If the economy softens but avoids a full-blown collapse, the best stocks to own are usually the ones that can keep selling through slower demand, protect margins, and still find ways to grow. That often means looking at dependable retailers, health and wellness names, industrial companies with strong customer ties, and businesses tied to real assets. In other words, you want resilience, but you also want enough upside that you are not just hiding out. So let’s look at a few on the TSX today.
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CTC
Canadian Tire (TSX: CTC.A) sells a wide range of everyday and seasonal goods through banners that many Canadians already know well. Over the last year, CTC stock kept pushing its True North transformation, saw solid momentum at SportChek and Mark’s, and ended 2025 with stronger traffic and market share gains.
The numbers backed that up. Full-year 2025 retail sales rose 4.5% to $19 billion, consolidated revenue climbed 5.2% to $16.3 billion, and normalized diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 18.6% to $13.77. CTC stock holds a market cap of about $10 billion with a price-to-book ratio near 1.7, which is not stretched for a retailer that still has loyalty, scale, and improving execution on its side. If consumers stay cautious but keep spending on practical categories, it still looks well placed.
JWEL
Jamieson Wellness (TSX: JWEL) fits a softer-economy setup, as vitamins and supplements tend to be steadier than many consumer categories. It owns a trusted Canadian brand, while also growing internationally and through Youtheory. Over the last year, that growth was clear. Jamieson reported 2025 branded revenue growth of nearly 16%, with strong contributions from every core market, including China.
Full-year results showed revenue of $822.1 million, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $157.4 million, and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.85. The valuation is not dirt cheap, with a market cap around $1.4 billion and a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) near 23. However, it’s also not outrageous either for a company still growing nicely and selling products that many consumers keep buying even when they trim other spending.
LNR
Linamar (TSX: LNR) operates across automotive and industrial markets, which gives it exposure to vehicle production, access equipment, agriculture, and manufacturing demand. That mix matters right now. In April 2026, management said it was maintaining its full-year 2026 outlook despite updated Section 232 tariff changes, which suggests some confidence in its operating footing.
The stock holds a market cap of about $5 billion and a trailing P/E of just 8.8, which is a pretty modest valuation for a company with that scale. This is not a no-risk stock, since tariffs and auto production swings still matter. However, if the economy merely cools instead of cracking, Linamar looks like the kind of industrial name that could surprise on the upside.
ADN
Acadian Timber (TSX: ADN) owns and manages timberlands in New Brunswick and Maine, giving investors exposure to a hard asset with a history of cash generation. Its 2025 results were not flashy, but they were solid enough for this kind of environment. Revenue from timber sales and services came in at $87 million, adjusted EBITDA was $15.8 million, and free cash flow reached $6.6 million.
The company also declared $20.9 million in dividends for the year, or $1.16 per share. At writing, it holds a market cap near $316 million and a trailing P/E around 6, which looks inexpensive. A weaker housing backdrop can still weigh on wood demand, so that risk is real, but if the economy stays upright, Acadian offers income, asset backing, and a valuation that already leaves room for skepticism.
Bottom line
Put it all together, and these four stocks make sense for a softer-economy playbook because they are not all leaning on the same outcome. CTC stock gives you consumer resilience, Jamieson adds defensive growth, Linamar offers a cheap industrial recovery angle, and Acadian Timber brings income plus real assets. None are perfect, but in a market where growth may cool without completely vanishing, that mix looks pretty smart.
