The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy Right Now With $200

This Canadian stock is still one of the best choices for investors, as it continues to focus on basic materials.

| More on:

Sometimes, it’s not about having thousands to invest; it’s about making the most of what you’ve got. And right now, if you’re sitting on $200 and wondering where to put it, Teck Resources (TSX: TECK.B) stands out as one of the smartest picks on the TSX. This stock isn’t just about mining; it’s about the future of global infrastructure, clean energy, and resilient Canadian industry.

bulb idea thinking

Image source: Getty Images

About Teck

Teck is one of Canada’s largest diversified resource companies. Its focus is on copper, zinc, steelmaking coal, and energy. But it’s copper that has the market’s attention. With the global shift toward electrification, copper is in high demand. It’s a key component in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and just about every infrastructure project that aims to be more sustainable. Teck is well positioned in this space, and that gives it a unique advantage over more traditional mining stocks.

As of writing, Teck’s had a decent rebound from the lows earlier this year, but it’s still down more than 25% from its 52-week high of $74.15. This gap between its current price and historical peak is where the opportunity lies. Analysts currently have a 12-month average price target of $71.94. That would mean a potential upside of nearly 36%. With $200, you could pick up almost four shares and still have some change left over. That’s a small but meaningful stake in a company with big potential.

Into earnings

Looking at the most recent earnings, Teck had a strong start to 2025. In the first quarter, it reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $927 million, which was more than double what it posted during the same period last year. Adjusted profit came in at $303 million, or $0.60 per share. This growth was largely driven by stronger commodity prices, especially copper and zinc, as well as higher production volumes.

Teck’s copper output was particularly strong, increasing 7% year over year to 106,100 tonnes. Its Quebrada Blanca mine in Chile was a big contributor to that, producing 42,300 tonnes despite dealing with a national power outage and some rough weather. The ability to meet or exceed production targets under difficult conditions speaks volumes about Teck’s operations and management.

More to come

But the story doesn’t end with production. Teck has been returning capital to shareholders aggressively. Between January and April 2025, it bought back $505 million worth of shares. That’s part of a broader $3.25 billion buyback plan, of which $1.75 billion has now been completed. In an uncertain market, share buybacks can signal that management believes the stock is undervalued and wants to reward long-term holders.

Teck’s future looks even more promising when you consider its strategic direction. The Canadian stock continues to divest from its steelmaking coal business, moving to become more focused on metals that are critical to a low-carbon economy. This shift isn’t just good for optics; it aligns Teck with some of the most powerful investment themes of the decade. Copper and zinc are already seeing surging demand, and that demand is expected to continue climbing. By focusing on these areas, Teck is putting itself in the right place at the right time.

Bottom line

So, what does all this mean for a $200 investment? It means you’re not just buying a mining stock; you’re buying a piece of the global energy transition. You’re getting exposure to some of the most important materials of the next decade. You’re also getting a Canadian stock that has proven its ability to grow earnings, return value to shareholders, and adapt to changing markets.

And let’s be honest: part of smart investing is knowing when something good is trading at a discount. Teck may not stay this cheap for long. The market has already started to catch on, but there’s still time to buy in before it pushes higher. For those looking to start small but think big, Teck Resources might just be the smartest Canadian stock to pick up with $200 right now.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

todder holds a gold bar
Metals and Mining Stocks

Kinross Gold Stock Gained 472%: Is There Still More Upside?

Kinross Gold (TSX:K) has been such an explosive gainer in recent years, but shares are still really cheap!

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canada’s Mineral and Mining Sector Takes the Global Stage: Here Are a Few of My Favourite Stock Plays

Gold near record highs and a trade war over critical minerals are putting Canadian mining stocks in focus. Here are…

Read more »

A worker wears a hard hat outside a mining operation.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canada Wants More Mines Built Faster: This Canadian Stock Could Benefit

Canada’s new “one project, one review, one year” approach could finally speed up mine approvals, and Canada Nickel may be…

Read more »

People walk into a dark underground mine.
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Mining Stocks to Watch as Carney Courts Global Investors

Mark Carney is courting global capital for Canada. Here's why Barrick Gold and Endeavour Mining look attractive to TSX investors…

Read more »

Nickel ore is mined from the ground.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canada Wants to Break the World’s Critical-Mineral Chokeholds: Here’s the TSX Stock I’d Buy

Canada’s critical-minerals push is heating up, and Teck could be a direct way to invest in the copper-heavy supply chains…

Read more »

A person's hand cupped open with a hologram of an AI chatbot above saying Hi, can I help you
Stocks for Beginners

This Canadian Manufacturer Just Won Record New Business: Here’s Why I’d Buy the Stock

Linamar’s CEO says Canada’s factories are already outproducing the U.S., and Linamar is winning record new business.

Read more »

Stacked gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Hudbay Minerals Stock Has Quietly Amassed a 430% 3-Year Return

Here's why Hudbay Minerals stock has extensively outperformed the Canadian stock market over the last three years.

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Montage Gold Stock Soared 3,200%: Is It Still Worth Buying?

Given its strong construction and exploration progress, coupled with elevated gold prices, Montage Gold could remain an attractive opportunity for…

Read more »