Investing in a Wobbly Market: My Top Picks

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Right now, you’re probably feeling the tension in the air – that familiar twinge of uncertainty that comes with the market being perched near its all-time highs. It’s like going to a party where you know everyone’s been drinking but you’re still unsure about the vibe. The S&P 500 is hanging around 31 times earnings, which is historically not exactly *cheap*. Throw in a cocktail of tariffs, trade wars, and geopolitical drama, and it’s easy to see why many might prefer to stay under the covers with a cup of tea.

But, here’s the thing-if you can filter out the short-term noise (and let’s face it, in 2025 that’s like trying to ignore a fire alarm in the middle of a rave), there are still some solid opportunities to pick up some stock. Yes, even now. Let’s dig into three companies that are really catching my eye right now: Costco (COST), Coupang (CPNG), and Lyft (LYFT). They’ve each got that mix of steady growth and cheeky potential that make me say, “Alright, I’ll bite.”

1. Costco

Okay, so let’s talk about Costco-the warehouse club that somehow made bulk buying cool. By the end of fiscal 2025, Costco operated 914 locations across the globe. Not bad, right? A five-year increase from 795 stores, with membership up from 105.5 million to 140.6 million. This isn’t just a numbers game, though. Costco’s membership model is the secret sauce-low margins, yes, but they get their real profits from those sweet, sweet membership fees. Honestly, it’s like paying for a VIP pass to *everything*… except, you know, instead of clubbing, it’s a giant warehouse full of towels and organic avocados.

Costco’s expansion is relentless. If it keeps opening more stores and attracting more members like it’s doing, then expect the company to keep this cycle of growth rolling. Analysts predict Costco’s earnings per share (EPS) will grow at an 11% CAGR from fiscal 2025 to 2028. Sure, at 46 times forward earnings, the stock isn’t exactly “cheap,” but with a business this evergreen, you might say it’s a premium worth paying.

2. Coupang

Next up is Coupang-the South Korean e-commerce giant that’s been, well, quietly dominating the market. This company isn’t just about selling stuff online; it’s creating an entire ecosystem. At the tail end of Q2 2025, Coupang had 23.9 million active customers, a solid jump from 14.8 million just a few years ago. And if you think it’s just about shopping, think again. They’re also offering food delivery, ride-sharing, and streaming services. The cherry on top? They even bought Farfetch in 2024 to increase their international reach. Who’s not impressed by that?

Coupang’s early advantage came from building out a massive network of fulfillment centers right near where the people are. 70% of South Korea’s population is within seven miles of one of their warehouses. And let’s not forget the Rocket Wow subscription service-14 million customers are already onboard for faster deliveries, exclusive perks, and all the techy goodies. It’s kind of like Amazon, but with more flair.

Analysts predict Coupang’s adjusted EBITDA will grow at a stunning 48% CAGR from 2024 to 2027. And at a reasonable 23 times next year’s EBITDA, the stock still looks poised for some upside. I wouldn’t be shocked if Coupang outpaced Amazon in the long run.

3. Lyft

Finally, let’s talk about Lyft. Yes, Uber’s little sibling in the ride-hailing game. Remember how Lyft took a nosedive during the pandemic? Yeah, it wasn’t pretty. But it’s rebounded in the past few years, with active riders growing from 12.6 million in 2020 to a record high of 24.7 million in 2024. But here’s the kicker-Lyft isn’t just sticking to the basics of getting people from A to B. It’s rolling out all kinds of cool services, like Lyft Pass for businesses and the Price Lock feature for regular rides. They’re also expanding their media segment, showing ads in the app and on in-car tablets. Honestly, I never thought I’d see the day when I’d be stuck in traffic with a sponsored ad playing in my face, but here we are.

Analysts think Lyft’s adjusted EBITDA will grow at 30% CAGR from 2024 to 2027, thanks to its expanding rider base, international ambitions, and a bunch of other services in the works. And at just 11 times next year’s EBITDA, the stock looks pretty attractive-especially when you consider that it’s up against *way* more established players like Alphabet’s Waymo and Tesla’s Robotaxi.

So there you have it. In a market that’s a bit wobbly and unpredictable, these three stocks are my top picks. Costco’s got its classic playbook, Coupang’s got expansion written all over it, and Lyft? Well, it’s the scrappy underdog that just might have a few more tricks up its sleeve. The next few years? Oh, they’re going to be *very* interesting. 🚀

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2025-10-07 15:47