Opinion: The 3 Best Tech Stocks to Own Ahead of 2025

As we approach the end of 2024, investors are looking ahead to 2025 and considering which tech stocks to add to their portfolios. While artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse investments may capture headlines, dividend-focused tech stocks offer a more stable and reliable path to growth and income. Here are three tech stocks that stand out as strong investment opportunities for 2025.


1. **Meta Platforms (META)** - Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is a tech giant with a massive user base and a strong advertising business. With over 3.3 billion daily active users (DAUs), representing 41% of the world's population, Meta's digital ad platform is incredibly lucrative. In the third quarter of 2024, Meta reported a 19% year-over-year (YoY) increase in revenue, demonstrating the strength of its core business. Although regulatory challenges and metaverse investments may pose short-term headwinds, Meta's vast user base and digital ad dominance make it a resilient choice for 2025.
2. **Shift4 Payments (FOUR)** - Shift4 Payments is a fintech company that specializes in payment processing for the restaurant and hospitality industries. With strategic partnerships with high-profile clients like Nobu Hotel, Yosemite National Park, and sports venues, Shift4 processes over $260 billion in payments annually. The company's revenue grew by 30% in the first half of 2024, driven by its expansion into international markets and strategic partnerships. Shift4's focus on a niche market, combined with its integration of AI and machine learning for enhanced payment processing, makes it a strong investment opportunity.
3. **Microsoft (MSFT)** - Microsoft is a tech behemoth with a diversified business model that includes cloud services, productivity software, and hardware. The company's cloud business, Azure, is a market leader and a significant driver of growth. In the first quarter of Microsoft's fiscal year 2025, Azure's revenue increased by 34% YoY, demonstrating the strength of the company's cloud offerings. Microsoft's diversified business model, strong financial performance, and dominant market position make it an attractive investment for 2025.

In conclusion, while AI and metaverse investments may capture the limelight, dividend-focused tech stocks like Meta Platforms, Shift4 Payments, and Microsoft offer a more stable and reliable path to growth and income in 2025. These companies' strong business models, market dominance, and growth prospects make them compelling investment opportunities for income-focused investors.