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.
The bottom line is that over the long term, earnings growth goes hand in hand with the biggest winners. On that note, here are three market-beating stocks that could turbocharge your returns.
Powell (POWL)
Five-Year Return: +749%
Originally a metal-working shop supporting local petrochemical facilities, Powell (NYSE:POWL) has grown from a small Houston manufacturer to a global provider of electrical systems.
Why Does POWL Stand Out?
- Impressive 34.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Operating margin improvement of 17.7 percentage points over the last five years demonstrates its ability to scale efficiently
- Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last two years, increasing by 209% annually
Powell’s stock price of $217.33 implies a valuation ratio of 14.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)
Five-Year Return: +112%
Tracing its roots back to 1863 during the Civil War era, First Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ:FFBC) is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, lending, deposit services, and wealth management to individuals and businesses.
Why Are We Positive On FFBC?
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 16.8% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
- Forecasted tangible book value per share growth of 12.6% for the next 12 months indicates its capital generation over the last two years is sustainable
- Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures
At $25.74 per share, First Financial Bancorp trades at 0.9x forward P/B. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
Coastal Financial (CCB)
Five-Year Return: +721%
Pioneering the intersection of traditional banking and financial technology in the Pacific Northwest, Coastal Financial (NASDAQ:CCB) operates as a bank holding company that provides traditional banking services and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions to consumers and businesses.
Why Is CCB a Good Business?
- Annual net interest income growth of 46% over the last four years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Operating profits are forecasted to increase over the next year as it scales and becomes more productive
- Earnings per share grew by 25.7% annually over the last five years and trumped its peers
Coastal Financial is trading at $102.97 per share, or 3.1x forward P/B. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.
While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).
Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today
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