Hidden Gems in Canada’s AI Landscape

Uncover hidden AI stock gems on the TSX that offer growth potential beyond the hype that are ripe for smart investors.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Enghouse Systems leverages AI for business solutions, boasts a strong balance sheet, and offers a modest dividend.
  • Computer Modelling Group specializes in reservoir simulation for oil and gas, making it a niche AI play with high switching costs.
  • Both stocks are conservative AI investments, with recent earnings dips making them attractive at current levels.

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) is the massive elephant in the room, sitting amongst a slew of traders day in and day out. It can make many of us feel that we’ve missed the boat when it comes to AI stocks. However, there can still be a method of finding hidden AI stock gems in the madness.

While some companies are shouting loudly, the most “pick-me” of the bunch, others are quietly building, powering, or enabling the systems behind them. Looking beyond pure AI, focusing on data control, following the infrastructure trail or checking partnerships are great ways to find these gems. Today, we’re going to look at two AI stocks to consider.

visualization of a digital brain

Source: Getty Images

ENGH

First, we have Enghouse Systems (TSX:ENGH), an enterprise software and services company operating through Interactive Management Group (IMG) for customer interaction and asset management for operational support systems. These use AI, analytics and automation to bring businesses together.

The AI stock has expanded both organically and through acquisitions, with third-quarter results proving its strength. Many of its results missed analyst estimates, leading to a stock drop. That being said, it remains a top choice for a number of reasons.

The AI stock maintains low debt and a strong balance sheet, and even declared a $0.30 quarterly dividend. Furthermore, analysts see modest growth in the future. That’s especially thanks to its recurring revenue and software as a service (SaaS) base. With a solid acquisition pipeline, organic growth, and a dividend yield as a buffer, it’s an AI stock that could be a hidden gem waiting to sparkle.

CMG

Next, we have Computer Modelling Group (TSX:CMG), a software and services company focusing primarily on oil and gas, especially reservoir simulation. This specificity makes it a niche play, embedding AI and analysts inside the energy industry. Yet again, we have an AI stock investors might be missing thanks to recent earnings.

The company’s first quarter results saw total revenue drop by 3% year over year, though recurring revenue increased by 7%. Furthermore, free cash flow (FCF) fell by 22%, with market uncertainty impacting the business. Yet the company’s domain moat and specialization are something that cannot be ignored. Switching costs are high, so while the AI stock needs to work for new business, once businesses get on board, switching costs are high, making the stock quite sticky.

What’s more, it’s cheap! The AI stock trades at just 24 times earnings, quite inexpensive compared to other AI stocks. Furthermore, it holds a nice little 0.63% dividend yield as of writing. Not much, but still something many other AI stocks don’t even offer. And with a 0.08 beta, it’s a conservative way to get into the AI sector.

Bottom line

Not all AI stocks are risky investments. In fact, these two are downright conservative. Plus, each is coming off earnings that led to a drop that makes them valuable at these levels. So, if you’re looking for some hidden gems ready to shine, consider these on the TSX today.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Enghouse Systems. The Motley Fool recommends Computer Modelling Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Tech Stocks

Rocket lift off through the clouds
Tech Stocks

The Best Places to Put Your TFSA Contribution if You’re Focused on Growth

Three TSX stocks from different sectors are standout choices for growth-focused TFSA investors.

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Tech Stocks

The 1 Strategic Canadian ETF I’d Make Sure Every TFSA Includes

Discover how to build a successful TFSA portfolio using strategic asset allocation in Canadian ETFs to mitigate risk.

Read more »

rising arrow with flames
Tech Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Supercharged to Surge in 2026

VitalHub crossed $100 million in revenue in 2025 and is building AI tools customers are already paying for. Here is…

Read more »

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

What the TFSA Fine Print Says About Holding U.S. Stocks

The TFSA protects Canadian gains from tax, but U.S. dividend stocks come with a 15% dividend withholding tax twist most…

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks That Could Thrive Even if the Economy Slows

If the TSX hits a softer patch, these three stocks stand out for durable demand, long-cycle work, or exposure to…

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Tech Stocks

1 Canadian Stock to Buy Before the Bank of Canada Speaks

BlackBerry is suddenly looking like a real pre-Bank of Canada play, with sticky government and auto customers, plus a turnaround…

Read more »

child looks at variety of flavors at ice cream store
Tech Stocks

What is One of the Best Tech Stocks to Own for the Next Decade?

Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) stock could be one of the best Canadian tech stocks to buy and hold for long term…

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Tech Stocks

Billionaires Are Selling Amazon Stock and Betting on This TSX Stock

Billionaires are trimming Amazon stock and shifting attention to this TSX growth stock that’s gaining momentum.

Read more »