Five Dirt-Cheap Small-Caps to Consider

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- The Russell 2000, a small-cap barometer, has declined 3% during the past month as the stock market suffered a mild correction. Here are five cheap small-company stocks to consider buying.

5. Connecticut Water Service(CTWS) is a regulated water utility.

The numbers: Third-quarter profit doubled to $5.8 million, or 67 cents a share, as revenue declined 2% to $17 million. The company's operating margin extended from 32% to 36%. Connecticut Water Service has a poor liquidity position, evident in its quick ratio of 0.5. Its 1.1 debt-to-equity ratio indicates sizable leverage.

The stock: Connecticut Water Service decreased 5% during the past year, less than major U.S. indices. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 18, a premium to water-utility peers. The shares offer a 4% dividend yield.