- Small caps are sprinting ahead in 2026, with the Russell 2000 outperforming the other major indices.
- After years of mega-cap tech dominance, capital is finally rotating toward value and cyclicals.
- Below, we highlight 5 small-cap stocks positioned to capitalize amid the current market environment.
After years of narrow leadership dominated by the “Magnificent Seven” (Apple (NASDAQ:), Microsoft (NASDAQ:), Nvidia (NASDAQ:), Amazon (NASDAQ:), Meta (NASDAQ:), Alphabet (NASDAQ:), Tesla (NASDAQ:)) and mega-cap tech stocks, capital is aggressively rotating into broader, more economically sensitive areas.
In the first weeks of 2026, the – the bellwether for small-cap US stocks – has surged past its larger peers, fueled by a rotation out of tech and into value and cyclicals as macro and micro catalysts align in their favor.
Source: Investing.com
This rotation suggests a healthier, more resilient market phase, less reliant on a few names and more tied to real economic activity. However, it’s not without risks: volatility from geopolitical events, tariff uncertainties, or Fed policy shifts could interrupt the trend.
Still, many strategists view it as structural, with small caps and cyclicals positioned for multi-quarter outperformance if earnings accelerate and rates stabilize.
Here are five stocks that investors should consider rotating into amid the current early-2026 environment of sector rotation from mega-cap tech dominance toward value, cyclicals, and small caps:
1. Willdan Group
- YTD Return: +22.6%
- Market Cap: $1.87 Billion
Willdan Group (NASDAQ:) is a powerhouse in energy and infrastructure consulting, fresh off a 262.5% 1-year return and an all-time high. Q3 earnings crushed estimates, and new contracts, like Alameda County’s $97 million project, fuel double-digit revenue growth.
Source: InvestingPro
With a forward PEG of 0.16 (deep value by growth standards) and a “Strong Buy” consensus, Willdan reflects the market’s hunger for sustainable infrastructure and efficiency plays.
2. The Gorman-Rupp Company
- YTD Return: +19.2%
- Market Cap: $1.50 Billion
Gorman-Rupp (NYSE:) designs and manufactures industrial pumps, serving critical sectors from water to energy. The stock is up 53.4% over the past year, driven by solid revenue growth, steady dividend payouts, and a ‘GREAT’ financial health score of 3.30.
Source: InvestingPro
With a forward PEG of 0.89 and a consensus “Strong Buy,” GRC combines resilience with upside. Analyst targets imply a potential 39.8% gain from current levels.
3. HCI Group
- YTD Return: -18.4%
- Market Cap: $2.03 Billion
HCI Group (NYSE:) is a diversified insurance and tech player, riding regulatory tailwinds and tech-driven underwriting outperformance. It boasts a 3.72 financial health score, 130.4% EPS growth forecast for 2026, and a 20.7% ROIC, figures that dwarf most peers.
Source: Investing.com
While shares are down YTD, analysts target a big upside of nearly 57% from current levels as its Exzeo tech spinoff and Florida reforms play out.
4. DiamondRock Hospitality
- YTD Return: +3.7%
- Market Cap: $1.90 Billion
Diamondrock Hospitality (NYSE:) owns a portfolio of premium hotels and resorts, thriving as travel rebounds. The stock hit a 52-week high and offers a 5.2% dividend, with analyst upgrades and a 134% EPS growth forecast for full-year 2026.
Source: InvestingPro
Its 7.9% shareholder yield and strong buy consensus reflect confidence in continued demand for leisure travel and asset-light hospitality models.
5. Green Plains
- YTD Return: +25.7%
- Market Cap: $860.4 Million
Green Plains Renewable Energy (NASDAQ:) is a leading low-carbon ethanol producer, uniquely positioned as the energy transition accelerates. Shares are up 41.8% in a year despite volatile earnings, with a forward PEG of 0.10 and 107.6% EPS growth forecast for Q4 2025.
Source: InvestingPro
UBS just raised its target to $12.00, while InvestingPro Fair Value models point to 7.5% upside to $13.24/share.
Bottom Line
With sector rotation in full swing, the market is rewarding nimble investors who look beyond the tech behemoths. The lesson: Leadership changes fast on Wall Street, and today’s laggards can be tomorrow’s winners.
Whether you’re a novice investor or a seasoned trader, leveraging InvestingPro can unlock a world of investment opportunities while minimizing risks amid the challenging market backdrop.
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Disclosure: This is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research.
At the time of writing, I am long on the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq 100 via the SPDR® S&P 500 ETF, and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF. I am also long on the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF. I regularly rebalance my portfolio of individual stocks and ETFs based on ongoing risk assessment of both the macroeconomic environment and companies’ financials.
The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and should not be taken as investment advice.
Follow Jesse Cohen on X/Twitter @JesseCohenInv for more stock market analysis and insight.
