The TSX breached 35,000 points in early June 2026 and then hit four record-breaking closes. A fifth is unlikely at this point as the signed peace deal to end the Middle East war takes hold. Red-hot sectors such as energy and basic materials are cooling alongside geopolitical tensions.
Forward-looking investors could rotate away from erstwhile top-performing sectors and focus on growth stocks that have experienced weakness due to the conflict. For instance, WSP Global (TSX: WSP) in the industrial sector declined 33% on May 19, 2026, from its September 2025 peak. However, the tide should turn in its favour as the business environment improves.
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Business overview
WSP Global aims to reshape the industrial sector and address the complex challenges it faces. The $23.9 billion pure-play consulting firm has a team of advisors, engineers, and scientists who provide specialized services to clients across various sectors worldwide. It is actively involved in natural environment projects.
The highly diversified platform is the core competitive advantage. WSP Global cites aging infrastructure, digital transformation, energy transition, water security, and urbanization as among the sector’s complex challenges. The company launched its 2025–2027 Global Strategic Action Plan focusing on four key areas.
Future focused
Grow, expand, leverage, and empower are the strategic action plan’s main objectives. This ambitious plan will include a $200 million investment in research, innovation, and digital partnerships. Its President and CEO, Alexandre L’Heureux, said, “Our portfolio is deliberately diversified across sectors where sustainability, resilience and digitization continue to drive investment.”
WSP Global achieved and surpassed its 2022–2024 financial targets. “We aim to push boundaries even further, accelerate innovation and unleash the full capabilities of our 73,000 professionals worldwide,” L’Heureux added. The plan should help WSP become a leading brand in the professional services universe.
The large-cap stock pays a modest 0.82% dividend, or $0.38 per quarter over the last 10 years. This is by design as WSP Global uses cash flow to pursue acquisitions. If you invest today, the share price is $175.57, down -29.2% year-to-date. However, rising to its 52-week high of $291.46 (+66% upside) is a strong possibility. Growth investors should take note that WCP is a capital compounder in the making.
Strong profitability
L’Heureux is excited about the market opportunities ahead. In Q1 2026, revenues increased 3.7% year-over-year to $4.5 billion, while adjusted net earnings rose nearly 30% to $297.7 million compared to Q1 2025. Notably, total backlog spiked to a record $19.7 billion, an 18.7% increase from a year ago.
According to L’Heureux, the very active backlog and pipeline underscore the strength of WSP’s diversified platform. The newly acquired TRC Companies aided the growth in backlog. WSP acquired the premier U.S. power and energy company in February 2026 to enhance its support for complex infrastructure programs.
WSP Global has established a clear strategic direction to manage associated risks and support the transition to a low-carbon, nature-positive economy. ESG investors can refer to the company’s 2025 Climate and Nature Transition Plan and Global Sustainability Report.
Rare chance
WSP’s weakness is an anomaly, given the record backlog and active pipeline. Once the fog clears and the business climate stabilizes, a strong recovery is inevitable. The current share price is a good entry point, offering a rare buying opportunity for life.
