3 Small-Cap Stocks to Begin Your Investment Journey

These three small-cap stocks could be excellent buys for young investors with a long-term investment timeframe.

| 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

Small-cap will have their market capitalization between $300 million and $2 billion. These companies will have higher growth potential and deliver superior returns in the long run. However, these companies are highly susceptible to market volatilities and are highly volatile. So, investors with higher risk-taking abilities and a longer investment timeframe can buy these stocks.

Meanwhile, if you are a young investor and want to begin your investment journey, you should consider the following three stocks with high-growth potential.

WELL Health Technologies

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual healthcare services. Amid the expansion of its addressable market, I have selected WELL Health Technologies (TSX:WELL) as my first pick. Given its convenience, accessibility, and cost effectiveness, I believe the sector has solid growth potential. Meanwhile, Grand View Research projects the global telehealthcare services to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.5% from 2022 to 2026.

Meanwhile, WELL Health’s U.S. business continues to grow, with the revenue from its Circle Medical and Wisp crossing $115 million on an annualized rate in June. The company delivered healthcare consulting services to 1.17 million patients in the second quarter, with an annual run rate of 4.69 million. The company’s management expects its revenue to cross $130 million in the second quarter while delivering adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $23 million. Meanwhile, the company has also accelerated its merger and acquisition activities, which could boost its financial growth in the coming quarters.

Despite its growing financials and an expanding addressable market, WELL Health’s price-to-earnings multiple for the next 12 months stands at an attractive 15.1, meaning an investor needs to invest around $15.1 in the company to earn $1. So, considering all these factors, I am bullish on WELL Health.

Docebo

Second on my list is Docebo (TSX:DCBO)(NASDAQ:DCBO), which offers a cloud-based e-learning platform to over 2,900 customers worldwide. The learning management system (LMS) market has also witnessed robust growth during the pandemic. Meanwhile, I expect the momentum to continue amid the growth in adopting hybrid work culture and remote learning. Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights projects the LMS market to grow from US$16.19 billion in 2022 to US$40.95 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%.

Given its highly configurable and artificial intelligence-powered learning platform, Docebo is well equipped to capitalize on the growth. Besides the company’s growing customer base, multi-year agreements, and increasing average contract value provide stability to its financials. The company also earns around 94% of its revenue from recurring sources.

Despite its growth prospects, Docebo’s price-to-sales multiple for the next 12 months stands at 6.2, which is lower than its historical average, thus making it an excellent buy for long-term investors.

Goodfood Market

My final pick is Goodfood Market (TSX:FOOD), which is involved in delivering grocery items and meal kits. The company has witnessed a substantial selloff over the last few months, with its stock price falling close to 90% from its August highs. The falling sales and higher losses have dragged its stock price down. However, with its price-to-sales multiple for the next 12 months standing at 0.3, I believe the company has moved towards oversold territory.

Goodfood Market is focusing on expanding its on-demand delivery service, which witnessed solid 41% quarter-over-quarter growth in the third quarter. It has built nine micro-fulfillment centres, which could support its expansion plans. The company implemented Project Blue Ocean in the third quarter to improve its gross margin and lower selling, general, and administrative expenses. With these initiatives, the company’s management hopes to become profitable in the first half of fiscal 2023. So, considering its discounted valuation and growth prospects, I expect Goodfood Market to deliver multi-fold returns in the long run.  

Should you invest $1,000 in Canadian Pacific Railway right now?

Before you buy stock in Canadian Pacific Railway, 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 Canadian Pacific Railway 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.

The Motley Fool recommends Docebo Inc. and Goodfood Market Corp. Fool contributor Rajiv Nanjapla has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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 Tech Stocks

Muscles Drawn On Black board
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $4,000

Seeking strength from your investments? Then these are the three stocks to consider first.

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Tech Stocks

Where Will BlackBerry Be in 4 Years?

With fresh partnerships and a tighter focus, BlackBerry is trying to lay the foundation for long-term growth.

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Tech Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $10,000 Right Now

Investors interested in tech can consider Constellation Software.

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Tech Stocks

Dip Buyers Could Win Big: The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Now

Canadian stocks have some big winners, and these three are a prime choice while shares are down.

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Dividend Stocks

If I Could Buy and Hold a Single Canadian Stock, This Would Be It

If you want a Canadian stock that's due for even more growth, this one is an easy "yes."

Read more »

Abstract Human Skull representing AI
Dividend Stocks

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock Down 26% to Buy Now and Hold for Life!

This Canadian stock continues to be undervalued for investors wanting in on a solid, long-term tech stock.

Read more »

how to save money
Tech Stocks

Where Will Shopify Stock Be in 2 Years?

Down 40% from all-time highs, Shopify is a TSX tech stock that trades at a discount to consensus price targets…

Read more »

A family watches tv using Roku at home.
Tech Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Stock Down 57% to Buy and Hold Forever

Down over 50% from all-time highs, Vecima Networks is a TSX tech stock trading at a sizeable discount in May…

Read more »