The Only 2 AI Stocks You’ll Need for Long-Term Growth

Here are two top Canadian tech stocks that could help you benefit from surging demand for AI technology and infrastructure.

Jitendra Parashar

Author Bio Jitendra Parashar is a financial journalist who has been writing for The Motley Fool Canada since June 2020. With more than 13 years of experience in financial journalism, equity research, and market analysis, he helps investors understand market developments and identify long-term investment opportunities. Before joining The Motley Fool Canada, Jitendra spent several years at Market Realist covering U.S. equities, major economic developments, and developments in the automotive and technology industries. He also worked in commodity and currency research at brokerage firms, gaining insight into how economic trends, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events influence financial markets. Jitendra writes for beginner investors, dividend seekers, and Canadians looking to build wealth over the long term. He also contributes to the daily TSX Today series, explaining key Canadian market developments and highlighting news investors should watch. Based in India, Jitendra follows Canadian and U.S. markets closely. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling in the Himalayas, street and nature photography, and exploring programming and artificial intelligence. Education MBA in Finance and International Business Bachelor's degree in Journalism Areas of Expertise Canadian and U.S. financial markets, long-term equity investing, dividend investing, macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, automotive stocks, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence. Social Media Profiles LinkedIn Muck Rack Favorite Investment Quote “Simplicity is the master key to financial success.” — John C. Bogle

Published March 31, 2025 3:30 pm EDT

If you’re ignoring artificial intelligence (AI) just as many investors once ignored e-commerce and cloud computing in their early days, you might want to rethink that. AI isn’t just another tech trend, as it’s already changing the way businesses work, how we live and shop, and even how healthcare services are delivered. And while the AI buzz is loud, the real winners will be the companies building the tools, platforms, and infrastructure to integrate AI into everyday operations and workflows.

While you don’t need a dozen AI stocks in your portfolio, owning a few high-quality names with real-world applications and strong growth potential could make a significant difference over time. In this article, I’ll break down two AI-focused tech stocks that could power your portfolio’s growth for years to come.

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

Kinaxis stock

The first Canadian AI stock I’ve got my eye on right now is Kinaxis (TSX: KXS). This Ottawa-based tech company specializes in supply chain orchestration, helping global brands manage everything from long-term planning to real-time delivery with its AI-powered Maestro platform.

KXS stock currently trades at $156.63 per share with a market cap of $4.4 billion. While Kinaxis doesn’t pay a dividend, its exclusive focus on growth could pay off well.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Canadian tech firm’s total revenue grew by 11% YoY (year over year) to US$123.9 million, with its SaaS (software-as-a-service) sales jumping 17% from a year ago. On the profitability side, its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) jumped a solid 59% YoY, pushing the margin up to 25%. While it posted a net loss for the quarter due to one-time restructuring costs, its adjusted earnings remained positive.

Its push into next-gen AI tools currently sets Kinaxis apart from most of its peers. Notably, the company is rolling out agentic and generative AI features that make supply chain decisions faster and easier for its customers without requiring deep AI expertise. For investors looking to benefit from the real-world side of artificial intelligence, this stock could be a long-term winner.

Celestica stock

If you’re after the growth potential of the fast-growing AI sector, Celestica (TSX: CLS) is also worth a look. This Toronto-based tech firm builds design, hardware, and supply chain solutions for some of the world’s most innovative, large companies. Its products power everything from cloud infrastructure to next-gen AI systems.

Even after a recent pullback, CLS stock is still up nearly 96% over the past year, trading at $120.91 per share with a $14 billion market cap.

In the December 2024 quarter, Celestica posted a 19% YoY revenue growth to hit US$2.55 billion. It also registered its highest adjusted quarterly earnings ever at US$1.11 per share. At the same time, strong momentum in its Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment helped it expand profit margins.

With surging demand for AI hardware, new hyperscaler deals and full-rack AI system wins, Celestica just raised its 2025 guidance. So, if you want to invest in the infrastructure side of AI, CLS might be one stock you don’t want to miss right now.