The best-performing stocks typically have robust sales growth, increasing margins, and rising returns on capital, and those that can maintain this trifecta year in and year out often become the legends of the investing world.
It’s clear there’s a strong connection between sustained earnings growth and hall-of-fame returns. Keeping that in mind, here are three market-beating stocks that deserve a spot on your list.
Cintas (CTAS)
Five-Year Return: +104%
Starting as a family business collecting and cleaning shop rags in Cincinnati, Cintas (NASDAQ: CTAS) provides corporate identity uniforms, facility services, and safety products to over one million businesses across North America.
Why Will CTAS Outperform?
- Annual revenue growth of 9.8% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Performance over the past five years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
- Impressive free cash flow profitability enables the company to fund new investments or reward investors with share buybacks/dividends
At $174.68 per share, Cintas trades at 31.8x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
ConocoPhillips (COP)
Five-Year Return: +124%
Operating the famous Prudhoe Bay field discovered in 1968 that transformed Alaska's economy, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and liquefied natural gas across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Why Are We Bullish on COP?
- Annual revenue growth of 8% over the last ten years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Massive revenue base of $60.5 billion makes it a household name that influences purchasing decisions
- COP is a free cash flow machine with the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders
ConocoPhillips is trading at $124.65 per share, or 12.7x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Chord Energy (CHRD)
Five-Year Return: +90.6%
Holding the largest acreage position in the Williston Basin, Chord Energy (NASDAQ: CHRD) drills for and produces crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in North Dakota's Williston Basin.
Why Should You Buy CHRD?
- Impressive 21.8% annual revenue growth over the last ten years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Revenue base of $5.33 billion gives it economies of scale and some negotiating power with suppliers
- Robust free cash flow margin of 22.3% gives it many options for capital deployment
Chord Energy’s stock price of $149.64 implies a valuation ratio of 7.7x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Top 5 Momentum Stocks. The best time to own a great stock is when the market is finally noticing it. These aren't just high-quality businesses. Something is happening with them right now. Elite fundamentals meeting near-term momentum - both boxes checked at the same time.
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Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
