3 stocks Canadians can buy and hold for the next decade

Despite the TSX’s historic run this year, including multiple record highs, investors are cautious heading into 2026 due to continued economic uncertainty. In this environment, a buy-and-hold strategy is still a reliable way to build wealth over time. When the power of compounding is anchored by established dividend payers, it outperforms short-term market fluctuations.

You can consider purchasing shares Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY), Canadian utilities (TSX:CU), and TC Energy (TSX:TRP). These three large-cap stocks have a competitive position and proven capital-raising ability. Although forecasts for price growth over a ten-year period are moderate, the dividend and compounding impact are large.

Hold core

You can’t go wrong with making RBC the core position in your investment portfolio. The $325.8 billion lender is Canada’s largest company by market capitalization. It generates stable revenues from its diversified operations. The dividend track record spans 155 years, indicating strong dividend support.

The current share price is $233.65, while the dividend offer is 2.82%. Assuming you invest €20,000 in early 2026. Your money will grow by 32.45% and make a profit of €6,489.25 over 10 years. The principal remains intact.

RBC reported a strong fiscal 2025, with net income rising 25% year over year to a record $20.4 billion. The bank increased shareholder value in the fourth quarter (Q4) of fiscal 2025 with a 6% dividend increase, along with $1 billion in share repurchases.

“As we look to 2026, our financial strength remains one of our greatest assets, underpinning our strong credit ratings and giving us the ability to fund future growth and pursue our customer-focused ambitions,” said Dave McKay, president and CEO of RBC.

Safe haven

Canadian Utilities is a super safe, stable and reliable source of passive income. This top-tier utility stock is a dividend king, the TSX’s first, thanks to 53 consecutive years of dividend increases. At $41.97 per share, the dividend yield is 4.38%.

If you invest $20,000 in 2026, the total money growth over ten years is 54.6%. Your money would amount to $30,918.40 in 2036. CU brings an enormous amount of stability to a portfolio.

The $11.4 billion regulated company owns and operates essential utility infrastructure. The assets include electricity transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, power generation, and water and related utilities.

Critical natural gas infrastructure

TC Energy owns and operates critical natural gas infrastructure. The $78 billion company’s dividend growth rate is 25 years. At the time of writing, the stock price is $75.48. Considering the 4.54% dividend yield, the profit or dividend income from a $20,000 investment in 10 years is $11,411.53.

This $78 billion energy infrastructure company is undergoing a digital transformation. By leveraging artificial intelligence tools and generative AI models, TC Energy expects to save $500,000 annually in operating costs through an improved, streamlined process.

The company’s president and CEO, Francois Poirier, believes that economic growth and winning the AI ​​race are all about energy. He added that natural gas will be the backbone.

Ideal possessions

RBC, Canadian Utilities and TC Energy are ideal stocks for building a buy-and-hold portfolio. These three large-cap TSX companies have competitive moats and proven capital-raising capabilities.