3 Top Small-Cap Stocks to Buy in December

Small-cap stocks like Andrew Peller Ltd. (TSX:ADW.A) and others represent enticing investments to scoop up in the end of 2018.

| More on:

The S&P/TSX Composite Index finally bounced back and climbed 218 points on November 21. This occurred the same day the ruling federal Liberals announced a small tax-break package for businesses to stem the tide of investment flight after the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017. The package is not comparable to the nearly 15% cut in corporate taxes delivered by the Trump administration, but it should still provide a boost to investment in the near term.

Today, we are going to look at three small-cap stocks that are worthwhile targets in December. Investors should be on the hunt for discounts after a rocky October and November. Let’s dive in.

Stelco Holdings (TSX:STLC)

Stelco is a Hamilton-based steel producer. Shares had dropped 14% over a three-month span as of close on November 21. The company posted its third-quarter results on November 13.

Stelco reported revenue of $619 million, which was up 84% from Q3 2017. Adjusted EBITDA has climbed to $399 million in the first nine months of 2018, which represents an increase of 171% from the year-to-date period in 2017. Steel shipping volumes climbed 43% year over year to 586,000 net tonnes. The board of directors announced a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share, representing a modest 1.4% yield.

The fate of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is uncertain, as Mexico and Canada continue to lobby for steel tariffs to be scuttled. The deal is expected to be ratified on November 30, making the development something to monitor for those interested in dipping into Stelco stock.

Andrew Peller (TSX:ADW.A)

Andrew Peller is an Ontario-based wine producer. Shares had dropped 20.3% over a three-month span as of close on November 21. The company released its fiscal 2019 second-quarter results on November 7.

Sales rose 12.5% year over year in the second quarter with 10.2% growth in the first six months of fiscal 2019. Adjusted EBITDA has climbed 15.4% in the first six months of the fiscal year, while adjusted net earnings have increased to $20.1 million over $17.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018. Back in June, I’d recommended investors consider adding Andrew Peller due to its strong financials and the impressive trajectory of the wine market in Canada and worldwide.

Andrew Peller dipped into oversold territory according to its RSI last week, but the stock is still priced at an attractive $13.94 as of close on November 21. It also offers a modest quarterly dividend of $0.0513 per share.

Badger Daylighting (TSX:BAD)

Badger Daylighting is a Calgary-based company that provides non-destructive hydrovac excavation services. Shares had climbed 15% month over month as of close on November 21. Badger released its third-quarter results on November 12.

The company posted adjusted EBITDA of $50.9 million, or $1.37 per share, which was a 31% increase from Q3 2017. Revenue climbed 20% year over year to $168.7 million. The company provided an updated outlook that sees 2018 in line with original projections, it also expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of $170 million and $190 million for 2019.

Badger last paid a monthly dividend of $0.045 per share, representing a modest 1.6% yield.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Badger Daylighting is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

Senior Couple Walking With Pet Bulldog In Countryside
Dividend Stocks

CPP Insights: The Average Benefit at Age 60 in 2024

The average CPP benefit at age 60 in average is low, but claiming early has many advantages with the right…

Read more »

edit Sale sign, value, discount
Investing

2 Bargains I’d Buy as They Dip Toward 52-Week Lows

Spin Master (TSX:TOY) stock and another underrated Canadian play could surge again as they look to reverse course.

Read more »

thinking
Dividend Stocks

Why Did goeasy Stock Jump 6% This Week?

The spring budget came in from our federal government, and goeasy stock (TSX:GSY) investors were incredibly pleased by the results.

Read more »

woman analyze data
Dividend Stocks

My Top 5 Dividend Stocks for Passive-Income Investors to Buy in April 2024

These five TSX dividend stocks can help you create a passive stream of dividend income for life. Let's see why.

Read more »

investment research
Stocks for Beginners

New Investors: 5 Top Canadian Stocks for 2024

Here are five Canadian stocks that might be ideal for a beginner investment portfolio.

Read more »

Pipeline
Energy Stocks

Here Is Why Enbridge Is a No-Brainer Dividend Stock

For investors looking for a no-brainer dividend stock worth holding for the long term, here's why Enbridge (TSX:ENB) should be…

Read more »

Dots over the earth connecting the world
Tech Stocks

Hot Takeaway: Concentration in 1 Stock Can Be Just Fine

Concentration in one stock can be alright under the right circumstances, and far better than buying a bunch of poor-performing…

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Bank Stocks

TD Bank Stock Got Upgraded, and It’s a Good Time to Load Up

TD Bank (TSX:TD) stock is getting too cheap, even for analysts at the competing banks!

Read more »