When it comes to investing, the allure of growth stocks is undeniable. Holding onto promising companies for the long haul can often mitigate common weaknesses such as high valuations. But how does one separate the wheat from the chaff in the world of growth stocks? Well, fret not, dear investors, for here we have a curated list of high-flying growth stocks that are well worth your consideration.

Microsoft (MSFT)

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – the titan of tech – continues its upward trajectory, basking in the glow of a diversified portfolio that spans multiple sectors. From artificial intelligence to cloud computing, advertising, and gaming, Microsoft is firing on all cylinders.

The company’s foray into artificial intelligence is not just a gimmick; it opens the door to a plethora of new business opportunities. The recently unveiled Copilot for Security is set to bolster Microsoft’s foothold in the cybersecurity domain.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, Microsoft recorded robust revenue and earnings growth, with top-line growth clocking in at 18% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the bottom line soared by an impressive 33%. Contributing significantly to this performance was Microsoft Cloud, fueling a 25% year-over-year increase in net sales. This cloud segment accounted for more than half of the company’s total revenue, firmly establishing Microsoft as a growth stock worth backing.

Over the past five years, Microsoft shares have seen a meteoric rise of 260%, all while offering a modest 0.70% dividend yield. Such stellar dividend growth projections position Microsoft as a robust retirement stock for the years ahead, ensuring a steady stream of passive income to fund your golden years.

Amazon (AMZN)

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – the e-commerce colossus – emerges as a beacon of growth, riding high on the synergy between its online marketplace and cloud computing endeavors. This dynamic interplay has propelled Amazon shares by a whopping 80% over the past year, with recent earnings performance signaling even greater heights.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, net sales surged by 14% year-over-year, with both the online marketplace and Amazon Web Services showcasing robust double-digit revenue growth rates. CEO Andy Jassy’s strategic regionalization efforts have not only accelerated delivery speeds for Prime members but have also slashed operating costs.

Not content to rest on its laurels, Amazon is aggressively expanding its streaming service – Prime Video – with an eye on substantial revenue and earnings growth. Jassy’s vision of Prime Video evolving into a sizable and profitable enterprise is music to the ears of long-term investors. The recent coup of roping in YouTube sensation MrBeast for a reality competition series underscores Amazon’s commitment to making Prime Video a force to be reckoned with.

With ample capital at its disposal, courtesy of the flourishing online marketplace and cloud computing segments, Amazon is poised to soar to new heights, making it a compelling growth stock for astute investors.

Intuit (INTU)

Intuit – the fintech maven – stands out as a symbol of innovation in the financial technology realm. With a smartphone illustration replete with dollar signs and fintech symbols, Intuit paints a picture of modernity and cutting-edge financial solutions.

Shining Stars in the Financial Universe

When it comes to navigating through the vast expanse of the financial galaxy, companies like Intuit, Chipotle, ServiceNow, and Duolingo stand out as celestial bodies, twinkling brightly with promise and prosperity. Their trajectories are fueled by stellar performances and the gravitational pull of solid fundamentals.

Intuit: Rising Revenue and Soaring Earnings

In the vast universe of fintech, Intuit shines as a beacon of success. The company’s constellation includes sought-after software services like QuickBooks, TurboTax, and Mailchimp. With steady recurring revenue propelling its growth, Intuit reported an impressive 11% year-over-year revenue increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

More astoundingly, earnings per share more than doubled year-over-year, showcasing the company’s financial prowess. The stock currently boasts a 65 P/E ratio, but meaningful earnings growth has brought it down to a 39 forward P/E ratio, aligning with its trajectory of success.

Guided by the stars, Intuit is projected to achieve an 11% to 12% year-over-year revenue increase, with GAAP diluted earnings per share expected to leap by 11% to 15%. This consistent double-digit growth trajectory has made Intuit a steadfast choice for long-term investors, with shares soaring by 151% over the past five years.

Chipotle: A Gastronomic Galaxy

Chipotle, a shining star in the fast-food universe, has carved out a special place for itself in the culinary cosmos. The Mexican Grill giant, known for its delectable offerings, is on an expansion spree, projecting 285-315 restaurant openings in 2024.

With a mouthwatering 15.4% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2023 and expanding profit margins, Chipotle has not only tantalized taste buds but also investors’ appetites. Its stock’s momentum is equally impressive, with shares climbing by 73% over the past year and a staggering 315% over the past five years.

Just like the gravitational pull of a black hole, Chipotle‘s tasty fare and sterling reputation keep customers orbiting back for more. The vast network of over 3,300 restaurants serves as celestial waypoints, guiding patrons to the flavors they crave.

ServiceNow: Cloud Computing Constellation

In the ever-expansive realm of cloud computing, ServiceNow shines as a star of productivity solutions. While its recent trajectory has been mostly level, the company has surged by 213% over the past five years, a testament to its enduring appeal.

With a celestial clientele of over 8,100 global customers, ServiceNow‘s software solutions have demonstrated their efficacy with an impressive 99% renewal rate. Nearly a quarter of its customers sport annual contract values surpassing $1 million, and its customer base encompasses around 85% of Fortune 500 corporations.

Fueled by the energy of a pulsar, ServiceNow continues its streak of growth, boasting exceptional revenue increases of 26% year-over-year and a staggering 97% in the fourth quarter of 2023. These robust growth rates have enabled the company to surpass guidance and elevate its outlook for the future, aligning its trajectory with the stars.

Duolingo: A Cosmic Classroom

Duolingo, a linguistic luminary in the educational universe, offers a constellation of languages for eager learners. With a meteoric rise in popularity, the app has become a destination for those seeking to expand their linguistic horizons.

Duolingo Expands its Wings

For years, Duolingo has curated a rich tapestry of language education. But recently, the company has broadened its horizons to include music, math, and other diverse subjects, opening the floodgates to an even wider audience.

The Flight of Duolingo

Basking in the limelight of its user growth prowess, Duolingo has been a shining beacon in the educational technology sphere. The company’s fourth-quarter performance in 2023 showcased a remarkable 65% year-over-year surge in daily active users and a commendable 46% increase in monthly active users.

As users flocked to the platform, revenue mirrored this meteoric rise, soaring by 45% year-over-year. Not to be outdone, a simultaneous 51% increase in total bookings signaled a promising trajectory for continued revenue growth. Investor enthusiasm reached a crescendo with Duolingo’s impressive $12.1 million in net income, a monumental leap from the $13.9 million net loss in Q4 2022.

With revenue and total bookings growth accelerating in the fourth quarter relative to the full-year 2023, Duolingo stands tall as a beacon of growth and innovation in the edtech space.

Visa’s Steadfast Trajectory

Visa (NYSE: V) may not be the most flamboyant growth stock, but its endurance and stability have captured the hearts of investors. With a simple and effective business model, every purchase made with a Visa card translates into revenue for the fintech giant.

In a market already teeming with credit and debit cards, Visa’s stellar performance shines as a testament to its resilience. A 31% gain over the past year and an impressive 87% surge over the last five years solidify its position among the crème de la crème of growth stocks.

Boasting enviable profit margins exceeding 50%, Visa has managed to fortify its financial position with a 9% year-over-year increase in net revenue and a striking 17% jump in GAAP net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Investors find solace in Visa’s dividend offerings and the sustained double-digit growth rate it has maintained over the years.

Investing a staggering $4.4 billion into share repurchases and dividends in Q1 FY24, Visa’s commitment to growth and shareholder value remains resolute and unwavering.

On this date of publication, Marc Guberti held long positions in MSFT and NOW. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.