Some stocks can serve as excellent long-term investments for various investors. Whether you’re looking for dividends, stability, or just a good growth track, the stocks mentioned here could be solid picks to hold onto for years or perhaps even decades.
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and American Express (NYSE: AXP) are two familiar names that many consumers recognize. They boast strong brands and successful business models, having made significant strides in their sectors over time.
Now, there’s this intriguing question: Could AI lead to the first millionaire in the world? Our team has put together a report on a lesser-known company, labeled an “essential monopoly,” that supplies crucial technology for both Nvidia and Intel.
So, let’s explore why adding these stocks to your portfolio might be a good idea today.
Microsoft stands tall as one of the globe’s most valuable companies, with a market capitalization around $3.1 trillion. Yet, its stock has seen a dip lately after investors reacted less than favorably to its recent quarterly results. The company did show solid revenue growth—about 17% over the last three months of 2025—but the growth of its Azure cloud division was slightly below what analysts expected. It grew by 39%, just shy of the anticipated 39.4%.
When you’re dealing with a company like Microsoft, expectations tend to run high. But, you know, in the grand scheme of things, this seems like just a minor hiccup. The important thing? Microsoft remains a powerhouse of growth.
With offerings like Azure, Xbox, LinkedIn, Microsoft 365, and various devices, Microsoft has numerous avenues for long-term growth. Plus, its solid financial foundation allows for ongoing investment and acquisition opportunities. Just look at the profits: they reached $38.5 billion for the quarter, a notable rise from $24.1 billion the previous year.
To sweeten the deal, tech stocks typically offer a dividend yield of around 0.9%. Microsoft has been consistently increasing its dividends for decades, most recently announcing a 10% boost in September.
On the other hand, American Express also shines as a smart investment choice. Its year-end results showed 2025 revenue (after accounting for interest expenses) at $72.2 billion, marking a 10% increase from a year prior. This growth came as cardmember spending stayed robust amid challenging economic times.
Of course, there are some concerns, like the potential for a temporary cap on credit card interest rates. Still, it’s uncertain if that will actually happen, and even if it does, it may not significantly impact their long-term outlook. The company is projecting steady growth ahead, with estimated sales growth between 9% and 10% in 2026.
American Express is also seen as a strong player in the dividend growth stock arena, mirroring Microsoft’s 0.9% yield. This year, Amex intends to elevate its dividend by 16%, and with a low dividend payout ratio hovering around 20%, there seems to be a solid opportunity for future increases.
Before diving into Microsoft stock, it might be useful to consider other recommendations, as one analyst team identifies what they believe are the 10 best stocks that investors can buy right now, though interestingly, Microsoft isn’t on that list. It’s worth pondering the potential impressive returns from these other options.
As you think about the long-term potential of these stocks, I’d say it’s essential to stay informed, especially given how the investment landscape tends to change.
