On the finish of the yr, many Canadian buyers evaluate their portfolios and rethink their long-term technique. Amid all of the noise of rate of interest choices, inflation updates, synthetic intelligence (AI)-related information, and geopolitical headlines, it’s straightforward to miss the worth of merely proudly owning nice companies for the lengthy haul. But repeatedly, that’s precisely what works for probably the most profitable buyers on this planet. On the TSX, a couple of well-established firms proceed to ship outcomes yr after yr, whilst market sentiment shifts.
On this article, I’ll spotlight two prime Canadian shares that provide the type of resilience, development potential, and dividend reliability that make them superb decisions to carry for years to come back.
Alimentation Couche-Tard inventory
The primary inventory on my checklist, Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD), continues to point out the world how consistency in on a regular basis companies can result in exceptional development. The Laval-based retailer presently runs shops throughout 29 international locations and territories beneath well-liked banners like Circle Ok and Couche-Tard, giving it the flexibility to carry out by way of each cycle.
ATD inventory now trades at about $76.33 per share after rallying by 11% over the past three months, giving it a market cap of almost $71 billion. It additionally affords a small however dependable dividend yield of 1.1%, paid quarterly.
Within the second quarter of its fiscal yr 2026 (three months resulted in October), Couche-Tard’s web earnings climbed 4.5% YoY (yr over yr) to US$740.6 million with the assistance of a 2.6% enhance in its complete income. This efficiency was primarily led by its stronger merchandise gross sales and wholesome gas margins as the corporate continues to handle prices effectively regardless of inflationary pressures.
In the meantime, Couche-Tard’s ongoing enlargement by way of high quality acquisitions, digital packages, and new retailer building continues to strengthen its footprint. With over 73 shops beneath building and contemporary initiatives just like the GetGo integration within the U.S., it appears well-positioned for constant earnings development. Given these fundamentals, ATD stays one of many prime Canadian shares to purchase and preserve for the lengthy haul, particularly for buyers looking for a mixture of stability, world scale, and dependable revenue.
Canadian Nationwide Railway inventory
Canadian Nationwide Railway (TSX:CNR), or CN, might be one other sturdy and reliable inventory long-term buyers can wager on with out hesitation. This Montreal-based rail transportation big quietly drives the North American economic system by operating almost 20,000 miles of monitor connecting Canada’s coasts with the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast.
CN inventory presently trades round $133.83 per share with a market cap of $82.5 billion. It additionally affords a 2.7% dividend yield at this market value.
At the same time as macroeconomic uncertainties proceed to have an effect on transportation companies, CN posted a powerful 5% YoY enhance in its web revenue within the newest quarter to $1.14 billion. This rise was primarily backed by development in its intermodal and coal shipments, which offset slight softness in grain and metals. In the course of the quarter, the corporate’s working ratio additionally improved 170 foundation factors to 61.4%, exhibiting that administration’s effectivity packages are paying off.
In the course of the quarter, CN achieved $75 million in labour price reductions, improved practice pace and automotive velocity, whereas its gas effectivity additionally improved. For 2026, it plans to spend roughly $2.8 billion on capital initiatives, down from this yr’s $3.35 billion, because it tightens prices whereas investing in capability upgrades and know-how.
Backed by regular earnings, cautious spending, and a key function in North American commerce, this Canadian inventory continues to be a long-term favorite for buyers looking for lasting energy and returns.
