All investors have a risk tolerance, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when entering the stock market for the first time. Beginners should heed the advice of Warren Buffett. The GOAT of investing suggests, “Never invest in a business you cannot understand.”
There are plenty to choose from on the TSX, although five Canadian stocks are suitable for novice investors. Besides the relatable, if not easy-to-understand businesses, the share prices are relatively low, except for a blue-chip stock above $20. You can make money through price appreciation or earn extra income from dividends.
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Healthcare facilities
NorthWest Healthcare Properties (TSX:NWH.UN) rose to prominence at the height of the global pandemic in 2020. The $1.2 billion real estate investment trust (REIT) is a global real estate investor and asset manager focused on healthcare properties such as medical office buildings, hospitals, and clinics. Recently, it has added education, research, and life sciences.
REITs are like regular stocks so you can buy and sell them on the TSX. NorthWest Healthcare trades at $4.68 per share and pays a generous 7.7% dividend. The payout frequency is monthly.
IT services and cloud solutions
Converge Technology Solutions (TSX: CTS) is a software-enabled IT and cloud solutions provider. The $873.4 million company delivers artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, application modernization, and cloud platforms to companies in North America and Europe.
Other Converge services include cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital workplace offerings. This tech stock is also a rare gem, because at $4.37 per share, it pays a modest 1.4% dividend.
Full-service restaurants
Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (TSX: BPF.UN) earns revenue from the franchise system sales of the Boston Pizza brand and restaurants in the royalty pool. At $15.99 per share, you can partake in the $340.3 million fund’s 8.5% dividend (monthly payout).
The pizza business is profitable, evidenced by the average $32.5 million net income in the last three years. In Q1 2024, net and comprehensive income rose 27% to $8.5 million compared to Q1 2023. The impressive financial results underscore Boston Pizza’s resiliency.
Gig economy
Payfare (TSX: PAY) operates in the gig economy, projected to grow by more than 15% through 2031. Market analysts see this tech stock as a potential investment for future growth. The $294.4 million financial technology company offers digital banking and instant payment solutions to the next-generation workforce.
Top gig work platforms and marketplaces such as Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are partners that provide gig workers with faster payouts. Expect Payfare to scale new heights following the record revenue of $186 million in 2023. Net income reached $13.1 million after three consecutive years of losses. PAY trades at $6.14 per share.
Essential communications services
TELUS (TSX: T), a $30.7 billion large-cap stock, is Canada’s second-largest telecommunications company. If you invest today ($20.32 per share), you can partake in the 7.5% dividend. This 5G stock is a dividend aristocrat owing to 19 consecutive years of dividend increases. I don’t need to expound further because everyone knows that TELUS provides essential communications services.
Invest wisely
Stock investing has risks, but it pays to understand the business before investing. TELUS, NorthWest Healthcare, and Boston Pizza have established businesses in their respective sectors, while Converge Technologies and Payfare have visible growth potential.
