RBC Capital Markets Likes These 13 Small-Cap Stocks for Your 2016 Portfolio

Since this summer's market low, small-cap stocks have been outperforming large cap stocks and where it is most evident is in growth and value stocks.

Small caps have delivered 272% total return compared to a total return of 218% for large-cap stocks, RBC Capital Markets' Chief Equity Strategist Jonathan Golub wrote in a note to clients. RBC Capital Markets is a unit of Royal Bank of Canada.

"Small cap companies are expected to deliver faster relative earnings growth (14.0% vs. 6.8%) over the next year," Golub wrote. "This trend is quite broad-based, playing out in 9 of 10 sectors. However, the group only trades at a slight premium (18.2x vs. 16.4x), making it particularly attractive on a PEG basis."

Given the current environment, investors should lean towards investing in "secular and stable growth stocks," Golub wrote in the Nov. 30 note.

The list of stocks below are companies with "persistently strong top-line growth and improving fundamentals, based solely on quantitative criteria," the analyst said. The group is paired with ratings from TheStreet Ratings, TheStreet's proprietary ratings tool, for another perspective.

TheStreet Ratings uses a quantitative approach to rating over 4,300 stocks to predict return potential for the next year. The model is both objective, using elements such as volatility of past operating revenues, financial strength, and company cash flows, and subjective, including expected equity market returns, future interest rates, implied industry outlook and forecasted company earnings.

Buying an S&P 500 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a buy yielded a 16.56% return in 2014, beating the S&P 500 Total Return Index by 304 basis points. Buying a Russell 2000 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a buy yielded a 9.5% return in 2014, beating the Russell 2000 index, including dividends reinvested, by 460 basis points last year.

Note: Year-to-date returns are based on Nov. 30 closing prices.

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13. M/I Homes Inc. (MHO - Get Report) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Homebuilding
Market Cap: $584 million
Year-to-date return: 1.7%

M/I Homes, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a builder of single-family homes in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas, the United States.

2014 Revenue Growth: 17.2%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 13.1%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 21.1%
3-Month EPS Change: 2.8%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates M/I HOMES INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate M/I HOMES INC (MHO) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, attractive valuation levels and solid stock price performance. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including generally higher debt management risk, disappointing return on equity and weak operating cash flow.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• MHO's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 9.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 9.9%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• After a year of stock price fluctuations, the net result is that MHO's price has not changed very much. Although its weak earnings growth may have played a role in this flat result, don't lose sight of the fact that the performance of the overall market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, was essentially similar. Despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year, there is currently no conclusive evidence that warrants the purchase or sale of this stock.
• The debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05 is relatively high when compared with the industry average, suggesting a need for better debt level management.
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. In comparison to the other companies in the Household Durables industry and the overall market, M/I HOMES INC's return on equity is significantly below that of the industry average and is below that of the S&P 500.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: MHO

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12. Universal Electronics Inc. (UEIC - Get Report) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Consumer Electronics
Market Cap: $766 million
Year-to-date return: -18.5%

Universal Electronics Inc. develops and manufactures pre-programmed universal wireless remote control products, audio-video accessories, and software for home entertainment systems.

2014 Revenue Growth: 6.2%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 7.5%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 7.2%
3-Month EPS Change: 3%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC (UEIC) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, good cash flow from operations and notable return on equity. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 9.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 8.6%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC's earnings per share declined by 39.7% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC increased its bottom line by earning $2.02 versus $1.47 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.73 versus $2.02).
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $16.59 million or 13.95% when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow of 13.95%, UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC is still growing at a significantly lower rate than the industry average of 163.07%.
• The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. In comparison to the other companies in the Household Durables industry and the overall market, UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC's return on equity is significantly below that of the industry average and is below that of the S&P 500.
• The gross profit margin for UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC is currently lower than what is desirable, coming in at 29.08%. It has decreased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 3.90% trails that of the industry average.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: UEIC

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11. PGT Inc. (PGTI - Get Report) Industry: Industrials/Building Products
Market Cap: $555 million
Year-to-date return: 15.5%

PGT, Inc. manufactures and supplies residential impact-resistant windows and doors in the Southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast, Coastal mid-Atlantic, the Caribbean, Central America, and Canada.

2014 Revenue Growth: 28%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 26.3%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 10.3%
3-Month EPS Change: 4.5%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates PGT INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate PGT INC (PGTI) a BUY. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, solid stock price performance, reasonable valuation levels, compelling growth in net income and good cash flow from operations. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 6.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 30.2%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• Looking at where the stock is today compared to one year ago, we find that it is not only higher, but it has also clearly outperformed the rise in the S&P 500 over the same period. Although other factors naturally played a role, the company's strong earnings growth was key. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year.
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Building Products industry. The net income increased by 172.2% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $2.33 million to $6.35 million.
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $11.74 million or 33.37% when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow, PGT INC's cash flow growth rate is still lower than the industry average growth rate of 46.50%.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: PGTI

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10. MiMedx Group Inc. (MDXG) Industry: Biotechnology
Market Cap: $945 million
Year-to-date return: -22.3%

MiMedx Group, Inc. develops, processes, and markets patent protected regenerative biomaterial products and bioimplants processed from human amniotic membrane.

2014 Revenue Growth: 99.8%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 58.2%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 29.4%
3-Month EPS Change: 4.9%

TheStreet Said: no rating available

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9. Constant Contact Inc. (CTCT - Get Report) Industry: Technology/Internet Software & Services
Market Cap: $1 billion
Year-to-date return: -14.7%

Constant Contact, Inc. provides online marketing tools that are designed for small businesses, nonprofits, and associations worldwide. It offers all-in-one online marketing platform for small organizations to drive repeat business and find new customer2014.

Revenue Growth: 16.2%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 11.7%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 12%
3-Month EPS Change: 5.6%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates CONSTANT CONTACT INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate CONSTANT CONTACT INC (CTCT) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its impressive record of earnings per share growth, revenue growth and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and weak operating cash flow.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• CONSTANT CONTACT INC has improved earnings per share by 18.8% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. This trend suggests that the performance of the business is improving. During the past fiscal year, CONSTANT CONTACT INC increased its bottom line by earning $0.44 versus $0.23 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($1.31 versus $0.44).
• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 15.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 10.0%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• The gross profit margin for CONSTANT CONTACT INC is currently very high, coming in at 80.04%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Despite the strong results of the gross profit margin, CTCT's net profit margin of 6.96% significantly trails the industry average.
• Net operating cash flow has decreased to $14.30 million or 22.06% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing the cash generation rate to the industry average, the firm's growth is significantly lower.
• CTCT has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 7.72% from its price level of one year ago. Looking ahead, we do not see anything in this company's numbers that would change the one-year trend. It was down over the last twelve months; and it could be down again in the next twelve. Naturally, a bull or bear market could sway the movement of this stock.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: CTCT

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8. KapStone Paper & Packaging Corp. (KS) Industry: Materials/Paper Products
Market Cap: $2.4 billion
Year-to-date return: -17.2%

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation manufactures and sells containerboards, corrugated products, and specialty paper products in the United States and internationally.

Revenue Growth: 31.6%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 22.7%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 18.6%
3-Month EPS Change: 6%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates KAPSTONE PAPER & PACKAGING as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate KAPSTONE PAPER & PACKAGING (KS) a BUY. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, good cash flow from operations and notable return on equity. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 11.9%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 35.0%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• Net operating cash flow has slightly increased to $104.06 million or 6.84% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -28.35%.
• Current return on equity is lower than its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of weakness within the company. Compared to other companies in the Paper & Forest Products industry and the overall market, KAPSTONE PAPER & PACKAGING's return on equity exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
• KAPSTONE PAPER & PACKAGING's earnings per share declined by 37.5% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. We feel it is likely to report a decline in earnings in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, KAPSTONE PAPER & PACKAGING increased its bottom line by earning $1.77 versus $1.32 in the prior year. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 6.8% in earnings ($1.65 versus $1.77).
• The change in net income from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Paper & Forest Products industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income has significantly decreased by 37.0% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $54.25 million to $34.21 million.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: KS

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7. comScore Inc. (SCOR) Industry: Technology/Internet Software & Services
Market Cap: $1.7 billion
Year-to-date return: -9.3%

comScore, Inc. provides digital media analytics products and services for content publishers, advertisers, advertising agencies, and network operators primarily in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Revenue Growth: 14.7%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 12.7%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 11.4%
3-Month EPS Change: 6.2%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates COMSCORE INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate COMSCORE INC (SCOR) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its increase in net income, revenue growth and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that we feel that the company's cash flow from its operations has been weak overall.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Internet Software & Services industry. The net income increased by 129.5% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from -$3.26 million to $0.96 million.
• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 15.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 12.5%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share.
• COMSCORE INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. We feel it is likely to report a decline in earnings in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, COMSCORE INC reported poor results of -$0.29 versus -$0.07 in the prior year. This year, the market expects earnings to be in line with last year (-$0.29 versus -$0.29).
• The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Internet Software & Services industry and the overall market, COMSCORE INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
• Net operating cash flow has decreased to $7.33 million or 46.42% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing the cash generation rate to the industry average, the firm's growth is significantly lower.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: SCOR

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6. Sagent Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SGNT) Industry: Health Care/Pharmaceuticals
Market Cap: $493 million
Year-to-date return: -39%

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, sources, manufactures, and markets pharmaceutical products, principally injectable-based generic equivalents to branded products in North America.

Revenue Growth: 18.4%

2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 8.5%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 14.2%
3-Month EPS Change: 8.5%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates SAGENT PHARMACEUTICALS INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate SAGENT PHARMACEUTICALS INC (SGNT) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and reasonable valuation levels. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including unimpressive growth in net income, weak operating cash flow and a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 3.3%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 15.1%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• SGNT's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.01 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with the favorable debt-to-equity ratio, the company maintains an adequate quick ratio of 1.30, which illustrates the ability to avoid short-term cash problems.
• 35.95% is the gross profit margin for SAGENT PHARMACEUTICALS INC which we consider to be strong. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Regardless of the strong results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of -2.38% is in-line with the industry average.
• Net operating cash flow has significantly decreased to -$11.19 million or 7412.08% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing to the industry average, the firm's growth rate is much lower.
• The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Pharmaceuticals industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 193.2% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $1.93 million to -$1.80 million.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: SGNT

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5. Meritage Homes Corp. (MTH) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Homebuilding
Market Cap: $1.5 billion
Year-to-date return: 3.7%

Meritage Homes Corporation designs and builds single-family detached homes in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Homebuilding and Financial Services.

Revenue Growth: 19.6%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 19%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 12.5%
3-Month EPS Change: 8.7%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates MERITAGE HOMES CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate MERITAGE HOMES CORP (MTH) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, attractive valuation levels and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity and poor profit margins.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 9.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 20.3%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 138.53% to $23.70 million when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow, MERITAGE HOMES CORP's cash flow growth rate is still lower than the industry average growth rate of 163.07%.
• The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed compared to the Household Durables industry average, but is greater than that of the S&P 500. The net income has decreased by 7.0% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, dropping from $32.58 million to $30.31 million.
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. In comparison to the other companies in the Household Durables industry and the overall market, MERITAGE HOMES CORP's return on equity is significantly below that of the industry average and is below that of the S&P 500.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: MTH

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4. Omnicell Inc. (OMCL) Industry: Health Care/Health Care Technology
Market Cap: $1 billion
Year-to-date return: -8.9%

Omnicell, Inc. provides automation and business analytics software solutions for medication and supply management in healthcare worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Automation and Analytics, and Medication Adherence.

Revenue Growth: 15.8%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 9%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 20.1%
3-Month EPS Change: 12.1%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates OMNICELL INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate OMNICELL INC (OMCL) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its growth in earnings per share, increase in net income, revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and reasonable valuation levels. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• OMNICELL INC has improved earnings per share by 10.0% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, OMNICELL INC increased its bottom line by earning $0.83 versus $0.67 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($1.32 versus $0.83).
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has greatly exceeded that of the S&P 500, but is less than that of the Health Care Technology industry average. The net income increased by 10.1% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $7.30 million to $8.04 million.
• OMCL's revenue growth trails the industry average of 27.8%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 11.3%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• OMCL has no debt to speak of therefore resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of zero, which we consider to be a relatively favorable sign. Along with the favorable debt-to-equity ratio, the company maintains an adequate quick ratio of 1.46, which illustrates the ability to avoid short-term cash problems.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: OMCL

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3. TASER International Inc. (TASR) Industry: Industrials/Aerospace & Defense
Market Cap: $992 million
Year-to-date return: -29.4%

TASER International, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) worldwide. It operates through two segments, TASER Weapons and AXON.

Revenue Growth: 19.4%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 17.1%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 18.2%
3-Month EPS Change: 33.8%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates TASER INTERNATIONAL INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate TASER INTERNATIONAL INC (TASR) a BUY. This is driven by several positive factors, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, good cash flow from operations and expanding profit margins. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 1.7%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 13.6%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• TASR's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.00 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 3.63, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $19.35 million or 16.00% when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow, TASER INTERNATIONAL INC's average is still marginally south of the industry average growth rate of 20.68%.
• The gross profit margin for TASER INTERNATIONAL INC is rather high; currently it is at 62.50%. Regardless of TASR's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of 3.01% trails the industry average.
• TASER INTERNATIONAL INC has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. We feel it is likely to report a decline in earnings in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, TASER INTERNATIONAL INC increased its bottom line by earning $0.36 versus $0.34 in the prior year. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 13.9% in earnings ($0.31 versus $0.36).
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: TASR

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2. Interactive Intelligence Group Inc. (ININ) Industry: Technology/Application Software
Market Cap: $745 million
Year-to-date return: -28.1%

Interactive Intelligence Group, Inc. provides software and services for collaboration, communications, and customer engagement activities worldwide.

2014 Revenue Growth: 7.2%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 14%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 13.4%
3-Month EPS Change: 51.8%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP as a Sell with a ratings score of D. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP (ININ) a SELL. This is driven by a few notable weaknesses, which we believe should have a greater impact than any strengths, and could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared to most of the stocks we cover. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Software industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 355.3% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from -$2.14 million to -$9.75 million.
• Return on equity has greatly decreased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of major weakness within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Software industry and the overall market, INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
• The share price of INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP has not done very well: it is down 21.12% and has underperformed the S&P 500, in part reflecting the company's sharply declining earnings per share when compared to the year-earlier quarter. The fact that the stock is now selling for less than others in its industry in relation to its current earnings is not reason enough to justify a buy rating at this time.
• INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. The company has reported a trend of declining earnings per share over the past two years. However, the consensus estimate suggests that this trend should reverse in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP swung to a loss, reporting -$1.97 versus $0.46 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings (-$0.03 versus -$1.97).
• The gross profit margin for INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE GRP is rather high; currently it is at 64.89%. Regardless of ININ's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, ININ's net profit margin of -10.01% significantly underperformed when compared to the industry average.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: ININ

 ORN data by YCharts 

1. Orion Marine Group Inc. (ORN) Industry: Industrials/Construction & Engineering
Market Cap: $105 million
Year-to-date return: -60.4%

Orion Marine Group, Inc. operates as a marine specialty contractor serving the heavy civil marine infrastructure market. The company provides marine construction and specialty services on, over, and under the water in the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, and the Caribbean Basin.

2014 Revenue Growth: 8.8%
2015 Expected Revenue Growth: 23.4%
2016 Expected Revenue Growth: 37.5%
3-Month EPS Change: 51.9%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates ORION MARINE GROUP INC as a Sell with a ratings score of D. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate ORION MARINE GROUP INC (ORN) a SELL. This is driven by several weaknesses, which we believe should have a greater impact than any strengths, and could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared to most of the stocks we cover. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity, poor profit margins, weak operating cash flow and generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Construction & Engineering industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 349.9% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $2.96 million to -$7.40 million.
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Construction & Engineering industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, ORION MARINE GROUP INC underperformed against that of the industry average and is significantly less than that of the S&P 500.
• The gross profit margin for ORION MARINE GROUP INC is currently extremely low, coming in at 12.01%. It has decreased from the same quarter the previous year.
• Net operating cash flow has significantly decreased to $0.56 million or 96.44% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing to the industry average, the firm's growth rate is much lower.
• Despite any intermediate fluctuations, we have only bad news to report on this stock's performance over the last year: it has tumbled by 65.31%, worse than the S&P 500's performance. Consistent with the plunge in the stock price, the company's earnings per share are down 345.45% compared to the year-earlier quarter. Turning toward the future, the fact that the stock has come down in price over the past year should not necessarily be interpreted as a negative; it could be one of the factors that may help make the stock attractive down the road. Right now, however, we believe that it is too soon to buy.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: ORN

By Laurie Kulikowski 

Source: http://www.thestreet.com/story/13382933/1/rbc-capital-markets-likes-these-13-small-cap-stocks-for-your-2016-portfolio.html