Tim Cook Is Handing Off Apple to John Ternus as CEO on Sept. 1. Here's How Apple's Stock Has Performed Over Cook's 15-Year Tenure.

Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO on September 1, 2026, after 15 years of exceptional leadership. Under Cook's tenure, Apple's stock has surged 2,680% (including dividends and buybacks), significantly outperforming the S&P 500's returns. Revenue grew 330% and gross profit increased 410%. However, Cook's legacy is tempered by delays in Apple Intelligence and AI-powered features, with the company relying on Google's Gemini for foundational AI models.

08/12/2026, 9:15 AM • The Motley Fool

The Stock Market Is Flashing the Same Warning Signal That It Did Before the Dot-Com Bubble. Here's What History Says Comes Next.

The S&P 500's Shiller CAPE ratio has reached levels not seen since the dot-com bubble in 2000, raising concerns about market valuations. While the current economy appears strong with low unemployment, similarities exist between today's AI infrastructure spending boom and the internet bubble. However, many Magnificent Seven companies trade at reasonable valuations compared to historical averages. The author advises long-term investors to focus on AI stocks with more reasonable valuations that can better weather potential market corrections.

08/12/2026, 5:30 AM • The Motley Fool

SOXX vs. FTEC: Should Investors Choose Semiconductor Stocks or Tech Sector Diversification?

The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) offer different approaches to tech investing. SOXX focuses exclusively on semiconductors with 30 concentrated holdings and higher volatility but stronger 1-year returns (119%), while FTEC provides broader tech diversification across nearly 300 stocks with lower fees and reduced risk. The choice depends on investor risk tolerance and portfolio goals.

08/11/2026, 11:14 PM • The Motley Fool

Is Rule Breaker ASML the Snap Cola King Right Now?

ASML, a Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer, ranks as the top company in The Motley Fool's Rule Breakers database with a Superscore of 99. The article explains David Gardner's 'Snap Cola' investment concept—identifying top dogs and first-movers in important emerging industries. ASML qualifies as it created the EUV lithography category and is the sole producer of these critical chip-making systems. The stock has returned over 200% since its 2020 recommendation and has been recommended three additional times, demonstrating the value of holding quality companies long-term.

08/11/2026, 11:16 AM • The Motley Fool

The S&P 500 Is at Record Highs and Hasn't Been This Expensive in Decades. History Says This Could Happen Next

The S&P 500 has reached record highs at 7,800 but is trading at a Shiller PE ratio of 42, the highest since the dotcom crash. Similar to the early 2000s bubble driven by internet stocks, today's rally is fueled by AI companies. However, history shows that even profitable tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Cisco crashed over 50% during the dotcom bubble. Investors are advised to shift from expensive stocks to more reasonably priced investments and dividend stocks rather than trying to time the market.

08/11/2026, 11:06 AM • The Motley Fool

Despite More Tech Investments, Coca-Cola Stock Is a Top 5 Holding in Berkshire Hathaway's Portfolio

Coca-Cola remains Berkshire Hathaway's third-largest holding at 9.8% of the portfolio, generating over $848 million annually in dividends despite the conglomerate's increased focus on tech stocks like Apple and Alphabet. With 64 consecutive years of dividend increases and a 24.5% stock price gain in 2026, Coca-Cola is positioned to remain a top holding under CEO Greg Abel.

08/11/2026, 9:17 AM • The Motley Fool

Is Berkshire Hathaway Stock a Buy as Warren Buffett Successor Greg Abel Starts to Deploy the Company's Cash Hoard?

Under new CEO Greg Abel, Berkshire Hathaway has shifted from its conservative cash-hoarding strategy to actively deploying capital. The company resumed share buybacks ($4.5B in Q2), became a net stock buyer for the first time in 3+ years (including a $10B Alphabet investment), and acquired homebuilder Taylor Morrison. Operating earnings grew 16% in Q2, though insurance underwriting profits declined. With $365.5B in cash remaining and an attractive valuation (1.85x tangible book value), analysts view the stock as a compelling long-term buy.

08/11/2026, 6:10 AM • The Motley Fool

TSMC vs. ASML: Which Is the Better Semiconductor Equipment Stock to Own for the Next 10 Years?

TSMC and ASML are identified as two of the best long-term semiconductor stocks due to their dominant market positions. TSMC controls 73% of the foundry market and 90% of advanced AI chips, while ASML dominates with 90% market share in lithography and 100% in extreme ultraviolet equipment. The article recommends both stocks but slightly favors TSMC due to its lower valuation (36x earnings vs. ASML's 56x) and more diversified customer base.

08/10/2026, 8:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Why Garmin Stock Soared in July and Is at an All-Time High

Garmin stock surged 53% year-to-date and 23.7% in July following strong Q2 earnings with record revenue growth of 11% YoY and raised full-year guidance. The fitness segment led growth at 25% YoY, driven by advanced wearables. Despite a forward P/E of 31, the company's $4.4 billion cash position with zero debt effectively lowers valuation to under 29, suggesting shares remain reasonably valued for long-term investors.

08/10/2026, 4:01 PM • The Motley Fool

If You Had Bought $10,000 of Apple Stock When Steve Jobs Handpicked Tim Cook as the Next CEO, Here's How Much You'd Have Today

A $10,000 investment in Apple stock when Tim Cook became CEO in August 2011 would be worth approximately $289,500 today (with reinvested dividends), demonstrating Cook's 15-year tenure of operational excellence. Cook scaled iPhone globally, grew services from $3B to $120B, and expanded product lines like Apple Watch and AirPods. He will be succeeded by John Ternus on September 1, 2026, who will focus on advancing Apple's AI capabilities while maintaining user privacy.

08/09/2026, 2:36 PM • The Motley Fool

Microsoft Sits 12% Below Its High After the Largest One-Day Market Value Gain on Record. Here's What History Suggests Comes Next.

Microsoft achieved the largest single-day market value gain on record ($450 billion) on July 30, 2026, following strong earnings and Azure guidance. However, the stock now trades 12% below its 52-week high. Historical analysis of six similar mega-cap rallies since February 2022 shows mixed outcomes: three stocks gained significantly within six months, two went flat, and one declined sharply. The key determinant of future performance appears to be sustained business growth rather than the magnitude of the initial rally.

08/09/2026, 10:23 AM • The Motley Fool

If You'd Invested $1,000 in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF 10 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today

A $1,000 investment in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF 10 years ago would be worth over $4,200 today, representing a 322% total return and 15.4% annualized return. The stellar performance has been driven by dominant technology companies, which represent 38% of the ETF. While current market valuations raise concerns about future returns, the article emphasizes that patient, long-term investors are historically rewarded.

08/09/2026, 4:14 AM • The Motley Fool

Airbnb vs. MercadoLibre: Which Consumer Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Airbnb and MercadoLibre represent two different growth strategies: Airbnb operates a global travel marketplace with strong margins (21% net margin) and $12.2B in FY2025 revenue, while MercadoLibre dominates Latin American e-commerce and fintech with explosive 39% revenue growth to $28.9B but lower margins (6.9%). The article recommends MercadoLibre for long-term investors despite higher valuation multiples, citing its Amazon-like positioning in high-growth emerging markets and reasonable price-to-sales ratio.

08/08/2026, 11:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Trump Tariff Refunds Just Topped $100 Billion, and These Companies Are Receiving Some of the Largest Checks

The Trump administration is issuing over $166 billion in tariff refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated tariffs imposed under the IEEPA in February 2026. Major companies like Apple ($2.19B), Walmart ($2.4B expected), and Amazon ($600M) are receiving substantial refunds that boost earnings. However, new tariffs imposed via Section 301 of the Trade Act may reignite inflationary pressures in coming quarters.

08/07/2026, 6:06 PM • The Motley Fool

Financials or Tech: Is XLF or FTEC the Better Buy?

XLF (financial sector ETF) offers lower volatility and higher dividend yield (1.42%) but lower returns, while FTEC (technology ETF) delivers higher growth (39.28% 1-year return) with greater volatility. The choice depends on investor risk tolerance and time horizon: FTEC suits long-term investors with high risk tolerance, while XLF appeals to income-focused investors nearing retirement.

08/07/2026, 5:20 PM • The Motley Fool