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The first half of 2026 could be very tough for certain stocks …
In fact, our research shows the current volatility is just a preview …
Because what's coming in 2026 could be much worse.
Specifically, a radical shift is about to hit the market …
And it could send some of America's most popular stocks crashing down even further.
We've identified five stocks you should absolutely avoid as this event plays out …
You'll want to see this list …
And make sure you don't own any of these stocks before January 2026 …
Because if you hold on to them — it could mean financial ruin.
To find out more about this incoming market shift …
Including the list of five stocks you must absolutely avoid …
Click here now — before it's too late.
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Eliza Lasky,
Weiss Advocate
Small-Cap Standouts: These 3 Stocks Rose Over 300% in 2025
Author: Leo Miller. Date Posted: 1/3/2026.
In Brief
- While small caps as a whole generated lower returns than large caps in 2025, three interesting names bucked this narrative.
- A cancer screening company and two satellite operators saw their shares rise 300% or more.
- See where analysts are forecasting upside and understand vital considerations pertaining to smaller stocks.
In 2025, small-cap stocks underperformed large caps. The Russell 2000 Index, which tracks 2,000 U.S. small-cap stocks, returned about 13% for the year — well below the S&P 500 Index's roughly 18% total return.
Despite the broader underperformance, three names stood out with exceptional gains in 2025. Below, we highlight three stocks that rose by 300% or more. This analysis focuses on companies that began 2025 as small caps but, because of their stellar gains, have since moved into mid-cap territory.
GRAL Catapults on Early Cancer Detection Enthusiasm
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Healthcare stock GRAIL (NASDAQ: GRAL) climbed roughly 380% in 2025, with market capitalization rising from well under $1 billion to about $3.3 billion. The company's primary product is the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test.
Early detection markedly improves cancer survival rates, which has driven investor interest in Galleri. Only about five cancers have standardized screening programs today, yet roughly 70% of cancer deaths arise from other types. Galleri is designed to detect more than 50 cancers. In a recent study, GRAIL reported that adding Galleri to traditional screening increased early detection more than sevenfold.
Currently, most Galleri sales are out-of-pocket. GRAIL expects to apply for Premarket Approval (PMA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the first quarter of 2026; approval would substantially increase the likelihood that commercial insurers cover the test and could open a large new sales channel. That potential approval is a key reason investors are excited about the company.
The MarketBeat consensus price target of $97.50 reflects analyst optimism and implies roughly 14% upside from current levels.
PL Blasts Off, Combining AI with Geospatial Imagery
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) enjoyed a massive 2025, with shares rising just under 390%. Planet operates hundreds of satellites that capture medium- to high-resolution images of Earth and pairs that imagery with artificial intelligence to help customers make better decisions. The company primarily sells subscriptions to its cloud-based platform and related satellite services.
Demand has emerged, particularly from government customers. Its Dec. 10 earnings report drove a one-day 35% jump in the stock, with defense and intelligence revenue up more than 70%. Planet held a backlog of roughly $735 million — about 2.6 times its trailing 12 months revenue of $282 million — signaling meaningful growth potential. The company also reported positive free cash flow for the second consecutive quarter.
The MarketBeat consensus price target of $14.74 implies about 25% downside. However, the average of targets updated after the recent earnings report is $18.19, which suggests roughly 7.7% downside. Planet Labs is worth watching; a significant pullback could create a more attractive entry point.
Updated Targets Eye Strong Upside in VSAT After Huge 2025 Run
Finally, Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) gained roughly 305% in 2025 and now has a market capitalization near $4.7 billion. Like Planet, Viasat is a satellite-focused company, but it concentrates on internet and data connectivity for aviation, maritime and government customers rather than primarily targeting consumer-facing telecom operators such as AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS).
The company provides in-flight wireless connectivity to thousands of commercial and business aircraft. The U.S. government was Viasat's largest customer in fiscal 2025, accounting for 18% of revenue; the company is currently in fiscal 2026. Revenues grew just 2% last quarter, but contract awards rose 17% to nearly $1.5 billion and backlog climbed to almost $3.9 billion.
The MarketBeat consensus price target of $32.75 implies about 5% downside. However, analyst targets updated after the Nov. 7 earnings report average $49, implying roughly 37% upside.
GRAL, PL, VSAT: Deep Research Is Paramount
GRAL, PL and VSAT delivered remarkable returns in 2025. While these gains are exciting, investors should remember that smaller, high-momentum stocks can be highly volatile. Confidence in a company's long-term fundamentals — supported by thorough due diligence — is crucial before adding such names to a portfolio.
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