Core Investment Insights - American Express, SoFi Technologies, and Berkshire Hathaway are identified as promising long-term investments for retail investors starting with a modest amount of cash [1][2] American Express - American Express operates a different business model compared to Visa and Mastercard, as it issues its own cards and operates its own bank [4][5] - The company targets lower-risk, higher-income customers, which allows it to maintain a smaller market share intentionally [5] - American Express's business model is insulated from interest rate fluctuations, benefiting from higher interest rates through its banking segment [6] - Analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% for revenue and 13% for earnings per share (EPS) from 2024 to 2027 [7] - The stock is currently valued at 18 times this year's earnings and offers a forward yield of 1.2% [8] SoFi Technologies - SoFi aims to disrupt traditional banks by providing a comprehensive range of digital financial services, including personal loans, credit cards, and stock trading [9] - The company has experienced rapid growth, with its member base increasing from 2.52 million in 2020 to 10.13 million in 2024 [10] - SoFi became profitable on a GAAP basis in 2024, despite facing challenges from a federal student loan freeze and rising interest rates [11] - Analysts expect SoFi's revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 19% and 24%, respectively, from 2024 to 2027 [11] - The stock is valued at 49 times this year's earnings but appears cheaper at 14 times its forward adjusted EBITDA [12] Berkshire Hathaway - Berkshire Hathaway provides a diversified investment opportunity, owning various insurance companies and holding significant stakes in major financial institutions [13] - The company has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 since Warren Buffett acquired it in 1965, thanks to its scale and diversification [14] - Berkshire Hathaway's operating earnings, which exclude capital gains or losses, grew at a CAGR of 16% from 1994 to 2024, with expectations for continued growth [15]