2 Top Stocks to Buy for the Upside in July

Norbord (TSX:OSB)(NYSE:OSB) and one other Canadian stock are pulling back this week, with the potential to break out again.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

As we head into the second half of the year, investors will be watching to see whether trends that sprouted during the pandemic continue to run. Though bulls are pushing up high-risk assets, the casual long-term shareholder should focus on matching positive momentum with quality. Today, we will take a quick look at two names that satisfy this thesis. Both names also pay a small dividend, satisfying a passive-income strategy.

This breakout Canadian lumber stock is pulling back

Looking at its 72% bounce in the last three months, wide-moat Norbord (TSX:OSB)(NYSE:OSB) could be a potentially overlooked multibagger. But while this top lumber stock has been rocketing to dizzy heights during the last quarter, the last five days have been overall negative by a point and a half. It looks like it’s time to buy the dip. And there are two good reasons why this stock could break out again later on in the year.

A change of faces at the White House might see a reversal of the recent protectionist policies that have been weighing on the Canadian materials industry. A post-pandemic building boom could also see Norbord break out again. Take a look across the pond, and you’ll see that one of the U.K. government’s policies right now is to build its way out of recession. Property development could boom in Canada, too. Norbord could jump again this year.

Two aerospace stocks; one winner

Air Canada (TSX:AC) has been angling to cream some of that cargo-only upside. The move comes as the nation’s flag-carrying airline rolls back on social distancing, reverting to United Nations aviation agency and IATA guidelines. The problem is, though, that relaxing social-distancing measures without a vaccine could turn out to be bad economics. Near-term profits might prove unsustainable during a potential second wave of COVID-19.

So, perhaps that’s why last week saw this major commercial airline also getting into time-sensitive cargo-only flights. Its new sideline is fairly comprehensive. European destinations may soon be followed by domestic services using Air Canada Express craft. South American routes are also being planned in the meantime. But there’s a better stock for investors to buy if they want an infrastructure play in the aerospace sector: Cargojet (TSX:CJT).

Cargojet is serving a triple purpose at the moment. Firstly, contrarians are buying anything to do with aerospace. The combination of sudden deep devaluation with the potential for a near-term rally is too tempting to pass up. Secondly, traders are chasing names purely for the momentum, running green tickers regardless of the business. Thirdly, investors are rewarding Cargojet for its defensive, wide-moat status.

For the long-term investor, it is this latter quality that makes Cargojet stock a clear buy right now. But the prospect of capital gains in the near term shouldn’t be overlooked either. By pairing Cargojet with Norbord, Canadians gain access to a pair of strong business types that may be lacking in their current stock portfolios. Both names are also currently pulling back, making now a good time to start stacking shares.

Should you invest $1,000 in Leon's Furniture Limited right now?

Before you buy stock in Leon's Furniture Limited, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Leon's Furniture Limited wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,058.57!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 38 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 2/20/25

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 Victoria Hetherington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends CARGOJET INC.

If You Thought Apple and Microsoft Were Big, You Need to Read This.

The steel industry produced the world's first $1 billion company in 1901, and it wasn't until 117 years later that technology giant Apple became the first-ever company to reach a $1 trillion valuation.

But what if I told you artificial intelligence (AI) is about to accelerate the pace of value creation? AI has the potential to produce several trillion-dollar companies in the future, and The Motley Fool is watching one very closely right now.

Don't fumble this potential wealth-building opportunity by navigating it alone. The Motley Fool has a proven track record of picking revolutionary growth stocks early, from Netflix to Amazon, so become a premium member today.

See the 'AI Supercycle' Stock

More on Dividend Stocks

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

Got $5,000 to Invest? 3 Insurance Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

These three insurance stocks are the perfect options for those wanting security, stability, and dividends.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

Outlook for Restaurant Brands International Stock in 2025

QSR stock has had a turbulent few years, but investors may not want to count out the stock just yet.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

Prediction: 10 Years From Now, You’ll Be Glad You Bought These Winners

Investing in these two under-the-radar stocks right now could pay off really well over the next 10 years or beyond.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

These TSX stocks have already had a strong year, but the three companies look like they could just be getting…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $300 in Monthly Tax-Free Passive Income

Do you want some monthly tax-free passive income? Here are three top picks that can give you $300 or more…

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

BCE Stock: Undervalued or Just a Value Trap?

Down over 50% from all-time highs, BCE stock trades at a cheap multiple in 2025. But is the TSX dividend…

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own

These dividend stocks will consistently pay and increase their dividends, making them attractive investment to generate passive income.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

Got $7,000? 5 Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

These blue-chip stocks have solid fundamentals, growing earnings bases, and the ability to deliver steady growth and income.

Read more »