2 of the Smartest Stocks to Buy With $500 and Hold Forever

Group 1: Shopify - Shopify aims to be a long-lasting company with a visionary leader, significant growth potential, and a competitive advantage [3] - The management's decision to abandon its logistics business in 2023 has led to increased profits and margins, demonstrating adaptability [4][5] - Shopify holds a 12% share of the U.S. e-commerce market, with e-commerce accounting for only 16.4% of total retail sales, indicating substantial growth opportunities [6] - The company benefits from a strong competitive moat through its app store and switching costs associated with its e-commerce platform [7] Group 2: Microsoft - Microsoft has a nearly $3 trillion market cap and continues to provide solid returns, with leadership under Satya Nadella since 2014 [8] - The cloud computing unit, Azure, is a key growth driver, with its AI business achieving a$13 billion annual run rate, reflecting a 175% year-over-year increase [10] - Microsoft possesses a strong brand and competitive edge, benefiting from switching costs and a culture of innovation [11] - The company has increased its dividend payouts by almost 168% over the past decade, making it an attractive option for long-term investors [12]