From Mistake to Marketing Masterpiece
There has been much discussion on how Coca-Cola became so dominant. Could it be that it was all from a mistake?
DGHM & Co recently published a white paper, Microcaps: Value Uncovered. In the white paper, they illustrate that Microcaps have outperformed Large Caps since 1926.
DGHM & Co recently published a white paper, Microcaps: Value Uncovered. In the white paper, they illustrate that Microcaps have outperformed Large Caps since 1926 (+11.7% vs +9.4% annualized returns), and that microcap value stocks have greatly outperformed (16.1% annualized return) during this time period. The report also offers statistics on microcap sell side coverage, ROE, insider ownership, geographic exposure, debt to ebitda, and volatility when compared to private equity and other market cap classes.
I think we’ve all felt that the last several years have been difficult for microcap investors. Microcaps have in fact underperformed large caps since 2009 and are below historical averages when comparing return spreads and price to book spreads (see below):
The fall off of microcap performance in 2009 also correlates with the huge capital inflows into private equity and venture capital. Microcaps are setting up for a resurgence as they offer greater value with less risk.
“High returns, or the expectation of future high returns, tends to attract capital. This can lead to too much capital chasing too few solid ideas. The private equity and venture space has attracted fantastic amounts of capital since 2009: Fund flows show that global private equity has raised over $800 billion on a net basis since 2009, compared to net outflows of $2 billion for US actively managed microcap mutual funds. According to Preqin, the number of private equity funds has steadily increased over time, rising from 1,145 funds in 2013 to 1,684 through the first quarter of 2016, which represents a 47% increase. These funds have an aggregated $775 billion in dry powder—an all-time high. We find it difficult to believe this amount of capital can be deployed at anywhere near historical reported returns.”
I agree with their conclusion: Microcap investing offers compelling returns for the long-term investor well in excess of large-cap returns because microcaps are an underfollowed and less efficient asset class. Many of these companies take an entrepreneurial and dynamic approach to managing and growing their businesses. Microcaps are not without risk, of course, as they typically have less liquidity which leads to higher volatility. Overlaying microcaps with a value-quality tilt significantly improves these returns and reduces risk. Further, given their inefficiency and limited coverage, this asset class is ripe for active management. Microcaps also enjoy higher insider ownership, greater exposure to the domestic economy, and increased M&A activity relative to larger stocks. Microcap investing presents a viable alternative to private equity investing given its increased relative liquidity, unlevered return profiles, more reliable performance metrics, and much lower fees. Microcaps are an exciting place to invest and have proven themselves as a viable asset class that can add significant value to an investor’s portfolio over the long run.
If you enjoyed this white paper, you’ll also enjoy It’s Time to Change Your Perception of Microcaps.
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There has been much discussion on how Coca-Cola became so dominant. Could it be that it was all from a mistake?
In 2000, Intuitive surgical raised $46 million in its IPO. In 2001, ISRG hit a low of $131 million market cap, and today is a $70 billion market cap. ISRG stock has risen 9,800% since its IPO.
An alternative lesson to draw from his study is that microcaps are fine but nanocaps are the ticket to wealth; you just have to be poor enough to buy them.