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.

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 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

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

This 6% Dividend Stock Is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

This Canadian stock has resilient business model, solid dividend payment and growth history, and a well-protected yield of over 6%.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

1 Excellent TSX Dividend Stock, Down 25%, to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Down 25% from all-time highs, Tourmaline Oil is a TSX dividend stock that offers you a tasty yield of 5%…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

1 Incredibly Cheap Canadian Dividend-Growth Stock to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock is incredibly cheap, but should investors join insiders by buying the dip?

Read more »

bulb idea thinking
Dividend Stocks

Down 13%, This Magnificent Dividend Stock Is a Screaming Buy

Sometimes, a moderately discounted, safe dividend stock is better than heavily discounted stock, offering an unsustainably high yield.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

Invest $15,000 in This Dividend Stock, Create $5,710.08 in Passive Income

This dividend stock is the perfect option if you're an investor looking for growth, as well as passive income through…

Read more »

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

3 Compelling Reasons to Delay Taking CPP Benefits Until Age 70

You don't need to take CPP early if you are receiving large dividend payments from Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) stock.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

Better Dividend Stock: TC Energy vs. Enbridge

TC Energy and Enbridge have enjoyed big rallies in 2024. Is one stock still cheap?

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

Got $10,000? Buy This Dividend Stock for $4,992.40 in Total Passive Income

Want almost $5,000 in annual passive income? Then you need a company bound for even more growth, with a dividend…

Read more »