Some of the most important investment advice that gurus such as Warren Buffett divulge includes the importance of not losing money and worrying about the downside risk first. These are definitely essential challenges which investors need to try and succeed at, but the importance of having some winners shouldn't be underestimated either.
A few big wins coupled with minimal losses can do wonders for your portfolio.
In the past year, two stocks which have provided outsized returns to shareholders have been Blue Sky Alternative Investments Ltd (ASX: BLA) and AMA Group Ltd (ASX: AMA).
While the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has produced a flat return, Blue Sky's share price has jumped 105%, while AMA's share price is up a staggering 223%.
Despite these enormous gains there are still good reasons to remain positive on the outlook for these two stocks.
Blue Sky Alternative Investments Ltd
Blue Sky operates in the underserviced area of alternative assets. In the 12 months to 30 June 2015 the manager grew its assets under management (AUM) from $700 million to $1.35 billion.
CEO and founder of Blue Sky, Mr Mark Sowerby, has swum the English Chanel which proves that he can remain seriously committed to a task. Sowerby has big ambitions for Blue Sky and has set a target for the group to achieve AUM of $2 billion by the end of calendar year 2016.
Anyone familiar with the success achieved by global equity manager Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) will understand the inherent leverage which can be achieved from a rapid rise in AUM.
AMA Group Ltd (ASX: AMA)
AMA operates a range of businesses which cater to the automotive aftermarket, however, by far the most exciting division is the company's panel repair business.
Under the leadership of CEO Ray Malone the group has undertaken a number of acquisitions including the recent $100 million takeover of Gemini Accident Repair Centres which has secured its market leadership position. With two dominant car insurers – Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) and Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) – the panel crash repair industry is set for a shake up and AMA is set to be a major player in the new industry structure.
