Many investors want massive returns without the rollercoaster ride along the way. Although, sometimes we succumb to the enticement of fast-moving shares — often on the more speculative side — in an attempt to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
For some people, volatility is part of the allure of investing in shares. For others, it's a nightmare that keeps them up at night.
Fortunately, for the latter category of investors, there are a number of quiet-achieving companies, allowing shareholders to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Here's a look at a handful of companies inside the ASX 200 that have demonstrated it is possible to make exceptional returns with less of the gut-wrenching, sleep-robbing, heart-throbbing volatility along the way.
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More money and less stress inside the ASX 200
Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)
It may not be a rapidly growing tech company, but Medibank Private has managed to deliver solid returns for its shareholders over the years. Most notably, the past 12 months have seen the private health insurance provider exceed the returns from the broader index.
| Investment | 1-year return | 3-year return | 5-year return |
| Medibank Private (with dividends) | 14.2% | 26.6% | 44.7% |
| ASX 200 (with dividends) | 9.4% | 31.7% | 49.2% |
Furthermore, Medibank Private shareholders have enjoyed relatively low volatility over the past year. The average weekly volatility during this time is 3.6%. Comparatively, the average movement of the broader market has been 8.8%.
Medibank Private currently offers a dividend yield of 3.98%.
APA Group (ASX: APA)
Another company avoiding nasty surprises for shareholders over the years is APA Group. The energy infrastructure operator has steadily grown its revenue and rewarded investors in the process. As shown below, this ASX 200 share has outperformed the index on a one-year and five-year comparison.
| Investment | 1-year return | 3-year return | 5-year return |
| APA Group (with dividends) | 11.6% | 25.7% | 50.7% |
| ASX 200 (with dividends) | 9.4% | 31.7% | 49.2% |
Impressively, APA Group's average weekly volatility is 3.1% over the last year — making it less than half as volatile as the broader market. As such, investors have likely had no trouble getting some shuteye while hanging onto the utility company.
APA Group is boasting a 5.2% dividend yield based on its current share price.
Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)
Last, but not least, is a company that has provided solid returns without much fuss over the years. Packaging product and solutions specialist, Orora, is an ASX 200 company that has far surpassed the returns of the index in the last year while making little noise in doing so.
| Investment | 1-year return | 3-year return | 5-year return |
| Orora (with dividends) | 30.1% | 19.7% | 37.9% |
| ASX 200 (with dividends) | 9.4% | 31.7% | 49.2% |
For those playing at home, Orora has provided the largest returns — from those on this list — in the last year. Additionally, the company is the least volatile, moving only 2.4% each week on average.
Based on the current share price, Orora is offering a dividend yield of 4%.
