Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street. Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.
The downside that can come from buying these securities is precisely why we started StockStory - to isolate the long-term winners from the losers so you can invest with confidence. Keeping that in mind, here is one small-cap stock that could amplify your portfolio’s returns and two best left ignored.
Two Small-Cap Stocks to Sell:
Advanced Drainage (WMS)
Market Cap: $8.63 billion
Originally started as a farm water drainage company, Advanced Drainage Systems (NYSE: WMS) provides clean water management solutions to communities across America.
Why Do We Think Twice About WMS?
- Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 3.1% annually over the last two years
- Earnings growth over the last two years fell short of the peer group average as its EPS only increased by 1.7% annually
- 8.2 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
Advanced Drainage’s stock price of $111.21 implies a valuation ratio of 17x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including WMS in your portfolio.
Corcept (CORT)
Market Cap: $7.47 billion
Focusing on the powerful stress hormone that affects everything from metabolism to immune function, Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CORT) develops and markets medications that modulate cortisol to treat endocrine disorders, cancer, and neurological diseases.
Why Are We Cautious About CORT?
- Smaller revenue base of $685.4 million means it hasn’t achieved the economies of scale that some industry juggernauts enjoy
- Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last five years as its adjusted operating margin fell by 16.2 percentage points
- 16.1 percentage point decline in its free cash flow margin over the last five years reflects the company’s increased investments to defend its market position
Corcept is trading at $71.17 per share, or 34.9x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why CORT doesn’t pass our bar.
One Small-Cap Stock to Watch:
Armstrong World (AWI)
Market Cap: $6.48 billion
Started as a two-man shop dating back to the 1860s, Armstrong (NYSE: AWI) provides ceiling and wall products to commercial and residential spaces.
Why Could AWI Be a Winner?
- Annual revenue growth of 9.2% over the last two years beat the sector average and underscores the unique value of its offerings
- Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 24.6% operating margin
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
At $149.19 per share, Armstrong World trades at 20.8x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
Stocks That Overcame Trump’s 2018 Tariffs
Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.
While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years.
Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Comfort Systems (+751% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.
