History Says Now Is the Time to Buy These 2 Brilliant Stocks

These two resilient TSX stocks could be smart long-term buys while market uncertainty creates opportunities.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Waste Connections (TSX:WCN) continues to deliver steady growth with strong recurring demand and expanding profit margins.
  • Dollarama (TSX:DOL) is benefiting from resilient consumer demand and disciplined international expansion.
  • Both TSX-listed companies have defensive business models that could help investors build long-term wealth.

Despite starting 2026 on a solid note, the TSX Composite Index has seen heightened volatility in recent months due mainly to escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, global trade tensions, and macroeconomic uncertainties. While market pullbacks make investors nervous, history suggests that periods of uncertainty often create the best buying opportunities. When quality businesses temporarily lose momentum along with the broader market, Foolish investors get a chance to buy strong companies at more attractive valuations.

In this article, I’ll highlight two resilient TSX stocks that I believe are currently undervalued and could deliver strong returns in the years ahead.

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books

Source: Getty Images

Waste Connections stock

In an uncertain market environment, businesses built around essential services tend to perform well – and that’s exactly where Waste Connections (TSX:WCN) has carved its niche over the years. The company provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, disposal, recycling, and renewable fuels services to around nine million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the United States and Canada.

WCN stock currently trades at $209.40 per share after a 13% year-to-date decline, giving the company a market cap of $53 billion. That recent decline could be creating an attractive entry point for long-term investors. Waste Connections also offers a small quarterly dividend with a 0.9% yield.

In the first quarter, the company’s revenue climbed 6.4% year-over-year (YoY) to US$2.4 billion. Its net profit reached US$219 million for the quarter, while adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose 8% YoY to US$769 million. Strong execution and strategic acquisitions continued to support this financial growth despite challenging conditions.

Waste Connections has also shown impressive resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty and weather-related disruptions. Its operational consistency remains one of its biggest strengths. Moreover, the company still has multiple long-term growth drivers. It’s increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology investments to improve efficiency across operations. It also expects another active year for acquisitions in 2026, backed by a strong pipeline of potential deals.

Combined with its ongoing share repurchases and dividend payments, these initiatives position Waste Connections stock as a reliable long-term compounder for investors seeking stability and growth.

Dollarama stock

Companies that thrive on value tend to hold up well when uncertainty rises, and Dollarama (TSX:DOL) has consistently proven its strength in that environment. This discount retailer operates more than 1,691 stores across Canada while also expanding internationally through its Dollarcity operations and The Reject Shop banner in Australia.

At the time of writing, DOL stock closed at $174.51, with a market cap of nearly $48 billion. Despite its defensive business model, its shares have slipped nearly 15% so far in 2026, making them look cheap to buy for the long term.

In the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2026 (ended February 1, 2026), Dollarama’s sales surged 11.7% YoY to $2.1 billion with the help of strong comparable store sales growth and continued store expansion. Its adjusted quarterly EBITDA reached $711.5 million, reflecting a healthy margin of 33.9%.

Even with unfavourable weather affecting store traffic, the company continued to attract customers with its affordable pricing and value-focused offerings. In the latest quarter, Dollarama added 75 net new stores in Canada and opened seven additional stores in Australia under The Reject Shop banner. Its international expansion efforts could accelerate its financial growth in the coming years.

Overall, consumers continue looking for affordable everyday products, and that trend could persist regardless of economic conditions. Combined with strong operations and consistent returns to shareholders, Dollarama remains one of the strongest stocks on the TSX today.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Dollarama and Waste Connections. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Waste Connections. The Motley Fool recommends Dollarama. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

earn passive income by investing in dividend paying stocks
Stocks for Beginners

5 TSX Stocks to Buy for a Calm, Boring, Winning Portfolio

These five TSX stocks offer investors a solid combination of income and long-term growth potential, making them some of the…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Stocks for Beginners

The TFSA Strategy I’d Be Following Heading Into the Rest of 2026

Looking for a smart TFSA strategy for 2026. Here are some ideas how to build long-term tax-free wealth with two…

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 5% to Buy and Hold for Decades

Restaurant Brands offers a mix of dividend income and long-term brand growth, and a small pullback can improve the entry…

Read more »

resting in a hammock with eyes closed
Dividend Stocks

Why This Boring Utilities Stock is Starting to Look Very Profitable

A “boring” Canadian energy distributor just landed a massive data centre deal that could turn it into an unexpected AI…

Read more »

drinker sniffs wine in a glass
Stocks for Beginners

How Splitting $30,000 Across Three TSX Stocks Could Generate $2,000 in Annual Dividends

These three TSX stocks could turn a $30,000 investment into nearly $2,000 in annual dividends.

Read more »

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

3 Canadian ETFs Worth Tucking Into a TFSA and Holding for the Long Haul

Looking for the best Canadian ETFs? Here are three high-quality funds to buy in your TFSA and hold for the…

Read more »

investor looks at volatility chart
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend-Growth Giant That Looks Attractive After a 5% Pullback

Canadian National Railway is a classic “quiet compounder” that can keep growing dividends thanks to an asset base competitors can’t…

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Giants That Look Attractive After Recent Pullbacks

BMO and Thomson Reuters offer two different styles of dividend quality: higher-yield banking income versus lower-yield, recurring-revenue growth.

Read more »