Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 (^RUT) can be a goldmine for investors looking beyond the usual large-cap names. But with less stability and fewer resources than their bigger counterparts, these companies face steeper challenges in scaling their businesses.

Navigating this part of the market can be tricky, which is why we built StockStory to help you separate the winners from the laggards. That said, here are two Russell 2000 stocks that could be the next big thing and one that may struggle to keep up.

One Industrials Stock to Sell:

Bel Fuse (BELFA)

Market Cap: $1.67 billion

Founded by 26-year-old Elliot Bernstein during the electronics boom after WW2, Bel Fuse (NASDAQ: BELF.A) provides electronic systems and devices to the telecommunications, networking, transportation, and industrial sectors.

Why Are We Cautious About BELFA?

1. Annual sales declines of 7.1% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle
2. Earnings per share have dipped by 16.2% annually over the past two years, which is concerning because stock prices follow EPS over the long term

Bel Fuse’s stock price of $117 implies a valuation ratio of 12x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including BELFA in your portfolio.

Two Industrials Stocks to Watch:

VSE Corporation (VSEC)

Market Cap: $3.41 billion

With roots dating back to 1959 and a strategic focus on extending the life of transportation assets, VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC) provides aftermarket parts distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft and vehicle fleets in commercial and government markets.

Why Is VSEC on Our Radar?

1. Impressive 22.5% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
2. Operating profits increased over the last five years as the company gained some leverage on its fixed costs and became more efficient
3. Additional sales over the last five years increased its profitability as the 14.2% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue

VSE Corporation is trading at $165.94 per share, or 42.4x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

Itron (ITRI)

Market Cap: $5.76 billion

Founded by a small group of engineers who wanted to build a more efficient way to read utility meters, Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) offers energy and water management products for the utility industry, municipalities, and industrial customers.

Why Are We Positive On ITRI?

1. Operating margin expansion of 10.3 percentage points over the last five years shows the company optimized its expenses
2. Incremental sales over the last two years have been highly profitable as its earnings per share increased by 74.4% annually, topping its revenue gains
3. Returns on capital are increasing as management’s prior bets are starting to bear fruit

At $128.60 per share, Itron trades at 23.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today

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