In this article, we will list the 5 Best Micro and Small Cap Stocks to Buy According to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies. Please visit 15 Best Micro and Small Cap Stocks to Buy According to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies if you would like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.
5. Marqeta Inc (NASDAQ:MQ)
Renaissance Technologies Equity Stake: $47.25 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Stock Upside Potential: 33.38%
Market Cap: $1.66 Billion
Marqeta Inc (NASDAQ:MQ) is one of the best micro and small cap stocks to buy according to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies. Analysts expect the stock to rise more than 30% from its current level.
On May 5, Marqeta Inc (NASDAQ:MQ) reported Q1 2026 results that showed the company hit several high notes in the quarter. Total processing volume increased 33% YoY to $112 billion, marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion above 30%. Net revenue rose 19% to $166 million, supported by higher volumes. Gross profit also increased 19% to $118 million and came at the high end of the management’s guidance range.
Jim Simons of Renaissance Technologies
In a major milestone, Marqeta made its first quarterly profit on a GAAP basis. It posted GAAP net income of $8 million, compared with a net loss of $8 million in the prior year.
Looking ahead, Marqeta anticipates revenue growth between 14% and 16% in Q2 2026. For the full-year 2026, it expects revenue growth between 12% and 14%. Marqeta anticipates continued topline expansion as it advances various growth initiatives, including international expansion and crypto support. On the crypto side, the company is building capabilities for a stablecoin-backed card. This card would enable users to pay for purchases in local fiat currencies wherever they go while drawing from their crypto wallets.
Marqeta Inc (NASDAQ:MQ) operates a cloud-based platform that allows businesses to issue and manage branded payment cards. Its technology enables companies to transform real-time data into solutions that drive customer loyalty and capital efficiency.
4. Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:COLL)
Renaissance Technologies Equity Stake: $48.59 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
Stock Upside Potential: 57.01%
Market Cap: $1.1 Billion
Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:COLL) is one of the best micro and small cap stocks to buy according to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies. Analysts expect the stock to gain 57% over the next 12 months.
On May 7, Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:COLL) reported Q1 2026 results that both increased from the prior year and exceeded the Street’s expectations. The management also highlighted plans to drive further growth, increase profitability, and improve shareholder returns.
Revenue rose 9% YoY to $193.5 million and topped the projected $187.4 million. Adjusted EPS of $1.76 rose from $1.49 a year ago and exceeded the anticipated $1.63. The quarter was buoyed by solid growth in the company’s ADHD franchise and continued strength in the pain management portfolio.
Collegium’s ADHD medicine Jornay PM was a standout performer in Q1, with its sales jumping 36% YoY. This growth was supported by market share expansion driven by increases in prescriptions and prescriber base. Collegium has moved to expand its ADHD portfolio with the acquisition of Azstarys. A market study found that 54% of healthcare providers surveyed plan to increase prescribing of Azstarys. Collegium expects Azstarys to contribute more than $50 million to H2 2026 revenue.
The company expects continued growth in Jornay PM sales for the remainder of the year. It anticipates this product to bring in between $190 million and $200 million in revenue in 2026, indicating a growth of around 31% YoY. To get there, Collegium plans to expand the drug’s subscriber base and increase its patient awareness.
Massachusetts-based Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc (NASDAQ:COLL) is a specialty drug company. It develops medications to treat complex medical conditions, and its portfolio includes ADHD medications and pain management drugs.
3. American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI)
Renaissance Technologies Equity Stake: $52.3 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Stock Upside Potential: 23.18%
Market Cap: $943 Million
American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) is one of the best micro and small cap stocks to buy according to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies. This education stock has gained more than 40% year-to-date, and analysts expect it to rise more from the current level.
On May 13, DA Davidson boosted its price target on American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) shares to $64 from $58 while keeping a Buy rating on the stock. The firm based its decision on the company’s strong Q1 results, which showed revenue rose 6.2% YoY to $174.7 million and exceeded the Street’s expectation of $165.53 million. The company posted EPS of $0.94, which increased from $0.41 a year ago and beat the projected $0.50.
Active-duty military personnel form a large base of APEI’s students. The Middle East conflict did cause some headwinds for the company’s active-duty students portion. Still, the company recorded registration growth during Q1. DA Davidson pointed out that registration grew by a solid high single-digit in the Army segment, noting that this demonstrates the strength of the program and brand.
In the Veterans and Families segment, growth continued in the high-teens. This showed the company’s ability to offset the temporary weakness in active-duty enrollment.
American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) is a provider of postsecondary education. It operates through three wholly owned university subsidiaries offering degree and certificate courses in diverse disciplines. Its education programs cover areas like national security, military studies, justice studies, business administration, and nursing.
2. Ezcorp Inc (NASDAQ:EZPW)
Renaissance Technologies Equity Stake: $54.75 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26
Stock Upside Potential: 24.47%
Market Cap: $2.0 Billion
Ezcorp Inc (NASDAQ:EZPW) is one of the best micro and small cap stocks to buy according to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies. Ezcorp stock has gained more than 65% year-to-date and surged almost 150% over the past year. Analysts see more upside in this pawn shop stock.
On May 20, Canaccord Genuity reaffirmed its Buy rating on Ezcorp stock with a price target of $44 on the shares. The firm based its decision on insights that it said showed strong investor interest in pawn shop stocks.
Canaccord Genuity recently hosted investor meetings with Ezcorp CEO Lachie Given in Boston. From these meetings, the firm noted a long-term, quality tilt in Ezcorp’s investor lineup in the more than 40 months it has been covering the stock. This is partly highlighted by the company’s capital raising on easy terms. As an example, Ezcorp last year issued $300 million of senior notes maturing in 2032 in a private offering without covenants attached.
Canaccord Genuity also highlighted how Ezcorp has delivered record results since it initiated coverage of the stock in January 2023. Additionally, analyst Brian McNamara said that Ezcorp trades at an EV/EBITDA discount of roughly 47% to its rival FirstCash Inc.
Texas-based Ezcorp Inc (NASDAQ:EZPW) is a pawn shop operator with footprints across the US and Latin America. In addition to providing pawn loans, the company also sells merchandise. These are usually used items purchased from customers or collateral forfeited from its pawn lending operation.
1. Winmark Corp (NASDAQ:WINA)
Renaissance Technologies Equity Stake: $88 Million
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Stock Upside Potential: 51.17%
Market Cap: $1.29 Billion
Winmark Corp (NASDAQ:WINA) is one of the best micro and small cap stocks to buy according to Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies.
On May 6, Winmark Corp (NASDAQ:WINA) announced changes on its board of directors. The company said that Lawrence A. Barbetta, who has served on its board as an independent director since 2012, is leaving the board. Barbetta’s term on the board has reached the limit, so he will not stand for re-election at the company’s next annual shareholder meeting in April 2027.
As Barbetta departs the board, Winmark is bringing a new director on board. The company has appointed Stephanie S. Hoppe to its board as well as to the compensation and nominating committees. This appointment brings a marketing specialist to Winmark’s board.
Hoppe is currently the vice president of omnichannel marketing at Casey’s General Stores, a convenience store retailer with footprints across 19 states. Prior to Casey’s, Hoppe held senior marketing roles with various major retailers and franchisors, including 7-Eleven and Cicis Pizza.
Winmark said that Hoppe brings more than two decades of experience in senior marketing and brand leadership across diverse types of retail businesses. Moreover, the company said Hoppe brings deep expertise in consumer insights, brand positioning, digital marketing, and omnichannel strategy.
Minnesota-based Winmark Corp (NASDAQ:WINA) operates in the resale retail industry. The company operates a franchise business model where stores bear its brand but are operated by independent local franchisees. Winmark stores buy and resell used goods in categories like clothing, gear, and equipment.
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