3 Top-Performing Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 5 Years

This group of stocks are exposed to different risks but could outperform over the next five years.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Three Canadian stocks — Constellation Software (TSX:CSU), goeasy (TSX:GSY), and Gildan (TSX:GIL) — are recommended as buy-and-hold candidates through 2030 for their attractive valuations and potential to outperform.
  • Constellation offers proven compounding at a rare low P/E, goeasy combines deep value with a growing 4.6% dividend, and Gildan could drive significant EPS accretion and cost synergies from its Hanesbrands merger.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than goeasy

Finding stocks that can consistently outperform the market isn’t easy, especially in a volatile environment. However, some companies have built proven track records of compounding wealth and are now trading at attractive valuations. Here are three Canadian stocks that could be top performers over the next five years — ideal for investors looking to buy and hold solid businesses through 2030.

up arrow on wooden blocks

Source: Getty Images

1. Constellation Software: A rare opportunity in a proven compounder

Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is down but far from defeated. The tech conglomerate’s shares have slipped roughly 38% from their 52-week high, but its long-term record remains stellar. 

Over the past five and 10 years, Constellation has generated annualized returns of about 20.3% and 21.6%, respectively — comfortably outperforming the broader Canadian market’s 16.3% and 12.3%.

At about $3,230 per share, CSU currently trades at a blended price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 23.6 — its cheapest valuation since 2019. For a serial acquirer with decades of disciplined capital allocation and recurring cash flow, this is a rare chance to accumulate shares in a top-tier compounder.

Analysts see a near-term upside of around 58%, suggesting the market may be underestimating its growth runway. If Constellation continues growing its earnings and free cash flow at double-digit rates, as it has for years, investors could see annualized returns north of 15% over the next five years.

2. goeasy: A dividend powerhouse trading at a discount

Non-prime lender goeasy (TSX:GSY) has faced turbulence, with its stock down roughly 42% from its 52-week high. Yet long-term investors have been well rewarded — the company’s 10-year annualized return of 23.8% has nearly doubled the broader market’s pace.

At about $125 per share, goeasy trades at a deeply discounted P/E of 7.6, suggesting meaningful room for multiple expansion. If the stock reverts to its historical valuation levels, it’d indicate a fair value of around $189, representing 51% upside. Meanwhile, shareholders collect a 4.6% dividend yield — and that payout has grown for 10 straight years at an eye-popping 30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Weak consumer sentiment has pressured the shares, but that’s also what makes this a compelling long-term entry point. As the economy stabilizes, goeasy’s consistent double-digit earnings growth and a potential valuation recovery could drive 15–25% annual total returns through 2030.

3. Gildan: A cyclical story with merger momentum

Unlike the first two, Gildan Activewear (TSX:GIL) hasn’t beaten the market over the last decade — but the next five years may tell a different story. 

The apparel maker’s merger with Hanesbrands, announced in August, has already earned positive analyst re-ratings. Upon closing (expected later this year or early 2026), management anticipates +20% accretion to earnings per share (EPS) and US$200 million in annual cost synergies that could lead to its adjusted EPS rising in the low 20% range at a CAGR over the next three years. 

Trading at about $81 per share, Gildan’s analyst consensus target implies 24% near-term upside. As a consumer cyclical, it’s not without risks, but patient investors could start with a partial position and add on dips as the merger unfolds.

Investor takeaway

No stock wins every year, but this basket — featuring Constellation’s steady growth, goeasy’s income power, and Gildan’s merger potential — offers a balanced blend of value, momentum, and compounding. For investors seeking long-term performance, these three names could shine over the next five years.

Fool contributor Kay Ng has positions in Constellation Software and goeasy. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

people ride a downhill dip on a roller coaster
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest TSX Stock to Buy With $500 Right Now

A $500 bet on Cineplex lets you ride a Canadian brand’s recovery while the stock still reflects plenty of skepticism.

Read more »

tree rings show growth patience passage of time
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Lumber Stocks to Watch Right Now

These lumber stocks could benefit from stable demand in construction and infrastructure.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

How Splitting $30,000 Across 3 TSX Stocks Could Generate $1,315 in Dividend Income

Learn how to build a dividend income portfolio that provides regular earnings even during tough times.

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Dividend Stocks

2 No-Brainer Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist

These two dividend stocks are ideal buys in this uncertain outlook.

Read more »

oil pumps at sunset
Energy Stocks

Oil Is Back in Focus: 3 Canadian Stocks to Watch Now

Oil’s back in the spotlight, and these three TSX names offer a mix of producer upside and pipeline stability.

Read more »

man gives stopping gesture
Stocks for Beginners

A Year Later: 3 TSX Stocks That Proved the Doubters Wrong

Today, we'll look at these three rebounding names.

Read more »

cookies stack up for growing profit
Dividend Stocks

This 10% Yield Looks Tempting — but It Could Be a Dividend Trap 

Explore the risks of chasing 10% yields in dividend stocks. Read before investing your TFSA on high-yield options.

Read more »

shoppers in an indoor mall
Dividend Stocks

1 High-Yield Dividend Stock You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade of Income

This high-yield dividend stock has durable payout, offers high yield, and is well-positioned to sustain its monthly distributions.

Read more »