Size and financial strength matter in the stock market. Companies with a market capitalization of $10 billion or more are often core holdings in an investment portfolio. However, if the size is three or five times larger, the large-cap stocks exert an even greater market influence.
Fortunately for investors, stock prices are not directly determined by market capitalization. For example, Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX) and B.C (TSX:BCE) are both established market leaders, but their shares trade affordably under $50 each. You can own this stable pair and hold it for the long term.
Unparalleled investment case
Mining stocks have dominated the TSX this year. The basic materials sector, where they belong, is posting an impressive 68.78% gain this year. Due to economic uncertainty, investors are flocking to safe-haven assets, especially gold stocks.
Barrick Mining outperforms the best performing sector. At the time of writing, the share price is $44.09, representing a 100% market return so far in 2025. Investors also participate in the 1.88% dividend.
The $80.8 billion gold and copper mining company has extensive mining operations and projects worldwide. The global exploration programs are designed for the long term and are expected to deliver a steady stream of new business opportunities. In addition, the emphasis is on high-margin, long-lived assets. The copper portfolio is growing.
Barrick is a partner to host countries or communities and strives to transform their natural resources into tangible benefits and mutual prosperity. The top miner operates in 18 countries and on five continents. Four major growth projects are under construction.
In the first half of 2025, revenue rose 15% year-over-year to $6.8 billion, while net profit rose 93% to $1.3 billion from a year ago. Notably, free cash flow (FCF) increased 107% to $770 million compared to the same period in 2024. In the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, net profit increased 119% to $811 million compared to Q2 2024.
The main drivers in the second quarter were higher realized gold prices, higher gold sales volumes and lower copper costs. President and CEO, Mark Bristow, said, “The second quarter was another quarter of Barrick delivering on all fronts. We are growing production, reducing costs and advancing the industry’s most exciting pipeline of gold and copper projects.”
Bristow said Barrick Mining is built for sustainable value creation and offers an unparalleled investment case in the gold and copper sectors.
New strategic plan
The communications services sector has recovered from last year’s slump and is up 15.26% from the end of 2024. BCE, the most dominant player, almost lost favor with investors after a dividend cut in May 2025. Its CEO, Mirko Bibic, justified this move, citing intense price competition and macroeconomic and geopolitical instability.
Nevertheless, the dividend yield of 5.21% is still strong at $33.64 per share (+6.79% year to date). The $30.4 billion telecom company has announced a three-year strategic plan that aims to drive sustainable FCF and long-term shareholder value. BCE’s dividend strategy expects approximately $5 billion in dividend payments over the period.
Between 2025 and 2028, BCE forecasts 2% to 4% annualized revenue growth and free cash flow of $3.9 billion.
Stability
Large-cap stocks Barrick Mining and BCE offer income stability for long-term investors. Expect the companies to maintain their leadership positions in the coming years.
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