In the ever-evolving landscape of the stock market, CareTrust REIT, Inc. has emerged as a standout performer over the past year. This small-cap company, operating within the Realty sector, has achieved an impressive return of 50.87%. Its strong performance highlights the potential for growth in the real estate investment trust space. On the other hand, Talkspace, Inc., categorized as a micro-cap company in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology sector, has faced challenges, recording a return of -9.59%. This decline reflects the volatility often associated with smaller companies in the healthcare industry. Similarly, AvePoint, Inc., also a small-cap entity but situated in the Commercial Services & Supplies sector, has struggled with a return of -46.65%. This performance underscores the difficulties that can arise in the tech-related services market. As investors navigate these varied performances, CareTrust REIT, Inc. stands out as a beacon of success, while Talkspace, Inc. and AvePoint, Inc. illustrate the risks inherent in investing in smaller-cap stocks.