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 with Competitive Advantages

ZS Cover Image

Stocks that outperform the market usually share key traits such as rising sales, expanding margins, and increasing returns on capital. The select few that can do all three for many years are often the ones that make you life-changing money.

The bottom line is that over the long term, earnings growth goes hand in hand with the biggest winners. Keeping that in mind, here are three market-beating stocks that deserve a spot on your list.

Zscaler (ZS)

Five-Year Return: +121%

After successfully selling all four of his previous cybersecurity companies, Jay Chaudhry's fifth venture, Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) offers software-as-a-service that helps companies securely connect to applications and networks in the cloud.

Why Does ZS Stand Out?

  1. ARR growth averaged 24.3% over the last year, showing customers are willing to take multi-year bets on its offerings
  2. Forecasted revenue growth of 19.9% for the next 12 months indicates its momentum over the last three years is sustainable
  3. Robust free cash flow margin of 27.1% gives it many options for capital deployment

At $287.31 per share, Zscaler trades at 14.6x forward price-to-sales. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

DXP (DXPE)

Five-Year Return: +576%

Founded during the emergence of Big Oil in Texas, DXP (NASDAQ: DXPE) provides pumps, valves, and other industrial components.

Why Do We Like DXPE?

  1. Operating profits and efficiency rose over the last five years as it benefited from some fixed cost leverage
  2. Share repurchases have amplified shareholder returns as its annual earnings per share growth of 34.6% exceeded its revenue gains over the last two years
  3. Returns on capital are growing as management capitalizes on its market opportunities

DXP is trading at $114.07 per share, or 20.3x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Medpace (MEDP)

Five-Year Return: +264%

Founded in 1992 as a scientifically-driven alternative to traditional contract research organizations, Medpace (NASDAQ: MEDP) provides outsourced clinical trial management and research services to help pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies develop new treatments.

Why Do We Watch MEDP?

  1. Core business can prosper without any help from acquisitions as its organic revenue growth averaged 15.7% over the past two years
  2. Share repurchases over the last five years enabled its annual earnings per share growth of 36.7% to outpace its revenue gains
  3. Industry-leading 44.1% return on capital demonstrates management’s skill in finding high-return investments

Medpace’s stock price of $435 implies a valuation ratio of 35.7x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? 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 2024, 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 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 Kadant (+351% 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

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

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 following
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.