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Small wonder: the case for global small cap

Introduction

Higher interest rates and the spectre of recession mean the outlook for equities is uncertain. Such an environment is seen as particularly difficult for smaller companies, which are typically more economically sensitive. However, the small cap market offers exposure to quality global companies with diverse earnings drivers and potential for resilience. With a hugely concentrated large cap market and smaller companies trading at historically low prices, the asset class can provide a great opportunity for portfolio diversification at a compelling price.

A great asset class

Small caps are the vast number of publicly listed companies whose total market value is typically between US$250 million to US$10 billion 1 each. The sheer size of this universe means there is less analyst coverage and information about stocks can be scarce, making it a less efficient market. But as active, well-resourced investors, we think it is a great asset class in which to find brilliant businesses that offer a differentiated alpha opportunity.

Small caps are inherently riskier than large caps. Their smaller size means limited liquidity. They are often more economically sensitive and may rely on borrowing to fund their growth. They can also be perceived as immature businesses, untested over economic cycles. All of which means they are more susceptible to price volatility. As a higher-beta asset class, small caps tend to decline further during periods of uncertainty but bounce back strongly out of downturns and typically surpass the recovery pace of large caps (Figure 1).

Figure 1: smaller company outperformance over the long term
smaller company outperformance

Source: Bloomberg, MSCI World Large Cap Index and MSCI World Small Cap Index. Based on gross
total return indices in USD, 31 December 1998 to 31 December 2023. 

Take the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, for example. As lockdowns took hold, small companies were hit harder than their larger counterparts, dropping by around 40% in the depths of the drawdown compared to 33% for large caps. But as lockdown pressures eased and business and consumer spending increased, we saw renewed interest in the asset class and the rebound was more pronounced. Both asset classes closed 2020 up circa 16.5%.2

Going global

There is an assumption that small companies generally have a domestic focus. Any fluctuations in regional economic or political outlook will affect small caps to a greater extent. Even though a company’s domicile doesn’t dictate the quality of its business, nor does it convey where it makes its money, the share price can get swept up in the regional market sentiment.

Investing globally reduces your exposure to a single or narrow group of equity markets, allowing investors to capture the excess return potential of a broader set of small cap opportunities, many of which are global businesses. Indeed, over the past 25 years the risk-adjusted return from global smaller companies is higher than that from individual regions (Figure 2).

Figure 2: risk-adjusted returns by region
World
North America
Europe ex Uk
UK
Asia ex Japan
Japan
Risk-adjusted return

0.5

0.45

0.4

0.34

0.34

0.32

Source: Bloomberg, 31 December 2023. Data taken from MSCI World Small Cap, MSCI North America Small Cap, MSCI UK Small Cap, MSCI Europe ex UK Small Cap, MSCI Asia ex Japan Small Cap and MSCI Japan Small Cap. Based on gross total return indices in USD, 31 December 2003 to 31 December 2023. Risk-adjusted return = annualised return/volatility.

The valuation opportunity

In 2022, as concerns over inflation, interest rates and war gripped markets, the MSCI World Small Cap and MSCI World Large Cap indices were down by comparable amounts. Yet 2023’s recovery was much more pronounced towards the top of the market cap spectrum.

Investors often allocate to small caps when their outlook for growth becomes more positive. However, with persistently higher inflation, tighter global monetary policy and recession still a possibility, the asset class fell out of favour. In this environment managing a business will be tough, particularly a small one, and the average company’s earnings may come under pressure.

At the same time, the market was in thrall to a handful of structural themes, most notably artificial intelligence (AI) but also the GLP-13 opportunity. Larger companies seemingly offered a compelling mix of stability and growth.

The outcome is that small caps currently trade at a discount to both their own history and their historical premium to large caps (Figure 3).

Figure 3: forward price/earnings, MSCI World Small Cap versus MSCI World
forward price_earnings

Source: Bloomberg. Forward P/E (MSCI World Small Cap versus MSCI World). February 2009 to December 2023.

There is a clear-cut valuation opportunity. The question is how best to take advantage of that discount?

Quality versus value

A cheap valuation should not be the only trigger for investment. Small companies often take advantage of shorter duration financing to support their growth – assuming they have access to credit. Following last year’s regional banking crisis in the US, small business lending has been contracting. And, of course, any deterioration in economic sentiment stands to have an impact. For many businesses it is quite possible that this discount is warranted.

For this reason, we believe the time for investing in quality small cap stocks is now. Quality companies tend to have relatively low gearing and strong balance sheets, so should be less affected by the need to refinance debt at higher rates. They are usually cash generative and should be better placed to ride out any downturn. This supported them during the early stages of the pandemic and should ensure they are better placed in an economic slowdown. Additionally, many have pricing power which provides resilience in inflationary times.

Many also stand to benefit from the same structural opportunities that are present in large cap. It could be the growth in AI, innovation in healthcare or addressing the climate crisis, both cause and impact. Small companies are often the enablers, providing the mission-critical products or services embedded in their customers’ processes.

It is in that quality cohort where some of the most compelling opportunities can be found. 2022’s valuation reset saw investors switch out of more expensive growth holdings in favour of cheaper stocks, energy-exposed companies or those perceived as defensive. Little attention was paid to the fundamental quality of companies. Those trading at a premium to the market – as high-quality companies typically do – were hit hardest during the valuation reset.

At first glance, some of these companies may not seem “cheap” compared to the broader market, for example based on a simple price-earnings multiple. However, the consistent, compounding nature of their earnings means they remain cheap relative to their intrinsic value. They are proven businesses with strong cash flows and should be able to support a higher interest rate environment.

For many of those quality companies that sold off, the investment opportunity is still intact. We now have a compelling entry point for active investors at prices cheaper than they previously were.

In a nutshell

Given the macroeconomic backdrop, quality is arguably the best way to get exposure to small cap companies. 2022’s valuation reset and the dominance of large cap in 2023 means many high-quality small caps are trading at cheaper prices. A global approach also makes sense in this environment, as it means less dependence on the strength of particular economies.

With the large cap market having been so concentrated in a handful of names, a small cap allocation provides useful diversification not only by market cap but also by region and sector. The global small cap universe is large and there is significant dispersion in the types and quality of businesses within it. For the well-resourced investor it offers an opportunity for truly differentiated returns.

5 February 2024
Andrew Harvie
Andrew Harvie
Senior Client Portfolio Manager, Global Equities
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Small wonder: the case for global small cap

1 This is Columbia Threadneedle Investments’ interpretation of the size of the global small cap universe based on the size and construction of the MSCI World Small Cap Index.
2 Bloomberg, MSCI World Large Cap Index and MSCI World Small Cap Index, gross total return indices, 31 December 2019 to 23 March 2023.
3 Glucagon-like peptide 1 – weight loss medication.

Important Information

For use by professional clients and/or equivalent investor types in your jurisdiction (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). For marketing purposes.

 

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered representative of any particular investment. This should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Your capital is at risk. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The value of investments is not guaranteed, and therefore an investor may not get back the amount invested. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency fluctuations and different financial and accounting standards. The securities included herein are for illustrative purposes only, subject to change and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell. Securities discussed may or may not prove profitable. The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Columbia Threadneedle and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This document and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority.

 

In Australia: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited [“TIS”], ARBN 600 027 414. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and relies on Class Order 03/1102 in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia. This document should only be distributed in Australia to “wholesale clients” as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act. TIS is regulated in Singapore (Registration number: 201101559W) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.

 

In Singapore: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited, 3 Killiney Road, #07-07, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519, which is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289). Registration number: 201101559W. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services Hong Kong Limited 天利投資管理香港有限公司. Unit 3004, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong, which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) to conduct Type 1 regulated activities (CE:AQA779). Registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622), No. 1173058.

 

In Japan: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Investments Japan Co., Ltd. Financial Instruments Business Operator, The Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No.3281, and a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

 

In the UK: Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited, No. 573204 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, No. 517895, both registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In the EEA: Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), No. B 110242 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, an unregulated Swiss firm or Columbia Threadneedle Management (Swiss) GmbH, acting as representative office of Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For Distributors: This document is intended to provide distributors with information about Group products and services and is not for further distribution. For Institutional Clients: The information in this document is not intended as financial advice and is only intended for persons with appropriate investment knowledge and who meet the regulatory criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparties and no other Person should act upon it.

 

This document may be made available to you by an affiliated company which is part of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments group of companies: Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited in the UK; Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.
columbiathreadneedle.com

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Important Information

For use by professional clients and/or equivalent investor types in your jurisdiction (not to be used with or passed on to retail clients). For marketing purposes.

 

This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered representative of any particular investment. This should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments, or to provide investment advice or services. Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Your capital is at risk. Market risk may affect a single issuer, sector of the economy, industry or the market as a whole. The value of investments is not guaranteed, and therefore an investor may not get back the amount invested. International investing involves certain risks and volatility due to potential political, economic or currency fluctuations and different financial and accounting standards. The securities included herein are for illustrative purposes only, subject to change and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell. Securities discussed may or may not prove profitable. The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Columbia Threadneedle and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. This document and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority.

 

In Australia: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited [“TIS”], ARBN 600 027 414. TIS is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and relies on Class Order 03/1102 in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia. This document should only be distributed in Australia to “wholesale clients” as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act. TIS is regulated in Singapore (Registration number: 201101559W) by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), which differ from Australian laws.

 

In Singapore: Issued by Threadneedle Investments Singapore (Pte.) Limited, 3 Killiney Road, #07-07, Winsland House 1, Singapore 239519, which is regulated in Singapore by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289). Registration number: 201101559W. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

In Hong Kong: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services Hong Kong Limited 天利投資管理香港有限公司. Unit 3004, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Hong Kong, which is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) to conduct Type 1 regulated activities (CE:AQA779). Registered in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622), No. 1173058.

 

In Japan: Issued by Columbia Threadneedle Investments Japan Co., Ltd. Financial Instruments Business Operator, The Director-General of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (FIBO) No.3281, and a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

 

In the UK: Issued by Threadneedle Asset Management Limited, No. 573204 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, No. 517895, both registered in England and Wales and authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

In the EEA: Issued by Threadneedle Management Luxembourg S.A., registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), No. B 110242 and/or Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

In Switzerland: Issued by Threadneedle Portfolio Services AG, an unregulated Swiss firm or Columbia Threadneedle Management (Swiss) GmbH, acting as representative office of Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

 

In the Middle East: This document is distributed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments (ME) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). For Distributors: This document is intended to provide distributors with information about Group products and services and is not for further distribution. For Institutional Clients: The information in this document is not intended as financial advice and is only intended for persons with appropriate investment knowledge and who meet the regulatory criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparties and no other Person should act upon it.

 

This document may be made available to you by an affiliated company which is part of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments group of companies: Columbia Threadneedle Management Limited in the UK; Columbia Threadneedle Netherlands B.V., regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), registered No. 08068841.

 

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.
columbiathreadneedle.com

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