5 best stocks to buy and hold

Investing in stocks comes with its share of risks, which is why you have to understand the market and all the available options. While small companies offer affordable stocks, they can be volatile and carry a higher risk. Alternatively, you can opt for big companies that offer expensive stocks at a lower risk. Regardless, if you are looking to diversify your investment for better long-term outcomes, here are some of the best stocks:

Visa Inc.
Visa is a company that enables payments through debit and credit cards. The cards are issued by the company, which coordinates with the merchant and the bank to ensure a smooth transfer of funds. The company is one of the top card companies in the world, and there are many factors that have contributed to its success, including global travel and a shift towards plastic money and digital payments. Currently, Visa is the number one leading payment processor in the world. The company was founded back in 1958 and currently offers services in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Microsoft Corp.
Microsoft is one of the big five technology companies in the world. The tech giant has been developing software, hardware, applications, and games since 1975. The company is also responsible for the creation of the Windows operating system. It is also the mastermind behind the Office tools used in many workplaces globally. In 2016, the company also launched its own cloud computing software Azure which has also generated a lot of revenue for the company. Microsoft is also positioned to acquire new software that will be competing with the metaverse, and experts believe that the company is only going to grow in the future. It is believed to be a reliable long-term investment.

Lowe’s Cos. Inc.
Lowe’s is another company that has kept up its performance even during the recessions and is one of the best stocks to invest in for long-term growth. The company is one of the most well-known names across the globe. It produces home improvement products and has been consistently popular ever since it was founded in 1946. This, of course, is a feat in itself. The recession of 2020 had seen many hardware stores across the country close down. However, Lowe’s has managed to not only keep its profits but has also been able to multiply its stores in recent times.

Meta Platforms Inc.
Meta, formerly Facebook, Inc., is one of the largest companies in the world. Recently, the company expanded from online social media applications and software to focus on building virtual reality and other advanced technology. The newly birthed company has seen some losses since its inception, however, it shows potential for long-term investment. The tech giant has also branched out into creating electronics and tech to be sold.

UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. The company offers insurance, healthcare, healthcare software, data consultancy, and other services. The stock for this company has been listed on the S&P 500 as well as the Dow Jones index. If you are looking to expand your investment portfolio into healthcare, this is a great option to check out. The healthcare firm also pays dividends to its shareholders on a quarterly basis. In 2022, the company is estimated to have a revenue of roughly $317–$320 billion.