3 Small-Cap Stocks With Room to Run Despite Tariff Headwinds

Market Overview - The Russell 2000 index, a benchmark for small-cap stocks, has increased by approximately 3.8% this week and 15.7% over the past month, indicating strong momentum in the small-cap sector [1] Interest Rates and Tariffs - Small-cap stocks are sensitive to interest rates, as many rely on debt for operations, making it challenging to absorb higher tariff charges. Interest rates may not decrease as quickly as anticipated, and while progress in U.S.-China tariff negotiations is noted, a finalized agreement is still pending [2] Volatility and Investment Opportunities - Investors should prepare for increased volatility in the next 90 days, but several small-cap stocks mentioned have strong investment potential regardless of tariff and interest rate fluctuations [3] Advance Auto Parts (AAP) - AAP has a 12-month stock price forecast of $45.13, representing a potential upside of 31.10% from its current price of $34.42. Analysts suggest a consensus Hold rating based on 17 ratings [4][5] - The stock is trading near its 52-week low but has risen over 5% in the past week, with a high short interest of over 17%, indicating potential for a short squeeze [6] - AAP's turnaround plan, including closing underperforming stores, is showing positive results, particularly in improving its balance sheet [7] La-Z-Boy (LZB) - LZB has a 12-month stock price forecast of $44.50, indicating a modest upside of 1.00% from its current price of $44.06. The stock has seen a 20% increase this year, partly due to its "Made in America" positioning [9][11] - The company is relatively insulated from tariffs, with much of its production in the U.S., although one-third of its products are still exposed to China [10] - LZB's stock is trading at around 14.9x earnings, which is considered somewhat expensive, but it has recently received an upgrade from KeyCorp with a price target of $46 [11] National Vision Holdings (EYE) - EYE has a 12-month stock price forecast of $17.57, suggesting a downside of 5.53% from its current price of $18.60. The stock was recently upgraded to a Buy from Underperform by Bank of America, with a new price target of $22 [12][13] - The company is implementing a strategic plan that includes price increases of 10% to 15%, which consumers have not resisted so far. However, it anticipates increased costs of $10 to $15 million due to its exposure to China [14] - Following the upgrade, EYE's stock has risen over 50%, prompting a cautionary note for investors to consider waiting for a pullback before investing [15]