1 Russell 2000 Stock Worth Investigating and 2 Facing Challenges

Barchart·04/03/2026 05:34:16

The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is packed with potential breakout stocks, thanks to its focus on smaller companies with high growth potential. However, smaller size also means these businesses often lack the resilience and financial flexibility of large-cap firms, making careful selection crucial.

Picking the right small caps isn’t easy, and that’s exactly why StockStory exists - to help you focus on the best opportunities. Keeping that in mind, here is one Russell 2000 stock that could deliver strong gains and two that may struggle to keep up.

Two Stocks to Sell:

Semrush (SEMR)

Market Cap: $1.80 billion

Born from the need to make sense of the complex digital marketing landscape, Semrush (NYSE:SEMR) is a software-as-a-service platform that helps companies improve their online visibility, analyze digital marketing efforts, and optimize content across search engines and social media.

Why Are We Hesitant About SEMR?

1. Below-average net revenue retention rate of 106% suggests it has some trouble expanding within existing accounts
2. Operating margin dropped by 4.3 percentage points over the last year as the company focused on expansion rather than profitability
3. Lacking free cash flow generation means it has few chances to reinvest for growth, repurchase shares, or distribute capital

At $11.95 per share, Semrush trades at 3.6x forward price-to-sales. To fully understand why you should be careful with SEMR, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Bank of Hawaii (BOH)

Market Cap: $2.97 billion

Founded in 1897 as a financial anchor for the newly annexed Hawaiian territory, Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH) is a financial institution providing banking, investment, and insurance services primarily to customers in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands.

Why Does BOH Fall Short?

1. Muted 1.4% annual revenue growth over the last five years shows its demand lagged behind its banking peers
2. 1.6% annual net interest income growth over the last five years was slower than its banking peers
3. Net interest margin of 2.3% is well below other banks, signaling its loans aren’t very profitable

Bank of Hawaii’s stock price of $74.79 implies a valuation ratio of 1.8x forward P/B. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than BOH.

One Stock to Watch:

JBT Marel (JBTM)

Market Cap: $6.51 billion

Tracing back to its invention of the mechanical milk bottle filler in 1884, JBT Marel (NYSE:JBTM) designs, manufactures, and sells equipment used for food processing and aviation.

Why Does JBTM Stand Out?

1. Annual revenue growth of 51.1% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
2. Healthy unit economics are reflected in its 34.9% gross margin and give it more money to invest in marketing and R&D
3. Earnings per share grew by 20.1% annually over the last two years, massively outpacing its peers

JBT Marel is trading at $125.22 per share, or 15.6x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

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