3 Reasons Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) Is My Top Bank Stock Hold Right Now

Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) boasts a number of positives that make it an attractive hold as we move into the cooler months.

| 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

Royal Bank (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) stock has climbed 0.4% over the past month as of close on September 21. This represents modest movement a little over a month removed from its third-quarter earnings release. This should not be discouraging for investors at this time, as Canadian banks have been forced to fight through headwinds in what has turned into a choppy September on the TSX.

Today, I want to explore three reasons why Royal Bank remains my top stock to hold in the fall and beyond. This is the case even in the event of a breakdown in trade talks between the United States and Canada.

Rock-solid third-quarter earnings

Royal Bank released its third-quarter results on August 22. Late last month, I’d compared Royal Bank with another top bank stock.

Royal Bank reported net income of $3.1 billion in the second quarter, which was a record. It also posted 14% year-over-year growth in diluted earnings per share of $2.10. The bank achieved 8% year-over-year growth in its Personal and Commercial Banking segment, where it received a boost from lending and deposit activity. As was the case with its peers, Royal Bank has also benefited from improved margins on higher interest rates.

The bank also announced an increase in its quarterly dividend of $0.98 per share, representing a 3.5% dividend yield.

Royal Bank is weathering stormy housing conditions

The state of the Canadian housing market has been a lingering source of anxiety for investors and policy makers alike. Fortunately, banks have managed to find the sweet spot in 2018 where volumes remain at solid levels while also margins improve due to the rate-tightening environment. However, banks have warned that mortgage loan growth will continue to slow in the final months of 2018 and perhaps beyond.

Royal Bank was the stand out among its peers in the third quarter when it came to its performance in the housing sector. Its mortgage portfolio reported growth of 6% over the prior year to $262 billion. +90-day delinquencies were flat quarter over quarter and down from 0.20% in Q3 2017. The net interest margin also rose to 2.74% compared to 2.61% in Q3 2017.

Go with the heavyweight in uncertain times

In late 2017, the Swiss-based Financial Stability Board named Royal Bank as one of the world’s 30 most systemically important banks. Royal Bank made it as a “category one” bank, which holds at least 1% of capital on hand. The bank boasted that this designation illustrated the scale of its global operations.

This may be of interest to investors who are concerned about how Canadian financial institutions may react to ongoing trade talks. As of now, it appears that Canada and the United States may be unable to make a deal before the October 1st deadline. This could lead to an escalation in trade tensions and turbulence in the broader market and economy. For this reason, and the others listed above, Royal Bank is a favourable hold as we move into October.

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.

More on Bank Stocks

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Bank Stocks

The 3 Canadian Bank Stocks Worthy of Your TFSA

TD Bank (TSX:TD) and two other Big Six Canadian bank stocks look like great value options for TFSA investors in…

Read more »

think thought consider
Bank Stocks

RBC Stock: Should You Invest in February 2023?

Royal Bank of Canada has delivered stellar returns to investors in the last 20 years. But is RBC stock a…

Read more »

Bank Stocks

I Keep Buying Shares of This Dividend Stock Hand Over Fist

I have been buying shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) hand over fist for years.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Bank Stocks

BNS Stock: A Smart Investment Today?

BNS stock has risen 11% in 2023 so far. But is it worth buying today? Let’s find out.

Read more »

edit Businessman using calculator next to laptop
Bank Stocks

Why RBC Stock Is the Most Valuable Stock on the TSX Today

Any investor can have peace of mind their growing wealth long term by owning Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) shares…

Read more »

sad concerned deep in thought
Bank Stocks

Is goeasy the Best Growth Stock to Buy in February 2023?

goeasy stock has lost 15% in the last 12 months but has returned over 250% in the last five years.…

Read more »

Man holding magnifying glass over a document
Bank Stocks

BMO Stock: Is it a Good Investment Today?

Have you considered BMO for your portfolio? Here’s why this big bank may be a good investment for today, tomorrow,…

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Bank Stocks

TD Stock: Is it a Good Investment Today?

TD stock is up more than 6% in 2023. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »