Top 3 Best-Performing TSX Stocks in 2021

TSX stocks like Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP) have had an epic run.

| More on:

This week, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) announced the 2021 TSX30™ – the 30 best-performing stocks of the past three years. Financial institutions, small-cap challengers, and miners all topped the list. But here are the top three best performers that surged above the rest. 

Best TSX stock #1

Aura Minerals (TSX:ORA), a little-known gold and copper miner, topped the list of best performers over the past three years. However, investors need to take a closer look at why this stock topped the list. 

Aura stock is up 1,070% since September 2019 for a compound annual growth rate of 118%. But much of that gain was generated between October 2019 and September 2020. The stock surged as the world dealt with the pandemic and concerns about inflation pushed the price of gold higher. 

Since 2020, the stock has been flat. That doesn’t mean it’s a dead-end, however. It’s now trading at just seven times earnings per share and offers an unbelievable 7.22% dividend yield. Some believe the price of gold and copper could keep rising higher, in which case this stock could resume its epic run. If not, at least it’s a dividend stock worthy of holding.

Best TSX stock #2

The second entry on this list is unsurprising: Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP). No other Canadian tech stock has had this much success in this little time. Shopify went from a niche e-commerce play to the second-largest online shopping platform in the world in less than a decade. 

Investors who got in early are sitting on tremendous profits. Shopify stock is up 5,450% since it was listed in 2016. However, its performance has slowed down in recent years as it grows larger. Since 2019, the stock is up just 840%. While that’s still a great run, the trend is clear: future growth will be lower. 

At the time of writing, Shopify’s market value is $233 billion. Meanwhile, Jeff Bezos’ behemoth is worth roughly $2 trillion. In other words, Shopify could have a 1,000% gain ahead of it, but not much more. It’s now a mature company and investors need to be aware of this while adding it to their portfolio. 

Best TSX stock #3

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one financial stock. The banking and finance sector is one of the largest components of Canada’s economy, so investors should expect exceptional growth stocks here. Insurance giant Trisura Group (TSX:TSU) makes the cut. It’s the third-best performer since 2019, according to the TSX report. Trisura stock is up 523% since then. 

The stock wasn’t very exciting before 2020. Then the pandemic happened, stocks crashed and Trisura had an epic rally. It’s is up 350% since late 2020. Despite that run, it’s still fairly valued. It trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 34. 

Insurance is a relatively safe and reliable business, which is why Trisura should be on your list if you’re concerned about the economic cycle plunging in the months ahead.

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 Vishesh Raisinghani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Shopify and TRISURA GROUP LTD. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2023 $1,140 calls on Shopify and short January 2023 $1,160 calls on Shopify.

More on Investing

Start line on the highway
Stocks for Beginners

My Top 5 Canadian Stocks for Beginning Investors

A market correction is a good time for new investors to begin their investing journey. These five Canadian stocks can…

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Materials Stocks I’d Buy With $20,000 Whenever They Dip in Price

Teck Resources and Agnico-Eagle Mines offer quality materials stock exposure at a time when both companies are thriving.

Read more »

Asset Management
Stocks for Beginners

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy for Long-Term Gains

Canadian stocks really can offer it all, especially when looking at long-term growth in these few.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Invest in Canadian Value Stocks for Both Stability and Growth

Three Canadian value stocks are buying opportunities for investors looking for stability and growth.

Read more »

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Got $15,000? 3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Consider

Here's why investing in blue-chip TSX stocks such as CNQ and CNR should derive outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Energy Stocks

2 Discounted Dividend Stocks With Significant Growth Potential

If you’re in search of income and capital appreciation in the long run, here are two discounted Canadian dividend stocks…

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Allocate $20,000 in 2 Safer High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Retirement Needs

Here are two safer, high-yield dividend stocks I'm looking at for my retirement needs.

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Energy Stocks

Here’s How Investors Can Turn $15,000 in a TFSA Into $235,000

Energy stocks aren't created equal, and this one might be one of the best of the batch.

Read more »