In 1996, Warren Buffett advised investors to seek shares in straightforward businesses with predictable growth at reasonable prices. This philosophy aligns with investments in Amazon (AMZN) and Meta Platforms (META), both deemed top picks for 2025 by JPMorgan Chase analysts, and affordable at under $1, 000 per share. **1. Amazon** Amazon excels in e-commerce, advertising technology, and cloud computing, holding the title of the largest online marketplace outside China and the largest public cloud provider. Morgan Stanley's Brian Nowak has designated Amazon as a must-watch stock for 2025, highlighting its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) across cloud services and retail. Amazon employs machine learning for inventory management and customer interactions and monetizes AI through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. Upcoming earnings reports expect a 49% profit growth in Q4, followed by 21% in 2025.

With a valuation at 50 times adjusted earnings that seems justified by its strong performance, Amazon stands out as a strong buy. **2. Meta Platforms** Meta Platforms controls four of the world’s seven leading social media platforms, positioning it as the second-largest ad tech firm after Google. The company is investing heavily in AI, launching custom chips to enhance ad targeting efficiency. CEO Mark Zuckerberg anticipates significant growth for Meta AI, with user counts expected to exceed 1 billion by 2025, offering a substantial long-term advantage. Meanwhile, CFO Susan Li predicts capital expenditures will rise by 66% in 2025 to support AI and core operations. Although Meta's valuation at 29 times earnings may appear high with a projected 6% earnings growth in 2025, expectations of an increase in digital ad spending and Meta's history of surpassing earnings estimates suggest potential for price appreciation, making it another smart investment choice.