The micro-cap space provides excellent opportunities to those who are willing to take risks and emerge with amazing returns. While there are promising opportunities to be considered in the larger enterprises that are traded on major exchanges such as the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, there are also other, often neglected micro-cap companies, that offer great investment opportunities.
What Are Micro-cap Companies?
It’s all about portfolio diversification, you see. The greater the diversification of your portfolio, the more spread out the risks. Studies have shown that a portfolio that mixes various stock types is likely to yield much higher returns as compared to one that is only restricted to a single, usually large-cap stock. The risks too remain the same.
Micro-cap investments can help greatly diversify your portfolio. You won’t find detailed research from analysts though, which can complicate matters. Consequently, it takes more effort when it comes to analyzing small companies. However, investors can often get their hands on stock at much lower prices.
Micro-cap companies are the smaller firms that have market capitalizations varying from about $50 million to somewhere around $300 million. You’ll find them trading on Nasdaq or on the OTCBB (Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board).
One can find micro-cap equities using the Russell Microcap Index that surpassed the Russell 2000 small-cap and the S&P 500 large-cap indexes over the last 5 year period.
Factors to Consider
As with any other stock investments, you must do your own research and do it well. Furthermore, with a micro-cap firm, you need to ensure you look at the company’s income statements and the company management.
Consider the debt levels and the capital base. This will provide valuable insights into the company’s cash flow dynamics which will help you make the right decision when it comes to investing in micro-cap companies.
It is extremely important to understand the business strategy of the company as well as its business model. While financial results are important to consider, do not attach too much importance to those. Instead, strive to understand the company and its vision. Consider the uniqueness of the company’s products and services. How do they cater to their target audience?
It is also a great idea to track the Russell Micro-Cap Index and other such micro-cap indexes. Consult independent research organizations to know their views as well, for, this can offer invaluable insights into the market trends.
Most importantly, know that micro-cap investments can yield great returns but they will also need special due diligence on your part.