Why I’m Buying These Quebec-Based Bank Stocks Ahead of Earnings

The Quebec economy is on a tear, which should inspire investors to buy bank stocks like Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) before earnings.

| More on:
Bank sign on traditional europe building facade

Image source: Getty Images

Quebec’s economy is positioned to outperform every other Canadian province in 2021. It has bounced back magnificently from the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, Quebec is geared up to post annual GDP growth of 6.5% in 2021. That would represent the highest mark in its history after a 5.5% dip in the previous year. Today, I want to look at three Quebec-based bank stocks that are worth targeting, as the province benefits from this spectacular rebound.

Why BMO is a top bank stock to target right now

Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) is the fourth-largest bank stock by market cap in Canada. Its shares have climbed 46% in 2021 as of close on November 25. BMO is set to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 earnings on December 3.

In the third quarter of 2021, BMO delivered adjusted net income growth of 82% to $2.29 billion. Adjusted earnings per share jumped 86% year over year to $3.44. Like its peers, it was bolstered by a huge dip in provisions for credit losses. In the first nine months of 2021, adjusted net income jumped 79% to $6.42 billion, or 82% on a per-share basis to $9.63.

Shares of this bank stock possess a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13, which puts BMO in solid value territory. It offers a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share. That represents a 3% yield.

Regional bank stocks are thriving in a surging Quebec economy

Laurentian Bank (TSX:LB) is a regional Quebec-based bank stock. When this month started, I’d suggested that investors should snatch up this bank stock ahead of its next earnings release. Shares of this bank stock are up 25% in 2021. The stock has dipped 5.5% week over week. Investors can expect to see these results in early December.

In Q3 2021, Laurentian posted profit of $62.1 million — up from $36.2 million in the previous year. Profit on a per-share basis increased to $1.32 over $0.77 in the third quarter of 2020. Laurentian saw its provisions for credit losses shrink to $5.4 million compared to $22.3 million in the prior year. The bank was powered by strong performances in real estate financing and capital markets.

This regional bank stock last had a very attractive P/E ratio of 9.3. Better yet, it pays out a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a solid 4% yield.

The smallest of the Big Six Canadian banks is a powerhouse in Quebec

National Bank (TSX:NA) is the smallest of the Big Six Canadian bank stocks. However, it is a heavyweight in its home province of Quebec. This bank stock has surged 45% in the year-to-date period.

The bank is set to release its final batch of 2021 earnings on December 1. In the first nine months of 2021, National Bank delivered net income growth of 51% to $2.40 billion. Meanwhile, diluted earnings per share jumped 56% to $6.77. It delivered double-digit percentage growth in each major segment.

Shares of this bank stock possess a favourable P/E ratio of 12. It offers a quarterly dividend of $0.71 per share, which represents a 2.7% yield.

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 Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

stock analysis
Dividend Stocks

Buy These TSX Dividend Shares Next Week

Are you looking for dividend stocks to add to your portfolio? Buy these picks next week!

Read more »

Shopping and e-commerce
Tech Stocks

1 Tech Stock You’ll Be Glad You Bought When the Bull Market Starts

Historically, tech stocks have done well during bull markets. Here’s one you’ll be happy you bought before the next bull…

Read more »

edit Safety First illustration
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

These three dividend stocks are all high-quality companies with defensive operations, making them some of the safest investments in Canada.

Read more »

data analyze research
Bank Stocks

Better Buy: Royal Bank Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia?

Bank stocks appear cheap after the latest plunge. Is Royal Bank or Bank of Nova Scotia a buy today?

Read more »

A person builds a rock tower on a beach.
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks to Anchor Your Portfolio in a Rocky Market

Three stocks are solid anchors in any portfolio today for their outperformance in a weak market and defiance of the…

Read more »

Metals
Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Metals Buy: Gold Stocks vs. Lithium Stocks

Gold is the evergreen choice as a hedge against inflation and weak markets. In contrast, battery metals may offer unique…

Read more »

Man making notes on graphs and charts
Bank Stocks

TD Bank Stock: A TSX Top Pick Amid U.S. Banking Rout?

TD Bank (TSX:TD) stock could prove a worthy bet for brave investors who aren't fearful over the recent wave of…

Read more »

edit Sale sign, value, discount
Tech Stocks

2 Cheap Tech Stocks to Buy Right Now

Many tech stocks offer exceptional returns compared to other stock sectors when the market is bullish. You can add to…

Read more »