5 ‘Boring’ Stocks That Crushed the Nasdaq-100 Over Past 5 Years

Over the past five years, the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 returned roughly 125%, well ahead of the S&P 500. Even casual investors are likely familiar with the most popular stocks in that index, such as Nvidia, Microsoft and Tesla. But would you believe that there are a number of “boring,” large-cap companies that nobody talks about on financial TV that have outperformed the Nasdaq-100? They don’t get much press, and the average investor likely hasn’t even heard of them, but they’re just a small subset of companies with growing earnings and solid fundamentals that provide returns without being flashy.

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Here’s a brief overview.

IMPORTANT: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. These examples are meant to illustrate a research thesis, not as recommendations. You should conduct your own research and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The Five Companies

Curtiss-Wright (CW): 493% total return

Curtiss-Wright makes components for nuclear submarines, reactors, and aerospace systems. The company doesn’t get CNBC coverage because sensors, actuators and controls aren’t that exciting to the general public. But the demand for its products has only grown, thanks to increased U.S. defense spending and the need for more nuclear reactors. CW’s strategy has been to buy niche, high-margin defense suppliers, and it’s been working. The company just announced its 10th consecutive year of dividend increases. It also raised guidance for full-year 2026.

Williams Companies (WMB): 275% total return

Williams owns and operates natural gas pipelines across North America. Infrastructure plays, while essential, also tend to fall into the “boring” camp. But there has been nothing boring about the performance of its stock price. Whenever energy flows through its network of pipelines, WMB collects a toll. This has led to a steady revenue machine that just doesn’t garner the national attention that flashy tech stocks have.

Parker Hannifin (PH): 200% total return

Parker Hannifin makes motion and control systems for defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, and industrial equipment makers. The business is about as unsexy as it gets. But steady demand, pricing power, and solid management have led to consistent returns. With annual sales of $19.9 billion in fiscal year 2025, PH is a sizable company delivering across multiple industries.

Costco (COST): 195% total return

Costco is probably the most well-known stock on this list among consumers. Members renew at an admirable 92.3% rate in North America. But most of its members think of it as a company, not a stock investment. That’s unfortunate. COST continues to generate membership and revenue gains year after year. Costco’s earnings and SEC filings show consistent execution year after year. The stock has rewarded shareholders handsomely, beating the returns of many tech stocks.

Eaton (ETN): 186% total return

Eaton makes electrical infrastructure, power management gear, and components for industrial machinery. The company benefits from the data center buildout that powers artificial intelligence. Eaton’s financial presentations don’t make scintillating reading. ETN mainly cover the company’s strategic acquisitions and its exposure to electrification trends. But most investors don’t care how boring the company is as long as it can keep outperforming.

What This Means for You

The stocks in the QQQ index represent the technological future of America. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence, these companies innovate. When they get it right, their stocks can post tremendous gains, as the QQQ’s five-year return demonstrates.

But the fact that companies like Eaton and Curtiss-Wright handily top the Nasdaq’s return is likely surprising to most investors. Even under-the-radar stocks can be long-term winners if they have solid earnings. As an investor, you can get an edge by doing your own research. That way, you can potentially find winners that aren’t talked about every day on the financial news.

You won’t even need a Bloomberg terminal. Each company has its own company filings that report earnings and revenue. See if they’re growing and decide for yourself which businesses look interesting.

When it comes to making money, “boring” can often be better.

Return back to TheStreet for stories on each of these five stocks.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. The companies mentioned are examples and should not be considered investment recommendations. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments carry risk, including potential loss of principal. Consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Prices are as of May 20, 2026.

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This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jun 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.