As February 2026 begins, major U.S. stock indexes have shown strong performance, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average adding 515 points and the S&P 500 nearing a record close. For investors looking beyond well-known stocks, penny stocks—typically representing smaller or newer companies—remain an intriguing area of exploration. Though often seen as a relic of past market trends, these stocks can offer unique growth opportunities when backed by solid financials and resilient balance sheets.