Supporting data: The median three-year return on average equity of the top 100 held steady at 14% to 15% over five years. The median three-year return on average equity of the top 100 held steady at 14% to 15% over five years. Forward look: A protected market or niche focus creates the opportunity, but disciplined execution turns that opportunity into sustained performance. The median three-year return on average equity of the top 100 held steady at 14% to 15% over five years. A protected market or niche focus creates the opportunity, but disciplined execution turns that opportunity into sustained performance.