2 COVID-Hit Stocks That Could “Correct to the Upside” in 2 Years

Air Canada (TSX:AC) and another COVID-hit stock could make you rich if you have a long-term mindset and the patience to wait things out.

| More on:
Coronavirus written newspaper close up shot to the text.

Image source: Getty Images

The COVID-19 pandemic is a socio-economic disaster that’s ravaged various sectors of the economy. Fortunately, this horrific pandemic isn’t going to last forever. And while the stock market may have mostly recovered from the crisis, various hard-hit businesses have yet to recover over concerns that this COVID-19 pandemic could drag on past 2021 and beyond.

While there’s no sense timing the coronavirus vaccine timeline over the near term, I think it makes sense for long-term thinkers to buy shares of some of the hardest-hit companies out there. Once a vaccine breakthrough happens, they could correct very sharply to the upside. Whether it happens later this year or next year is anyone’s guess. Still, if you’re bullish on the advent of a vaccine or a return to normalcy within the next two years, it makes a lot of sense to buy what everybody else is selling at this market crossroads.

This piece will have a look at three severely impacted firms that may make sense to hold if you’ve got the tolerance to take on short-term pain for a shot at long-term gains.

Air Canada

Air Canada (TSX:AC) is a company that needs no introduction. It, along with the entire airline industry, has been in turmoil over the last several months, as COVID-19 has sent revenues plunging to unprecedented depths. Back in early February, just weeks before Air Canada stock fell off a cliff, I’d urged investors to sell Air Canada because the coronavirus, which was not yet a pandemic, would likely crush the demand for international air travel. Air Canada, which derives a considerable chunk of its revenues from international flights, had a new slate of risks and a valuation that I viewed as absurd at the time.

Fast forward to today, and Air Canada has suffered a massive fall from grace, as COVID-19 spread across the globe. The company has done everything under its power to improve its chances of survival. Capacity cuts and efficiency efforts have lowered cash burns rates. At the same time, the company continues to build upon its solid liquidity positioning. With far less leverage than its peers south of the border, Air Canada looks destined to be a survivor. And if we’re due for a vaccine in 2021, the stock could prove to be severely undervalued here, especially if you think vaccinated people will hit the skies faster than what most analysts believe currently.

While there’s considerable uncertainty surrounding the name, I’d still buy it given the compelling high-risk/high-reward trade-off that looks to be tilted in favour of the investor.

Restaurant Brands International

Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) is feeling the pressure, like almost every other restaurant out there. It has deep pockets and an ever-improving mobile and delivery platform; however, Restaurant Brands is likely to see its three chains (Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes) surge out of this pandemic.

Once a vaccine lands, dining rooms will reopen, and I think the company’s momentum in mobile and delivery will remain. You can’t unlearn the use of technology, after all! Moreover, Restaurant Brands will also be back to where it was before the pandemic sent shares off a cliff. With one of the hottest menu items in the industry’s history in the iconic Popeyes chicken sandwich being served up, I think the fast-food kingpin will be well on its way past the $100 mark in no time.

The company has a stellar liquidity position (1.98 and 2.08 quick and current ratios). While the road to recovery will undoubtedly be bumpy, I’d say the long-term fundamentals have never been more attractive, despite the COVID-induced disruption that will persist over the intermediate term.

As you wait for the fast-food kingpin to return to a pre-COVID environment, there’s a juicy 3.7% dividend yield to collect.

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 Joey Frenette owns shares of RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. The Motley Fool recommends RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.

More on Stocks for Beginners

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Stocks for Beginners

3 TFSA Hacks That Could Make You a Millionaire

Do you want a $1 million without worrying about the tax bill? These TFSA hacks could help you become a…

Read more »

Early retirement handwritten in a note
Stocks for Beginners

These 2 TSX Growth Stocks Could Help You Retire Early

Buying these two TSX growth stocks can help you retire early by multiplying hard-earned savings in the long run.

Read more »

Technology
Stocks for Beginners

The Best Stocks to Invest $1,000 in Right Now

Want a great starter portfolio? Here’s a list of the best stocks to invest $1,000 in right now for long-term…

Read more »

green energy
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent TSX Dividend Stock Down 37% to Buy and Hold Forever

This dividend stock has fallen significantly from poor results, but zoom in and there are some major improvements happening.

Read more »