Core Insights - Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement retailer with over 2,300 stores and has shown steady growth in profits and stock value over the past decade [1] Stock Performance - Home Depot's stock price increased from $116.18 on September 15, 2015, to $419.61 on September 15, 2025, marking an increase of $303.43 [3] - This increase represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%, outperforming the average annual stock market return of 11.3% from 2014 to 2024 [4] Investment Returns - An investment of 10 shares in Home Depot in 2015, totaling $1,161.80, would have grown to $4,196.10 by 2025, yielding a profit of $3,034.30, or an average of $303.43 per year [5] Key Events Influencing Stock Price - By September 15, 2016, the stock reached $126.96, a $10 increase from the previous year, and further rose to $158.40 in 2017, coinciding with Home Depot's sales exceeding $100 billion [5] - The stock continued to rise, reaching $209.07 in September 2018 and $233.98 in 2019, with a significant surge to $285.58 in September 2020, driven by increased demand for home remodeling during the COVID-19 pandemic [6] - In Q4 2020, Home Depot's sales increased by $6.5 billion, or 25.1% year-over-year, to $32.3 billion, as many consumers engaged in home improvement projects while staying at home [7] - The stock peaked at $333.37 in September 2021 but saw a decline to $271.54 in September 2022 as COVID-19 restrictions eased and people returned to work [7]

Core Insights - Apple's stock has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.21% over the last decade and 28.60% over the past 20 years, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's CAGR of 8.61% during the same period [1][2]. Investment Projections - To retire with $1 million in 10 years, an investment of $88,480 in Apple stock is required, while for 20 years, $7,829 is needed, and for 30 years, only $693 [3]. - For higher retirement goals, such as $2 million or $3 million, the initial investment amounts would need to be doubled or tripled respectively [4]. Market Position and Concerns - Apple's trailing price/earnings ratio stands at 35.52, indicating it may not be perceived as a bargain [5]. - Despite its historical performance, Apple has only marginally outperformed the broader market in the last five years, raising concerns about its future growth potential [5]. - Factors such as tariffs and competition in AI are noted as potential risks to Apple's profitability [5]. Investment Strategy - It is suggested to consider investing in Apple stock as part of a diversified portfolio, rather than concentrating all investments solely in Apple [6].

Core Insights - Visa has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 over the last decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% compared to the S&P 500's 12.6% [1][2] - An investment of $25,000 in Visa stock on March 23, 2015, would now be worth approximately $137,000, factoring in price appreciation and reinvested dividends [2][3] - Visa's current annual dividend is $2.36 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of about 0.7% at the current share price [2] Business Performance - Visa operates a vast payment network that processes tens of billions of dollars in transactions daily, reporting $4.1 trillion in payment volume for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [3] - This payment volume generated $9.5 billion in revenue and $5.1 billion in net income for the same quarter [3] - The company's business model is characterized as simple, steady, and lucrative, making it a wise investment choice for over a decade [4]