2 Small-Cap Value Stocks to Buy and Hold for Years

If you’re looking for some of the best value stocks to buy in this environment, these two small-cap stocks are no-brainers.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

After the selloff we’ve seen all year, there are tonnes of stocks training undervalued. However, if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, small-cap stocks offer some of the best value, and, therefore, several small-caps are some of the best stocks to buy now.

In general, a company is considered a small-cap stock if its total market cap is between $300 million to $2 billion. So, as their name suggests, these stocks are much smaller than many other better known and more established businesses.

These companies are smaller, and, for a few other reasons, small-cap stocks typically offer better value than larger, more well-known stocks. In addition, they also tend to provide more long-term growth potential.

But because these stocks are smaller, the market views them as riskier than their larger peers, and, therefore, these stocks are more volatile. That’s one of the main reasons that these stocks typically offer better value and are some of the best to buy in this environment.

One of the main reasons small-cap stocks are riskier and more volatile is that these less-dominant businesses could struggle in economic slowdowns, especially compared to blue-chip stocks with highly diversified and robust operations.

Nevertheless, if you can find high-quality companies that you believe have years of potential and strong enough economics to weather a period of slower and potentially negative growth in the economy, then these small-cap stocks can be some of the best to buy.

So, while stocks are selling off, and there are plenty of attractive discounts across markets, here are two of the best small-cap value stocks to buy today.

One of the best small-cap value stocks to buy today

Ever since the pandemic hit, one of the best value stocks to buy, and one that continues to offer a compelling opportunity to investors today, is Cineplex (TSX:CGX).

Cineplex stock struggled over the last two years. However, that was almost entirely due to the pandemic and the impact it had on non-essential businesses like Cineplex.

And now, as the economy has finally opened back up and Cineplex can finally begin operating at capacity again, now it faces more headwinds from a slowing economy.

However, while Cineplex’s stock has struggled throughout 2022, losing more than 15% of its value, the company’s operations are recovering.

Sure, it may see some impact from inflation, such as tighter margins or a slight impact on its sales. However, considering where Cineplex is recovering from and how cheap its stock is already, it has to be one of the best stocks to buy today.

Even with inflation impacting the economy, analysts still expect Cineplex to have a strong recovery this year. And with its stock trading around $11.50, Cineplex has a forward enterprise value-to-EBITDA ratio of just 6.2 times, making it one of the best value stocks to buy today.

After more than two years of its operations and share price being significantly impacted, Cineplex has a long way to go to recover and offers tonnes of potential over the coming years.

A high-quality growth stock that’s been growing rapidly by acquisition

In addition to Cineplex, another one of the best small-cap value stocks to buy now is Park Lawn (TSX:PLC).

Park Lawn is a slightly larger company, with a market cap of $1.1 billion vs. Cineplex’s $700 million valuation. However, given the success that it’s had growing by acquisition in the past and the fact it’s still a small-cap stock, Park Lawn is one of the best investments you can make today.

The company operates in the death care industry, owning cemeteries, crematoriums, funeral homes and more.

So, not only does it offer the excellent long-term potential to continue growing rapidly, but much of its sales and operations will be robust and reliable, as death care is highly defensive.

Plus, considering the stock has sold off by roughly 25% from its high, Park Lawn offers investors attractive value at these prices.

If you’re looking for small-cap stocks that offer tonnes of value and that you can buy and hold for years, Park Lawn is one of the best to consider.

Should you invest $1,000 in Cineplex right now?

Before you buy stock in Cineplex, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Cineplex wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,345.77!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

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 Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends CINEPLEX INC.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Investing

woman looks out at horizon
Bank Stocks

This Canadian Bank Stock Down 14% is an Income Investor’s Dream

Scotiabank’s short-term stumbles have opened a window of opportunity for income investors to collect a juicy dividend.

Read more »

A woman shops in a grocery store while pushing a stroller with a child
Dividend Stocks

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock at All-Time Highs to Buy Now and Hold for a Lifetime

This top Canadian stock owns many of the brands Canadians use every day, checking all the essential boxes.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: 2 Stocks for Dividends and Total Returns

These TSX stocks have increased their dividends annually for decades.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

This 6.8% Monthly Income Stock Is Perfect for Your TFSA

With market volatility rising, here’s a top REIT offering consistent monthly income and long-term value for TFSA investors.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Tech Stocks

1 Undervalued TSX Stock Down 18% to Buy and Hold

This TSX stock remains down but is due for a huge comeback for investors.

Read more »

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

TFSA: Where to Invest $7,000 in the TSX Right Now

These stocks pay good dividends and now trade at discounted prices.

Read more »

analyze data
Stocks for Beginners

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $30,000

These three top Canadian stocks have one thing in common: stability. Let's get into why.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Tech Stocks

This TSX Stock Down 20% Could Triple Your Money by 2028

Down 20% from its 52-week high, this TSX stock is positioned to more than triple investor returns over the next…

Read more »