Share markets in both Australia and the United States are in a skittish mood.
The slightest nudge, through a new economic statistic or a few words from the head of the central bank, can send stocks plummeting or skyrocketing.
The last few weeks have been especially brutal for ASX shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) plunging 6.6% since 21 April.
Yikes.
In such scary and volatile times, it's worth looking back at the companies that changed our lives.
They once improved the way Australians do things so much that now we can't imagine living without them.
Those "disruptors" could point to ASX shares that could roar back when markets return to optimism.
Image source: Getty Images
Disruptors that 'revolutionised' our lives
According to financial commentator Bob Kohut, there are three ASX-listed companies that fit the "disruptors" bill:
Carsales shares have risen more than 400% since listing in 2009, while Seek has gained a massive 950% since its 2005 float.
The REA stock price has skyrocketed more than 11,700% since 1999.
"Here in Australia, three companies revolutionised not only the way consumers bought homes and cars and found jobs, but also the way the businesses selling these commodities grabbed consumer attention," Kohut said on The Bull.
"All three were founded in the mid-1990s."
Despite the stereotype of growth stocks keeping all their earnings for reinvestment back into the business, all three ASX shares have consistently paid out dividends over the past decade.
Bright future for the trio
And all three ASX shares have faced disruptor challengers themselves, and seen them off.
"[Seek] has broadened its scope to include Seek Learning, offering educational opportunities as well as Seek Business for the selling of business and franchising opportunities, and an investment vehicle – the Seek Growth Fund," said Kohut.
"REA considers itself as much a technology company as a media company as through the years the company has used technology to provide value-added services for its entire customer base."
Kohut noted, despite the spectacular growth over two decades, analysts feel like it has "petrol left in its tank".
"In FY 2020, the company saw a slight dip in revenue while still increasing its profit before rising again in FY 2021 with an 18% increase in profit and a 13% revenue increase," he said.
"Half-year 2022 results continue unabated, with revenues rising 25% and NPAT [net profit after tax] up 33%."
Carsales' latest results were a "cause for investor optimism", Kohut added.
"Both reported revenue and profit were up 22% with the largest growth (38%) coming from private sellers and buyers, due in part to a reduction in use of public transport, international travel, and work commuting."
