The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form in June and charged approximately 1.3% higher over the period.
While this was a strong return, there were some ASX 200 shares that materially outperformed the benchmark index.
Let's see which were the best-performing shares during the month:
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)
The Zip share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 index in June with a gain of 55%. The catalyst for this was the release of a guidance update from the buy now pay later provider. Zip revealed that its cash earnings before tax and depreciation (EBTDA) is now expected to be at least $160 million for FY 2025. This is up from its prior EBTDA guidance of at least $153 million. Zip's CEO, Cynthia Scott, commented: "Zip's momentum has continued throughout May, particularly in the US where TTV has continued to grow above 40% year on year, reflecting the resilience of our business model and disciplined execution of our strategy."
Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW)
The Brickworks share price was on form and raced 25% higher over the month. Investors were buying this building products company's shares after it announced plans to merge with Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). The agreement will see Brickworks shareholders receive 0.82 shares in a newly formed entity, TopCo, for each share held. While this valued Brickworks shares at a 10.1% premium of $30.28 at the time, an increase in the Soul Patts share price has boosted its value further.
Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)
The Collins Foods share price wasn't far behind with a gain of 20% in June. This was driven by the release of the quick service restaurant operator's full year results for FY 2025. Collins Foods reported a 2.1% increase in sales to $1,519.5 million but a 14.8% decline in underlying net profit after tax to $51.1 million. However, the latter was ahead of the $44.3 million that analysts were expecting. Management also guided to net profit after tax growth in the low to mid-teens for FY 2026.
James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)
The James Hardie share price was on form and raced 18% higher during the month. Investors were buying this building products company's shares ahead of the closing of its proposed acquisition of AZEK Company. In addition, with its shares down in the dumps, it is possible that bargain hunters were also swooping in.
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)
The Santos share price was a strong performer and jumped 16% in June. This followed news that the energy giant received a non-binding indicative proposal from a consortium led by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), along with Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) and global private equity firm Carlyle. The consortium offered to acquire all outstanding Santos shares for US$5.76 per share (approximately A$8.89 per share at the time) in cash via a scheme of arrangement. This values Santos at A$30 billion.
