Got $2,000? Invest in These 4 Small-Cap Stocks for Higher Returns

Given their growth prospects and sectoral tailwind, these four small-cap stocks can deliver superior returns over the next three years.

Small-capitalization stocks offer high-growth prospects and have the potential to create significant wealth over the long-term. However, market volatilities can severely impact these stocks, thus making them highly volatile. So, investors with higher risk-taking abilities and long-term investment horizons should consider buying these stocks for superior returns.

goeasy

My first pick would be goeasy (TSX:GSY), which provides financial services to sub-prime borrowers. After delivering impressive returns over the last few years, the company has continued its upward momentum, with its stock price rising 25.5% this year. The solid fourth-quarter performance and management’s promising guidance for the next three years has boosted its stock price.

The recovery in demand amid the reopening of the economy could drive economic expansion, leading to higher loan origination. Further, newer products, increased penetration, and expanding addressable market could also contribute to goeasy’s growth. Additionally, the company also had increased its 2021 dividends by 47% to $2.64 per share, with its dividend yield currently standing at 2.2%. So, I believe goeasy would be an excellent buy right now.

Pizza Pizza

My second pick would be Pizza Pizza Royalty (TSX:PZA), which operates restaurants under Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 brands. Due to its highly franchised business model, the company has fared better than its peers amid the pandemic-infused restrictions. The introduction of contactless pick-up and delivery transactions has been resonating well with its customers.

Its investment in expanding its delivery, pick-up, and digital ordering channels has helped mitigate the impact of weak footfalls. Meanwhile, these investments could drive the company’s sales in the post-pandemic world also. Further, the widespread vaccination distribution could allow governments to lift restrictions, allowing the company to operate its restaurants at full capacity and boosting its financials.

With the Canadian government expecting to make the vaccine available to all its citizens by the end of September, I am bullish on Pizza Pizza. The company also pays quarterly dividends, with its yield standing at a healthier 6.3%.

HEXO

Despite its impressive second-quarter performance, Hexo (TSX:HEXO)(NYSE:HEXO) is trading close to 40% lower from its 52-week high, providing an excellent entry point for long-term investors. During the quarter, the company’s top line grew 94% year over year, while its adjusted EBITDA moved to positive territory for the first time in the company’s history.

Meanwhile, the company is expanding its market share in the cannabis-infused beverage segment, which has enormous growth potential. The company’s management has also announced that the company is in talks with several CPG partners to launch edible products, which could boost its position in the growing U.S. cannabis market.

Further, the proposed acquisition of Zenabis Global could make HEXO one of the top three players in the Canadian recreational cannabis market and also provide the company access to the European medical market. So, given its high-growth prospects and expanding addressable market, HEXO can deliver superior returns over the next three years.

Goodfood Market

After delivering impressive returns of over 285% last year, Goodfood Market (TSX:FOOD) is trading close to 30% lower for this year. The expectation of life returning to pre-pandemic ways amid the ongoing vaccination drive and high valuation appears to have dragged the company’s stock down. However, I believe investors should use this correction to accumulate the stock, given its growing customer base, penetration into newer markets, and sectoral tailwind.

Given the convenience and accessibility of the service, I believe the demand for Goodfood Market’s services could thrive even in the post-pandemic also. Further, the introduction of same-day delivery and expansion of product offerings is gaining traction with its customers. By the end of its February-ending quarter, the company had 319,000 active subscribers, representing a 30% year-over-year growth.

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.

The Motley Fool owns shares of PIZZA PIZZA ROYALTY CORP. The Motley Fool recommends Goodfood Market, HEXO., and HEXO. Fool contributor Rajiv Nanjapla has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

OpenText stock has fallen in the last few years, but that could mean this top tech stock remains an undervalued…

Read more »

AI microchip
Tech Stocks

Celestica Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Celestica's stock price has rallied 950% in the last five years. Will the AI boom send it even higher in…

Read more »

data analyze research
Tech Stocks

2 Ridiculously Cheap Growth Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in 2024

Well Health Technologies is a cheap growth stock to buy for its record-breaking results, massive revenue growth, and profitability.

Read more »

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Tech Stocks

4 Reasons to Buy Kinaxis Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

Kinaxis stock has a strong past. But there is even more to look forward to from this top tech stock.

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

The Future of AI: Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Now

Here are two of the best AI-focused stocks in Canada that you can consider adding to your portfolio before it’s…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Tech Stocks

2 TFSA Stocks to Buy Right Now With $7,000

Are you looking for growth stocks that can help you maximize the tax-free withdrawals of the TFSA? This article is…

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Tech Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $1,000

Not all tech stocks are the risky investments that many think they are. Which is why we're focusing on the…

Read more »