Retire Richer: 2 Canadian Stocks for a TFSA Built to Last

Do you want to supercharge your TFSA for decades, not days? These two shipment-powered Canadian stocks could help you compound through retirement.

| More on:
Key Points
  • TFSAs shine when you hold quality businesses long term and let gains compound tax-free.
  • TFI International looks built for a freight rebound while still generating cash flow and paying a growing dividend.
  • Kinaxis is a high-margin, recurring-revenue supply-chain software grower that’s designed for steady long-term compounding.

Canadians planning for retirement might get a bit too focused on their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Certainly, you’ll want to use this for your savings. But the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is just as important. A TFSA works best when investors think in decades, not weeks. Plus, the account’s real magic comes from sheltering long-term gains, dividends, and compounding from taxes.

That’s why today we’re going to look at two Canadian stocks built to last not just until retirement, but far onto the other side.

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins

Source: Getty Images

TFII

TFI International (TSX:TFII) is one of North America’s major transportation and logistics companies. The Canadian stock operates across Canada, the United States, and Mexico through less-than-truckload, truckload, logistics, and package and courier businesses.

TFII stock’s last year was shaped by a soft freight market, acquisitions, and cost discipline. Management kept using the weaker cycle to buy assets and strengthen its portfolio — all while still supporting dividends and capital returns.

The first quarter of 2026 came in soft but stable. Q1 2026 revenue of US$1.95 billion, compared with US$1.96 billion a year earlier, with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) at US$241.4 million. This was down from US$259.0 million last year. Yet even in a tough freight market, TFI generated US$123.7 million in free cash flow in one quarter.

Looking ahead for investors, there are a few items to note. The quarterly dividend rose 4%, now with a 1.4% yield. However, it trades at about 37.5 times earnings at writing, so not exactly a steal. Even so, management expects a major rebound in the second quarter, so if you’re looking for a rebound while collecting dividends, TFII stock could be an excellent choice for your long-term TFSA.

KXS

Speaking of the supply chain, Kinaxis (TSX:KXS) is another part to pay attention to. The Ottawa-based software company helps companies plan supply chains, manage demand, respond to disruptions, and make faster decisions. So, if TFI moves goods physically, Kinaxis stock helps companies figure out how to move them smarter.

The company had a record first quarter for 2026, with software as a service (SaaS) revenue rising 21%, and annual recurring revenue (ARR) climbed 20% to US$447 million. This record new business helped drive the stronger ARR growth. Total revenue rose 25% to US$165.6 million, adjusted EBITDA jumped 62% to US$53.6 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 32% from 25%. Furthermore, profit rose 85% to US$29.4 million, or US$1.04 per diluted share.

Now, we’re not talking about some undervalued stock going to the moon here. Kinaxis stock recently traded at about 34.4 times earnings, and there is no dividend to speak of. However, investors are paying for stability and growth over the long haul. With recurring revenue, high margins, and cash flow growth, it’s a solid long-term hold for any investor. 

Bottom line

The TFSA works best when you hold for the long haul. When it comes to TFII stock and Kinaxis stock, these are two parts of the same story: shipments. Neither is some undervalued stock or high-yielder, but both could certainly suit a TFSA built for long-term compounding. So, if the goal is to retire richer, investors may want businesses that can grow through cycles, not just stocks that pay the biggest dividend today.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Kinaxis and TFI International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Retirement

middle-aged couple work together on laptop
Dividend Stocks

What the Typical Canadian TFSA Looks Like by Age 50

The first step is to fully contribute to your TFSA. The second step is to invest it wisely according to…

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Retirement

The TFSA Balance You’ll Probably Need to Retire Well in Canada

Wondering how much money you need to retire? Discover key insights and tips for your retirement planning journey.

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Energy Stocks

Canadians: Here’s How Much You’ll Likely Need in Your TFSA to Retire

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock could be a huge winner for long-term retirees.

Read more »

A glass jar resting on its side with Canadian banknotes and change inside.
Retirement

The TFSA Balance You’ll Probably Need to Retire in Canada

Most Canadians will never hit $1 million in retirement savings. But with the right TFSA strategy, you may not need…

Read more »

drinker sniffs wine in a glass
Stocks for Beginners

How Splitting $30,000 Across Three TSX Stocks Could Generate $2,000 in Annual Dividends

These three TSX stocks could turn a $30,000 investment into nearly $2,000 in annual dividends.

Read more »

shopper checks her receipt
Stocks for Beginners

The Average Canadian TFSA Balance at 60 Reveals Something Important

The average TFSA at 60 is modest, showing the account’s results depend heavily on what you invest in, not just…

Read more »

a person watches a downward arrow crash through the floor
Dividend Stocks

5 TSX Dividend Stocks I’d Move Quickly to Buy on Any Market Pullback

These TSX dividend stocks offer strong businesses, strong cash flow, and long-term appeal on any market pullback.

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Retirement

This Is the TFSA Balance You’ll Likely Need to Retire Comfortably in Canada

Here's how much an investor needs to accumulate in a TFSA to retire comfortably off it alone.

Read more »