Top Canadian Stocks 2021: 3 Picks for April

This trio of Canadian stocks are some of the top long-term investments you can make today, offering both growth and stability.

| More on:

Much like everything else in life right now, the stock market is slowly starting to get back to normal. Non-coronavirus-related events have begun to drive the market, which is a big step toward returning to normalcy for the financial markets. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering what the top Canadian stocks to buy in April are.

Over the past year, finding the right stocks to buy was all about taking advantage of the companies that were positively impacted by the pandemic. After that, it became all about finding the most value from stocks that had recovery potential.

Today, with most of those stocks already recovered and the market now moving past its pre-pandemic highs, a different strategy is needed.

While you can’t ignore the pandemic or the potential impacts it may have on one of your investments, that’s not the driving factor for stocks anymore.

For example, over the last month, investors have been more concerned with long-term bond yields and the prospects of inflation picking up if bond yields continue to rise. This has caused high-growth tech stocks to sell off.

Now that the market is moving back to normal, it’s important to understand what’s driving the market to determine what stocks to buy and whether or not current events impact the stocks over the long term.

With that in mind, these are three of the top Canadian stocks to buy in April.

Top consumer staple stock

The economy is slowly recovering, but we aren’t out of the woods yet. It’s crucial investors still have their fair share of defensive stocks bringing resiliency to their portfolios.

So, if you’re looking for a high-quality defensive stock to help improve the stability of your portfolio, North West Company (TSX:NWC) is one of the top Canadian stocks to buy in April.

North West owns grocery and big-box stores in remote communities, mostly in northern Canada and Alaska. The company just reported earnings this week, and it was another blowout quarter for the consumer staple.

North West has been working to improve the efficiency of its business over the last year and lower its costs. This was evidenced in its most recent quarter’s earnings report.

Despite North West reporting only a 2% increase in revenue, the Canadian stock saw an 11% increase in gross profit and a whopping 96% increase in net income.

North West is one of the top Canadian stocks to buy today, because its business operations are so attractive. The company isn’t just a great defensive investment; it’s a solid growth stock, too.

Top growth stock

Speaking of growth stocks that predominantly sell consumer staples, Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD.B) is another top Canadian stock to buy this month.

Couche-Tard has been one of the top growth stocks for years. However, some slight headwinds have seen the stock’s long-term rally come to a halt over the last year.

Nevertheless, the business looks like it has a tonne of potential going forward. It was already planning to increase its organic growth, but now with the potential for some attractive acquisition opportunities over the next few years, Couche-Tard’s growth potential has increased significantly lately.

The stock is pretty cheap, especially considering it’s such a high-quality business. That’s why it’s one of the top Canadian stocks to buy in April.

This discount won’t last forever, so investors should act sooner rather than later, picking up shares of this Canadian gem.

Top Canadian tech stock

Lastly, another stock that won’t stay cheap for long is Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP). Of these three stocks, Shopify was my top Canadian stock to buy in April.

Already throughout the month, though, investors have noticed its incredible discount and taken advantage. At one point, Shopify traded more than 30% below its 52-week high.

The stock was only 19% off its 52-week high as of Thursday’s close, as it starts to get more expensive. It’s still a buy at these prices, in my opinion, but you better act soon before it recovers completely.

Revolutionary growth stocks like Shopify don’t come around often. So, when you have the opportunity to buy it on a pullback, you’ll want to take advantage. That’s why Shopify is my top Canadian stock to buy in April.

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 Daniel Da Costa owns shares of THE NORTH WEST COMPANY INC. Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends ALIMENTATION COUCHE-TARD INC, Shopify, and Shopify.

More on Dividend Stocks

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) stock could do well in the year ahead.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

Monthly Income: Top Dividend Stocks to Buy in November

Here are two of the best monthly dividend stocks in Canada you can buy in November 2024 and hold for…

Read more »

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dow Stocks Are Set to Soar in 2025 and Beyond

Two Dow Jones stocks are screaming buys but Canadians must hold them in an RRSP or RRIF to avoid paying…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn Ultimate Passive Income

If you have a TFSA, then you have the key to creating ultimate passive income. All you need is a…

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Better Buy: Fortis Stock or Hydro One Stock?

Let's do a compare and contrast of these two top utilities stocks right now, shall we?

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Boost Your Passive Income: 2 Canadian High-Yielders at a Bargain

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) stock and another play that appear like fantastic dividend bargains in mid-November.

Read more »

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

TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Three TSX stocks continue to beat the market and could soar higher in an improving investment landscape.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

Goeasy Stock: Is It Heading for a 52-Week High?

Goeasy stock has been edging higher, especially after another record-setting earnings report. So are 52-week highs in sight?

Read more »