Picture this: Five years ago, TransMedics $TMDX stock was trading for just about $31.78 a share. Fast forward to today, it's sitting at $145.26—that's a strong 357% jump. The chart tells the tale of a steady climb, with some dips along the way, but overall, it's been a solid ride from lower levels in 2022 to this current spot now. Even with a 52-week high of $156.00 still in sight, the momentum feels real.

To make sense of that growth, let's talk numbers without the jargon. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over those five years clocks in at about 35.5%. That's the steady yearly boost that turned a smaller investment into something bigger—calculated as (ending price divided by starting price, raised to 1/5, minus 1). In plain terms, if the stock keeps pacing itself like history suggests, it's like earning over 35% each year on average.

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Now, imagine you're jumping in with dollar-cost averaging (DCA)—that smart strategy of investing a fixed amount regularly, no matter the price swings. You drop $500 every month for the next five years, totaling $30,000 out of pocket. By spreading it out over 60 months, you buy more shares when prices dip and fewer when they peak, smoothing out the ride.

If TMDX mirrors its past five-year performance, here's how it plays out: Each monthly chunk grows at a blended monthly rate of about 2.6% (derived from the annual CAGR). After 60 months, your total pot? A healthy $69,602. That's a gain of $39,602 on your $30,000 investment—a 132% return overall. Not bad for consistent, no-fuss investing.

Of course, past growth doesn't guarantee the future—markets can shift, and TMDX's focus on medical tech means it ties into healthcare trends and innovation. But if you're eyeing that 52-week high of $156.00 as a sign of more upside, this DCA approach could turn your steady $500 habit into a real nest egg by 2031. Ready to let history inspire your next move?