The last financial year was a reasonably subdued one for Australian investors.
During the 12 months, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recorded a gain of around 3%. However, with dividends, the total return lifts to around 7%.
The good news is that some ASX 200 shares outperformed this significantly. Here are three which rose by over 250% in FY 2026:
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Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)
The EOS share price was a very strong performer in FY 2026. During the year, the defence and space company's shares rocketed an incredible 256% over the 12 months. This was driven by a series of major contract wins for its counter-drone technologies. This includes the recent announcement of a US$124 million (~A$175 million) order for its Slinger Counter-Drone Remote Weapon System (RWS) from Generation 5 Holding in the UAE. In addition to this, EOS made the major acquisition of MARSS, which is already delivering the goods for management. In the middle of May, management advised that the combined EOS and MARSS business had an order book of unconditional secured contracts of $726 million.
Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)
The Minerals 260 share price was among the best performers on the Australian share market during the financial year with a gain of 508%. Investors have been fighting to get hold of the gold developer's shares following strong drilling updates from its 100% owned 4.5Moz Bullabulling Gold Project, which is located 25km west of Coolgardie in Western Australia. Combined with a strong gold price lifting sentiment in the sector, the market appears to believe that this ASX 200 share was significantly undervalued a year ago.
PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)
The PLS share price was on form in FY 2026, delivering an impressive 270% return for investors. Investors have been bidding this lithium miner's shares higher after the price of the battery-making ingredient surged on strong demand and tight supply. This has put the company in a position to deliver huge profit growth in FY 2026. For example, during the first half, PLS posted a 47% jump in revenue to $624 million and a 241% lift in underlying EBITDA to $253 million. And on the bottom line, the company posted a net profit after tax of $33 million, which was a big change from its $69 million loss in the prior corresponding period.
