RRSP Investors: 2 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy in February

These top TSX stocks look attractive right now for RRSP investors.

| More on:

Canadian savers are searching for top TSX stocks to add to their self-directed RRSP portfolios.

Royal Bank

Royal Bank (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) generated fiscal 2021 net income of $16.1 billion, up 40% from fiscal 2020. Return on equity was a strong 18.6%, and Royal Bank finished the year with a CET1 ratio of 13.7%. This means the bank is sitting on significant excess capital it can deploy to through dividend increases, share buybacks, and acquisitions.

The board raised the quarterly dividend by 11% when Royal Bank announced Q4 2021 results. The new quarterly payout of $1.20 per share provides an annualized yield of 3.3% at the time of writing.

Royal Bank should benefit from expected interest rate increases in Canada and the United States this year. Higher rates tend to lead to better net interest margins for banks. Rate hikes could begin as soon as next month and might continue steadily through 2023, as the central banks try to tame high inflation.

Royal Bank should be a solid buy-and-hold pick for RRSP investors. A $10,000 investment in RY stock 25 years ago would be worth about $265,000 today with the dividends reinvested.

Barrick Gold

Advisers often recommend having gold exposure as part of a balanced portfolio. Gold stocks underperformed in 2021 and could be due for a rebound in 2022.

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) looks attractive at the current share price near $25. The company spent several years cleaning up its balance sheet after nearly getting buried under US$13 billion in debt. Sales of non-core assets and the rebound in the price of gold helped Barrick Gold get to the point where it wiped out net debt.

The company continues to invest in new resource opportunities and owns six of the top 10 mines on the planet. Barrick Gold is also a significant copper producer. The copper business diversifies the revenue stream and should perform well in the coming years, as the construction of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles soaks up supply at a faster pace.

Barrick Gold reports Q4 2021 results on February 16. Investors should see strong free cash flow generation in the quarter and could receive a dividend hike. The board has tripled the payout since September 2018. Barrick also gave investors a special return of capital last year that amounted to US$0.42 per share. Another bonus could be on the way.

Gold currently trades near US$1,820 per ounce. That’s only about 12.5% below the 2020 peak. ABX stock, however, is down close to 37%. Barrick Gold’s all-in sustaining costs in Q3 2021 came in at US$1,034 per ounce, so the miner is making good margins at current gold prices.

Inflation fears could drive gold demand higher in 2022. At the same time, investors might rush to buy gold as a safe-haven investment in the event Russia decides to invade Ukraine. Money might also flow to gold from cryptocurrencies, as global governments continue to target the crypto sector.

The bottom line on top stocks for RRSP investors

Royal Bank and Barrick Gold are leaders in their respective industries and should be good stocks to buy for a self-directed RRSP right now. If you have some cash to put to work in your retirement fund, these stocks deserve to be on your radar.

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.

The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stock mentioned.

More on Investing

Man data analyze
Tech Stocks

3 Reasons Celestica Stock Is a Screaming Buy Now

These three reasons make Celestica stock a screaming buy for long-term investors.

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 »

Super sized rock trucks take a load of platinum rich rock into the crusher.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Invest $7,000 in This Dividend Stock for $672 in Passive Income

High yield can be an essential requirement when you need to start even a modestly sized passive income with a…

Read more »

telehealth stocks
Tech Stocks

Well Health Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Another record-breaking quarter and strong demand sets the stage for continued momentum for Well Health stock.

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 »