Everyone’s Ignoring These Stocks, but I See Tremendous Upside in 2026

Tremendous upside in 2026 is possible, if you pick correctly. Here are two top Canadian stocks investors won’t want to sleep on right now.

| More on:
Key Points
  • The Metals Company is poised for significant growth as a leader in deep-sea mining of essentials for EV batteries, with strong liquidity supporting its commercialization plans.
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce showcases robust financial performance, highlighted by impressive earnings and sustainable dividends, positioning it for potential outperformance in the banking sector.

Canadian investors have plenty of reasons to stay bullish on the TSX heading into 2026. With economic stability under President Trump’s policies and rising demand for critical resources, select names stand out for their growth potential.

Here are two top Canadian stocks I think have tremendous upside in the year ahead. Let’s dive in!

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book

Source: Getty Images

The Metals Company

Most investors who have followed my work over the past year may rightly note that The Metals Company (NASDAQ:TMC) is one of the top Canadian growth stocks I’m bullish on right now.

The Vancouver-based deep-sea mining innovator is a first-mover in one of the most potentially profitable sectors in the market, in my view. The company seeks to mine massive polymetallic nodule resources in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. This area is packed with nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, essentials for EV batteries and renewables. Current estimates suggest 363 million tons of nodules (including 3.5 million tons of nickel) are available to TMC over time.

I think this future growth should scream opportunity, for those thinking long term. And the good news is that TMC has the capital in place to get to commercialization, with $165 million in liquidity plus potential for $400 million more from warrants. This capital should fund the company’s path to commercialization, possibly ahead of the late-2027 timeline, if regulations align.

Analysts have hiked targets to $12.25, citing first-mover edge amid global electrification trends, while 2025’s 414% stock surge and 28% EPS growth over three years position it as a top Canadian growth play. With EV demand exploding, TMC’s low-cost, low-impact extraction could deliver explosive returns. I think TMC stock is a screaming buy right now, before permits unlock the floodgates.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

For investors looking for stability with a punch, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) has provided that in spades in recent years.

Indeed, the Big 5 Canadian bank’s chart above is impressive, considering the part of the economic cycle we’re in now. Much of that has to do with CIBC absolutely crushing earnings expectations this past quarter.

The company posted net profit of $3.1 billion ($3.21 on a diluted earnings per share basis), up massively from $2.2 billion last year, on 15% revenue growth to $8.4 billion. Net interest margins expanded to 1.9%, ROE hit 17.4%. Additionally, provisions for credit losses dipped slightly to $568 million, showcasing resilience in a steady economy.

The bank’s fundamentals are rock-solid. With a CET1 ratio at 13.4% supporting growth and buybacks (5.5 million shares repurchased recently), I think CIBC’s recent dividend hike remains sustainable. Much of this has to do with a reasonable and sustainable 45% payout ratio.

Trading at a price-earnings multiple of around 15 times with a moderate buy rating from most analysts, CIBC is one unique Canadian bank that could outperform this year. That’s my two cents, for what it’s worth.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald 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 Investing

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

2 Canadian Energy Stocks That Still Look Cheap Today

Even with energy volatility, Peyto and Whitecap still look like “cheap but cash-generating” TSX producers with dividends that aren’t just…

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Stocks I’d Snap Up on Any Dip Right Now

These three TSX names look like buy-the-dip candidates because they combine real earnings power with long-term growth drivers.

Read more »

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

3 Canadian REITs Worth Holding in an Income Portfolio Through Any Market Condition

These Canadian REITs offer a mix of safety, growth and reliable income, giving investors the confidence to hold them in…

Read more »

trading chart of brent crude oil prices
Energy Stocks

If Oil Hits $100, These 3 Canadian Stocks Could Surge

If oil really spikes to $100, these three Canadian energy names offer different kinds of torque: a major project ramp,…

Read more »

data center server racks glow with light
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Company Set to Make a Fortune from the $650 Billion Data Centre Buildout

Cameco is positioned to benefit from the massive $650B data centre buildout as soaring AI power demand accelerates global nuclear…

Read more »

Person uses a tablet in a blurred warehouse as background
Dividend Stocks

This TFSA Stock Yields 7.9% and Sends Cash on a Remarkably Consistent Schedule

Like clockwork, Nexus Industrial REIT pays out income distributions on the 15th of every month – and its 7.9% yield…

Read more »

worry concern
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks to Buy When Everyone’s Nervous

Nervous markets reward real businesses, and these two TSX names offer either stability you can sleep on or a trend…

Read more »

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

3 Canadian Stocks That Could Do Well if the Loonie Slides

A falling loonie can quietly boost Canadian stocks that earn lots of U.S. dollars or sell globally.

Read more »