Canadians often buy the stocks they hear discussed at work or on their favourite business program.
That can be a rewarding strategy, but there are many stocks that offer solid long-term prospects, but fly completely under the radar of most investors.
Let’s take a look at three big companies that might be interesting picks for your portfolio right now.
Waste Connections (TSX:WCN)(NYSE:WCN)
Investing in the collection, transfer, and recycling of garbage might not be the most exciting way to boost your portfolio, but the goal in investing should be a comfortable retirement, not entertainment.
Waste Connections reported Q4 2018 results that came in ahead of guidance, supported by a 4.9% boost in prices and volume growth. The business operates in Canada and the United States and continues to growth through strategic acquisitions.
Adjusted net income for full-year 2018 came in at $667 million, compared to $570 million in 2017. Free cash flow increased more than 15%.
Management sees the positive trend extending through 2019 with adjusted free cash flow expected to be $950 million. The company raised the dividend by more than 14% in 2018 and investors should see another generous increase this year.
The stock is has gone from $38 to $110 in the past five years and should continue to climb. The company has a market capitalization of $29 billion.
WSP Global (TSX:WSP)
WSP is a Canadian engineering and consulting company with more than 42,000 employees operating worldwide offering their expertise in 81 business sectors. The origins of the current firm began more than 100 years ago and WSP Global continues to expand through strategic acquisitions.
The stock has doubled in value in the past five years and currently has a market capitalization of more than $7 billion.
Constellation Software (TSX:CSU)
Constellation Software traded for $250 per share five years ago. Today the stock is $1,100, giving the company a market capitalization of $23 billion.
The company was founded in 1995, went public in 2006 and continues to grow through strategic acquisitions. The businesses provide niche-focused software solutions for corporate and government clients.
Revenue grew 23% in 2018 compared to the previous year. Net income rose 71% to $379 million, and the company just declared a regular dividend of $1 per share and a special dividend of $20 per share.
The bottom line
Popular stocks can perform well, but looking for great businesses that somehow remain off the radar of most investors can also provide substantial rewards.
