Unless you've been sleeping under a rock for the past three years, you're fully aware of just how much artificial intelligence (AI) has taken over the narratives in the stock market and the broader economy. Some lucky investors have gotten a lot more prosperous thanks to their well-timed investments in the companies that have led the charge on this new tech. For example, AI poster child Nvidia's stock has soared by 809% in the past three years.But businesses don't have to operate at the cutting edge of tech ...

Key Takeaways COST saw Q3 membership fee income rise 10.4% to $1.24B, aided by fee hikes and a growing member base. Paid memberships rose 6.8% to 79.6M, while executive memberships grew 9% to 37.6M globally. Executive members now drive 73.1% of global sales, with U.S./Canada renewals hitting 92.7%.Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) reported a 10.4% year-over-year increase in membership fee income in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, totaling $1,240 million. A key factor behind this growth was the members ...

Group 1: Market Overview - Trump's trade policies have caused volatility in broader equities, leading to investor concerns about future market conditions [1] - Despite short-term uncertainties, the stock market is expected to provide competitive returns over the long term [1] Group 2: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has outperformed the market this year, benefiting from its position in the consumer staples industry, which is perceived as a safe haven during economic downturns [4] - The company's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 24.2, which is reasonable compared to the industry average of 22.2 [4] - Coca-Cola's extensive global presence and local manufacturing reduce the impact of tariffs, making it resilient to trade policy changes [5] - The brand's strong recognition and adaptability to changing consumer demands provide a competitive advantage [6][7] - Coca-Cola has a remarkable dividend track record, having increased payouts for 63 consecutive years, indicating robust underlying operations [8] Group 3: Costco - Costco's stock appears expensive with a forward P/E of 56.7, which is significantly above the average for consumer staples [9] - The company's membership model fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat visits, enhancing its competitive position [10] - Costco has substantial growth opportunities, particularly in international markets, with 69% of its warehouses located in the U.S. [11] - The company holds a 1.5% share of the U.S. e-commerce market, with e-commerce sales growing faster, providing a long-term growth tailwind [12] - Although tariffs may impact margins, Costco's strong brand and global expansion strategy are expected to sustain its appeal and performance in the long run [13]