Just 10 years ago realestate.com.au operator REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) was a small cap technology share with big aspirations. Fast forward to today and it has grown into a $7.3 billion company, much to the delight of its early investors.
Those early investors have seen an incredible average annual total return of 31% over the last 10 years. This means anyone that invested $25,000 in its shares 10 years ago will have seen their investment grow in value to be worth over $370,000 today.
I believe this goes some way to demonstrating just how lucrative it can be to spot a future blue chip share in its early days. Five rapidly growing shares which I believe are worth taking a closer look at are as follows:
MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF)
MNF Group is the company behind the My Net Fone brand and has ambitions to become a leading global provider of wholesale voice minutes. It took a big step forward last week when it secured a mobile virtual network operator deal with the wholesale arm of Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS). Management believes this now enables the company to deliver a complete communications solution.
Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX)
In order for Teva Pharmaceutical to complete the acquisition of Allergan's generic drug business, the two pharmaceutical giants were forced to divest a portfolio of drugs by the US Federal Trade Commission. Mayne Pharma acquired 42 of these pharmaceutical products, propelling it into the top 25 retail generic pharmaceutical companies in the United States in the process. Management expects the transaction will be significantly accretive to earnings from next year onwards.
Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT)
NEXTDC is a leading data-centre-as-a-service provider with some of the largest international and domestic cloud computing providers using its services. Thanks to the seismic shift to cloud computing, I believe the company is in a great position to profit in the future. Due to the strong demand for its services the company is developing three new sites which will more than double its existing capacity.
Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE)
Although it isn't one I would personally choose to invest in, I will happily acknowledge that Orocobre could have a very bright future ahead of it. The demand for lithium to be used in the batteries of smartphones and electric cars is expected to increase at a rapid clip for years to come. If demand continues to outstrip supply and prices remain high, then this lithium producer could deliver bumper profits.
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
This cloud-based supply chain management software provider is one to watch in my opinion. At present WiseTech Global has approximately 6,000 customers on its books, with some of the world's largest logistics companies such as DHL amongst them. Its shares may be expensive at 55x estimated FY 2017 earnings, but I believe its explosive growth prospects go some way to justifying this premium.