Companies that consistently increase their sales, margins, or returns on capital are usually rewarded with the best returns, and those that can do all three for years on end are almost always the legendary stocks that return 100 times your money.
The bottom line is that over the long term, earnings growth goes hand in hand with the biggest winners. Taking that into account, here are three market-beating stocks that could turbocharge your returns.
Core & Main (CNM)
Return Since IPO: +110%
Formerly a division of industrial distributor HD Supply, Core & Main (NYSE:CNM) is a provider of water, wastewater, and fire protection products and services.
Why Is CNM a Top Pick?
- Market share has increased this cycle as its 17.3% annual revenue growth over the last five years was exceptional
- Performance over the past two years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue
- Free cash flow margin grew by 7.1 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more chips to play with
Core & Main is trading at $49.76 per share, or 19.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
FTAI Aviation (FTAI)
Five-Year Return: +912%
With a focus on the CFM56 engine that powers Boeing and Airbus’s planes, FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ:FTAI) sells, leases, maintains, and repairs aircraft engines.
Why Will FTAI Outperform?
- Impressive 41.4% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 67% over the last two years outstripped its revenue performance
- Negative free cash flow margin has improved over the last five years, showing the company is one step closer to financial self-sufficiency
At $171.50 per share, FTAI Aviation trades at 31.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
QCR Holdings (QCRH)
Five-Year Return: +163%
With roots dating back to 1993 and a name reflecting its original Quad Cities market, QCR Holdings (NASDAQGM:QCRH) operates four community banks across Iowa and Missouri, providing commercial, consumer banking, and trust services to businesses and individuals.
Why Does QCRH Stand Out?
- Incremental sales over the last five years have been highly profitable as its earnings per share increased by 14.1% annually, topping its revenue gains
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 12.4% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
- ROE punches in at 13.4%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
QCR Holdings’s stock price of $78.39 implies a valuation ratio of 1.2x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.
High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions
Donald Trump’s April 2025 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.
The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. 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-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% 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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