Stock market report of Québec inc. | Winners and losers of 2024

The year 2024 has been exceptional for many investors. The markets as a whole performed better than expected. Our annual overview of the big winners and big losers of the year in Québec inc. on the Toronto Stock Exchange (excluding companies that have received purchase offers).


Published at 5:00 a.m.

The winners

Debt

PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES

Velan’s stock value more than doubled in 2024.

It is particularly remarkable that the shares of the Montreal manufacturer of industrial valves have more than doubled in 2024 since the 102% increase occurred under the radar of many investors. The company still does not benefit from official coverage from an analyst and the volume of transactions on the stock remains relatively very low on a daily basis. In revealing its most recent quarterly results in October, management notably attributed its financial performance to the contribution of new projects in the fast-growing nuclear energy market.

5N Plus

PHOTO CATHERINE LEFEBVRE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES

The 5N Plus installations, in Saint-Laurent

The Montreal semiconductor producer also had an exceptional stock market year. Its action gained 95% in 2024. The company, whose products are used in particular in the solar energy sector, in the security industry, by the space industry, the pharmaceutical industry, in medical imaging and in industrial production, continues to be unanimously appreciated on Bay Street. There are five analysts following the stock and they all suggest Buy.

Bombardier

The Montreal manufacturer of business jets has regained its goodwill among investors. The value of the stock increased by 84% in 2024, making Bombardier one of the Quebec stocks having recorded the strongest increase on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Management reported in November that the company was “on track” to meet its full-year guidance for 2024. Fiscal year 2024 performance is due to be presented to investors in February.

AtkinsRéalis

The Montreal engineering firm has just had another fantastic year on the stock market. After a jump of nearly 80% in 2023, the stock of the company formerly known as SNC-Lavalin appreciated by 79% in 2024. The demand for the expertise of AtkinsRéalis professionals in nuclear energy is one of the elements that contributed to this strong stock market appreciation. The stock continues to be favored on Bay Street with 10 of the 12 analysts officially assigned to cover the company recommending Buy.

D-Box

PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES

Vibrating seats from the company D-BOX

The share value of the Longueuil company well known for its vibrating entertainment seats increased from 8 cents at the start of the year to 14 cents at the end of 2024. This is an appreciation by 65% ​​in 12 months. The surge in D-Box stock was notably fueled by the announcement in August of the renewal of the board of directors and the presentation of record quarterly results in mid-November. Despite the increase, the company’s market capitalization remains relatively modest at around thirty million dollars.

The losers

Lion

PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES

The decline in Lion’s stock reached 95% in 2024.

The stock market slide of the 100% electric bus and truck manufacturer from Saint-Jérôme continued throughout the year. He was unable to find a savior to replenish his coffers, and the final blow came on December 18 when management announced that the company was taking shelter from its creditors. After starting the year at $2.36 in Toronto, the last transaction of 2024 was at 34 cents. Ultimately, the stock’s decline for the whole year reached 95%.

Deckchair

Struggling with a level of debt that limits its ability to grow, the Montreal tour operator has seen its value take a nosedive over the last 12 months. The company lost approximately $100 million in market value in 2024, the equivalent of 48% of its market capitalization. None of the five analysts officially following Transat’s activities recommend buying the stock. Many investors seem to prefer to stay on the sidelines while awaiting additional deleveraging and further execution of the strategic plan, at least in the short term.

Dorel

It was mainly during the second half of the year that the action of the Montreal company specializing in the marketing of furniture and children’s products collapsed. Ultimately, Dorel stock will have lost 38% of its value in 2024. The furniture division is underperforming in a difficult sector. Dorel has lowered its prices to boost sales of its furniture, but promotional prices inevitably have an effect on margins.

BCE

PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE

BCE head office in Verdun

The last session of the year may have attracted bargain hunters since the stock gained 3% on Tuesday. However, this session is unfortunately not like the last 12 months for the shareholders of the Montreal technology services company. BCE’s stock has lost 36% of its value in 2024. If, at a certain threshold, the stock can become a buy in the eyes of courageous investors, the challenges remain numerous with the intensification of competition, the search for growth, and dividend management which continues to fuel discussions.

Coveo

Despite a rebound recorded in the second part of the fall, the value of the Quebec company specializing in artificial intelligence applied to electronic commerce has melted this year. Having entered the stock market three years ago with an initial price set at $15, Coveo shares will begin 2025 at $6.38. The intensification of competition and the tightening of budgets by clients are two elements raised to help better understand the situation in which Coveo finds itself and why the stock has lost 34% in 2024.

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