The 3 Best Canadian Small-Cap Stocks I’d Buy for 2021

Expected economic recovery and improvement in customer demand provide a solid base for small-cap companies to deliver stellar returns.

| More on:
Gold medal

Image source: Getty Images.

The expected economic recovery and improvement in customer demand provide a solid base for small-cap companies to deliver strong earnings growth and outperform larger peers in 2021. Without further delay, let’s delve into three Canadian small-cap stocks that could generate exceptional returns in 2021. 

goeasy

With a market cap of $1.41 billion, goeasy (TSX:GSY) is my top small-cap stock pick for 2021. The widespread vaccine distribution and economic reopening are likely to drive consumer demand and, in turn, boost goeasy’s prospects.  

The subprime lender has outperformed the broader index by a wide margin over the past several years, thanks to its strong fundamentals and impressive financial and operating performance. goeasy’s profits have grown at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 30% in the past 18 years. goeasy has consistently boosted investors’ returns through higher dividend payments, reflecting its high-quality earnings base. 

With the expected recovery in the economy, goeasy’s loan portfolio will likely improve in 2021 and drive its stock higher. Meanwhile, new products and channel expansions should further accelerate its growth. Thanks to its robust earnings and cash flows, goeasy is likely to continue to increase its dividends in 2021.     

Dye & Durham

Dye & Durham (TSX:DND) stock looks attractive at the current price levels. It has corrected by over 20% from its 52-week high, reflecting the fear of a stricter lockdown amid rising coronavirus cases. Notably, Dye & Durham’s top line took a significant hit during the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year, as demand for its products and offerings faded due to the temporary closure of courthouses in Canada.

With the expected distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, I believe the demand for its products and solutions are likely to remain elevated and should push its stock higher. Its strong blue-chip customer base and high retention ratio should help the company deliver impressive sales and EBITDA. 

Moreover, Dye & Durham is expected to benefit the most from its accretive acquisitions. The company’s opportunistic acquisitions could accelerate its growth pace and continue to drive Dye & Durham stock higher in 2021. 

The company recently announced three acquisitions that have opened new geographies and growth opportunities. Meanwhile, it has raised its revenue outlook for the upcoming quarter, citing benefits from its recent acquisitions. 

Jamieson Wellness

Jamieson Wellness (TSX:JWEL) is likely to benefit from strong consumer demand for wellness products and its international expansion. Meanwhile, its investments to increase the production capacity and positive industry tailwinds are likely to accelerate its top- and bottom-line growth in the coming quarters and, in turn, its stock. 

The company’s international business is growing at a brisk pace and could continue to deliver impressive sales, as it sees upside opportunity from China. While the company’s base business remains strong, its focus on acquisitions of established brands in developed economies is likely to further accelerate its growth rate. 

Jamieson’s sales and adjusted EBITDA have consistently increased at a double-digit rate since 2016. Meanwhile, it has raised its dividends in the last four years. 

With strong demand for its products in the domestic and international markets and advancement in China, Jamieson Wellness stock is likely to deliver solid returns in 2021 and outperform the broader markets. 

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 Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Business man on stock market financial trade indicator background.
Tech Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 50 Percent to Buy Right Now

There are plenty of growth stocks in the market worth considering, but Shopify (TSX:SHOP) looks like one of the best…

Read more »

Woman has an idea
Tech Stocks

Prediction: 1 Stock That Could Trounce the Market 

The TSX has been favouring tech stocks, but not this one. However, it has the potential to trounce the market…

Read more »

clock time
Tech Stocks

Long-Term Investing: 3 Top Canadian Stocks You Can Buy for Under $20 a Share

These three under-$20 stocks offer excellent buying opportunities for long-term investors.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

AI Will Transform Everything: Investors, Be Early Adopters and Buy These 3 Stocks

Investors looking to invest in companies doing big things in AI should consider these three stocks for their portfolios.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Tech Stocks

Forget Shopify: These Unstoppable Stocks Are Better Buys Today 

Should you consider buying Shopify stock while rivals consider a buyout or should you go for stocks with a stronger…

Read more »

A colourful firework display
Tech Stocks

2 Potentially Explosive Stocks to Buy in March

These two growth stocks are destined for many more years of market-crushing returns.

Read more »

edit CRA taxes
Tech Stocks

TFSA Millionaires Are Learning They Can Still Be Taxed

If you day trade stocks like Shopify (TSX:SHOP) in a TFSA, you may be taxed.

Read more »