If you're looking for ASX growth shares to add to your portfolio, here are the 5 gems that I always have at the top of my watchlist. With FY earnings fast-approaching, this could be the perfect buy opportunity.
Afterpay Touch Ltd (ASX: APT)
Arguably one of Australia's top startup success stories, Afterpay continues to break my top 5. The company has rocketed 99% in the year to date, a rate of growth that is attributed to the company's successful international expansion.
Afterpay allows users to pay for purchases over four instalments every fortnight, interest-free. Despite the regulatory flak flooding our news, Afterpay's customers continue to grow. The United States (US) now accounts for 1 million of Afterpay's 3.5 million customers, a number it has reached in just 10 months of operation there. It similarly launched in the United Kingdom (UK), fuelled by its recent $300 million share purchase plan.
Nanosonics Limited (ASX: NAN)
Nanosonics manufactures the trophon EPR, an ultrasound probe disinfector that prevents cross-infection, along with its related consumables. In the year to date, this stock has shot up a whopping 107%.
A strong driver of this growth is Nanosonics underlying sales. Profit expanded 221% over the previous half-year period, attributed to successful market penetration in the US, Europe and across Australia in the first quarter of the FY. The company has also grown its consumables market and has plans to develop critical products for its customer base.
It also got a boost after being compared to Australia's healthcare tech favourite, Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), as reported by the AFR.
Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)
Webjet is a travel agency that enables users to compare and combine flights, accommodation, packaged holiday deals, insurance and hire cars domestically and internationally.
In the year to date, Webjet managed to grow 30%. This is thanks to its B2B segment, WebBeds, in which bookings grew 50% in the first half of the year. On top of this, the company demonstrates a commitment to its tech-driven company, investing heavily into blockchain applications that will boost productivity.
Webjet is anticipating its FY guidance to reach $120 million, 37% higher than 2018 earnings.
A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)
a2 Milk is an Australian company that sells A1 protein-free milk. It posted strong half-year earnings, having grown its EBITDA by 52.7% to $218.4 million. As a result, its stock price has returned a savvy to its investors.
While the company has achieved strong sales across its entire product portfolio, its strong success in the Chinese market has been a key driver. a2 Milk succeeds in accessing this lucrative market through Diagou channels, where competitors like Bellamy's Australia Limited (ASX: BAL) have not.
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)
Aristocrat is an Australian lot machine developer. It has been particularly strong in expanding in its Americas and digital business, as well as higher penetration in the ANZ region.
The company's share price is up 47% in the year to date. This is due to a 16.8% increase Aristocrat's bottom line in the six months to March 2019. On top of this, the company grew its EBITDA by 10.2%, year-on-year for the period.
