4 Best-In-Class Stocks for Your Portfolio

If you’re a long-term investor, this is exactly what you should be looking for.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

If you’re a long-term investor, it pays to buy the absolute best companies, even if you have to pay a little more. Then you can simply sit back, not just for years, but for decades. On that note, each of the four companies below is a top performer in its industry, making them perfect candidates for your portfolio.

1. Canadian Natural Resources

There are very few energy companies with a better track record than Canadian Natural Resources (TSX: CNQ)(NYSE: CNQ). Under the leadership of Murray Edwards, CNRL has built a fantastic reputation for strong capital allocation and ferocious cost control. This is how the company emerged from seemingly nowhere in the late ’90s to become one of Canada’s largest energy companies.

And shareholders have had a wonderful ride along the way. Over the last 15 years, the company’s shares have returned 19% per year. By comparison, Suncor shares have returned only 13% per year over the same time period.

2. Tim Hortons

In retail, it helps to have a strong brand and loyal customers. And there’s no better example than Tim Hortons (TSX: THI)(NYSE: THI). The dominant leader in Canada’s quick-service restaurant industry has the number-one brand in the country, according to Canadian Business. As a result, Tims has fiercely loyal customers, which shows up in the financials.

Just last year, Tim Hortons achieved a return on equity of over 43%, and if the company improves its performance in the United States, that number will only increase. These are the types of companies you want in your portfolio.

3. Telus

Canada’s big three telecommunications providers are some of the most stable companies in Canada. They face little competition (despite the government’s best intentions), and make money off of subscriptions, so revenue tends to be fairly steady and predictable.

Right now, the best-in-class operator among the big three is Telus (TSX: T)(NYSE: TU). In its main business, wireless communications, it has been adding far more subscribers than its peers have. It has also done a better job holding onto them. If you’re a long-term investor, Telus is the kind of company you should want in your portfolio.

4. First Quantum

First Quantum Minerals (TSX: FM) actually has quite a bit in common with Canadian Natural Resources – the company is known for buying assets cheaply and keeping costs under control. As a result, shareholders have enjoyed superior returns.

In fact, First Quantum shares have done even better than CNRL’s, returning 39% per year. And even though you shouldn’t expect returns like this over the next 15 years, this is exactly the kind of track record you should be looking for.

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.

More on Investing

money cash dividends
Stocks for Beginners

Where to Invest $10,000 in April 2024

If you've already created a diversified portfolio and are looking for more options from a windfall, here is where I…

Read more »

data analyze research
Investing

The Ultimate TSX Stock to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM) is one of the best Canadian stocks to buy for those looking to put capital to…

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Dividend Stocks

3 CRA Benefits Most Canadians Can Grab in 2024

You can save on taxes by claiming the dividend tax credit on Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) shares.

Read more »

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth Stock Is Rising But I’m Worried About This One Thing

Canopy Growth stock is soaring as the legalization effort makes real progress in both Germany and the United States.

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Investing

3 Roaring Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These top TSX stocks are excellent long-term buys, given their multi-year growth potential and solid underlying businesses.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

grow dividends
Investing

Here’s My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Even though the TSX has been rising, there are still some good bargains out there. Here are three top compounding…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Investing

Prediction: This Canadian Growth Stock Could Double by 2030

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) is a top growth stock that could do well over the next six or so years.

Read more »