Core Insights - The article discusses the performance of active U.S. small-cap managers, highlighting their strong long-term performance relative to the Russell 2000 index, particularly during value stock-led periods [2][3][4] Small-Cap Management Performance - Active small-cap managers outperformed the Russell 2000 index 58% of the time over rolling 5-year periods, with an 82% success rate during value-led periods and only 15% during growth-led periods [3] - 65% of the analyzed periods were value-led, indicating a favorable environment for active management [3] - When the Russell 2000's annualized 5-year return was 5% or lower, value stocks outperformed growth stocks only 48% of the time, but they averaged higher returns [4] - In periods with annualized 5-year returns between 5-10%, value stocks exceeded growth stocks 70% of the time, relevant as small-cap returns are expected to be in this range over the next five years [4] Hedge Fund Interest in Penny Stocks - The article lists the 12 best NASDAQ penny stocks to buy according to hedge funds, emphasizing the strategy of imitating top hedge fund picks to outperform the market [5][9] - The methodology involved shortlisting the largest companies trading under $5 on the NASDAQ and ranking them by the number of hedge fund holders [7][8] Company Highlights - **Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:PSEC)**: - Price as of September 12: $2.79, with 11 hedge fund holders [10] - Recently completed an $18 million investment in The Ridge, a physician-led addiction treatment facility [10][11] - The company has a net debt to total assets ratio of 30.4%, indicating high leverage, and is strategically exiting a real estate investment yielding 4.5% [13][14] - **Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY)**: - Price as of September 12: $1.12, with 12 hedge fund holders [15] - Recently partnered with the Denver Broncos to launch a new lineup of spirits, celebrating their ongoing collaboration [15][16] - Analyst Kaumil Gajrawala raised the price target from $1.50 to $2, maintaining a Buy rating, influenced by the rescheduling of cannabis regulations in the U.S. [19][20]