The First 3 Stocks I Would Buy With $25,000

While everyone is different, these ideas should appeal to most investors.

Everyone’s financial situation is different. Some people require income, others are looking for long-term growth, and still others may just be looking for safety over the short term.

On that note, the stocks below are best suited for the second group of investors, so if that does not describe you, then you may want to avoid some of these names. But at the same time, all of them are very profitable, are well positioned for growth, and have solid balance sheets. That should appeal to a lot of people.

1. Bank of Nova Scotia

Of the big five Canadian banks, Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX: BNS)(NYSE: BNS) may have the best growth path ahead of it. After all, about half of its net income comes outside of Canada’s borders, most of which comes from emerging markets like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile. These four countries are all great for a bank to be in — they have healthy economies with plenty of growth, as well as underbanked populations.

Despite these positives, it trades at only 13.6 times earnings, and as a result sports a 3.5% dividend yield. So even though its shares are up 25% over the past 12 months, there’s still plenty of room left to run.

2. Canadian Natural Resources

Few energy companies have a track record like that of Canadian Natural Resources (TSX: CNQ)(NYSE: CNQ). The company has built a fantastic reputation for spending money very wisely, and is also well known for its frugality. As a result, the company emerged seemingly from nowhere 15 years ago, and now has a higher reserve base than any other energy company in Canada.

As could be expected, shareholders have done very well along the way. Over the past 15 years, the shares have returned nearly 19% per year. Amazingly, the company still trades at only a slight premium to its existing reserves, with very conservative assumptions — a bargain for a company with such a strong track record.

3. Manulife Financial

Among Canada’s financial services companies, Manulife Financial (TSX: MFC)(NYSE: MFC) suffered the most during the financial crisis. So what makes it such a great opportunity today?

First of all, Manulife has recovered and is firing on all cylinders. Secondly, the company’s traumatic experience during the crisis has led to a safety-first approach — as a result, Manulife is better capitalized than its large peers.

Finally, Manulife trades at a discount to its peers, at only 12.5 times earnings. If the company can sustain its current momentum, then its current share price should seem like an absolute bargain.

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 Benjamin Sinclair has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth Stock Is Rising But I’m Worried About This One Thing

Canopy Growth stock is soaring as the legalization effort makes real progress in both Germany and the United States.

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Investing

3 Roaring Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These top TSX stocks are excellent long-term buys, given their multi-year growth potential and solid underlying businesses.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

grow dividends
Investing

Here’s My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Even though the TSX has been rising, there are still some good bargains out there. Here are three top compounding…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Investing

Prediction: This Canadian Growth Stock Could Double by 2030

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) is a top growth stock that could do well over the next six or so years.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Stocks for Beginners

Have $500? 3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now

If you're looking for cheap stocks, these three have a huge future ahead of them, all while costing far less…

Read more »