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 with room for further growth.
Stride (LRN)
Five-year return: +121%
Formerly known as K12, Stride (NYSE: LRN) is an education technology company providing education solutions through digital platforms.
Why Are We Bullish on LRN?
- Annual revenue growth of 10.1% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
- Free cash flow margin grew by 9.3 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more chips to play with
- Returns on capital are climbing as management makes more lucrative bets
At $79.92 per share, Stride trades at 8.2x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
MasTec (MTZ)
Five-year return: +80.1%
Involved in the 1996 Olympic Games MasTec (NYSE: MTZ) is an infrastructure construction company that specializes in the telecommunications, energy, and utility industries.
Why Should You Buy MTZ?
- Backlog has averaged 27.6% growth over the past two years, showing it has a pipeline of unfulfilled orders that will support revenue in the future
- Revenue outlook for the upcoming 12 months is outstanding and shows it’s on track to gain market share
- Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last two years, increasing by 66.4% annually
MasTec’s stock price of $169 implies a valuation ratio of 17.5x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
FirstCash (FCFS)
Five-year return: +124%
Offering a financial lifeline to the unbanked and credit-constrained since 1988, FirstCash (NASDAQ: FCFS) operates pawn stores across the U.S. and Latin America while also providing retail point-of-sale payment solutions for credit-constrained consumers.
Why Are We Positive on FCFS?
- Impressive 21.9% annual revenue growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Share repurchases over the last two years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 25.9% to outpace its revenue gains
- ROE punches in at 13.8%, illustrating management’s expertise in identifying profitable investments
FirstCash is trading at $193.30 per share, or 15.9x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our comprehensive 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 meet 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 (+1,460% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+271% between June 2020 and June 2025). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
