3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Own

These blue-chip stocks offer attractive capital gains, regular dividend income, and will likely add stability to your portfolio.

| More on:
four people hold happy emoji masks

Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Investors eying steady returns over the long term and adding stability to their portfolios could consider investing in blue-chip stocks listed on the TSX. These Canadian stocks represent companies with solid fundamentals and well-established businesses. In addition to capital gains, these shares offer steady dividend income, as these companies are profitable and have a growing earnings base. This enables them to reward shareholders with high dividends and share repurchases.

Although blue-chip stocks provide stability, dividend income, and consistent capital gains, it’s important to recognize that they are not without risks.

Against this background, let’s look at three blue-chip stocks every Canadian should own for steady capital gains and dividend income.

Canadian National Railway

Investors seeking stability, income, and growth could consider adding shares of Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) to their portfolio. This transportation powerhouse owns and operates an extensive rail network, providing critical shipping services across North America. As an essential service provider, Canadian National Railway’s operating and financial performance remains resilient, offering an extra layer of stability to its overall performance.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Canadian National Railway PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Canadian National Railway isn’t just a defensive play. Over the past decade, the stock has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 11%, resulting in capital gains of over 185%. This is complemented by the company’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Since its listing in 1995, Canadian National Railway has increased its dividend at a CAGR of approximately 15%, showcasing a robust track record of rewarding its investors.

In summary, Canadian National Railway’s low-risk and defensive business model and well-diversified portfolio position it to thrive in all market conditions. Further, its focus on operational efficiency and strong balance sheet offers financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities. It is poised to deliver steady capital gains and enhance its shareholders’ returns through dividend payments.

Loblaw

Loblaw (TSX:L), Canada’s largest food and pharmacy retailer, is an excellent investment for investors seeking top-tier, blue-chip stocks. Thanks to its recession-resilient business model, Loblaw consistently generates steady earnings and free cash flows in all market conditions, making it a reliable long-term investment.

Despite operating a low-risk business, this Canadian retailer has delivered notable capital gains over the past several years and outperformed the broader market averages. For example, Loblaw stock has delivered an impressive capital gain of over 385%, reflecting a CAGR of more than 17%. Further, Loblaw enhances its shareholder value via dividend increases and share repurchases.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Loblaw Companies PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Looking ahead, Loblaw’s discount stores and wide product offerings are likely to drive its foot traffic and drive same-store sales growth. Moreover, its strategic price freezes could continue to attract shoppers, thus boosting sales. In addition, the growing mix of private-label food products and its efforts to optimize its retail network augur well for profit margins and will support its stock.

Royal Bank of Canada

As the leading Canadian bank, Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) is a dependable stock for its durable earnings growth and commitment to rewarding its shareholders with higher dividend payments. The bank’s highly diversified client base, disciplined cost management, and sustained earnings growth drive its stock and dividend payouts.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Royal Bank Of Canada PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Royal Bank of Canada’s stock has gained over 187% in the past decade, reflecting a healthy CAGR of 11.1%. Moreover, its earnings and dividend increased at a CAGR of 7% and 8%, respectively, in the last 10 years.

The bank’s growing loan portfolio, solid deposits, improving efficiency ratio, and robust balance sheet suggest that it is well-positioned to grow its earnings. This will drive its shares and dividend payments.

Should you invest $1,000 in Autocanada Inc. right now?

Before you buy stock in Autocanada Inc., consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Autocanada Inc. wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Investing

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $4,000

If you only have $4,000 to invest, then these Canadian stocks are some of the best options out there.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Invest $10,000 in This Undervalued Dividend-Growth Stock for Decades of Income

This undervalued dividend stock offers a high yield of over 8% and can help you earn more than $200 in…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Tech Stocks

Where I’d Invest $5,000 in Growth Stocks With Long-Term Potential Through 2030

DO you have $5,000 to invest to grow your wealth over the long term? These growth stocks could deliver strong…

Read more »

Asset Management
Investing

2 Canadian Value Stocks I’d Buy Now and Hold for a Lifetime

Here are two cheap Canadian stocks investors can buy and hold for outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Canadian Stocks Could Fall on Thursday, April 3

TSX stocks may come under pressure today as sharp commodity declines and Trump’s sweeping new tariffs spark fresh concerns over…

Read more »

A shopper makes purchases from an online store.
Tech Stocks

Buy the Dip on the Return of Recession Stocks?

If a recession comes back, there are some stocks that could fair well afterwards. And this is one of the…

Read more »

RRSP Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan concept
Retirement

Here’s the Average Canadian TFSA and RRSP at Age 60

Many Canadian retirees have tens of thousands invested in ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund (TSX:XIU).

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Exactly How a $20,000 TFSA Could Potentially Grow to $200,000

Index funds like the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index (TSX:XIC) are tax free in a TFSA.

Read more »