Stock Market Crash 2021: Should You Care About Stretched Valuations?

The economic expansion and revival of demand could continue to push equities higher in 2021.

| More on:

2020 marked one of the steepest recoveries in stock market history. The strong buying in equities following the March selloff led to a stellar rally in most TSX-listed stocks, making them expensive on the valuation front. 

As valuations look stretched and uncertainty lingers on, many believe that the stock market could crash in 2021.  

While I agree that Canadian stocks are looking expensive on valuation, I do not expect the market to crash anytime soon. I believe the worst for stocks is behind us, and the valuations could appear reasonable with the recovery in demand and acceleration in growth.  

The expected economic expansion and revival of demand could continue to push equities higher in 2021. So, investors shouldn’t worry about stretched valuations and continue to accumulate high-quality stocks on a healthy pullback. I have shortlisted two high-growth TSX stocks that have witnessed a pullback in the recent past, presenting an excellent buying opportunity for long-term investors. 

Dye & Durham

Dye & Durham (TSX:DND) delivered stellar returns since it listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange on July 17, 2020. The stock surged about 242% in 2020 and made investors rich. The company’s strong fundamentals, upbeat financial performance, and positive investor sentiments led to a rally in Dye & Durham stock. 

However, the increase in COVID-19 cases and fear of a stricter lockdown led to a healthy correction in its stock. Dye & Durham stock has decreased about 16% in January so far, while it is down about 21% from its 52-week high. I believe investors should use this pullback to accumulate its shares. The company remains well positioned to deliver exceptional returns in 2021 on the back of the continued momentum in its base business and its recent acquisitions. 

Dye & Durham is likely to benefit from its strong and diversified client base, long-term contracts, and high client retention rate. Moreover, its recent acquisitions are expected to accelerate its growth rate further. The company could continue to pursue opportunistic acquisition opportunities in 2021, which could lift its stock higher. 

Lightspeed POS

Lightspeed (TSX:LSPD)(NYSE:LSPD) stock soared 149% in 2020, thanks to the structural shift in the selling models. The coronavirus pandemic accelerated the pace of shift toward omnichannel selling models, which led to a surge in its gross transaction volume, top line, and payment revenues. Notably, increased demand for Lightspeed’s payment platform drove 300% growth in its payment revenues during the last-reported quarter. 

With positive secular industry trends, I believe the momentum in its business is likely to sustain in 2021 and could continue to drive its revenues. Meanwhile, innovation and up-selling of high-value products should drive its average revenue per user and support its margins. Furthermore, its recent acquisitions are likely to drive its customer base, expand its geographical reach, and accelerate its growth.

Lightspeed stock has declined about 11% from its 52-week high and presents a good buying opportunity. 

Final thoughts

Both these companies delivered stellar returns in 2020, and the recent pullback is an excellent opportunity for investors to become constructive. Dye & Durham and Lightspeed have multiple growth catalysts that could continue to drive these stocks higher in 2021.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Lightspeed POS Inc.

More on Tech Stocks

A person uses and AI chat bot
Tech Stocks

AI Where No One’s Looking: Seize Growth in These Canadian Stocks Before the Market Catches Up

Beyond flashy headlines about generative AI, these two Canadian AI stocks could deliver strong returns for investors who are willing…

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

Better Buy: Shopify Stock or Constellation Software?

Let's dive into whether Shopify (TSX:SHOP) or Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are the better options for growth investors in this current…

Read more »

nvidia headquarters with nvidia sign in front
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Just Delivered a Beat-and-Raise Quarter. There’s 1 Red Flag Investors Shouldn’t Ignore.

The chipmaker continued to benefit from robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI). But can it last?

Read more »

GettyImages-1473086836
Tech Stocks

Why Super Micro Computer Stock Is Soaring Today

The volatile stock is getting a boost from Nvidia.

Read more »

Snowflake logo in snowflake office on wall_snowflake-1
Tech Stocks

Here’s Why Snowflake Stock Skyrocketed Today

Shares of the data company are up 32% for the day.

Read more »

man touching magnifying glass button on floating search bar internet google search engine
Tech Stocks

Why Alphabet Stock Was Sliding Today

The parent company of Google is facing heat from U.S. regulators.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Tech Stocks

Top Canadian AI Stocks to Watch in 2025

Celestica (TSX:CLS) stock and another Canadian AI stock are worth watching closely this holiday season.

Read more »

Nvidia Voyager Headquarters
Tech Stocks

Why Nvidia Stock Rallied (Again) on Tuesday

The chipmaker is expected to report earnings this evening.

Read more »