Small caps: Quality as a cornerstone
A look at how quality small-cap stocks may offer meaningful downside protection during market stress while delivering potentially compelling long-term returns.
The team’s high conviction, active approach has delivered outperformance over time, with strong risk-adjusted returns.*
Our global presence helps us make more holistic decisions; with an engaged U.S. team conducting hundreds of meetings per year.
Active approach focused on identifying quality small cap companies; and implementing our best ideas with conviction.
* Source: Aberdeen, As evidenced by our track record compared to the relevant benchmark
Adding U.S. small caps to a portfolio may help reduce volatility, as they have different market dynamics compared to other asset classes.
U.S. small cap companies are often at the forefront of new technologies and evolving trends, offering potential for higher returns.
With fewer analysts covering U.S. small cap companies, the asset class is ripe for an active management approach.
Chart 1. U.S. Small-Cap relative to U.S. Large-Cap forward price/earnings (PE) ratio
Source: FactSet, Bloomberg, abrdn, 31 December 2024. Past performance does not predict future returns. For illustrative purposes only. Projections are offered as opinion and are not reflective of potential performance. Projections are not guaranteed and actual events or results may differ materially. Note: Excluding negative earnings
Chart 2. U.S. Small-cap/U.S. Large-cap (1931 to 2024)
Source: Furey Research Partners, FactSet, 31 August 2024. Past performance does not predict future results
Chart 3. M&A activity accelerating in U.S. small caps
Source: FactSet, Bloomberg, FTSE Russell, Jefferies, June 2024 Note: Data is annual deals in the Russell 2000; 2024 is through December 31st 2024
Ticker: AFSC
Ticker: GSXAX