3 penny stocks to buy now

This Fool takes a look at three penny stocks he would buy for their growth potential over the next few years as the economy reopens.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Stacks of coins

Image source: Getty Images

I am constantly combing the market for penny stocks to buy now that might have growth potential.

While investing in these small-cap stocks can be incredibly risky, some have gone on to generate tremendous returns for investors.

The strategy is not suitable for all investors, but I am comfortable with the level of risk involved. 

Here is a selection of penny stocks I would buy for my portfolio today based on their growth potential.

Stocks to buy now

With a market value of around £54m, Air Partner (LSE: AIR) is a market minnow. It is also one of the best penny stocks to buy now, in my opinion.

The aviation specialist’s primary line of business is private jet brokerage. However, it has been expanding into different markets in recent years. As part of this strategy, it recently acquired Kenyon, a world leader in emergency planning and incident response.

On top of this growth, the company has benefited from growing demand for private jets during the pandemic. As profits jumped last year, the group was able to nearly doubled its full-year dividend to 2.4p. The stock now offers a yield of 3.2%.

Unfortunately, as the global aviation business is incredibly cyclical, this yield is not guaranteed. Profits could slump next year, which may force management to reduce the dividend. 

Still, as Air Partner continues to invest for growth and return capital to shareholders, I would buy the equity for my portfolio of penny stocks. 

Pennys stocks on offer

As well as Air Partner, I would also buy Tullow Oil (LSE: TLW) and Enquest (LSE: ENQ). While both of these firms have market capitalisations of between £400m and £600m, they are still technically penny stocks. 

I would buy both stocks as recovery plays, although due to the risks of investing in oil equities, I would buy both to provide as much diversification as possible. 

Both Tullow and Enquest are independent oil explorers. That means they have far more exposure to oil prices than big oil firms. These tend to be more diversified with exposure to the oil transport, refining and chemicals markets. 

And as oil prices rise, these companies could be set to achieve windfall profits. According to Tullow’s latest trading update, the firm is on track to earn $0.4bn in pre-financing cash flow this year, assuming an oil price of $60 per barrel. The group also noted that this figure would rise by $50m if oil price averaged $70/bbl. At the time of writing, the price of oil is $72/bbl. 

Enquest has hedged its oil production with a $55/bbl floor and a ceiling of $64/bbl. This will cap the company’s profits, but with the price trading at the high-end of this range, the firm looks to be on track to outperform this year. 

I would acquire both of these penny stocks as it looks as if their profits will jump this year. Unfortunately, they are not without their risks. The oil price is back above $70, but it might not remain there for the rest of the year. Moreover, both companies have elevated debt levels. This could hold back their growth in the months and years ahead. 

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Two white male workmen working on site at an oil rig
Investing Articles

As oil prices soar, is it time to buy Shell shares?

Christopher Ruane weighs some pros and cons of adding Shell shares to his ISA -- and explains why the oil…

Read more »

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA for £6,751 passive income a year in 2046?

Let's say an investor wanted a passive income in 20 years' time. How much cash would need be built up…

Read more »

Smiling black woman showing e-ticket on smartphone to white male attendant at airport
Investing Articles

Why isn’t the IAG share price crashing?

Harvey Jones expected the IAG share price to take an absolute beating during current Middle East hostilities. So why is…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Growth Shares

1 UK share I’d consider buying and 1 I’d run away from on this market dip

In light of the recent stock market dip, Jon Smith outlines the various potential outcomes for a couple of different…

Read more »

Burst your bubble thumbtack and balloon background
Investing Articles

AI may look like a bubble. But what about Rolls-Royce shares?

Bubble talk has been centred on some AI stocks lately. But Christopher Ruane sees risks to Rolls-Royce shares in the…

Read more »

Black woman using smartphone at home, watching stock charts.
Investing Articles

Will the BAE Systems share price soar 13% by this time next year?

BAE Systems' share price continues to surge as the Middle East crisis worsens. Royston Wild asks if the FTSE 100…

Read more »

Portrait of pensive bearded senior looking on screen of laptop sitting at table with coffee cup.
Investing Articles

Is this a once-in-a-decade chance to bag a 9.9% yield from Taylor Wimpey shares?

Taylor Wimpey shares have been hit by a volatile share price and cuts to the dividend. Harvey Jones holds the…

Read more »

Chalkboard representation of risk versus reward on a pair of scales
Investing Articles

Way up – or way down? This FTSE 250 share could go either way

Can this FTSE 250 share turn its fortunes around? Or has its day passed? Our writer looks at both sides…

Read more »