We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Micro Cap Stocks to Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFCR) stands against the other micro cap stocks.
Just as we overlook loose change, micro-cap stocks are often ignored for larger, more dominant enterprises. Investors trying to play safe ignore the fact that every strong stock was once a micro-cap stock. This niche segment of the market offers higher risk and, if successful, higher returns, particularly present in emerging industries where there is potential to outperform peers.
This leads us to the basic definition of micro capitalization — stocks are considered micro-cap if the market capitalization of publicly traded companies is less than $250 million. Few analysts and institutions cover these stocks, and mainly operate under the radar. The basic features involve earlier stages of development, more volatility, and significant liquidity constraints. Best suited for investors with high tolerance, these stocks are vulnerable to market manipulation, debt levels, price swings, and greater regulation and legislation. So, one might ask: what’s in it for me?
With the Russell small-cap index soaring last year, mega-cap stocks mainly stayed behind the scenes. Various studies highlight that micro-cap stocks generate additional shareholder value, even after making risk adjustments. Apart from the 2007-08 financial crisis, micro- or small-cap stocks have generally outperformed large-cap stocks. A report by Oberweis Asset Management outlines that micro-caps generate higher returns than small-cap stocks as they behave differently from other asset classes, particularly when coming out of economic stagnation.
Most analysts have a positive stance on investing in these small stocks with big returns. For instance, Saxo Group, in their article on micro-cap stock made the following comment:
“Micro-cap stocks can provide substantial upside because they represent companies in the earlier stages of development. With fewer investors, micro-caps have greater room to grow as they expand operations and gain recognition in their industry.”
Underestimating these stocks results in a missed opportunity and is reflected in an old saying: “A day late and a dollar short.” It is essential to realize the potential of these stocks to fully capitalize on the company’s revenue growth.
The advocacy for micro-cap stocks is stronger now more than ever, with monetary policy easing, Trump’s pro-business approach facilitating mergers and acquisitions, attractive valuations, and reshoring trends.
Boston Partners, in their white paper, wrote:
“Historical analysis shows that over time, actively managed, value-oriented micro-cap funds tend to outperform private equity.”
Thus, with low price valuations by the investors, these stocks will continue to offer returns that surpass the returns from private equity fund investments. In view of this, we will take a look at some of the best micro cap stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology
In this article, we have considered the 10 best microcap picks, arranged in ascending order according to their market capitalization, that have the potential for growth, given the market potential and successful mergers and acquisitions. Spread across a range of industries, from biopharma to AI, these stocks have a story to tell. The companies listed are mostly in their early stages of development, so they have upside potential. Although price volatility is high, these micro-cap stocks extend opportunities to investors willing to accept greater uncertainty for growth prospects. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of their market cap, as of March 4, 2025.
At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with hedge funds. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A village pharmacist fulfilling a patient’s medication prescription in a rural area.
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFCR)
Market Capitalization: $216.783 million
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFCR) is a U.S.-based integrated contract development and manufacturing organization. The company specializes in the manufacturing of injectable grade sodium hyaluronate (HA), and syringes and vials for injectable products used in medical procedures, along with various services like technology development, formulation development, and stability studies. As a partner for global biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, Lifecore has served over 40 years in bringing innovations to the market. LFCR is one of the best micro-cap stocks.
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFCR)’s participation in investor and industry conferences isn’t something that is hidden. There has been a considerable rise in the management’s references to a clear potential to capture fresh deals for not only existing drugs but also collaborations with a multinational company. One such potential is Alcon Inc., LFCR’s largest client, which seems to be past its destocking phase, ready to kick in 2027.
Just recently, the biopharma innovator announced its agreement with a non-competitive buyer for the company’s multi-purpose 10-head isolator filler. With an initial receipt of $7 million at closing, Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFCR) expects to receive the remaining $10 million in three tranches. The purchase and installation of a new high-speed, multi-purpose 5-head isolator filler is a step forward to double the available capacity.
According to the analysts at Fintel, while the average one-year price target for Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFCR) is $8, the stock price could surge to $10.50. Moreover, the EBITDA margins are expected to rise from 15% to 25%+. For investors seeking to capitalize on stocks within the rapidly growing health sector, LFCR is a decent choice.
Overall LFCR ranks 2nd on our list of the best micro-cap stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential for LFCR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LFCR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stock To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.