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Let’s consider three possible endgames. Not in a dramatic, Hollywood-explosion kind of way, but in a “things happen, markets react, and you might make or lose money” sort of way. We’ll explore each, and suggest some stocks that might benefit. Or, you know, not. The universe has a peculiar sense of humor.

Costco, you see, sells gasoline, not as a service to mankind, but as a lure. A shiny bauble to draw folks in and then… well, then they get you to buy everything else. They undercut the competition by a penny or two—sometimes a bit more, sometimes less—but it’s enough to get folks talkin’. My local establishment currently offers the stuff for around $3.60 a gallon, while the fellas down the street are askin’ closer to $3.80. A trifling difference, some might say, but when multiplied by a tankful, and then by the number of members Costco boasts… well, it adds up. They’re quick to raise prices when the oil barons demand it, but slow to lower them when things settle down – a tactic as old as commerce itself.

This Ackman, you see, isn’t spreading his funds about like confetti. Oh no. A whopping 55% of his $15.5 billion pot – enough to buy a small country, or a truly enormous collection of pickled onions – is nestled within just four companies. Four! It’s a rather concentrated brew, don’t you think? Like a potion made with far too much newt’s eye.