What an amazing financial year we've just had! The headline number is a 1% rise for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) between 30 June 2014 and today's open. All things considered, that's probably not a bad result based on the events of the last 12 months. Here are some highlights:
- The Australian dollar fell from US95¢ at the end of June 2014 to US77¢ now.
- After 16 consecutive meetings leaving the cash rate at 2.5%, the RBA announced two cuts to its cash rate during the year, leaving the benchmark at 2% for now.
- The iron ore price fell from US$93.80 to US$61.29
- The gold price fell from US$1,328 to US$1,179
- The WTI oil price fell from US$105.42 to US$58.22
- Greece is still a major headache for European leaders
- The US government ceased its QE3 bond buying program in October, not prompting a massive sharemarket selloff.
- The Australian economy is struggling
- The biggest falls for the ASX 200 over the period were an 8.9% drop recorded in September 2014, and a 9.7% drop between late April and late June
- The strongest period was between December and February, when the ASX rose 15% in two months!
- The best performing sectors were healthcare companies and telecommunications
- The worst performing sectors were resources and energy companies
- Based on CommSec data, 154 of the 1,810 stocks on the ASX recorded a rise of over 100% for the year. 28 stocks recorded a loss in excess of 90%
Taking all these factors into account, I've compiled the top 10 mid and large-cap companies on the ASX. Could they rise again in the next 12 months?
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) recorded a massive 176% share price rise over the 12 months as the group was able to improve profits by 125% and boost margins much more than investors expected.
Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) shares increased an incredible 150% over the last 12 months as the group's fuel costs dropped and competition subsided. It's a little hot right now though.
M2 Group Ltd (ASX: MTU) shares rose 85% following strong organic and acquired earnings growth.
Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) put in another strong effort and shareholders were rewarded with another 78% increase in the share price to take the two-year appreciation to 3,075%!
Gold miner EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) outperformed most peers by recording a 78% rise over the 12 months following the purchase of Barrick (Australia Pacific) Pty Limited's Cowal gold mine in New South Wales.
Another gold miner, Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) continued to reward investors by rising another 75% to take the two-year gain to 277% as a result of having a solid operational record.
Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) reported strong earnings growth and a 72% share price rise.
Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) shares stil rose 72% over the last 12 months despite rising only 2.5% so far in 2015!
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) is delivering on its expansion plans in the best possible way, smashing profit targets and delivering a big 66% return to shareholders.
Car retailer AP Eagers Ltd (ASX: APE) also recorded profit growth beyond expectations and shareholder were rewarded with a huge 64% share price rise over the 12 months!
