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.
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.
KLA Corporation (KLAC)
Five-Year Return: +314%
Formed by the 1997 merger of the two leading semiconductor yield management companies, KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC) is the leading supplier of equipment used to measure and inspect semiconductor chips.
Why Do We Love KLAC?
- Annual revenue growth of 15.9% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Highly efficient business model is illustrated by its impressive 37% operating margin, and it turbocharged its profits by achieving some fixed cost leverage
- Strong free cash flow margin of 30.9% enables it to reinvest or return capital consistently, and its recently improved profitability means it has even more resources to invest or distribute
KLA Corporation is trading at $879 per share, or 26.6x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG)
Five-Year Return: +101%
Pioneering minimally invasive surgery since its first da Vinci system was FDA-cleared in 2000, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ:ISRG) develops and manufactures robotic-assisted surgical systems that enable minimally invasive procedures across various medical specialties.
Why Is ISRG Interesting?
- Products are reaching more customers as its system placement averaged 11.4% growth over the past two years
- Sales outlook for the upcoming 12 months implies the business will stay on its desirable two-year growth trajectory
- Earnings per share grew by 17.7% annually over the last five years and trumped its peers
At $469.03 per share, Intuitive Surgical trades at 56x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
UMB Financial (UMBF)
Five-Year Return: +122%
With roots dating back to 1913 and a name derived from "United Missouri Bank," UMB Financial (NASDAQ:UMBF) is a financial holding company that provides banking, asset management, and fund services to commercial, institutional, and individual customers.
Why Are We Positive On UMBF?
- Impressive 19.7% annual net interest income growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Market share is on track to rise over the next 12 months as its 37.8% projected net interest income growth implies demand will accelerate from its five-year trend
- Earnings per share grew by 15.3% annually over the last two years, massively outpacing its peers
UMB Financial’s stock price of $120.56 implies a valuation ratio of 1.3x 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
When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.
Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. 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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