Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $5,000 Right Now

Have $5,000 that you aren’t sure where to deploy? These three high-quality Canadian stocks are worth adding to right now!

| More on:

Despite tariffs and economic uncertainty, Canadian stocks have performed with resilience in 2025. The TSX Index is up 7.6% this year, whereas the S&P 500 is only up 1.5%. Oddly enough, Canadian stocks have outperformed their American peers.

The good news is that there are still good opportunities in the Canadian market. While the pullback in March would have been the ideal time to add to positions, there are still deals to be found. If I had $5,000, here are three unique, high-quality stocks to deploy that cash into today.

Source: Getty Images

A top Canadian tech stock

With its stock up 622% in the past 10 years, Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) has spent more time close to 52-week highs than 52-week lows. However, this strong Canadian compounder is down 17% this year. It represents an attractive buying opportunity.

Descartes is an important global supplier of software solutions to logistics and transport sector. With trade wars and geopolitical tensions, the global supply chain is in a bit of distress.

While that may impact Descartes in the near term, it is likely temporary. Its software helps logistics providers navigate complex environments. It is very challenging to revert to legacy paper or software processes once Descartes’s software is adopted.

With a strong, cash-rich balance sheet, this Canadian stock can proactively deploy capital into acquisitions. If you don’t mind being a contrarian, now is a good time to buy this stock.

A property services business

Another Canadian stock that has recently pulled back is FirstService (TSX:FSV). Like Descartes, it has a great long-term record. Its stock is up 608% in the past 10 years. Yet, its stock is down 8% in 2025.

FirstService operates a large residential/condo property management business across Canada and America. It also operates a mix of brands catering to the home improvement market (like painting, restoration, roofing, and cabinetry).

Its smart acquisition strategy has fuelled 15% compounded annual revenue growth over the past five years. It can use its scale and operating prowess to improve margins and grow the acquired company’s customer base.

Overall, FirstService generates a high recurring income stream from its residential business. It can plough excess cash into a plethora of acquisitions in the wide North American home improvement market.

For a stock that should earn low teens returns for many years ahead, FirstService looks attractive after its valuation recently corrected closer to its mean.

A top Canadian real estate stock

Another Canadian stock worth spending $5,000 on right now is Mainstreet Equity (TSX:MEQ). Similar to the stocks above, Mainstreet has a wonderful track record of creating value for shareholders. Its stock is up 418% in the past 10 years.

Given those returns, you might be surprised to find out that Mainstreet is a real estate company. It owns a portfolio with over 18,500 residential units across Western Canada.

Unlike a real estate investment trust, it only pays a small dividend. It prefers to deploy its excess rental cash into buying well-located residential properties, fixing them up, and then growing their rental rates.

It still has a large market to potentially acquire. Even though the economy has weakened, its rental rates are affordable, which helps keep occupancy elevated.

Recently, the stock dipped. Its valuation looks attractive. If you want to own real estate but don’t want to be a landlord, this is as good a stock as any to buy now.

Fool contributor Robin Brown has positions in Descartes Systems Group. The Motley Fool recommends Descartes Systems Group and FirstService. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

Canadian investor contemplating U.S. stocks with multiple doors to choose from.
Stocks for Beginners

2 Canadian Stocks to Buy Before Economic Fears Fade

These two Canadian food companies could be smart buys while investors still feel uneasy about the economy.

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Quality Canadian Stocks I’d Buy in This Uncertain Market

Two high-quality Canadian stocks could help you stay invested through volatility without guessing the next headline.

Read more »

A child pretends to blast off into space.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Growth Stock That Could Take Off in 2026 and Keep Climbing

A 90% rally hasn’t slowed this Canadian growth stock as more upside could be ahead.

Read more »

people ride a downhill dip on a roller coaster
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks I’d Buy Before Volatility Returns

These three TSX stocks look like “pre-volatility” holds because they pair durable cash flow with tangible value support and businesses…

Read more »

a sign flashes global stock data
Tech Stocks

This Could Be a Big Week for the TSX: 3 Stocks to Watch

A high-stakes late-April week could make the TSX reward stocks with clear catalysts and solid fundamentals.

Read more »

gold prices rise and fall
Stocks for Beginners

3 Canadian Stocks to Buy if Gold Keeps Climbing

Even with a sharp March pullback, some analysts still see room for strength ahead, driven by diversification demand and a…

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Stocks for Beginners

3 Canadian ETFs I’d Tuck Into a TFSA and Never Consider Selling

These three Canadian ETFs offer instant diversification, making them ideal for the foundation of your long-term TFSA portfolio.

Read more »

A small flower grows out of a concrete crack.
Dividend Stocks

The April Market Twist Every Canadian Investor Should Be Watching

AtkinsRéalis is emerging as an April-proof TSX winner, with booming nuclear and infrastructure work that can outlast the month’s headline…

Read more »