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

man in bowtie poses with abacus
Dividend Stocks

What the Average Canadian TFSA Looks Like at Age 50

See what the average Canadian TFSA looks like at age 50 and how CNR, Constellation Software, and VFV could support…

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $1,500 a Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

Discover how a TFSA can lead to substantial tax-free passive income. Learn the ins and outs of investing in Canada.

Read more »

arrows hit bullseye on target
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Passive Income: 3 TSX Dividend Stocks to Buy on Dips

These TSX dividend stocks deserve to be on your radar when the market corrects.

Read more »

concept of growth
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Use $14,000 in a TFSA to Pocket $65 Every Month

These two high-yield, monthly-dividend-paying stocks are ideal to boost your passive income.

Read more »

A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions with a 100 dollar banknote and dollar coins.
Dividend Stocks

How to Create Your Own Pension With Dividend Stocks

A DIY “dividend pension” can top up CPP, but it needs diversification, payout coverage, and time to grow.

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Dividend Stocks

A 6.2% Dividend Stock Paying Monthly Cash

This high-yield Canadian dividend stock stands out for durable distributions and ability to sustain its monthly payouts.

Read more »

jar with coins and plant
Dividend Stocks

These Canadian Companies Keep Raising Their Dividend Payouts

Three Canadian dividend growers can help your income keep up with inflation, even if you start with a modest yield.

Read more »

diversification and asset allocation are crucial investing concepts
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks to Snap Up on a Dip

These two Canadian dividend stocks offer income today and potential upside as their business improvements gain traction.

Read more »