Here Are the 3 Canadian Stocks I’d Tell a New Investor to Buy ASAP

Here are three of the best stocks for new Canadian investors to buy in this market environment and hold for years to come.

| More on:
Young adult concentrates on laptop screen

Source: Getty Images

Key Points

  • Three TSX picks for new investors across styles — value, defensive growth, and income — are Cargojet (TSX:CJT), Jamieson Wellness (TSX:JWEL), and CT REIT (TSX:CRT.UN).
  • Cargojet appears deeply undervalued (forward EV/EBITDA ~6.4x), Jamieson is a defensive growth name with a modest 2.6% dividend, and CT REIT offers reliable income (~5.8% forward yield) with a decade of distribution increases.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than Cargojet

When you’re new to investing, before you even start to think about what Canadian stocks you want to buy for your portfolio, you need to figure out your approach.

It’s essential to figure out the right mix of stocks for your preferences, whether it’s value stocks, growth stocks, dividend stocks, or a combination of the three.

There are several high-quality stocks in Canada, so understanding which businesses fit your portfolio is essential to building the optimal long-term portfolio for your needs.

So, with that being said, here are three of the best Canadian stocks to buy on the TSX and what investors they’re ideal for.

One of the best Canadian stocks to buy for value investors

With the TSX up more than 20% over the last 12 months, many of the best Canadian stocks are trading at or above their fair value. The good news for value investors, though, is that one of the best undervalued stocks in Canada isn’t just a little discounted; it’s trading ultra-cheaply.

Cargojet (TSX:CJT) is a stock that continues to be impacted by macroeconomic headwinds, but its long-term potential makes it hard to ignore.

Cargojet is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the long-term shift toward more online shopping and e-commerce. It has the fleet, the dominant position, and the partnerships in place to see significant growth once the macroeconomic environment improves.

In fact, its forward enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EV/EBITDA) ratio is sitting at just 6.4 times. That’s not just low, that’s well below its five-year average forward EV/EBITDA ratio of 8.9 times.

Furthermore, that’s based on its current estimates for its EBITDA, which are being weighed down by the macroeconomic environment.

So, if you’re looking for value stocks or even growth stocks that are trading cheaply, Cargojet is certainly one of the best stocks Canadian investors can buy now.

A top defensive growth stock

If you’re an investor who wants growth but with a bit more reliability, Jamieson Wellness (TSX:JWEL) is one of the best Canadian stocks to buy now.

You’ve probably heard of Jamieson. It’s one of, if not the most popular health and wellness brands in Canada. The company designs, produces, manufactures, and distributes products such as vitamins, minerals, supplements, and more.

This makes Jamieson an incredibly defensive business since the goods it produces are considered essential for many consumers.

Jamieson is still in growth mode, though. That means it offers a smaller dividend, currently yielding just 2.6% and retains more of its earnings to invest in future growth.

So, although it’s a stock that’s safe and reliable, it’s not the most ideal pick if you’re looking for defensive stocks that generate significant passive income.

One of the best dividend stocks on the TSX

For passive income seekers, one of the best Canadian stocks that you can buy now and hold for years is CT REIT (TSX:CRT.UN).

CT REIT is a retail REIT that earns roughly 90% of its income from one of the best-known retail brands in Canada, Canadian Tire. In addition, Canadian Tire is also the majority owner of CT REIT.

Therefore, CT REIT isn’t just one of the most reliable retail REITs you can buy for passive income; it’s one of the best stocks in the entire real estate sector.

Plus, not only does it offer an attractive forward yield, currently sitting at roughly 5.8%, but it has also increased its annual distribution every single year since it went public just over a decade ago.

So, if you’re a new investor looking to boost the yield your portfolio generates, there’s no question CT REIT is one of the best Canadian stocks to buy now.

Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Cargojet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

woman checks off all the boxes
Bank Stocks

This Dividend Stock Is Set to Beat the TSX Again and Again

Strong earnings, reliable dividends, and recent gains are putting this top TSX dividend stock back in the spotlight in 2026.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

The 1 Single Stock That I’d Hold Forever in a TFSA

A buy-and-hold TFSA winner needs durable demand and dependable cash flow, and AtkinsRéalis may fit that “steady compounder” mould.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Stocks Are the Top Opportunities on the TSX Today

With the market having gone pretty much up over the past few years, it's critical for investors to be cautious…

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

If Growth Is Your Game, We Have the Name of the Dividend Stock for You

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) might be a great buy for one's TFSA in the new year.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Forget GICs! These Dividend Stocks Are a Far Better Buy

CT REIT (TSX:CRT.UN) and another dividend that might be worth considering if you're fed up with low rates on GICs.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Bet Against Canada’s Top Dividend Icons Going Into the New Year

Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN) and another renewable dividend icon that might be worth picking up.

Read more »

voice-recognition-talking-to-a-smartphone
Dividend Stocks

Sure, Telus Paused Its Payout: It’s My Newest Top Stock Pick

Telus (TSX:T) stock might be closer to a bottom than the top. Here are reasons why it's worth checking out…

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

2 Spin-off Stocks Poised to Outperform in the New Year and Beyond

Two spin-off stocks could outperform in 2026 and beyond because of their focused operations and distinct growth paths.

Read more »