The 3 Best Canadian Stocks to Buy in September 2021

Wondering how to position your portfolio in September 2021? Here are three top Canadian stocks I’d look at owning in the back half of 2021.

September and October have traditionally been rocky months for Canadian stocks. Yet, so far that has not proven to be the case. The S&P/TSX Composite Index just set new all-time highs over 20,800 points! While it appears stocks could keep going up forever, I am starting to get a little bit more cautious about valuations.

Cheap capital is keeping stocks elevated, but will it last?

Low interest rates and cheap capital have meant most people have no choice but to invest in stocks for decent, inflation-adjusted returns. I can never time the market properly, so I like to combat potential market volatility by diversifying my portfolio and thinking long-term.

Owning a bit of income, defence, and value all seem to make sense right now. Here are three Canadian stocks that could meet each of those criteria in September.

A Canadian dividend stock: Enbridge

Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) has one of the highest yielding dividends you can find amongst Canadian stocks today. It pays a 6.66% dividend. In any normal environment, that alone would be a pretty attractive return. However, this Canadian stock also should deserve some capital appreciation over the coming years.

It has a very diverse business that produces reliable, contracted streams of cash flow across its portfolio. Its energy pipelines and assets are essential for our modern North American economy to operate.

Enbridge will be bringing online its Line 3 replacement pipeline by year-end. It also has a significant number of natural gas assets nearing completion. Consequently, it should see a nice boost to cash flows. Investors can likely expect a nice 5-7% dividend increase this year and going forward.

A defensive stock: Brookfield Renewable Partners

If you want to get a little more defensive and lower your exposure to carbon-related energy, Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN)(NYSE:BEP) is a solid Canadian stock to own. It operates 21,000 megawatts (MW) of hydro, wind, solar, distributed generation, and battery power across the world. Its large diversified portfolio helps offset some of the variability involved in renewable power generation.

As a result, it can consistently grow its cash flows and dividend rate. It has over 30,000 MWs of projects in its development pipeline. Many of these are contracted with governments or massive carbon-sensitive corporations (like Amazon.com, Facebook, etc.). This Canadian stock pays a 2.9% dividend, but that is only a piece of the 12-15% annual total returns that it targets.

A value stock: Canadian Pacific Railway

Railroads have historically been great businesses to own for the long run. Their infrastructure is irreplaceable and it is nearly impossible to transport tons of raw goods efficiently in any other way. That is one reason why Canadian Pacific Railway (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is one of my favourite Canadian stocks.

This stock has declined recently on news that once again, it could be in a position to try and acquire Kansas City Southern Railway. Some investors are concerned about the financial risks with such a large and pricey acquisition.

Yet, these kinds of transactions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Canadian Pacific has some of the smartest railroad managers in the business. It consistently produces one of the best operating ratios in the industry and it has grown profits faster than many peers (especially Canadian National Railway). If any company can acquire KSU, it will likely be CP due to its smaller size and lowered competitive threat.

All-in, CP is already a great company. The approved merger with KSU would go to make it an exceptional North America-wide railroad. These potential catalysts make these Canadian stocks a worthwhile investment today for the long run.

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.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Fool contributor Robin Brown owns shares of Amazon, Brookfield Renewable Partners, and ENBRIDGE INC. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon, Enbridge, and Facebook. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon.

More on Stocks for Beginners

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Stocks for Beginners

The Best Investment Hack Every Investor Should Know

An investment hack doesn't have to be risky, tricky, or any of those scary ideas. In fact, it can be…

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Stocks for Beginners

A Better Post-Earnings Buy: Restaurant Brands or Lightspeed?

These two retail stocks have come out with earnings, but which is the clear long-term winner for investors?

Read more »

a person watches a downward arrow crash through the floor
Dividend Stocks

3 Everyday CRA Red Flags Investors Should Really Know

The CRA can be a blessing and a curse, but if you make sure to follow the rules and not…

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Canadian National Railway Stock is on Sale: Why Now is the Time to Invest

CNR stock has long been a top stock, with a solid position in a railway duopoly. But right now is…

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

This 7.9% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

We all want dividends, and having them come out monthly is ideal! But this might be a strong choice for…

Read more »

data analyze research
Stocks for Beginners

The Best TSX Stocks for Canadians to Buy With $700 on Hand

These TSX stocks may not cost much but can provide you with stability as well as growth like no other…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for a Lifetime in a TFSA

If you want stability in your long-term TFSA, then these four are choices you can pick up again and again.

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

7.4% Dividend Yield? Yes Please! I’ll Buy This Dividend Stock for Decades

This top dividend stock not only has a top dividend yield, it's offering decades of income for investors right now!

Read more »