Things change rapidly in the software industry. Competing in this space means you have to constantly innovate to stay ahead of peers. Your profit margins are usually vulnerable to rivals both large and small, who are eager to win market share or take advantage of any misstep you might make.

And yet some software specialists, like (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Shopify (NYSE: SHOP), have built enduring businesses that can deliver predictable earnings growth through a wide range of selling environments. They've done so with the help of competitive assets like large sales footprints, diverse revenue streams, brand power, and customer loyalty. Their stocks are attractive long-term investments, too, despite having beaten the market so far in 2023.

Microsoft recently announced that it is raising its dividend by 10% for the second straight year. While its yield remains small compared to other members of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, these double-digit hikes illustrate how Microsoft stands out by having unusually strong finances.

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Source Fool.com