10 ASX stocks you should have bought a year ago today

These 10 stocks saw their shares prices more than double, while the index has finished the year flat

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Can you believe it?

Despite all the gyrations, fear and euphoria in the past twelve months, the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO) (ASX: XJO) has finished the financial year virtually where it started, gaining just 0.4% since June 30, 2014. Without today's gain of 0.7%, clearly we'd be in red.

However, if you'd invested in dividend-paying stocks and reinvested those dividends, you'd have gone close to matching the S&P/ASX 200 Net Total Rtn (INDEXASX: XNT) (ASX: XNT) return of 4.4% so far.

Here're another 10 stocks that more than doubled their share prices, which would have seen you beat the index handily:

Company Return since June 30, 2014
Alexium International Group Limited (ASX: AJX) 510%
Senetas Corporation Limited (ASX: SEN) 383%
Impedimed Limited (ASX: IPD) 368%
REVA Medical Inc (ASX: RVA) 229%
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) 176%
Viralytics Ltd (ASX: VLA) 174%
Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (ASX: API) 153%
Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) 150%
Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) 143%
Site Group International Ltd (ASX: SIT) 133%

Source: CapitalIQ

One thing you might notice from the list above is the number of medical/health care stocks. Impedimed, Reva, Blackmores, Viralytics, API and Pro Medicus are the stocks I'm talking about. That's partly a result of their dominance of the top-performing stocks over the past year, but also the tailwinds the whole sector has behind it. It's one reason why my self-managed super fund (SMSF) is heavily weighted towards the healthcare sector. Another is the technology sector.

The problem with the above list is a simple one. We're looking in the rear view mirror when we should be looking where we are going. In a year's time, it's unlikely that any of these stocks will make the list again. The ability to double their share prices not once but twice will probably prove too much for most.

And that means identifying the factors that made the companies on this list successful and applying that knowledge to a list of companies we think can double over the next 12 months, starting here…

 

Motley Fool contributor Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned. You can follow Mike on Twitter @TMFKinga The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »