Why I’m Buying These Quebec-Based Bank Stocks Ahead of Earnings

The Quebec economy is on a tear, which should inspire investors to buy bank stocks like Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) before earnings.

| More on:

Quebec’s economy is positioned to outperform every other Canadian province in 2021. It has bounced back magnificently from the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, Quebec is geared up to post annual GDP growth of 6.5% in 2021. That would represent the highest mark in its history after a 5.5% dip in the previous year. Today, I want to look at three Quebec-based bank stocks that are worth targeting, as the province benefits from this spectacular rebound.

Why BMO is a top bank stock to target right now

Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) is the fourth-largest bank stock by market cap in Canada. Its shares have climbed 46% in 2021 as of close on November 25. BMO is set to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 earnings on December 3.

In the third quarter of 2021, BMO delivered adjusted net income growth of 82% to $2.29 billion. Adjusted earnings per share jumped 86% year over year to $3.44. Like its peers, it was bolstered by a huge dip in provisions for credit losses. In the first nine months of 2021, adjusted net income jumped 79% to $6.42 billion, or 82% on a per-share basis to $9.63.

Shares of this bank stock possess a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13, which puts BMO in solid value territory. It offers a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share. That represents a 3% yield.

Regional bank stocks are thriving in a surging Quebec economy

Laurentian Bank (TSX:LB) is a regional Quebec-based bank stock. When this month started, I’d suggested that investors should snatch up this bank stock ahead of its next earnings release. Shares of this bank stock are up 25% in 2021. The stock has dipped 5.5% week over week. Investors can expect to see these results in early December.

In Q3 2021, Laurentian posted profit of $62.1 million — up from $36.2 million in the previous year. Profit on a per-share basis increased to $1.32 over $0.77 in the third quarter of 2020. Laurentian saw its provisions for credit losses shrink to $5.4 million compared to $22.3 million in the prior year. The bank was powered by strong performances in real estate financing and capital markets.

This regional bank stock last had a very attractive P/E ratio of 9.3. Better yet, it pays out a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a solid 4% yield.

The smallest of the Big Six Canadian banks is a powerhouse in Quebec

National Bank (TSX:NA) is the smallest of the Big Six Canadian bank stocks. However, it is a heavyweight in its home province of Quebec. This bank stock has surged 45% in the year-to-date period.

The bank is set to release its final batch of 2021 earnings on December 1. In the first nine months of 2021, National Bank delivered net income growth of 51% to $2.40 billion. Meanwhile, diluted earnings per share jumped 56% to $6.77. It delivered double-digit percentage growth in each major segment.

Shares of this bank stock possess a favourable P/E ratio of 12. It offers a quarterly dividend of $0.71 per share, which represents a 2.7% yield.

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 Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

An investor uses a tablet
Stocks for Beginners

If I Could Only Buy 2 Stocks in the Last Half of 2024, I’d Pick These

I’m looking to buy two stocks over the next month. Here’s a look at my picks and why you should…

Read more »

gift is bigger than the other
Investing

Millennials: 1 Growth Stock Set to Shine in 2025

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock could be worth betting on as it goes for growth in the new year!

Read more »

up arrow on wooden blocks
Stock Market

2 Stocks I’ll Be Adding to My RRSP — Even With the TSX at All-Time Highs

Calian Group and Pan American Silver are two TSX stocks trading at an attractive multiple that can generate market-beating returns…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Investing

Here Are My Top 2 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Shares of these fundamentally strong TSX companies have significant room for further growth, making them compelling investments right now.

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners a Buy for its 4.75% Yield?

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) has a 4.75% dividend yield. Is it worth it?

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, November 4

In addition to the ongoing corporate earnings season, the U.S. presidential election and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision could…

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Investing

2 Top Value Stocks I’d Happily Scoop Up in November

Here are two top value stocks I'm seriously considering adding this month. They are likely to continue to accumulate over…

Read more »

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »