1 Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

There are some Canadian companies in the transportation business that will have a rough year, but there is a strong company to consider.

| More on:

It’s all well and good to talk about so many of the Canadian companies out there to buy on the TSX today. But what about the companies many of us are less sure of?

Today, I’m going to consider one stock I’m not touching with a 10-foot-pole right now, another I would wait and see what happens, and finally, one that investors could buy for a quick rebound.

Caution, careful

Image source: Getty Images

Avoid

When it comes to companies that are still shaky for the next few years, I would put railway stocks in that category. Yet for one that I’m avoiding for now, it would be Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR).

CNR stock put all its resources into purchasing Kansas City Southern over fellow duopoly member Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSX:CP). As you can tell, CP stock won that battle thanks to a decision from the United States Surface Transportation Board.

But investors were thrilled! The investment was far too costly for CNR stock to make. Yet the question is, now what? The company is back to focusing on being the premiere class one railway. But how will the company continue to expand now?

Wait

Another stock I would avoid for now, at least, is CP stock. The company made a huge investment into KCS. Now, we’re waiting to see how that pays off. And at a time when poor weather is hitting hard, and inflation and interest rates continue to rock the sector, cost savings are key.

Even so, CP stock will now have access to more routes thanks to the deal. It’s now the only railway running throughout North America. And as freight demand continues to rise, with inflation and interest rates dropping in the future, that should only improve.

For now, it’s a bit up in the air as to how CP stock could perform in the near future, which is why there is another I would consider instead.

TFII

Transportation and diversified industrial companies are where to go, and of them all, TFI International (TSX:TFII) could be the best, especially since shares have come down just a bit in the last few months — though only slightly, making it a great opportunity to jump back in.

Concerns around trucking pricing and overall freight demand weighed on the company in the recent past. However, since announcing that TFII stock could separate into two public companies, share prices have come back strong.

So, while trucking pricing may weaken in the near term, there is now another entirely new opportunity for TFII stock investors to get in on. The stock should certainly outperform then, with better pricing also likely to lead to better demand as well.

Bottom line

Transportation will always be needed, and all three of these stocks remain strong options on the TSX today — especially if you’re considering them as long-term purchases. However, for one that will more than likely see growth in the near future rather than a fall, investors should certainly consider TFII stock first.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Average $2400 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

Income-seeking investors should consider these picks to build a tax-free passive portfolio with some of the best Canadian dividend stocks…

Read more »

Person holding a smartphone with a stock chart on screen
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy Telus Stock at $18?

Telus stock is trading at $18, raising questions about its dividend, valuation, and long‑term upside for Canadian investors.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Stocks for Beginners

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $10,000 in 2026

A $10,000 capital is sufficient to buy four top Canadian stocks and create a powerful portfolio in 2026.

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $1,000 Per Month?

Want to generate passive income? Learn how three top Canadian dividend stocks can help you generate $1,000 per month.

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

A Year Later: This Monthly Dividend Stock Still Pays Like Clockwork

Granite REIT quietly delivered exactly what monthly-income investors want: higher occupancy, rising rents, and growing cash flow.

Read more »

a woman sleeps with her eyes covered with a mask
Dividend Stocks

Worried About Your Portfolio Right Now? These 3 Canadian Picks Are Built for Defence

These investments defend a portfolio in different ways: steady healthcare rent, essential waste services, and a diversified 60/40 mix.

Read more »

boy in bowtie and glasses gives positive thumbs up
Dividend Stocks

2 No-Brainer Canadian Dividend Stocks for Volatile Markets

Inflation has Canadians on edge, so the best retirement stocks are businesses with repeat cash flow and dividends that don’t…

Read more »

woman looks ahead of her over water
Dividend Stocks

Want Growth and Dividends From the Same Portfolio? These 2 Canadian Stocks Deliver Both

Under-the-radar Canadian companies offer big yields, but they rely on very different cash-flow engines.

Read more »