Winning stocks with impressive long-term returns can do more than tantalize investors. They might also guide us to the next great stock. For example, computer seller Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) has enjoyed a more than 6,200% increase in its share price in the past 15 years. But while Dell's gains came largely in the 1990s and investors debate its future growth potential, it could lead investors to other, similarly promising stocks today -- provided we know where to look.

Finding the tail on this coat
Selling computers direct to consumers has been the hallmark of Dell's business from day one. After its IPO in 1988, Dell went on to become the largest seller of PCs by 1999, surpassing Compaq, now part of Hewlett-Packard. Dell's efficient supply chain and build-to-order approach (modeled after Toyota Motors (NYSE:TM)) was credited with its success. Much of the past decade, however, has been more trial-and-error. As the company expanded into selling televisions, printers, and branded components, product quality issues and accounting irregularities punished earnings. Earlier this year, founder Michael Dell retook the CEO seat in a plan to steer the company back to the prominence it once held.

If we can nail down some companies profiting from -- or leveraging -- the efficient business model that Dell perfected, we might find a hidden treasure worthy of investment. With a giant like Dell, investors typically follow the conventional wisdom, looking only for direct suppliers or partners. This may lead to obvious choices such as server virtualization partner VMWare or retail partner Wal-Mart. However, investors who stick to these usual suspects risk missing opportunities less directly linked to Dell.

Motley Fool CAPS can really help us here. The massive Foolish stock database has lots of tools for finding and researching stocks and the people who pick them.

Tagging along with CAPS
With CAPS, investors can look through Dell's tag list for other companies sporting similar attributes. For instance, Dell falls under tags such as Personal Computers, Top Brands 2006, and Founder CEO. In addition, the comments CAPS investors leave regarding rated companies can sometimes lead to similarly attractive investments, even those with little or no direct connection to Dell.

These CAPS resources could point investors to companies like China's top online travel booker, Ctrip.com (NASDAQ:CTRP). Like Dell, Ctrip CEO Min Fan was one of the founders of the company. Prior to Fan's promotion to CEO in January 2006, co-founder James Liang had held the helm since 2000; Liang now serves as chairman of the board. Dedicated owner management has helped the Motley Fool Hidden Gems recommendation grow revenue at nearly an 80% rate over the past five fiscal years. While Chinese stocks have gotten quite heated lately, pricing Ctrip north of 90 times earnings, the company has strong cash flow and is expected to grow at a 33% rate for the next five years.

CAPS also turns up another interesting company that shares many attributes with Dell: Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG). No, I'm not saying that rumbling engines on two wheels share common traits with computers. But like Dell, Harley-Davidson has a strong brand, enjoys close ties with its customers, and offers financing for its products. There are differences, however -- Harley-Davidson focuses on premium products, whereas Dell is aiming for the lower end of the consumer PC market. Though it's been a long-term winner, the high price of Harleys has some investors concerned about the company's susceptibility to an economic downturn in the near term, as more value-conscious riders may opt for bikes from competitors like Honda (NYSE:HMC) instead.

Tail-wagging
Of course, plenty of coattail investments have proved to be mere copycats, ultimately flopping for investors. That's why CAPS is best used as a research tool, not a device to pick stocks for you. Rather than taking anyone else's recommendation, investors should always perform their own due diligence. But you can't beat the information and resources for the price -- namely, 100% free.

Is there another stock you know about that has Dell's wind in its sail? Give your own opinion in Motley Fool CAPS.