Over the last 12 months the S&P/ASX 200 index has had a number of highs and lows but ultimately, thanks to a strong second half, finished it approximately 7.1% higher than where it started.
If you add in dividends then the benchmark index has gained over 12% over the period.
Whilst this is a strong gain, a number of shares on the index have performed significantly better. Here are the shares that made investors smile in FY 2019:
The Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price was the best-performing ASX 200 share over the last 12 months with a gain of 233%. This has been driven partly by the aerial imagery technology and location data company's successful expansion into the United States.
The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CUV) share price wasn't far behind with a gain of 206%. The catalyst for this has been the success of its SCENESSE product. SCENESSE has been developed as a first-line pharmaceutical product aimed at treating patients with the rare genetic disorder erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
The Afterpay Touch Group (ASX: APT) share price rocketed a massive 168% higher during FY 2019. The buy now, pay later platform provider's shares have been on fire thanks to its successful expansion into the massive U.S. retail market.
The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is up almost 119% over the financial year. The fund manager has caught the eye due to its strong FUMs growth and its plan to expand into annuity-like products.
The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has rallied an incredible 109% over the period. Very strong demand for its services due to the explosive growth in machine learning and artificial intelligence has been behind this strong rise.
The Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price stormed 105% higher in FY19. The catalyst for this has been a material increase in the price of iron ore due to supply issues. There has also been a notable narrowing in the discount between low grade and benchmark ore.
The Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) share price put on a gain of 86% over the last 12 months. A strong half year result by the network services company has helped drive its shares higher.
The Technology One Limited (ASX: TNE) share price is up 85% over the financial year. Investors have been fighting to get hold of the technology company's shares due to the strong performance and equally strong potential of its software-as-a-service business.
The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price has risen 83% over the last 12 months. The shipbuilder's shares have been storming higher thanks to growing demand for its services from the U.S. Navy.
The Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) share price is up an impressive 78% over the period. The infection control specialist's shares have been on the charge due to a very strong half year result and the company's increasingly positive outlook.
