3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Today

Here are three of my top Canadian picks I’d recommend investors check out right now.

Building a diversified portfolio is crucial for investors to maximize their risk-adjusted returns over time. The three options I’ll be talking about today are some of the best options on the TSX right now in terms of growth, value, and income potential. Indeed, these stocks are ones I’d suggest every investor put on their watch list today.

Scotiabank

One of the primary reasons why Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) has been on my radar is its strong international presence. Indeed, this large Canadian bank is heavily exposed to emerging markets with impressive long-term growth upside. Thus, I think this bank has the potential to produce sector-beating returns over time. Key markets such as Latin America provide a level of growth developed markets won’t be able to touch over the medium to long term.

As with its peers, Scotiabank’s stock has been hit hard as a result of the pandemic. However, this stock has surged more than 50% since last year and is now trading around the $77 mark at the time of writing. In the fourth quarter, this bank surpassed analysts’ expectations, as the company reported solid earnings per share of $1.22.

Canada’s third-largest bank has a dividend yield well in excess of 4%, which is juicy given where bond yields are today. Furthermore, I think that this company has a prudent business model, which represents a tonne of growth potential over the long term.

Algonquin Power

I think that Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN) is one of the best options out there right now in the utilities space.

Indeed, the company’s regulated utilities base ensures stable cash flow growth over time. However, the renewables portfolio of this company is an often overlooked, but important factor to consider with this utilities play today. Indeed, I believe this is why Algonquin is such a favourite among dividend-growth investors right now.

Over the past couple years, Algonquin has turned its growing cash flows into double-digit dividend increases for its shareholders. With a dividend yield around 4%, this stock is certainly an excellent option for investors to consider today.                                                                           

Restaurant Brands

For investors on the quest for the best growth stock on the TSX today, Restaurant Brands (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) is an excellent option. Some of the most popular banners of this holding company include Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Over the past few years, the Tim Hortons banner has been lagging in terms of growth. Nevertheless, I think that there’s room for optimism today, as more acquisitions could be on the horizon. It has been quite a few years since this company purchased another banner. Hence, I believe that Restaurant Brands could try to reach for another deal over the medium term.

Absent a deal, this is still a great long-term growth pick. The company’s same-store sales growth in the Popeyes and Burger King brands speak to this. I think this is a great growth play at a reasonable price that every investor should consider today.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA and RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions with a 100 dollar banknote and dollar coins.
Dividend Stocks

Claiming CPP at 60 Could Be the Best Option (Even If You Don’t Need It Yet)

Learn why the general advice of collecting CPP at 65 may not fit everyone. Customize your strategy for CPP payouts.

Read more »

some REITs give investors exposure to commercial real estate
Dividend Stocks

2 Blue-Chip Dividend Stocks Offering 6% Yields

Two TSX blue chips with 6% yields let you lock in bigger income today while you wait for long-term growth.

Read more »

chatting concept
Dividend Stocks

Why Is Everyone Talking About Telus’s Dividend All of a Sudden?

Telus shares continue to slip after a recent pause in its dividend growth strategy raised new concerns among investors.

Read more »

the word REIT is an acronym for real estate investment trust
Dividend Stocks

I’d Put My Whole 2025 TFSA Contribution Into This 6% Monthly Passive Income Payer

Explore whether investing your TFSA in one stock can maximize returns. Learn strategies for using the TFSA effectively.

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock: 8.2% Yield Paying Cash Out Every Month

A grocery‑anchored, monthly paying REIT built around essential tenants. Slate Grocery can turn a TFSA into steady, tax‑free cash flow…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Buy and Hold Canadian Stocks I’d Happily Pick Up for Life

Two essential-service compounders for your TFSA, GFL and FirstService, can grow quietly for decades while paying steady, recession-resistant cash flow.

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

My Blueprint for Monthly Income Starting With $20,000

Do you think you need millions for passive income? Here is a blueprint to turn $20,000 into a reliable monthly…

Read more »

Piggy bank on a flying rocket
Dividend Stocks

2 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy if There’s a Stock Market Sell-Off

These two top Canadian dividend stocks could outperform their growth counterparts moving forward due to these key factors worth considering.

Read more »