2 Top Canadian Stocks to Watch As the Year Ends

Consider keeping a closer eye on these two top Canadian financial stocks as the year draws to a close as you look for assets that could be excellent for your investment portfolio.

| More on:

At writing, we are past the halfway mark in November 2021, and the end of the year is looming ever closer. The end of the year can lead to interesting developments on the stock market, with many TSX stocks expected to become significant movers around this time.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index is up by 23.71% year to date, and the Canadian benchmark indicates that the stock market is arguably in expensive territory right now. Dividend investing is an excellent way for you to put your money to work and generate passive revenues for you. Combining dividend income with stellar shareholder returns through capital gains could help you significantly grow your wealth.

Today, I will discuss two Canadian dividend stocks with an excellent history of providing shareholder dividends that are also well-positioned to go on a strong bull run toward the end of the year. Each of the two companies is also likely to continue the bull run into 2022 amid favourable market conditions.

Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) recently announced its plans to raise its shareholder dividends after the pandemic-induced restrictions were finally lifted earlier in November. After regulators lifted restrictions, the company took less than a day to announce its plans to raise its shareholder dividends. The quick move indicates confidence in the management regarding the company’s outlook as economic conditions improve.

At writing, the stock is trading for $24.87 per share, boasting a juicy 5.31% dividend yield. Manulife stock is trading for 7.04 times sales at its current levels, making it very attractively priced. The Canadian insurance space expects to go through a boost due to the anticipation of interest rates increasing in the coming months. Buying its shares right now could be an opportunity to capitalize on a significant upside potential as the year ends.

Royal Bank of Canada

It is hard for Canadian investors to go wrong when they are considering investing in shares of any of the Big Six Canadian banks, and the Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) is the leader in the industry. The $188.23 billion market capitalization bank is the largest among its peers in Canada and a significant core holding for many investor portfolios in Canada.

The stock is the epitome of high-quality blue-chip stocks, and at writing, the RBC stock is trading for $132.45 per share, boasting a juicy 3.26% dividend yield. At its current levels, the stock’s valuation is over 12 times sales, making it a slightly expensive stock to own, but it could be worth the price. While it has yet to announce such a move, investors can expect its shareholder dividends to increase after the restrictions were lifted by the government.

The bank stock is up by almost 27% year to date and could deliver stellar growth in the coming years.

Foolish takeaway

The Canadian financial sector is looking poised to deliver stellar shareholder returns in the coming months and setting itself up for a strong long-term future. The announcement by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to lift COVID-19-related restrictions on dividend hikes in the financial sector will see many banking and wealth management companies raise their shareholder dividends, further boosting dividend income.

Manulife Financial stock and Royal Bank of Canada stock could be ideal assets to consider adding to your portfolio as the year ends.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Dividend Stocks

Canada’s Inflation Dipped to 1.8%, but Economists Say It Won’t Last. Here’s How to Think About Stocks.

Softer inflation can lift retail stocks by easing cost pressures and making shoppers feel less squeezed.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Gushing Machine With Just $20,000

Split $20,000 in your TFSA between Alaris Equity and Timbercreek Financial for reliable, tax-free income backed by real assets and…

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

Why BCE’s Dividend Has Been in the Spotlight Lately 

Analyze BCE's recent challenges and their implications on its dividend strategy and telecom market position in Canada.

Read more »

cookies stack up for growing profit
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Stocks I’d Buy for ‘Instant Income’

Instant income isn’t a gimmick: these five Canadian REITs can start paying you now, even in a shaky market.

Read more »

dividend stocks bring in passive income so investors can sit back and relax
Dividend Stocks

If You Love Income, Consider This High-Yield Stock as a Telus Alternative

Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A) stock might have more to offer on the growth front than other ultra-high-yielders.

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Dividend Stock Down 12% to Buy Now and Hold for Years

Here's why Canadian Apartments REIT (TSX:CAR.UN) looks like a top-tier opportunity for investors in the real estate sector right now.

Read more »

groceries get more expensive as inflation rises
Dividend Stocks

Inflation Just Cooled Down to 1.8%, and These Stocks Are Positioned to Benefit

Softer inflation can quietly help these TSX names by easing cost pressure, improving consumer credit, and supporting longer-duration growth stories.

Read more »

investor looks at volatility chart
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stock to Own When Volatility Returns

Fortis stock has the benefit of stable and predictable earnings due to its regulated business. See why it's a must-own.

Read more »