Why Investors Will 'Regret' Not Owning Small Caps in 2025
Thursday, Jan 9, 2025 11:06 am ET
5min read
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As we step into 2025, the investment landscape is shifting, and those who fail to adapt may find themselves left behind. One sector that's poised for significant growth and is often overlooked by investors is small-cap stocks. In this article, we'll explore why investors will 'egret' not owning small caps in 2025 and beyond.
Small-cap stocks are currently trading at their lowest price-to-book valuation relative to their large-cap counterparts in more than 25 years. The average stock in the S&P 500 trades for 4.7 times book value and more than 27 times earnings, while the average stock in the Russell 2000 small-cap index has a price-to-book multiple of just 2 and a P/E ratio of around 17. This valuation gap suggests that small-cap stocks are undervalued compared to their large-cap peers, presenting an attractive opportunity for investors.
The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts are another reason why small-cap stocks are well-positioned for growth in 2025. Small-cap companies tend to be more reliant on borrowed money, and falling interest rates make it cheaper for these companies to take on debt. This can improve their financial health and profitability, as they have to pay less in interest expenses. Additionally, as interest rates decrease, the appetite for riskier investments like stocks increases, driving capital inflows into the small-cap sector.
Moreover, the technology sector within small caps is particularly poised for significant growth in 2025. The booming Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector has driven triple- to quadruple-digit performance in the share prices of many small-cap technology stocks. For instance, AmpliTech Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AMPG) has seen its share prices soar by nearly 200 percent over the past five years and by 101.01 percent in the past 52 weeks, thanks to its involvement in the AI boom. Similarly, Quantum-Si Inc. (NASDAQ:QSI) and BigBear.ai Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BBAI) have also posted impressive gains, reflecting investors' confidence in the company's prospects.
Investors who overlook small-cap stocks in 2025 may miss out on significant growth opportunities. The combination of undervalued valuations, favorable interest rate environments, and strong performance in the technology sector makes a compelling case for investing in small caps. By diversifying their portfolios with small-cap stocks, investors can position themselves to benefit from the growth and potential outperformance of this often-overlooked sector.
In conclusion, investors who fail to recognize the attractive opportunities presented by small-cap stocks in 2025 may find themselves regretting their decision in the years to come. By embracing the growth potential of small caps, investors can build more diversified and resilient portfolios, better positioned to weather market fluctuations and capitalize on long-term trends.