Key Points Kraft Heinz is now planning to split into two. Even Warren Buffett has called the stock a disappointment. Costco presents a better option in the consumer staples sector. 10 stocks we like better than Costco Wholesale › Few stocks have been as big of a disappointment as Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) over the last decade. The 2015 merger of the eponymous food giants was engineered by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital, but Buffett has called it a d ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that significant wealth can be built in the stock market even with a small initial investment, provided the right stocks are chosen and held long enough to realize their potential [2]. Company Summaries Apple - Apple became the first company to reach a $1 trillion market cap in 2018 and has since grown to a $4 trillion valuation [3]. - The company's revenue surged from $7 billion to $416 billion, largely driven by the success of the iPhone, which accounts for half of its revenue [5]. - A $1,000 investment in Apple at its IPO price of $0.10 per share would be worth approximately $2.7 million today, with most gains occurring since 2019 [6]. Netflix - Netflix transitioned from a DVD rental service in 1997 to a leading streaming service, creating the industry it now dominates [7][8]. - It holds a significant market share in the U.S., with over 20% alongside Amazon Prime, and delivers more content than competitors like Disney+ and Hulu [9][10]. - A $1,000 investment made at its mid-2002 public offering would be worth nearly $1 million today, with a peak value of over $1.1 million earlier this year [12]. Walmart - Walmart's stock has turned a $1,000 investment at its IPO price of $0.0027 into over $39 million today, in addition to dividends [13]. - The company is projected to generate over $700 billion in revenue this year, with a 5.8% growth rate in the last quarter [15]. - Walmart has reduced its share count by more than 40% since the mid-1990s, contributing to its stock's double-digit price appreciation [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that new investors should avoid starting with popular AI stocks like Nvidia and Amazon, as their current performance is unsustainable. Instead, it recommends beginning with more stable and understandable companies like Coca-Cola, Alphabet, and Walmart [2]. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola is a leading beverage company with $47 billion in revenue and over $12 billion in net income last year, showcasing its strong market presence and effective marketing strategies [3][6]. - The company has a market capitalization of $306 billion, with a current stock price of $71.14 and a dividend yield of 2.9%, having raised its dividend for 63 consecutive years [6][5]. - Coca-Cola's business model is straightforward, making it easier for new investors to understand its performance and navigate temporary setbacks [5][4]. Group 2: Alphabet - Alphabet, the parent company of Google, operates in various sectors including advertising, cloud computing, and YouTube, with a market cap of $3,335 billion and a current stock price of $276.41 [10][7]. - The company provides clear quarterly performance metrics, allowing investors to easily assess its business health and growth potential [10][9]. - Alphabet is positioned for continued double-digit growth, making it an attractive option for new investors despite being in a volatile tech sector [11][10]. Group 3: Walmart - Walmart is the largest retailer with nearly $700 billion in annual sales, primarily in North America, and is expanding its online presence and advertising revenue [13][12]. - The company has a market cap of $817 billion, with a current stock price of $102.44 and a dividend yield of 0.01% [14][12]. - While Walmart's growth is slower compared to tech companies, its consistent performance and essential product offerings make it a reliable choice for new investors [15][16].