Afterpay and these ASX 200 shares have doubled in value in 12 months

The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX:APT) share price has been one of the best performers on the ASX 200 over the last 12 months along with…

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It certainly has been a great 12 months for the Australian share market. Since this time last year the S&P/ASX 200 index has carved out a gain of approximately 7% excluding dividends.

If you include dividends into the equation, this return stretches to around 11% over the period.

Whilst this is a great return, especially in this low interest rate environment, some shares on the benchmark index have performed even better.

Here's why these three shares have more than doubled in value since this time last year:

The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has zoomed a massive 212% higher over the last 12 months. The buy now, pay later platform provider's shares have been on fire thanks to its highly successful expansion into the United States market. Afterpay has made great strides in the United States and looks to be replicating its Australian success in a market many times bigger. In addition to this, its upcoming launch in the United Kingdom has caught the eye of investors, who believe it could be the next driver of growth.

The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has risen a sizeable 138% since this time last year. Investors have been snapping up the shares of the global leader in the development of high-quality, human annotated datasets for machine learning and artificial intelligence since the release of an impressive full year result in February. Due to the accelerating AI market and the high and growing demand for quality training data, Appen delivered a 153% increase in underlying EBITDA to $71.3 million in FY 2018. The good news is that this strong form looks set to continue with management appearing confident that it will deliver another bumper profit result this year.

The Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price has been the best performer on the ASX 200 over the last 12 months with an impressive 253% gain. The aerial imagery technology and location data company's shares have charged higher thanks to a strong FY 2018 result and an even stronger half year result in FY 2019. In the first half of the financial year the company achieved revenue of $36.3 million, which was a 46% increase on the prior corresponding period. It also reported a massive 123% increase in total subscriber lifetime value to $1.07 billion. Looking ahead, this key metric could be given another lift if the company can successfully execute its plan to expand into other countries.

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nearmap Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Gainers

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 34% on strong earnings growth

Investors just sent this ASX All Ords stock surging 34%. Here’s what’s happening.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Dimerix, Newmont, Regal Partners, and Titomic shares are storming higher

These shares are having a good finish to the week. Let's see why.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
Share Gainers

Why Fortescue, Lynas, PEXA, and Regis Healthcare shares are charging higher

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Gainers

Why Capricorn Metals, Insignia, Perseus Mining, and Qoria shares are storming higher

These shares are having a strong session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Amaero, AMP, Block, and South32 shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week on a positive note. But why?

Read more »

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another momentous session for ASX shares this Friday.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Share Gainers

Why BHP, Catalyst Metals, Mesoblast, and Pilbara Minerals shares are shooting higher

These shares are ending the week with a bang. But why?

Read more »

Doctor doing a telemedicine using laptop at a medical clinic
Healthcare Shares

The Mesoblast share price just rocketed 38%! Here's why

ASX investors just sent the Mesoblast share price up 38%. But why?

Read more »