Are There Any AI Stocks in Canada? (Asking for a Friend With a TFSA)

These AI stocks are top choices for investors looking for growth from companies directly into AI — now and for life.

Amy Legate-Wolfe

Author Bio Amy became interested in investing in 2018 after having her first daughter. After receiving a masters degree in journalism from Western University, she became frustrated that the finance industry remained a confusing place for Canadians like her: new parents, millennials, and other young people who needed to understand their finances. Now, Amy focuses on tech companies and renewable energy for growth opportunities, coupling that with long-term investing strategies and equities. She also provides investors with a daily newsletter, Canada Stock Digest, for daily market updates. Her work can also be found at Canada's National Observer, where she writes on the business side of climate action. Before joining Motley Fool Canada, Amy wrote for major news organizations including HuffPost, CTVNews.ca, and CBC. When she’s not researching investing strategies, Amy’s time is pretty much monopolized by her two wild daughters, but in what little spare time she has she loves to do yoga, go on walks with her dog, and travel with her husband. Social Media Follow Amy on LinkedIn and Canada Stock Digest. Favorite Investment Quote “October: This is one of the particularly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.” – Mark Twain

Published August 15, 2024 4:10 pm EDT

Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks in Canada are an emerging sector with significant growth potential as global demand rises. In fact, the Canadian AI market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 25% from 2023 to 2028.

Although AI-specific stocks represent a smaller portion of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), Canadian companies are increasingly leveraging AI in their platforms. This has created substantial investor interest. Yet despite the current smaller market share, the rapid expansion of AI technologies presents a significant long-term opportunity for Canadian investors. Today, let’s look at some investors should keep on their radar.

A microchip in a circuit board powers artificial intelligence. — Source: Getty Images

OpenText

OpenText (TSX: OTEX) might just be the best-kept secret for investors looking to ride the AI wave on the TSX. As a leader in Information Management, OpenText is at the forefront of integrating AI across its product suits. It’s transforming how businesses manage, process, and analyze data. With a market cap of around $10.97 billion and a solid track record of innovation, OpenText is positioning itself as a key player in the AI space. This makes it a top pick for those looking to capitalize on the booming AI sector.

The company’s recent financial performance underscores its strong position. OpenText stock reported total revenues of $5.77 billion for fiscal 2024, demonstrating its resilience and capacity for growth, even in challenging market conditions. What’s more, OpenText’s strategic investments in AI and cloud services have positioned it well for future growth. It holds a focus on expanding its margins and enhancing shareholder value through initiatives like its $300 million share-repurchase program. This commitment to returning capital to shareholders, combined with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 8.26, makes OpenText stock a compelling value play with significant upside potential.

For dividend investors, OpenText stock sweetens the deal with a forward annual dividend yield of 3.54%. This robust dividend, coupled with the company’s strong cash flow and commitment to innovation, provides a steady income stream. Yet also offering exposure to the high-growth AI sector. In short, OpenText offers a unique blend of stability, growth, and income, making it an ideal stock for investors looking to add a touch of AI brilliance to their TSX portfolios.

Kinaxis

If you’re on the lookout for the best AI investment on the TSX, look no further than Kinaxis (TSX: KXS). This powerhouse in supply chain orchestration is not just riding the AI wave; it’s leading it. Kinaxis’s recent financial performance speaks volumes, with a stellar 15% growth in annual recurring revenue, driven largely by its AI-infused platform, Maestro. This platform is revolutionizing how businesses manage complex supply chains, making Kinaxis stock a must-have in any AI-focused portfolio.

What sets Kinaxis apart from the crowd is its unique blend of AI with a human touch. This ensures that even the most intricate supply chain challenges are met with efficiency and precision. The company’s focus on profitability is paying off as well. It had a 19% adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin, and a record number of new customer wins in the second quarter of 2024. These figures aren’t just impressive; they’re a clear signal that Kinaxis stock is on a growth trajectory that investors can’t afford to miss.

Investing in AI is all about finding companies that are not only innovative but also have the financial stability to weather market fluctuations. Kinaxis fits this bill perfectly. With over $282 million in cash, minimal debt, and a forward-thinking approach to AI and technology, Kinaxis is positioned to be the cornerstone of your AI investment strategy. Plus, with the market demanding better orchestration solutions, Kinaxis is ready to deliver, and so is your portfolio.