The Motley Fool·2025-11-09 09:02Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three stocks—Microsoft, McDonald's, and Visa—as solid long-term investment options due to their strong market positions and potential for steady growth [2]. Microsoft - Microsoft holds a commanding 66% market share in the desktop operating system sector, making it a dominant player in the tech industry [3]. - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), with features like AI Copilot integrated into Microsoft Office [4]. - Microsoft has a market capitalization of $3,693 billion, a gross margin of 68.76%, and an operating margin of nearly 50%, indicating its financial strength and stability [6]. McDonald's - McDonald's remains a leading brand in the fast-food industry, maintaining strong brand recognition despite competition [7][8]. - The company adapts its menu to changing consumer preferences, which supports its long-term viability [10]. - McDonald's has a market capitalization of $214 billion, a gross margin of 57.25%, and excellent operating margins above 45%, reflecting its robust business model [10]. Visa - Visa is a leading name in the credit card industry, known for its strong brand presence and market resilience [11][12]. - The company reported net revenue of $40 billion for the year ended September 30, representing an 11% year-over-year increase, with operating income of $24 billion, which is 60% of its total revenue [14]. - Visa has a market capitalization of $647 billion and a gross margin of 77.31%, showcasing its high-margin business model [14].