Could these 3 stocks make you rich in 2014?

Have your stock picks returned 80% this year?

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

2014 has been a pretty lacklustre year for investors in the Australian share market. Funds that track the progress of the ASX 200 and All Ordinaries indices have returned just 2% in the five months of 2014 so far, however investors in individual stocks have been able to far outperform by holding these three high-flying stocks.

Western Areas Limited (ASX: WSA) has benefitted from a 50% jump in the nickel price over the last 12 months due to export bans from other producer countries. The Australian nickel producer has long-life mines that were profitable at lower prices and are expected to be wildly profitable at the currently elevated prices. Excited investors in Western Areas have pushed up the share price by 93% in 2014 so far, with few signs of slowing down as the company aims to increase mine output to take advantage of higher prices.

APN News and Media Limited (ASX: APN) has been another big winner for shareholders in 2014. A 78% rise in 2014 has been as a result of the strong performance of the company's Australian and New Zealand radio and advertising assets. APN's management is cleverly divesting underperforming assets and upping investment in growing assets. The key risk to investors in APN is weakness in its dominant Australian and New Zealand radio network.

Finally, an interesting little company that has made a splash in 2014 is TFS Corporation Limited (ASX: TFC). Shares in the company are up nearly 72% so far this year as the company gets closer to making some serious profits from its Indian Sandalwood plantations. Indian Sandalwood oil is in demand from cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies where supply is well below demand. Investors have finally cottoned onto the potential of the company, which is expected to continue benefitting from the worldwide undersupply of the oil.

These companies highlight that investors can greatly outperform the index by investing in the right companies. Admittedly investors should not expect that all picks will deliver 70%+ returns over five months, but investing in stocks with great futures such as those recommended by the Motley Fool Share Advisor Service, can lead to great returns over time.

Motley Fool contributor Andrew Mudie does not own shares in any companies mentioned. You can find Andrew on Twitter @andrewmudie

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 »