Key Points
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The S&P 500 dropped 3.1% from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6 — which may unnerve some investors.
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History shows that during periods of uncertainty, one of the worst moves to make is to sell stocks.
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With durable business models, Monster Beverage, Freshpet, and Costco are well worth investor consideration.
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The S&P 500 took a bit of a tumble at the start of November, falling 3.1% from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6. Election uncertainty, fears of a growing artificial intelligence bubble, stubborn inflation, and speculation around an interest rate hike in December all likely played a role in the week’s decline.
That said, while there is plenty of uncertainty swirling around the markets, history shows that investors are better off taking a long-term approach rather than trying to predict short-term price action.
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For instance, according to Hartford Funds, if you had invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 in 1996 and didn’t touch it until the end of 2025, that initial $10,000 would be worth $192,167. However, over the entire period, just missing the 10 best days of the market would have turned that $10,000 into $85,490. While still impressive, that’s 56% less than the investor who just left their original investment alone.
The three stocks below aren’t fully immune to pullbacks, bear markets, or full crashes. But just like that hypothetical return with the S&P 500, they can reward patience. That’s because they are the type of companies you can consider holding for 20 or more years, as they have durable business models that can remain relevant decades from now. Those companies are Monster Beverage (NASDAQ: MNST), Freshpet (NASDAQ: FRPT), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST).
Monster Beverage
Although the energy drink segment of the beverage market seems more competitive and mainstream than ever, it’s still growing. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global energy drink market was valued at $77.1 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $157.2 billion by 2034.
Monster is one of the most well-known brands in the sector, and its results show it continues to capture a large share of that growing energy drink market. For its 2026 third-quarter earnings, Monster reported net sales of $2.5 billion, a 16.7% increase from the prior-year period. It’s also showing strong revenue growth outside of the United States, with its international segment increasing revenue by 28.1% to $1.2 billion. Its net income also increased by 8.4% to $568.4 million.
Monster, however, reported noticeable increases in general and administrative expenses and operating expenses, which is something to keep an eye on, as they can cut into profitability. But still, it was another strong quarter for a company that has delivered and can continue to deliver strong performance in the years ahead.
Over the long term, while consumer tastes can change, Monster has demonstrated that it knows how to build brands, has international expansion potential, and has a strong distribution network through Coca-Cola. Those are all traits that make it worth holding for the years and decades ahead.
Freshpet
Like Monster, Freshpet has a different but still favorable trend ahead of it, as pet food is being treated less like a commodity. Instead of buying the cheapest bag or can of food, more pet owners are looking at ingredient lists, benefiting Freshpet’s fresh pet food offerings. According to the American Pet Products Association, total pet expenditure sales in the United States are expected to reach $165 billion in 2026, a 60.1% increase from the $103 billion spent in 2020. And of that broader market for 2026, nearly $70 billion is expected to be spent on food and treats.
Some of the risks around Freshpet include its reliance on securing refrigerated shelf space in stores for its fresh food, which entails associated installation and maintenance costs. There are also potential issues that can arise through supply chains, as any problems or delays can quickly impact the product.
That said, while the company was previously known for losses, it’s become profitable over the last several years:
- 2023 net loss: $33.6 million
- 2024 net income: $46.9 million
- 2025 net income: $139.1 million
For current shareholders or anyone considering investing, it’s a good sign.
Costco Wholesale
Costco has one of the most durable business models on this list, as it offers deals on household essentials, from groceries to cleaning supplies. Shoppers will find those deals in bulk at the warehouse giant, which is why it has such a loyal customer base. As of its fiscal fourth quarter of 2026, its worldwide membership renewal rate was 89.8%, while the renewal rate in North America sat at 92.3%.
With that business model being so popular, Costco is looking to expand its warehouse footprint from 939 at the end of fiscal 2026 to 967 by the end of its fiscal 2027. Of those 939 locations at the end of 2026, only 115 were in Canada, and 177 were in other international locations, giving the company more opportunity to expand beyond its U.S. presence.
In terms of an investment, what I like best about Costco is how it rewards shareholders through three profit-generating mechanisms, boosting total return potential. The first mechanism is through stock price appreciation, with shares climbing 105% over the last five years compared to the S&P 500’s 57% return over the same period. The second is through special dividends, with the last one it paid being $15 per share in 2024. And finally, it offers a quarterly dividend payout that currently yields 0.5%.
Should you buy stock in Monster Beverage right now?
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Jack Delaney has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Monster Beverage. The Motley Fool recommends Freshpet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
