) market projections signal a promising future, owing to the demand outlook of its AI-based cybersecurity solutions in the era of worldwide cybersecurity threats. We can say that this, once a leading phone manufacturer, is successfully redefining itself for years to come.
7. TeraWulf Inc. (NASDAQ:WULF)
Price momentum over the past year: 88.44%
TeraWulf Inc. (NASDAQ:WULF) is a Maryland-based provider of fully integrated environmentally clean bitcoin mining facilities in the United States. Operating as a digital asset technology company, the powerhouse is also involved in the provision of miner hosting services to external entities. The company aims to generate domestically produced bitcoin through nuclear, hydro, and solar energy systems. By adopting a more flexible infrastructure model, the company maximizes operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
With merely four years of inception, TeraWulf Inc. (NASDAQ:WULF) is anticipated to not remain a penny stock in the times ahead. The management views 2024 as the transitional year for the company, emphasizing the doubling of revenue and adjusted EBITDA year-over-year. This had much to do with the higher Bitcoin production and favorable pricing. Additionally, the restructuring of the Lake Mariner ground lease and the initiation of the Cayuga site, which intends to add 150 MW of capacity by 2026, were major developments surrounding the company.
The future seems equally promising, especially due to the HPC hosting contracts. TeraWulf Inc. (NASDAQ:WULF) anticipates significant revenue growth from its Core42 agreement, which will contribute around $100 million in revenue annually over the 10-year term. Additional HPC hosting projects are expected to add between $140 and $210 million annually. Moreover, sales are set to nearly double again in the current year, and then again in the coming year before balancing. Paul Prager, CEO of TeraWulf, made the following comment:
“Looking ahead to 2025, our focus is clear. One, energize Miner Building 5 and integrate our newly upgraded mining fleet. Two, execute our Core42 agreement, ensuring timely delivery of contracted capacity. Three, contract additional HPC hosting capacity with the goal of exiting 2026 with 200 to 250 megawatts of revenue-generating HPC compute capacity; and Four, secure project financing of our HPC data center.”
Based on 12-month ratings in the last 3 months by 8 Wall Street analysts, the stock price is expected to be $7, with a maximum of $11 and an average of $9.38.
6. fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO)
Price momentum over the past year: 108.44%
fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) is a New York-based, fast-growing, live TV streaming platform. While engaging in providing subscriptions to content like sports and news, the channel offers its services through streaming devices and on television, mobile phones, and computers, among others. In 2022, the company was ranked no.1 by J.D. Power in customer satisfaction among live TV streaming providers. Similarly, FUBO has been named “a force in sports streaming” by Forbes. With operations across the United States, Canada, Spain, and France, the powerhouse is defining the future of TV.
The current year, so far, is becoming a pivotal period for fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) as it discloses its plan to merge The Walt Disney Company’s Hulu + Live TV business. The merged entity is anticipated to have a total subscriber count of more than 6.2 million in North America. By leveraging Disney’s advertising expertise and marketing reach to add new revenue streams, the new entity can benefit from the ad revenue growth.
Having said that, this deal also has the potential to lift fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) from its cashflow shortfalls. Under the terms of the agreement, FUBO will be getting a $145 million term loan from Disney and will be injected with $220 million from a settlement of its pending lawsuit. This means that after adding these inflows, the liquidity will be higher than the current total debt of around $332.7 million. And with Disney as the major stakeholder, FUBO is least likely to fall into bankruptcy.
According to a report by Grandview Research, the market for Live TV Streaming, standing at $18.5 billion, is expected to grow at 19.7% CAGR for the next 5 years, reaching $65.1 billion by 2030. In the face of such optimism, we are a fuboTV Inc. (NYSE:FUBO) bull.
5. SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:LAES)
Price momentum over the past year: 114.86%
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:LAES), founded in 2022, is a Switzerland-based company that develops certified secure microcontrollers and implements post-quantum cryptography. The core offerings of this semiconductor developer include device-to-cloud authentication, device attestation for matter, GSMA root certificate, data and brand protection, identity lifecycle management, and satellite IoT connectivity solutions. These products are mainly used in applications such as smart energy, automotive EV charging, aerospace and military, and telecommunications. The company aims to provide Quantum-Resistant Secure Microcontrollers and Trust Services to safeguard digital assets in the era of quantum computing.
This digital security company is based on the view that the future demands a security system strong enough to withstand attacks from quantum computers. We know that as soon as the first attack hits, SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:LAES) is all set to lead the market and that is when we expect the ones who have invested now to capitalize on the skyrocketing prices. So, we can say that this is one of those stocks that carries a lot of risk but even more room for upside.
Apart from quantum computing, SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:LAES) has diversified the risk by being directly involved in the industries that are stealing the spotlight today, including blockchain and semiconductors. Unlike its peers, SEALSQ already generates revenue and has products with customers. Since FY2020, the company’s revenue growth rate with a CAGR of 27% looks strong enough. So if we come to think of it, SEALSQ is more secure with its revenues than some of its competitors only counting on the future.
4. Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS)
Price momentum over the past year: 136.15%
Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and marketing therapies in Illinois. The core offerings of the company include Gvoke, Keveyis, and Recorlev, with a series of development programs to expand the approved uses of its commercialized products and the introduction of new ones through its proprietary technology platforms, XeriSol and XeriJect. Incepted in 2005, the company finds solutions to current medical problems through its innovative products and partnerships.
Just in, Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS) has received approval for its supplemental new drug application (sNDA) of Gvoke VialDx™ from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This has initiated a partnership with American Regent for commercialization in the U.S. While entering a growing procedural gastroenterology market, with 20 million gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures carried out annually, Xeris will be handling product supply. At the same time, American Regent will oversee the commercialization segment.
In the recent financials, Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS) announced a 20% plus revenue growth for thirteen consecutive quarters. The projection for 2025 is equally promising, with a growth of over 30% from the 2024 levels. This upward trend is mainly attributed to Recorlev, or as the company calls it, the “flagship product,” which has a small market of around 10 to 15 million patients per million in the United States, targeted by few. Steve Pieper, the CFO at Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS), made the following comment:
“Given our strong topline growth expectations, our healthy and improving gross margin profile, our disciplined expense management, and strong cash position, it is clear that Xeris will turn an important financial corner in 2025 that will position the company to execute on its priorities without the need to dilute shareholders”
All praise to the new management, 2024 was an unprecedented year of excellent commercial execution, robust pipeline development, and disciplined capital management. Moving to 2025, the company considers Recorlev and Gvoke to be its growth drivers, with demand rising above the 2024 figures. At this time, it is important to hold on to this stock.
3. Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN)
Price momentum over the past year: 214.91%
Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN) is a facilities-based technology and communications company specializing in a range of integrated products and services to target domestic and international markets. With two main segments, namely Business Segment and Mass Market Segment, the company provides communications, network services, security, cloud solutions, and managed services. It also deals in professional services and other ancillary services. The business operations of this Louisiana-based company span North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The company is committed to streaming innovation by connecting people, data, and apps to drive business growth.
In just a year, Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN) has witnessed a growth of over 200%. In its recent earnings call, the company aimed to become the “Backbone for the AI economy”, and this is what will drive its future success. The company considers this year to be the year of investments, with an emphasis on building a network based on AI.
Concerning this, the previous fiscal year was crucial to the company’s plans as it secured $8.5 billion in private connectivity deals with tech powerhouses like Google Cloud, Meta, AWS, and Microsoft. The company can also capitalize on these relationships to increase its offerings and build an image of a trusted network for AI workloads.
Another key development surrounding the company is its collaboration with OneVizion, which further reaffirms Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN)’s AI vision. This attempt to revolutionize the future of telecom infrastructure will allow a seamless deployment and lay the basis for the growth of AI-driven networks.
Based on the forecasts by CNN Business, Lumen Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LUMN) has a strong likelihood of outperforming the market, with a 12-month price target as high as $6.5, reflecting an upside of around 28%. As long as the company’s focus remains AI, we can conclude that the stock is worth the attention.
2. Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV)
Price momentum over the past year: 374.36%
Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) is a healthcare technology company that focuses on enhancing healthcare access to Medicare. It operates through a software platform, Clover Assistant, which is developed to aggregate patient data from across the healthcare systems to strengthen clinical decision-making and improve health outcomes by identifying and managing chronic diseases early. The Insurance segment of the company specializes in providing Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans to Medicare Advantage (MA) members. Headquartered in Tennessee, CLOV is on a mission to improve every life.
In this tech-centered world, weightage is given to those companies that incorporate innovative technologies in one way or the other. Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) is a company driven by high-tech solutions. As evident in its 2024 earnings, the company showcased decent revenue growth and improved cost management. While the margins are anticipated to decline this year, the strong performance during the Annual Election Period (AEP) is a silver lining. This rise in member count can potentially enhance the efficiency of Clover AI’s platform provided they have more health data.
Additionally, the management expects the Counterpart Assistant, its Saas offering, to make a financial impact from 2026 onwards. Given its low healthcare costs for new members and 4-star ratings, Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) will witness a financial boost in the coming year.
Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ:CLOV) is also making new waves in the market with its investments in the homecare program. In this program, Clover Assistant-powered care is extended directly in the homes of those with the highest risks. This will lead to fewer hospital visits by those members and thus lower care costs.
1. KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR)
Price momentum over the past year: 1073.33%
KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR) is a California-based company that develops and markets thermal management technologies for electronics and batteries, among other component applications. The core offerings of the company include cell checks, lithium-ion battery thermal runaway shields, automated battery cell screening and test systems, internal short circuit devices, and CRUX cathodes. The innovative technologies are leveraged mainly in electric vehicles, energy storage, cloud computing, 5G communication devices, and battery recycling transportation. Founded in 2013, the company claims to provide sustainable energy storage and thermal management solutions.
Ever since KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR) announced its strategic initiatives, the stock has gone up. In just a year, KULR witnessed a surge of over 1000%, a value that isn’t something ordinary.
Just recently, the company unveiled that a renowned private U.S. space company has secured its NASA-certified M35A battery cells for integration into their spaceflight program. These cells are already a part of KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR)’s 400-watt-hour K1 Space battery, due to be completed within the month of March, and scheduled for NASA safety board review soon after.
Similarly, last month KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR) disclosed a strategic partnership with Worksport Ltd. to advance battery technology and strengthen domestic manufacturing. With a focus on three areas: joint battery pack development, thermal runaway protection, and AI-integrated battery management system software design, the company is positioning itself to expand its revenue streams.
KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR), with the help of its partnerships, is set for growth in the years to come. A testament to this is the company’s recent price appreciation and collaboration with federal agencies. The company is now capitalizing on the demand for AI infrastructure, particularly with its potential involvement in the talk of the town, The Stargate project.
Overall, KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:KULR) ranks first on our list of the best stocks to buy for the stock market game. While we acknowledge the potential of KULR to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than KULR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
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