Image Source: Unsplash
 

And it’s been for very understandable reasons – many of these companies’ products have entirely changed the way the world behaves. People stay solely connected through digital channels such as social media, students are now taking their exams online, and consumers are even utilizing digital apps that allow for grocery delivery.

But while all that sounds fun and exciting, many have overlooked simple businesses that aren’t overly flashy. This includes companies that take care of waste management, provide staffing uniforms, and even energy drink providers, to give a few examples.

Many of these companies fall into the Consumer Staples sector, whose businesses face steady demand across many economic conditions. In other words, people will want their trash picked up no matter the state of the economy, and we all obviously enjoy our caffeine buzz.

And perhaps to the surprise of some, these non-technology companies have seen wildly strong performances, with their predictable natures able to provide nice shields against volatility.

Cintas & Waste Management
 

For example, Cintas (CTAS - Free Report) , the company that provides uniforms and other workplace supplies to employers, has gained +780% over the last decade, compared with a +300% gain from the S&P 500.

Cintas’ +24.2% annualized return over the period has undoubtedly excited investors. Shares have also been considerably less volatile over the last decade, largely weathering 2022 volatility with ease.

Waste Management (WM - Free Report) provides collection, transfer, recycling, resource recovery, and disposal services to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers. Waste Management shares have been steadily strong over the last decade, up 385% and outpacing the S&P 500’s 300% gain by a wide margin.

And like CTAS, Waste Management shares have largely weathered volatility, particularly so during the 2022 downturn.

Bottom Line
 

Simply put, you don’t have to buy tech stocks to see great returns. Lesser-discussed companies like Cintas and Waste Management have built consistent, dependable growth by doing the ‘simple’ things exceptionally well. Of course, they’re likely not to impress investors given their less-flashy nature, but sometimes boring is better.

More By This Author:

Key Metrics To Watch: Nvidia Earnings
Like Dividends? 3 Dividend Aristocrats Worth A Look
AI Frenzy: Everybody Wants Nvidia's Magical GPUs