Market’s Favorite Small Caps in January 2026: Orizon, Aura, and Vivara Dominate Analyst Picks
- Why Are Orizon, Aura, and Vivara the Top Picks?
- Orizon: Waste Management with a Growth Twist
- Aura Minerals: Golden Opportunities Ahead
- Vivara: A Gem in the Rough?
- The Full List of Recommended Small Caps
- Behind the Scenes: How the Rankings Were Compiled
- FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Orizon (ORVR3), Aura Minerals (AURA33), and Vivara (VIVA3). These companies topped the list of most-recommended small caps by market analysts this month, each appearing in four out of nine portfolios curated by major banks, brokerages, and research firms. Close behind are Inter (INBR32), Marcopolo (POMO4), Direcional (DIRR3), 3tentos (TTEN3), and Pague Menos (PGMN3), each securing three recommendations. Let’s dive into why these stocks are turning heads.
Why Are Orizon, Aura, and Vivara the Top Picks?
The Brazilian small-cap scene is buzzing with activity, and these three companies are leading the charge. Analysts are bullish on their growth potential, operational strengths, and resilience in a volatile market. Here’s a breakdown of what’s driving the hype.
Orizon: Waste Management with a Growth Twist
Santander highlights Orizon as a standout in waste management and valorization, praising its organic and inorganic growth potential. The sector remains underpenetrated by private players, with a significant portion of waste still ending up in landfills. Orizon’s recent acquisition of Vital—one of Brazil’s largest waste management firms—has further solidified its position. Analysts see this MOVE as a strategic win, opening doors to expansion in biogas, biomethane, carbon credits, and mechanized sorting plants. "This acquisition reinforces Orizon’s ambition to dominate the waste management ecosystem and tap into Brazil’s broader sanitation market," Santander notes.
Aura Minerals: Golden Opportunities Ahead
BTG Pactual remains bullish on Aura Minerals, citing its strong operational momentum and exposure to gold’s bullish trends. With two new assets expected to come online in 2026 and Gold prices holding firm, Aura is poised for a potential earnings doubling in the coming years. "The company’s consistent quarterly dividends, healthy balance sheet, and low leverage make it a compelling pick," BTG analysts add. For investors looking to diversify into precious metals, Aura offers a golden ticket.
Vivara: A Gem in the Rough?
Despite underperforming the Ibovespa in 2025, Vivara retains a spot in XP Investimentos’ small-cap portfolio. The jewelry retailer’s slump late last year was attributed to investor risk aversion amid political noise. However, XP points to Vivara’s impressive 73% year-to-date revenue growth and margin expansion as reasons to stay optimistic. "The recent dip is a buying opportunity for those who believe in the company’s long-term fundamentals," they suggest.
The Full List of Recommended Small Caps
Here’s a quick rundown of the most-recommended small caps this January:
| Company | Ticker | Number of Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Aura Minerals | AURA33 | 4 |
| Vivara | VIVA3 | 4 |
| Orizon | ORVR3 | 4 |
| Banco Inter | INBR32 | 3 |
| Marcopolo | POMO4 | 3 |
| Direcional | DIRR3 | 3 |
| 3Tentos | TTEN3 | 3 |
| Pague Menos | PGMN3 | 3 |
Behind the Scenes: How the Rankings Were Compiled
The rankings are based on small-cap portfolios published by nine institutions, including BTG Pactual, Santander, and XP Investimentos. In total, 50 stocks received 81 recommendations this month. While the market’s appetite for risk fluctuates, these picks reflect a blend of growth potential and defensive strengths—a combo that’s hard to ignore in today’s climate.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
What makes Orizon a top pick for 2026?
Orizon’s dominance in Brazil’s waste management sector, coupled with its strategic acquisitions and expansion into renewable energy verticals, positions it for long-term growth. Analysts see it as a key player in an underserved market.
Why is Aura Minerals favored despite gold’s volatility?
Gold’s role as a hedge against inflation and Aura’s low leverage make it a resilient bet. The company’s new assets and dividend payouts add to its appeal.
Should I be worried about Vivara’s recent underperformance?
Short-term dips often create buying opportunities. Vivara’s strong revenue growth and margin expansion suggest the stock could rebound as political uncertainties ease.
