ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

3 Market-Beating Stocks to Own for Decades

SPXC Cover Image

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. On that note, here are three market-beating stocks that deserve a spot on your list.

SPX Technologies (SPXC)

Five-Year Return: +311%

With roots dating back to 1912 as the Piston Ring Company, SPX Technologies (NYSE: SPXC) supplies specialized infrastructure equipment for HVAC systems and detection and measurement applications across industrial, commercial, and utility markets.

Why Will SPXC Outperform?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 12.7% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
  2. Operating margin expanded by 8.5 percentage points over the last five years as it scaled and became more efficient
  3. Earnings growth has trumped its peers over the last two years as its EPS has compounded at 23% annually

SPX Technologies’s stock price of $218.22 implies a valuation ratio of 30x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free for active Edge members .

Armstrong World (AWI)

Five-Year Return: +136%

Started as a two-man shop dating back to the 1860s, Armstrong (NYSE: AWI) provides ceiling and wall products to commercial and residential spaces.

Why Is AWI a Good Business?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 11.5% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Excellent operating margin of 24.7% highlights the efficiency of its business model, and its profits increased over the last five years as it scaled
  3. Share repurchases over the last two years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 18.7% to outpace its revenue gains

At $184.77 per share, Armstrong World trades at 22.7x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

Nelnet (NNI)

Five-Year Return: +94.6%

Starting as a student loan servicer in the 1970s and evolving through the changing landscape of education finance, Nelnet (NYSE: NNI) provides student loan servicing, education technology, payment processing, and banking services while managing a portfolio of education loans.

Why Is NNI a Top Pick?

  1. Annual revenue growth of 18% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 101%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last two years
  3. Acceptable return on equity suggests management generated shareholder value by investing in profitable projects

Nelnet is trading at $133.94 per share, or 3.1x forward price-to-sales. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

Stocks We Like Even More

Your portfolio can’t afford to be based on yesterday’s story. The risk in a handful of heavily crowded stocks is rising daily.

The names generating the next wave of massive growth are right here in our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

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 for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  222.56
+0.02 (0.01%)
AAPL  274.61
+0.50 (0.18%)
AMD  209.17
+1.59 (0.77%)
BAC  54.81
-0.52 (-0.94%)
GOOG  307.73
-1.59 (-0.51%)
META  657.15
+9.64 (1.49%)
MSFT  476.39
+1.57 (0.33%)
NVDA  177.72
+1.43 (0.81%)
ORCL  188.65
+3.73 (2.02%)
TSLA  489.88
+14.57 (3.07%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.