If you want to invest in the stock market but don't know where to get started, focus on finding some pillars that you can rely on for steady, long-term growth. These are the types of investments that won't expose you to much risk and can be safely held for years.
Three stocks that can offer a good balance of growth and safety for investors to build their portfolios around are Microsoft (MSFT 0.04%), McDonald's (MCD +0.42%), and Visa (V 0.28%).
Here's why these can be solid stocks for any long-term investor to buy right now.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Microsoft
One of the most iconic names in tech is undoubtedly Microsoft. Businesses around the world rely on its software every day to create reports, analyze data, or just to send emails. Its Windows operating system owns a commanding 66% of the market share for desktops.
The company's strong presence in both the personal and business world puts it in the pole position to benefit from opportunities related to cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI). Microsoft does a great job of packaging new features within its existing software; it now makes its AI Copilot available in Microsoft Office.
NASDAQ: MSFT
Key Data Points
Microsoft's sheer strength in this area makes it likely it will succeed in AI, even if some people believe that Copilot is just another iteration of its Clippy assistant from years ago. Microsoft is a beast in the corporate world and unlikely to lose its top spot anytime soon. With deep pockets and incredibly strong operating margin of nearly 50% , it's one of the safest tech stocks you can own for the long haul.
2. McDonald's
The fast-food industry is a highly competitive space. You've probably seen many new chains pop up over the years, as new trends and burger joints emerged and became the new hot places at which to eat. But the default option for many consumers still remains McDonald's.
As with Microsoft, McDonald's has that strong brand power that doesn't seem to be shaken, even as new entrants try to dislodge it from its top position. The company has what Warren Buffett often refers to as "share of mind" -- which may be even more important than overall market share. When you think of fast food, the top name that comes to mind is probably going to be McDonald's, which has become synonymous with quick, affordable meals.
NYSE: MCD
Key Data Points
Decades from now, I'd be surprised if that were to change. McDonald's continually adapts its menu options to changing customer preferences, and there's little reason to expect it won't be able to continue to do that in the future. It also shares another feature with Microsoft -- excellent margins that are north of 45%, which is a good sign that this is a strong and dominant business to invest in.
3. Visa
Which company is synonymous with credit cards? Visa has some formidable rivals in this space, but odds are, for most people, it'll either the be the first or second name that comes to mind.
As with the other companies on this list, Visa has established such a strong brand and presence in the market, it's hard to imagine that the business won't be a major player many years from now.
Visa has an excellent business that can thrive amid a variety of economic conditions. People might not have much money to spend in a downturn and rely more on their credit cards to help make ends meet. And if times are good, they may be spending too aggressively and enthusiastically, which could result in a lot of credit card use. The company's resilience makes it an attractive investment to buy and forget about.
NYSE: V
Key Data Points
This too, is another high-margin business. Visa recently wrapped up its annual results for the year ended Sept. 30, and net revenue of $40 billion rose by 11% year over year. Operating income of $24 billion increased by about 2% and represented an incredible 60% of its top line.
The business looks unstoppable, which is why the stock can be an excellent pillar to build your portfolio around.
