Beginner Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Your Portfolio

If you are a beginner investor, you may want to start your portfolio with solid stocks such as National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA), Boralex Inc. (TSX:BLX), and another stock.

| 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 moresdf

If you have accumulated some money and are looking to invest it in the stock market by yourself, you may feel overwhelmed by the stock universe and have difficulty choosing stocks to buy.

You have to keep in mind that one investment may be a good choice for some people, but not to others. You have to do your own research and decide if an investment is suitable for you, depending on your risk tolerance and investment goals. However, since there are many stocks available, it may be difficult for a beginner investor to know where to start.

With little money to invest, it’s best to invest first in large-cap stocks that have a solid history, since they are subject to less volatility, and you will have less risk to lose money. Stocks in a defensive sector are a good choice, since they will perform well, even during an economic downturn. You will find below three stocks that could be great choices for beginner investors.

National Bank of Canada

The financial sector, particularly the bank sector, is a good place to start a portfolio, since banks’ share prices rise consistently over the long term and won’t fall that much during downturns. A great choice in the bank sector is National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA).

National Bank’s share price has a forward P/E of only 10.2. The bank’s earnings are expected to grow by 10% for the next five years, which is high for a bank.

National Bank reported a very strong third quarter. Its revenue jumped by 8% from last year to $1.68 million. Its profit also jumped by 8% to $518 million. Adjusted earnings came at $1.39 per share, above the $1.32-per-share consensus estimates.

National Bank’s return on equity is 16.34%. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share, giving a yield of 4%.

Metro, Inc.

Investing in a grocery store helps you have some protection against market downturns. Indeed, people need to eat regardless of the economic cycle, and grocers’ shares are stable and rise over time.

Metro, Inc. (TSX:MRU) shares are an interesting choice. They are currently trading at a P/E of 16. In contrast, the industry average is 21.4.

Metro reported its third-quarter results in August, which food deflation dampened. Its net earnings rose by 8% to $183 million, or $0.78 per share, up from $176.5 million, or $0.72 per share, a year ago. That missed average analyst estimates of $0.79. Deflation should turn into inflation in the next months, which will help Metro perform better.

Increased competition and upcoming minimum wage increase put pressure on Metro, but the grocer is going to fight by developing its e-commerce offer. This includes extending online shopping to customers throughout Quebec and selling meal kits.

Metro’s return on equity is 21.45. Its earnings are expected to grow at a rate of 9% for the next five years.

Boralex Inc.

If you are looking for growth and are somewhat concerned about the environment, you can look at the clean technology sector.

Boralex Inc. (TSX:BLX) is a good choice in that sector. This power producer develops, constructs and operates renewable energy power stations. The company’s segments include wind, hydroelectric, thermal, and solar. Boralex is present in Canada, in the United States, and in France. The company’s geographic and sector diversification helps lower the risk.

The shares P/E one-year forward is 42.6, and its PEG is 0.63. The P/E seems high, but since the PEG is below one, it means the stock is cheap for the growth you get from it. Indeed, earnings are expected to grow at an impressive rate of 99% for the next five years.

You also get an interesting dividend yield of 2.7%.

Boralex has reduced its attributable net loss to $2 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $7 million a year earlier, as its top line improved significantly.

The Canadian renewables developer’s revenue from energy sales has jumped by 41% over one year, thereby also increasing its adjusted EBITDA by 52%.

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 Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »