Duos Technologies Group Inc (NASDAQ:DUOT) is one of the best performing micro cap stocks in 2025. On December 30, Ascendiant Capital raised its price target on Duos Technologies Group Inc (NASDAQ:DUOT) stock from $11.50 to $14.00 and kept a Buy rating. According to Ascendiant, Duos’ recent major contract was the primary reason for this upgraded outlook. The firm also cited Duos’ leadership in train check service; the Railcar Inspection Portal system, which uses optical tech and AI to automate train checks, ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the strong performance of micro-cap stocks in 2025, highlighting that they experienced significant growth during a year characterized by an "everything rally" across various asset classes [2][3]. Market Performance - The Dow Jones US Micro-Cap Total Stock Market Index gained 12.59% in 2025, while the S&P 500 achieved nearly 17% [2]. - The Russell Micro-Cap Index saw a remarkable recovery, returning 17.03% in Q3 2025 after a 14.39% decline in Q1 [3]. Investment Outlook - Analysts believe that smaller companies are set for meaningful rebounds in 2026, driven by improved macroeconomic conditions and a shift away from speculative stocks [4]. - Factors contributing to this positive outlook include moderated inflation, easing conflicts, stabilized energy prices, and anticipated interest rate cuts by central banks [4]. Methodology for Stock Selection - Micro-cap stocks were defined as companies with market capitalizations between $50 million and $300 million, focusing on those with the strongest year-to-date performance in 2025 [7]. - Hedge fund sentiment was also considered based on Q3 2025 13F filing data [8]. Notable Micro-Cap Stocks - **Duos Technologies Group Inc (NASDAQ:DUOT)**: Market capitalization of $205.17 million with a YTD performance of 49.20%. The company received a price target increase from $11.50 to $14.00 due to a major contract and its leadership in train check services [9][10]. - **Journey Medical Corp (NASDAQ:DERM)**: Market capitalization of $150.49 million with a YTD performance of 80.99%. The company reaffirmed a Buy rating with a $13 price target following positive results from a Phase 1 clinical trial for its FDA-approved medication Emrosi [13][15].