The highest scoring names in small cap from 1 year ago (4/25/2013) returned 712 bps more than the Russell 2000. The best performers have been CRZO up 115%, HOMB up 69%, POL up 69%, MINI up 65%, MRTN up 65%, and DXPE up 60%.

• The best small cap sector is utilities
• The top small cap industry is trucking

The average small cap score is 49.24 this week, above the four week moving average score of 48.31.  The average small cap is trading -24% below its 52 week high, -0.75% below its 200 dma, and has 6.74 days to cover held short.
 
Utilities are top scoring, followed by industrial goods, consumer goods, and basics materials. Services and financials score in line. Technology and healthcare score below average.

The following chart shows historical small cap scores since 2010.

The best small cap industry is trucking (SAIA, MRTN). Processed & packaged goods (BDBD, DMND) are strong scoring and benefit from post -recession sizing and pricing innovation. Auto parts (MTOR, SMP, SRI) offer opportunity given recovering European demand. Strengthening seasonality for natural gas supports independent oil & gas (KWK, GDP, CRK, SFY). Networkers (SILC) are also high scoring.

In small cap basics, focus on independent oil & gas and drillers (WTI). In consumer goods, processed & packaged goods and auto parts are best. In financials, regional banks (SNBC, MBWM) and P&C insurers (UFCS, STFC) score highest. In healthcare, concentrate on medical appliances (GB, BABY, CYBX, CNMD) and drug related products (NUTR, AUXL). The best industrial goods groups are heavy construction (AEGN, MTRX, GVA), aerospace/defense (ORB, AVAV), and general building materials (ACO). In services, buy trucking, business services (EXAM, KONG), and rails (GBX). The top scoring technology baskets are networking, semi ICs (DIOD), and diversified electronics (SIMO).