The Best Businesses Often Have Customers Who Can't Afford to Leave.

One of the most underrated indicators of a great company isn't revenue growth. It's the cost of switching. When changing a vendor risks disrupting operations, retraining employees or compromising quality, customers tend to stay—even if prices go up. That's why businesses like

, , , , and have historically enjoyed strong customer stickiness. Their products or platforms become part of a customer's workflow rather than a one-time purchase. Revenue can fluctuate. But businesses that become difficult to replace often compound value for much longer than the market expects.