Every week, I take a look at a few companies that lapped their profit targets. Leaving Wall Street's pros with quizzical looks on their faces can be a good thing. It usually means that the companies have more in the tank than analysts figured, and capital appreciation often follows.

Let's take a look at a few companies that humbled the prognosticators this past week.

We'll start by checking into Marriott (NYSE:MAR). The hotelier that watches over nearly 3,000 mostly franchised properties checked out nicely in its fiscal second quarter. Adjusted profits climbed 36% higher to hit $0.57 a share. That is well ahead of the $0.53 per share that the pros were hoping for. With overnight guests willing to pay more for their rooms, Marriott was able to milk 7.5% more out of each available room than it did a year earlier.

Then we have Genentech (NYSE:DNA). The biotech bellwether saw its bottom line surge 41% higher to $0.78 per share. Wall Street was caught napping at the $0.72-a-share mark. It's a familiar situation, with Genentech trouncing estimates for six consecutive quarters now.

Finally, let's close this week's file of market-clobbering companies with fast-food giant Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM). The company behind the Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC chains earned $0.39 a share in its latest quarter. The showing clocked in $0.03 a share ahead of shareholder profit targets.

International sizzle was behind the company's strong showing. It may be a tough environment for many fast-food and casual dining operators. Companies like Wendy's (NYSE:WEN) and Applebee's (NASDAQ:APPB) have even put themselves on the bidding block. However, Yum! is living up to its moniker. Like Genentech, it too has been a topper in each of the past six quarters.

So, keep watching the companies that lap expectations. Over time, it will be a rewarding experience for investors as the market rewards the overachievers. That's the kind of surprise we look for in the Rule Breakers newsletter service. Want in? Check out a 30-day trial subscription.

Either way, come back next Monday to learn about more stocks that blew the market away.

Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz is a fan of toppers. He does not own shares in any of the companies in this story. He is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early. The Fool has a disclosure policy.