10 ASX stocks up 1,000% in 5 years

Pardon me for feeling a little bit smug this afternoon. I just can't seem to wipe this smile off my face.

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

Pardon me for feeling a little bit smug this afternoon. I just can't seem to wipe this smile off my face.

After all, the world hasn't ended on account of the US government shutdown, now has it?

On the contrary! Wall Street and the ASX remain not only intact, but above the levels they were at beforethe shutdown…

Only gold – the favourite investment of the sky-is-falling crowd – has dropped.

And now, with this latest 'crisis' out of the way, Foolish investors like you and I can get back to OUR favourite investments… Shares.

To be even more specific: Profitable shares!

Below, we'll take a look at 10 ASX stocks up 1,000% or more in the last 5 years…

Hint: Whitegoods distributor Breville Group (ASX: BRG), posting a mere 993% return over this period, doesn't make the list…

We'll also delve into what is, arguably, the most exciting sector in Australia. (Not mining! Not banking either.) We may find our next big winners there…

10 of the best performing stocks in Australia

A drumroll, please…

The following are 10 ASX stocks that have packed on 1,000% – or more, including dividends – in the last five years. (That is, strictly between 2 October 2008 and 1 October 2013.)

1. Ainsworth Game Technology (ASX: AGI)… up a stunning 4,910%
2. TPG Telecom (ASX: TPM)… up 3,322%
3. Credit Corp (ASX: CCP)… up 1,599%
4. FlexiGroup (ASX: FXL)… up 1,277%
5. Forge Group (ASX: FGE)… 1,150%
6. Aurora Oil & Gas (ASX: AUT)… up 1,059%
7. Magellan Financial Group (ASX: MFG)… up 2,037%
8. Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST)… up 1,279%
9. Regis Resources (ASX: RRL)… up 4,854%
10. Sandfire Resources (ASX: SFR)… up 3,350%

Some of these numbers just boggle the mind. Yet they're very real.

While all these companies have been included in the All Ords index for the entirety of the last five years, they have – individually – vastly outperformed the overall index.

In fact, over this period, the All Ords index posted an overall return, again including dividends, of just 36%.

If this isn't an argument for stock picking and for holding individual shares, I don't know what is.

Where we'll find the next big winners…

Still, looking at past performance can only tell us so much. And, let me be clear, I don't mention these particular stocks to you as a "buy" today – I use each strictly as an example of the power and potential of owning individual shares.

No doubt in many cases, these companies' best days or at least, most explosive growth, will be behind them.

But consider some of the more familiar names on this list, such as TPG Telecom. That's no case of a tiny, profitless miner striking pay dirt and shooting to the moon.

It's much more a case of predictable success! A high quality business with what were then incredible tailwinds at its back…

It's true the growth of the telecommunications sector has been simply massive in recent years. And there may be more on the way… But of course you'll only want to own the best and most promising telco shares.

If you are looking for more fully franked dividend paying stocks, check out "The Motley Fool's Top Dividend Stock for 2013-2014." In this special free report, find out the name, ASX symbol and full investment case for this top dividend paying stock. Click here now for instant free access.

Bruce Jackson does not own shares  in any of the companies mentioned in this article

 

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

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 »