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 Research Further

POWL Cover Image

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 that could turbocharge your returns.

Powell (POWL)

Five-Year Return: +749%

Originally a metal-working shop supporting local petrochemical facilities, Powell (NYSE: POWL) has grown from a small Houston manufacturer to a global provider of electrical systems.

Why Does POWL Stand Out?

  1. Impressive 34.8% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
  2. Operating margin improvement of 17.7 percentage points over the last five years demonstrates its ability to scale efficiently
  3. Earnings per share have massively outperformed its peers over the last two years, increasing by 209% annually

Powell’s stock price of $217.33 implies a valuation ratio of 14.6x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)

Five-Year Return: +112%

Tracing its roots back to 1863 during the Civil War era, First Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ: FFBC) is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, lending, deposit services, and wealth management to individuals and businesses.

Why Are We Positive On FFBC?

  1. Annual tangible book value per share growth of 16.8% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
  2. Forecasted tangible book value per share growth of 12.6% for the next 12 months indicates its capital generation over the last two years is sustainable
  3. Market-beating return on equity illustrates that management has a knack for investing in profitable ventures

At $25.74 per share, First Financial Bancorp trades at 0.9x forward P/B. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

Coastal Financial (CCB)

Five-Year Return: +721%

Pioneering the intersection of traditional banking and financial technology in the Pacific Northwest, Coastal Financial (NASDAQ: CCB) operates as a bank holding company that provides traditional banking services and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions to consumers and businesses.

Why Is CCB a Good Business?

  1. Annual net interest income growth of 46% over the last four years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Operating profits are forecasted to increase over the next year as it scales and becomes more productive
  3. Earnings per share grew by 25.7% annually over the last five years and trumped its peers

Coastal Financial is trading at $102.97 per share, or 3.1x 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

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we’re leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our 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 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

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.