3 Defence Stocks to Consider for November 2023

Defence stocks can be a great part of your defensive portfolio, and these three provide some of the best growth coming down the pipeline.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If you’re looking for some defence in your own portfolio, now is a great time to consider defence stocks. The market may be down, but defence stocks will remain essential. That’s mainly because these companies are in large part funded by the government through long-term contracts. So today, let’s look at three strong choices among defence stocks for Canadians to consider on the TSX today for November 2023.

CAE stock

First up, we have well-known CAE (TSX:CAE) among defence stocks. The stock remains a strong, low-risk buy recommended by analysts again and again. This comes as the company continues to surge past earnings estimates quarter after quarter.

The defence simulation company simply has kept moving forward as usual. CAE continues to create deals and partnerships with companies looking to benefit from its simulation training programs. It has also provided these programs outside the defence sector as well. Doctors, helicopter pilots, even aerospace craft all use the company’s programs.

Further, CAE stock has also been acquiring businesses to put under its umbrella of products. During its last quarter the stock saw a 13% jump in revenue as its commercial aviation sector rose back. Its flight and health simulators also saw net income rise to $65.3 million from just $1.7 million the year before. It has since gone on to sell its healthcare business to the United States for $311 million, allowing CAE stock to focus on securing growth opportunities in larger, core simulation and training markets.

Shares are now up 9.5% in the last year, with a dividend yield currently at 2.77% as of writing.

Magellan

Another of the formidable defence stocks to consider is Magellan Aerospace (TSX:MAL), yet another strong company that perhaps allows for a growth opportunity. This comes after the stock fell after missing its latest earnings report.

The company creates parts for aerospace structures, as well as maintenance and repair. It has been going steady as usual, extending its partnership with Boeing most recently to provide exhausts for Magellan stock. It looks like it’s one of the defence stocks that while it’s doing alright, isn’t looking to expand much further until there is more cash on hand, and growth in revenue.

For now, shares are up 2.7% in the last year, with the company offering a 1.38% dividend yield as of writing.

Héroux-Devtek

Finally, we have the last on our list of defence stocks. Héroux-Devtek (TSX:HRX) stock is another strong option, as a company that designs, manufactures, and sells some of the most critical components for aircraft structures. And after missing one earnings quarter, it has gone onto surge past estimates for the last two quarters in a row.

HRX stock now looks like a strong investment, with analysts slowly but surely coming around to recommending the stock as a buy. The company, similarly to CAE stock, is now one of the defence stocks looking for opportunities after a strong recent quarter.

Sales rose 23.3% year over year in the first quarter, with operating income tripling from a year ago to $7.5 million! Furthermore, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were up 43.2% to $16.4 million. With rising cash flow, it now expects to put that cash to good use through growth opportunities including acquisitions.

Shares are now up 21.4% in the last year alone, providing superb growth for investors among defence stocks this November.

Should you invest $1,000 in Restaurant Brands International right now?

Before you buy stock in Restaurant Brands International, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Restaurant Brands International wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,345.77!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

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 Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Stocks for Beginners

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Dividend Stocks

Billionaires Are Selling Berkshire Stock and Buying This TSX Stock Instead

Warren Buffett is stepping aside, leading to a drop in share price. So what's next for investors?

Read more »

open vault at bank
Stocks for Beginners

Where Will Royal Bank Stock Be in 2 Years?

Royal Bank stock has long been a top stock, but can that last over the next two years?

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Invest $50,000 of TFSA Cash as Canada-US Trade Uncertainty Expands

We're all uncertain about how this trade war will shake out, so here are some top stocks to keep your…

Read more »

rising arrow with flames
Stocks for Beginners

How I’d Invest $5,500 in Canadian Industrial Stocks to Grow My Portfolio Exponentially

Here are two overlooked industrial stocks you can buy now and hold for the long term to supercharge your portfolio.

Read more »

Forklift in a warehouse
Dividend Stocks

9.5% Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This TSX Stock and Holding for Decades

Looking for a dividend stock that's ready to stand the test of time? Then consider this top notch option.

Read more »

Abstract Human Skull representing AI
Dividend Stocks

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock Down 26% to Buy Now and Hold for Life!

This Canadian stock continues to be undervalued for investors wanting in on a solid, long-term tech stock.

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 20 Years

Investors can get dividends any time, but these five offer major returns that should stand the test of time.

Read more »

a person prepares to fight by taping their knuckles
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks to Play Defence in a Trade War

Consumer defensive stock Dollarama (TSX:DOL), a Canadian utility stock, and a retail REIT could provide portfolio solace during a tariff…

Read more »