Canadian buyers searching for dependable long-term holdings ought to prioritize firms with strong steadiness sheets, constant dividend developmentand confirmed earnings momentum amid 2026’s financial uncertainties. These traits supply stability and compounding potential in a portfolio.
Listed below are three prime picks for buyers to think about proper now.
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Financial institution of Nova Scotia
The Financial institution of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) stands out with a compelling 5.7% dividend yield and a payout ratio round 80%, making it a prime choose for income-focused consumers proper now.
The corporate’s Q1 2026 adjusted EPS jumped 16% to $2.05 year-over-year, alongside double-digit EPS development projected for the complete yr. These robust outcomes had been supported by broad-based features in Canadian Banking, Worldwide, and Wealth Administration segments.
Buying and selling at an affordable ahead price-earnings a number of of simply 13 occasions and a price-book ratio of simply 0.8 occasions, Scotiabank seems undervalued relative to friends. I feel the corporate’s sturdy CET1 ratio and potential upside tied to widening web curiosity margins makes this a prime financial institution inventory to think about proper now.
Alimentation Couche-Tard
One other prime Canadian inventory I’ve continued to pound the desk on in recent times is Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD).
That’s as a result of it is a firm that’s delivered regular development by its international comfort retailer community. Now boasting a low 21% payout ratio, I feel the corporate’s dividend sustainability for its small however significant 1.1% yield is noteworthy.
Market consultants now count on Couche-Tard to develop its earnings at a near-double-digit tempo this yr, backed by stable income development and increasing EBITDA margins.
With stable fundamentals together with a return on fairness of greater than 18%, a debt-to-equity of 0.98 (nicely beneath 1.0), and curiosity protection over 5.7, I feel Couche-Tard is well-positioned for extra M&A-driven upside at an affordable valuation immediately.
Manulife Monetary
Final, however definitely not least, we have now Manulife Monetary (TSX: MFC).
Manulife combines insurance coverage prowess with wealth administration, yielding 3.7% on the time of writing.
The corporate’s dividend yield is well-covered, with earnings development persevering with to choose up. The corporate grew core earnings per share within the high-single-digit vary for many of 2025, with 2026 anticipated to deliver much more in the best way of bottom-line development.
Impressively, the life insurance coverage and wealth administration big has additionally focused a return on fairness of 18% for the yr, placing this firm within the higher echelon of its friends. If the corporate can proceed to increase globally and see steadiness sheet enchancment, I feel many buyers could be remiss to disregard this title at present ranges.