Stocks turned $1,000 into over $1 million

Investors aim to grow their wealth by choosing the right stocks. Some stocks can turn a small investment into a fortune. Two notable examples are Altria Group and Costco, which have delivered extraordinary returns over the years. Altria Group, the parent company of Philip Morris and Marlboro, has an impressive history. Since 1972, its stock has risen by an incredible 4,299,000%, factoring in dividends. Despite a steady decline in cigarette use in the U.S., Altria has managed to raise prices consistently, helping maintain strong earnings. Investors have benefited from high dividend yields, which they could reinvest for even greater returns. Currently, Altria's stock has a low price-to-earnings ratio and a dividend yield of about 7%. Costco, a well-known retail giant, has also been very successful. Since its IPO in 1984, its stock has gained 155,000%. Costco stands out for its membership business model, charging around $100 a year for access to warehouses. By negotiating hard with suppliers and keeping costs low, Costco provides unbeatable prices. The company now operates nearly 1,000 warehouses globally and makes $264 billion in revenue. Though Costco has a higher price-to-earnings ratio than Altria, its consistent growth and rising valuation have made investors wealthier. These two businesses illustrate different ways investors can turn a small investment into a large fortune. By studying such examples, investors can find opportunities for life-changing returns in the stock market.