2 Top Canadian Stocks to Watch As the Year Ends

Consider keeping a closer eye on these two top Canadian financial stocks as the year draws to a close as you look for assets that could be excellent for your investment portfolio.

| More on:

At writing, we are past the halfway mark in November 2021, and the end of the year is looming ever closer. The end of the year can lead to interesting developments on the stock market, with many TSX stocks expected to become significant movers around this time.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index is up by 23.71% year to date, and the Canadian benchmark indicates that the stock market is arguably in expensive territory right now. Dividend investing is an excellent way for you to put your money to work and generate passive revenues for you. Combining dividend income with stellar shareholder returns through capital gains could help you significantly grow your wealth.

Today, I will discuss two Canadian dividend stocks with an excellent history of providing shareholder dividends that are also well-positioned to go on a strong bull run toward the end of the year. Each of the two companies is also likely to continue the bull run into 2022 amid favourable market conditions.

Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) recently announced its plans to raise its shareholder dividends after the pandemic-induced restrictions were finally lifted earlier in November. After regulators lifted restrictions, the company took less than a day to announce its plans to raise its shareholder dividends. The quick move indicates confidence in the management regarding the company’s outlook as economic conditions improve.

At writing, the stock is trading for $24.87 per share, boasting a juicy 5.31% dividend yield. Manulife stock is trading for 7.04 times sales at its current levels, making it very attractively priced. The Canadian insurance space expects to go through a boost due to the anticipation of interest rates increasing in the coming months. Buying its shares right now could be an opportunity to capitalize on a significant upside potential as the year ends.

Royal Bank of Canada

It is hard for Canadian investors to go wrong when they are considering investing in shares of any of the Big Six Canadian banks, and the Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) is the leader in the industry. The $188.23 billion market capitalization bank is the largest among its peers in Canada and a significant core holding for many investor portfolios in Canada.

The stock is the epitome of high-quality blue-chip stocks, and at writing, the RBC stock is trading for $132.45 per share, boasting a juicy 3.26% dividend yield. At its current levels, the stock’s valuation is over 12 times sales, making it a slightly expensive stock to own, but it could be worth the price. While it has yet to announce such a move, investors can expect its shareholder dividends to increase after the restrictions were lifted by the government.

The bank stock is up by almost 27% year to date and could deliver stellar growth in the coming years.

Foolish takeaway

The Canadian financial sector is looking poised to deliver stellar shareholder returns in the coming months and setting itself up for a strong long-term future. The announcement by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to lift COVID-19-related restrictions on dividend hikes in the financial sector will see many banking and wealth management companies raise their shareholder dividends, further boosting dividend income.

Manulife Financial stock and Royal Bank of Canada stock could be ideal assets to consider adding to your portfolio as the year ends.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Dividend Stocks

My 3 Favourite Stocks for Monthly Passive Income

Supported by strong cash flows, attractive yields, and visible growth prospects, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks can meaningfully enhance your…

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever in a TFSA

Discover the best Canadian stocks to buy and hold forever in a TFSA, including top dividend payers and defensive compounders…

Read more »

man looks worried about something on his phone
Dividend Stocks

Rogers Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2026?

Rogers looks like a classic “boring winner” but price wars, debt, and heavy network spending can still bite.

Read more »

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

TFSA Gold: 2 Dividend Stocks to Lock in Now for Decades of Passive Income

For investors focused on dependable income, these TSX stocks show how dividends can compound quietly inside a TFSA.

Read more »

woman checks off all the boxes
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Buy BCE Stock Until This Happens

BCE looks “cheap” on paper, but the real story is a dividend reset and a multi-year rebuild that still needs…

Read more »

A glass jar resting on its side with Canadian banknotes and change inside.
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees

Given their consistent dividend payouts, attractive yields, and visible growth prospects, these three dividend stocks are well-suited for retirees.

Read more »

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Dividend Stocks

A 5% Dividend Stock is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. is a reasonable buy here for immediate income and long-term growth, but investors should be ready…

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

If You Love Deals, This Dividend Payer Could Be Just the Ticket

Jamieson Wellness (TSX:JWEL) is a mid-cap dividend stock that's also a cash cow and dividend-growth icon in the making.

Read more »