7 International Stocks to Own for the Long Haul

Artificial intelligence is a transformative technology that will impact virtually every sector of the economy. And that means semiconductor chips, and the companies that supply them, will be in high demand. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) is one of the leaders in the category. The company produced approximately 64% of all chips manufactured in Q3 2024.  

The company’s leadership makes it the choice of companies making the cutting-edge chips needed for AI applications. This means that demand should remain strong as companies look to build their AI infrastructure.  

As of February 2025, TSMC stock was trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 20x. That was significantly below the consensus 27x P/E for the sector.  

That value does come with some risk. The company’s home country, Taiwan, continues to be part of a geopolitical conflict with China over its sovereignty. However, Taiwan Semiconductor is taking steps to diversify its supply chain, including building foundries in the United States.  

ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ: ASML) provides another way to invest in semiconductor stocks. ASML Holding isn’t a foundry. Rather, it makes the equipment that allows chipmakers to make chips. And it offers technology such as extreme ultraviolet lithography machines that no other company can provide. Plus, many of its machines are regulated. For example, they can’t be sold to China, which will allow ASML to maintain its technological lead for many years.  

The biggest risk for the company and the entire sector is if the investment in AI infrastructure begins to wane. However, that doesn’t seem likely as the company is forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20% between 2025 and 2030.  

Analyst sentiment is bullish. For example, in January 2025, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) reiterated its Overweight rating and gave ASML stock a price target of $1,100. That’s an increase of over 50% from the consensus price target on February 25, 2025.  

Nintendo Co. Ltd. (OTCMKTS: NTDOY) is the parent company behind the Nintendo Switch, one of the most popular handheld video game consoles of the last decade. That console is nearly 10 years old as of February 2025 and gamers are eagerly awaiting the release of the second generation Switch (NS2), which is expected sometime in 2025.  

That’s one reason that analysts believe NTDOY stock offers solid growth for investors in the coming years. However, the low-margin nature of gaming hardware isn’t a sufficient reason to buy. That comes from the company’s ownership of the Super Mario franchise. That led to The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2024. And the company will release the sequel to that movie sometime in 2026.  

But before that happens, Super Nintendo World, the latest in the company’s theme park destinations, will open in Florida. This will continue to open up licensing and marketing opportunities for the company.  

Nestle S.A. (OTCKMKTS: NSRGF) is an international stock to watch in the consumer staples sector. Although best known for its signature chocolate products under the Nestle brand name, Nestle has an expansive portfolio that includes bottled water, baby food, pet food, and coffee.  

That leaves the company less exposed to the decline in snack food sales due to the popularity of GLP-1 drugs. In fact, the company cites macroeconomic factors such as tariffs, and higher commodity prices as the greater threats to the business over the next couple of years. 

Those are real concerns, but they tend to be more cyclical in nature. That makes Nestle a solid choice for investors who prioritize stability over growth. And after a rough 2024, shares of NSRGF stock are off to a strong start in the first two months of 2025.  

Automotive stocks were a tough investment in 2024. But as the market shakes out, Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) looks to be in a sweet spot.  

Electric vehicle (EV) sales didn’t accelerate as forecasted. If you live in or around a major city, it may surprise you to know that the EV infrastructure is not as developed in other areas of the country. Plus, when you consider that the current lithium-ion batteries may perform poorly in extreme temperatures, the market may not be as robust as first thought. 

Toyota has kept its focus on hybrid vehicles. In 2022 and 2023, that weighed on the company as more investor dollars went for start-up EV companies. But in 2024, hybrid vehicles are rising in popularity. The benefit is still the same, but consumers are embracing it as the technology has expanded into larger cars such as SUVs and trucks. 

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) is a biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio that includes treatments for oncology and rare diseases. The company is a steady performer in what can be a volatile sector. And in addition to the company’s active drug portfolio, the company’s pipeline includes over 190 drug candidates. 

Of course, not all of those drugs will make it through the clinical trial stage. But the company is forecasting to launch at least 20 new medicines by 2030. The company is forecasting revenue at that point to be around $80 million. That would be nearly double the company’s current annual revenue. 

As of February 2025, AZN stock has a forward P/E ratio of 16.1 which is in-line with the sector average. And with a dividend that yields over 2%, AstraZeneca displays many of the characteristics that patient investors look for in a slow-and-steady stock.  

Canadian National Railway Co. (NYSE: CNI) is one of the largest transportation challenges in Canada and all of North America.  Like many logistic stocks, the company’s stock was under pressure in 2024. The company saw small growth in volume and revenue, but earnings were slightly lower. 

But ironically, it’s a stock that may stand up well to tariff pressures. Companies will be looking for strong, efficient networks and Canadian National Railway will be a name to watch. The company is forecasting earnings growth between 10% and 15% in 2025. 

And even if investors have to wait on stock price growth, investors can collect a dividend that has an attractive yield of around 2.4% as of February 2025.