Microcaps are stocks that simply have low market capitalization. If you do some research you will find that that stocks with low market caps have outperformed the largest companies year after year.

Traders know that the best time to buy a company is when it’s small before every Wall Street analyst has a chance to promote it to the masses. Most large cap stocks go up an average of 10% a year, while the smaller caps go up 33% a year! And all stocks are risky so wouldn’t you rather take a risk for a bigger gain?

The downside to these stocks is that it is hard to find information on them. Many times here are no listing standards versus those stocks traded on the larger markets who have to meet minimum standards to remain listed. So that does add to the risk of trading micro cap stocks.  To help you pick the best microcap stocks you should consider the following:

1. What Are the Insiders Doing?
Check to see if the insiders are buying their own stock. It just makes sense that if insiders are selling, there might be trouble brewing. But, if insiders are buying more of their own stock, that’s a positive message about the company’s future.

2. Are the Stocks On Sale?
The best traders buy stocks on sale. The stock market is cyclical and just because a stock is down today doesn’t mean it’s not going to zoom up tomorrow. This method works whether you’re interested in long-term or short-term trades. If you have a good micro penny stock on your radar, don’t be fooled by what everyone else says or seems to be doing. The tiniest bit of bad news can change the crowds behavior. Don’t be part of the herd. Sheep get slaughtered.

3. Does the Company Have Confidence It Will Turn a Profit?
Check the company’s price-to-earnings ratio. Divide the current price per share by the earnings per share. The higher the number the more likely the company is to turn a profit.

4. Does the Company’s Book Value Make Sense?
You want a stock whose company’s market cap is less than their book value. A book value is the value of a company based on its profits as well as the value of everything it owns. The market value is what the market claims that the company is worth. If the book value is higher than the market value, your stocks are actually worth more than what you are paying for them.

5. Does this Company Look Like the Next Nutri System or Wal Mart?
In any market the key thing to remember is supply and demand. When you research your micro penny stocks look for a company that is about to become a household name. Micro penny stocks might be small but they tend to have higher growth rates and higher rates of return. That means that they have more room to expand and…and become well known.

Yes, micros are a risky investment but if you follow these tips and choose the right one to invest in you will find that the reward can be huge.