Over the last 12 months the All Ordinaries index has provided a return of approximately 3.4%. This return increases to 7.4% if you include dividends.
Whilst this is a solid return, it pales in comparison to some of the gains that constituents of the index have made over the same period.
Three shares which have more than doubled in value over the last 12 months are listed below. Here's why they have been on fire:
The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has been a big mover over the last 12 months, recording a gain of 132%. The global leader in the development of high-quality, human annotated datasets for machine learning and artificial intelligence has caught the eye of investors thanks to some stellar profit growth. In FY 2018 the company posted a massive 153% increase in underlying EBITDA to $71.3 million thanks to the accelerating AI market and the high and growing demand for quality training data. Pleasingly, with the growth of the AI market showing no signs of slowing, more of the same is expected in FY 2019.
The Helios Energy Ltd (ASX: HE8) share price has stormed a whopping 330% higher over the last 12 months. Investors have been scrambling to get hold of the Texas-focused oil and gas company's shares due to the enormous potential of its Presidio Oil Project. During the last quarter the company completed a one stage frack in one of its vertical wells to test oil shows and log indications. This was very successful, with a steadily increasing oil cut observed. These observations appear to be evidence of a new oil discovery. This could make Helios Energy one to watch.
The Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price has zoomed an incredible 308% higher over the last 12 months. The aerial imagery technology and location data company's shares have been in demand from investors after it delivered more strong growth in FY 2019. In the first half of FY 2019 Nearmap posted revenue of $36.3 million, up 46% on the prior corresponding period. It also reported a stunning 123% increase in total subscriber lifetime value to $1.07 billion. Another catalyst for its strong share price gain was its addition to the S&P/ASX 200 index in April. Nearmap's inclusion on the benchmark index is likely to have brought it onto the radar of fund managers with strict investment mandates.
