Is a Swift Market Crash Unavoidable in 2020?

If the stock market was overvalued before the crash, it might be even more so after the rapid recovery that’s standing on a weak economic recovery.

| More on:
Businessman looking at a red arrow crashing through the floor

Image source: Getty Images.

Before the March crash, the global economy saw one of the most consistent and long periods of stability and prosperity. But it only took a little virus and a few months to turn everything down on its head. Canada’s housing market was already facing a bubble burst when the pandemic hit, but it’s only just one piece of the puzzle. The stock market was already a bit overvalued, but the crash and subsequent recovery have propped it up even more.

TSX has almost recovered, and it’s currently just 6.45% lower than its start-of-the-year value. The swift recovery, led mostly by the tech sector, doesn’t resonate with the economic condition of the country. The rapid recovery after a drastic sell-off has made the market even more overvalued. The Warren Buffett indicator (a ratio of total market valuation and GDP) puts Canada at 110, which is just a tad overvalued.

But the picture becomes grimmer if you consider the GDP forecast for the country, which is expected to shrink by at least 20%. So, if TSX keeps standing on false legs as GDP drops, the market will become dangerously overvalued, and a slight nudge might tip it off. That’s why another swift market crash seems unavoidable to many. This means you might have another chance of catching many fully ripe stocks as they fall to (or below) their fair valuations.

An overvalued aristocrat

Dividend Aristocrats that also offer great capital growth opportunities are usually overvalued, and it’s understandable why. One such aristocrat is Boyd Group Services (TSX:BYD). The company has been increasing its dividend for 13 consecutive years, and the yield is minuscule (0.28%). But the payout ratio suggests that it’s highly stable and likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

There is a reason this aristocrat with such a tiny yield is so overvalued that it’s trading at a price to earnings of 63 times, and that’s its growth potential. The company returned over 250% to its investors in the last half-decade, and the CAGR is about 28.91%. That’s enough to turn your $10,000 investment into a $126,000 nest egg in just a decade.

Boyd Groups works through several brands, has a well-diversified service portfolio, and a sizeable footprint in North America. It’s the largest non-franchised collision repair centre operator in the region. The stock is currently trading at $195.6 per share, but it dipped nearly 42% in the previous crash, and even if the upcoming crash isn’t as vicious as the one before, the stock is likely to fall to a more fair valuation.

An overvalued cargo stock

Cargojet (TSX:CJT) has become a growth-investor sweetheart, especially since the demise of Air Canada stock. The growth monster is brutally overvalued right now, with a price to earnings of 222 and price to book of 8.8 times. Despite falling 38% in March, Cargojet was one of the stocks that showed the swiftest recovery and was back to its pre-pandemic valuation well before May.

Even if this stock falls over 30% again, it might not truly be fairly valued, but that’s the best you can hope for with a growth stock like Cargojet. It also pays dividends, but the yield (0.61%) is paltry compared to its five-year CAGR of 44%.

Foolish takeaway

As we are looking into one of the most vicious possible recession (possible depression) in decades, another sudden market crash almost seems unavoidable. If you want to unload risky investments (the ones that have adequately recovered), now would be a good time, before hints of a second wave cause another downturn. And use your liquidity to invest in potent stocks when they hit rock bottom.

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 Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends CARGOJET INC. The Motley Fool recommends Boyd Group Services Inc.

More on Dividend Stocks

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Stocks: What’s Better? Growth or Consistency?

Are you trying to invest in dividend stocks? What’s better, growth or consistency? Here’s my take.

Read more »

Cogs turning against each other
Dividend Stocks

How to Build a Bulletproof Monthly Passive Income Portfolio With Just $5,000

Looking for solid stocks for a bulletproof income portfolio? Consider adding these two REITs.

Read more »

clock time
Dividend Stocks

Is Now the Right Time to Buy goeasy Stock? Here’s My Take

Shares of goeasy stock (TSX:GSY) slumped last year on a federal announcement, but that has all changed since then.

Read more »

Man making notes on graphs and charts
Dividend Stocks

How Much Cash Do You Need to Stop Working and Live Off Dividends?

Are you interested in retiring and living off dividends? Here’s how much cash you'll need!

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Secrets of RRSP Millionaires

Are you looking to make millions in retirement? You'd better get started, and these secrets will certainly help get you…

Read more »

Money growing in soil , Business success concept.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Passive Income: 2 Dividend-Growth Stocks Yielding 7%

These top dividend-growth stocks now offer high yields.

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Dividend Stocks

Buy 78 Shares in This Glorious Dividend Stock And Create $1,754 in Passive Income

This dividend stock surged in its first quarter, and more could be on the way as it works its way…

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

5 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy in May 2024

These Canadian stocks have stellar dividend payments and growth history. Moreover, they are poised to consistently enhance their shareholders’ returns…

Read more »