The 3-Stock Portfolio for Years of Growth

Canadian National Railway Company (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) and Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) are some of the best-performing stocks that can provide growth for years to come.

| More on:

Selecting a good mix of stocks that can provide healthy growth over the long term can be an overwhelming task for some investors, particularly for those that are new to investing.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options to investors. Here are some of those options that might be worth considering for your portfolio.

Canadian National Railway Company (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) is a great long-term investment option for several reasons. Canadian National is not only Canada’s largest railway, but is also one of the largest on the continent. It’s the only railroad that has access to three different coastlines. That factor alone makes Canadian National an intriguing investment opportunity, but where the company really shines is when you factor in the sizable moat that prevents new competitors from emerging.

Railroads are unique in that they serve a key function in our economy. Few realize that railroads are responsible for hauling a significant portion of both raw materials and finished goods to markets right across the continent thanks to an impressive, yet dizzying array of tracks that traverse nearly every major city on the continent.

To even fathom a new competitor emerging to counter the supremacy of Canadian National would require tens of billions in investment and construction costs and take upwards of a decade in construction.

Canadian National trades at just over $100 and has a P/E of 19.71

Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) may be the largest airline in Canada, but its planes aren’t the only thing flying high over our heads. Few investors realize that Air Canada is one of the best-performing stocks on the market, with the stock soaring over 1,800% over the past five-year period.

As with just about any investment, past performance is hardly a reason to invest now, but Air Canada has several compelling reasons to sway investors.

First, the airline industry is enjoying one of its longest-running growth periods ever. This has allowed airlines to increase their networks and grow at a conservative rate contrary to previous business cycle fluctuations that had growth periods followed up with periods of massive losses. In other words, the current environment has allowed Air Canada to grow, yet be conservative enough for that growth to withstand a sudden shift in the economy.

That business maturity is one thing that the airline industry has lacked until recently and, as a result, has drawn in high-profile investors such as Warren Buffett.

Air Canada currently trades at just over $27 with a P/E of just 8.91.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) is the name behind some of the most well-known and respected fast-food chains, including Burger King and Tim Hortons. Restaurant Brands was formed a few years back when both chains joined, and Popeye’s was recently added to the company’s brand portfolio.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Restaurant Brands stems from the superb management of the company, which has not only integrated the various business units much sooner than most expected, but has also realized significant synergies from those mergers.

The company is also leveraging the strengths of one unit and applying it as an example to others. A key example of this is using Burger King’s successful franchise expansion model and applying it to Tim Hortons. As a result of implementing that model, Tim Hortons, in the past year, has opened or has announced plans to open franchise locations in Mexico, the Philippines, and the U.K.

Restaurant Brands currently trades at just over $84 and has realized superb growth of over 45% in the past year.

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 Demetris Afxentiou has no position in any stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool owns shares of Canadian National Railway and Restaurant Brands International. Canadian National Railway is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

A plant grows from coins.
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks Wall Street Might Be Sleeping on, But I’m Not

Don’t miss your chance to load up on these three beaten-down stocks.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, November 5

Updates related to the U.S. presidential election will remain on TSX investors’ radar today as the third-quarter corporate earnings season…

Read more »

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Canadian AI Stocks

Are you looking for one of the most solid Canadian AI stocks out there? This one is probably your best…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Why AI Stocks Should Be in Every Canadian Investor’s Portfolio

AI stocks continue to be one of the best options out there for long-term investing, especially when considering Canadian options.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Bank Stocks

Canadian Bank Stocks: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

There are opportunities and risks on the horizon for the Canadian banks.

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Stock Market

Is Air Canada Stock a Good Buy After Its Q3 Results

Down almost 60% from all-time highs, Air Canada is an undervalued TSX stock that remains an enticing investment in November…

Read more »

cloud computing
Investing

Where to Invest $10,000 in November

Given their solid underlying businesses and healthy growth prospects, I expect these two defensive stocks to outperform uncertain outlook.

Read more »