Member Login
  1. Category
    2. /
  2. Investing
    3. /
  3. Bank Stocks
    4. /

Bank Stocks

What are bank stocks?

Bank stocks represent partial ownership in a financial institution that’s licensed to hold and loan money. Over time bank stocks have been relatively safe investments, as they offer products and services that most people need.

How do you choose a good bank stock? 

1. Look at the bank’s profitability

First, you want to be sure the bank is even profitable. To do that, you can use the following metrics. 

  • Return on equity (ROE): this metric tells you how much profit a bank makes from its shareholder’s equity. The higher this metric, the more efficient a bank is using its stakeholder’s money. 
  • Return on assets (ROA): the ROA tells you the overall profit a bank makes in relation to its assets. The higher the ROA, the more profit a bank makes from its assets. 
  • Efficiency ratio: the efficiency ratio tells you how much revenue a bank uses towards its operating costs. The lower the efficiency ratio, the more revenue a bank theoretically has. 

2. Assess the bank’s risks 

One of the biggest risks a bank has is losing money on an outstanding loan. As with profitability, a couple metrics could help you see how much banks are losing.

  • Nonperforming loans ratio (NPL): Nonperforming loans are loans that are at least 90 days past their due date. A bank with a low percentage of NPL (2% is a good ratio) is doing fairly well collecting loan repayments from its customers. 
  • Net charge-offs: a net charge-off is a bank’s declaration stating that a loan hasn’t been paid and is unlikely to be paid. As with NPLs, the less net charge-offs a bank has, the less money it’s losing on outstanding loans. 

3.  Check back here for our top picks 

Finally, we’ll keep this page updated with our staff writer’s reviews and assessment of Canada’s bank stocks. Our writers often use these metrics to help investors see which bank stocks are doing well and which are doing poorly. 

Check back here for the most up to date information about bank stocks in Canada.

Top Articles

stock data
Bank Stocks

Is BNS Stock a Buy in January 2023?

| Andrew Walker

Bank of Nova Scotia stocks looks cheap right now. Is this a good time to buy or should investors wait?

Read more »

Elderly man giving a Christmas present to his wife
Bank Stocks

TSFA or RRSP – Better Place to Stash Cash in 2023?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If a recession hits us hard in 2023, you'll want the ability to take out cash if you need it.…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: Why You Should Invest Your Room ASAP With These 3 Stocks

| Adam Othman

Choosing the right TFSA stocks for your portfolio might take some time. But with the right choices, you can stick…

Read more »

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Bank Stocks

Is Now the Right Time to Buy Canadian Bank Stocks?

| Andrew Button

Some bank stocks, like Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) are doing well; others, not so much. Is it time to buy bank…

Read more »

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Bank Stocks

2 Bank Stocks to Load Up on in a Recession

| Chris MacDonald

Here are two top Canadian bank stocks investors may want to consider, particularly as we potentially head into a recession.

Read more »

A stock price graph showing growth over time
Bank Stocks

Better Buy: RBC Stock or the Entire TSX?

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Buying Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) stock lets you invest like Warren Buffett does, but investing in the entire TSX…

Read more »

Bank Stocks

CRA: 3 Big Changes Coming to 2023 Tax Breaks

| Aditya Raghunath

Use the tax breaks to lower your tax bill and purchase blue-chip TSX stocks such as Royal Bank of Canada.

Read more »

A golden egg in a nest
Bank Stocks

The 1 TSX Stock I’d Go All-In On

| Andrew Button

TD Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) stock is out of favour now but could come back in a big way.

Read more »

Recent Bank Stocks News

edit U-turn
Bank Stocks

TD Stock: Why I Reversed Course

| Andrew Button

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) is one stock I reversed course on in a big way.

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

3 Ways Canadian Investors Can Save Thousands in 2024

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you've done the budgeting and are still coming out with less money than you'd like, consider these three ways…

Read more »

woman data analyze
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is TD Bank a Buy?

| Kay Ng

TD Bank is a top candidate for conservative investors looking for reliable returns in the long run.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Bank Stocks

TD Bank Stock Got Upgraded, and It’s a Good Time to Load Up

| Joey Frenette

TD Bank (TSX:TD) stock is getting too cheap, even for analysts at the competing banks!

Read more »

data analyze research
Bank Stocks

3 Top Reasons to Buy TD Bank Stock on the Dip Today

| Jitendra Parashar

After the recent dip, these three top reasons make TD Bank stock look even more attractive to buy today and…

Read more »

edit Woman calculating figures next to a laptop
Bank Stocks

Where Will Royal Bank of Canada Stock Be in 5 Years?

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s why Royal Bank stock has the potential to significantly outperform the broader market in the next five years.

Read more »

consider the options
Bank Stocks

Is RBC a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s why I think RBC stock is a great buy for long-term investors at current levels despite its dismal performance…

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Stocks for Beginners

1 Passive Income Stream and 1 Dividend Stock for $491.80 in 2024

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Need to invest but have nothing to start with? This passive income stream and dividend stock are exactly where you…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Bank Stocks

Is BNS a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Joey Frenette

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) stock looks like an intriguing high-yield bank stock to pursue this month.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Bank Stocks

EQB Stock Has a Real Chance of Turning $500 Into $1,000 by 2030

| Aditya Raghunath

EQB is an undervalued dividend paying TSX bank stock that should more than double in market cap by the end…

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy TD Stock for Its 5.2% Dividend Yield?

| Aditya Raghunath

TD Bank stock trades 27% from all-time highs, offering shareholders a tasty dividend yield of 5.2%. Is TD Bank stock…

Read more »

edit Businessman using calculator next to laptop
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is TD Bank Stock a Buy?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

TD (TSX:TD) stock remains one of the biggest banks in Canada, and that's unlikely to change. But there are still…

Read more »

stock analysis
Dividend Stocks

Meta Is Now a Dividend Stock, but This TSX Stock Is a Better Buy

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Social media giant Meta is now a dividend payer but a TSX stock is a better buy for its 156-year…

Read more »

Man making notes on graphs and charts
Bank Stocks

TD Bank: Should You Buy the Dip?

| Andrew Walker

TD is down about 8% in 2024. Is the stock now oversold?

Read more »

edit Four girl friends withdrawing money from credit card at ATM
Bank Stocks

2 Top TSX Bank Stocks to Buy if There’s Another Stock Market SellOff

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are two of the most attractive Canadian bank stocks you can consider buying if there is another stock market…

Read more »

Mature financial advisor showing report to young couple for their investment
Bank Stocks

Why Goeasy Stock Rose 4.4% on Monday

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Operating results out of goeasy have continued strong, and this, combined with the stock's low valuation, is gaining investors' interest.

Read more »

Senior couple at the lake having a picnic
Bank Stocks

Could Royal Bank Stock Help You Retire a Millionaire?

| Chris MacDonald

Let's dive into whether Royal Bank stock could be the best way for investors to retire millionaires, given its historical…

Read more »

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Bank Stocks

Canadian Bank Stocks: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Canadian bank stocks are recovering, but high interest rates will still impact them for the next year. However, this one…

Read more »

Early retirement handwritten in a note
Bank Stocks

3 Reasons NOT to Claim CPP Benefits at Age 60

| Andrew Button

If you hold large amounts of Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) stock, you may not need to take CPP at 60.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Bank Stocks

Better Buy: CIBC or Bank of Nova Scotia Stock?

| Adam Othman

If you focus more on dividend yield than capital appreciation potential, one Canadian bank may better fit you than others.

Read more »

alcohol
Dividend Stocks

Invest $500 Each Month to Create $1,851.60 in Passive Income in 2024

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock is one of the best options out there for those seeking long-term passive income, as well as…

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Bank Stocks

Royal Bank of Canada Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Andrew Walker

Royal Bank stock is up 25% from the 12-month low. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

path road success business
Stocks for Beginners

3 Reasons to Buy Royal Bank Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Sure, RBC (TSX:RY) is the biggest bank, but there are more reasons beyond its size to consider this top dividend…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy Canadian Western Bank for its 4.8% Dividend Yield?

| Aditya Raghunath

Down 35% from all-time highs, Canadian Western Bank offers a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is the TSX bank stock…

Read more »

analyze data
Bank Stocks

The Average Canadian Stock Investor Owns This 1 Stock: Do You?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This Canadian stock has about 49% ownership by the public, and with growth and dividends to consider, it's a top…

Read more »

falling red arrow and lifting
Stocks for Beginners

1 Dividend Stock Down 18% to Buy Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

CIBC (TSX:CM) is a strong dividend stock investors should certainly consider not just for passive income, but future growth as…

Read more »

edit Business accounting concept, Business man using calculator with computer laptop, budget and loan paper in office.
Tech Stocks

Forget TD Stock: 2 Tech Stocks to Buy Instead

| Christopher Liew, CFA

TD remains a solid income stock but two outperforming tech stocks are better buys for their strong growth and upside…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Where Will Royal Bank of Canada Stock Be in 5 Years?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Royal Bank's continued focus on a strong capital position plus its acquisition of HSBC will likely ensure prosperous times ahead.

Read more »

Payday ringed on a calendar
Bank Stocks

How to Build a Bulletproof Monthly Passive-Income Portfolio With Just $10,000 and TD Stock

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

TD (TSX:TD) stock has been a poor performer over the last few years, but could be a big passive-income winner…

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Bank Stocks

Is RBC Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Aditya Raghunath

Shares of Royal Bank of Canada have delivered game-changing returns to shareholders in the last two decades. Is RBC stock…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Bank Stocks

Is Scotiabank (BNS) Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Chris MacDonald

Let's dive into whether the Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) remains a solid buy or if it's more of a…

Read more »

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Bank Stocks

2 Top Bank Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in 2024

| Jitendra Parashar

These two Canadian bank stocks can outshine their peers in terms of earnings growth, dividend stability, and future growth prospects.

Read more »

financial freedom sign
Dividend Stocks

Could Royal Bank Stock Help You Retire a Millionaire?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

RBC (TSX:RY) stock has a long history dating back decades for those seeking a safe stock to help achieve that…

Read more »

Hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair with arrow up.
Bank Stocks

1 Canadian Bank Stock That Offers Next-Level Value Today

| Joey Frenette

National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) stock is one of the underdog value plays on the TSX today.

Read more »

analyze data
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is National Bank of Canada Stock a Buy After Earnings?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

National Bank (TSX:NA) stock hit all-time highs after recording earnings that passed analyst estimates, but are shares too high to…

Read more »

Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is National Bank of Canada Stock a Buy After Earnings?

| Jitendra Parashar

These positive factors about National Bank of Canada make it a great dividend-paying stock to buy today.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is Royal Bank of Canada Stock a Buy After Earnings?

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s why Royal Bank could be a great dividend-paying stock to buy after its latest earnings.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is TD Bank of Canada Stock a Buy After Earnings?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

TD Bank continues to weather the macro storm of the last few years reasonably well, with the stock up 8.4%…

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Stocks for Beginners

Royal Bank of Canada Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

RBC stock (TSX:RBC) has seen shares climb 22% since bottoming out, while offering a 4.18% dividend. But what about future…

Read more »

A worker uses a laptop inside a restaurant.
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Is BMO Stock a Buy After Earnings?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

BMO (TSX:BMO) stock dropped after earnings and now offers a very high dividend yield. But is that enough for investors?

Read more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Why invest in bank stocks?

Quality bank stocks have a strong history of generating profits and managing crises, making them a great investment.

In addition to their strong performance, many of Canada’s top banks pay dividends, with payouts that increase over time. For Canadian investors looking to pocket a little extra from their stocks, dividends can help you buy more shares or more cash.

Finally, bank stocks can help diversify your investing portfolio. If you already have stocks in other sectors (mining, technology, energy), bank stocks could add much needed stability, as well as expose you to the gains in another sector.