These were the best-performing shares on the ASX 200 last week

The Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) share price and the Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX:APT) share price were amongst the best performers on the ASX 200 index last week…

| 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

The S&P/ASX 200 index returned to form last week thanks to easing trade war tensions and recorded a gain of 1.3% to finish it at 6,604.2 points.

Whilst a large portion of the index pushed higher, a number of shares performed significantly better than most last week.

Here's why these shares were the best performers on the ASX 200 index last week:

The Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 index last week with a massive 35.6% gain. Investors were fighting to get hold of the infection control specialist's shares after the release of an impressive full year result. In FY 2019 Nanosonics reported record full year sales of $84.3 million and operating profit before tax of $16.8 million. This was a 39% and 201% increase, respectively, on the prior corresponding period. Pleasingly, management appears confident that there will be more market share gains and strong sales growth in FY 2020.

The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) share price was on form again last week with a gain of 26.2%. The release of a stronger than expected full year result was the catalyst for this hefty rise. In FY 2019 the buy now pay later platform provider reported a 140% lift in underlying sales to $5.2 billion, an 86% increase in total income to $264.1 million, and a 93% jump in a net transaction margin to $136.5 million. One big positive was the company's strong start to life in the UK. Afterpay has on-boarded over 200,000 UK customers in the first 15 weeks. This is an even more successful launch than in the United States. Finally, news that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with payments giant VISA also went down well with investors.

The Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) share price zoomed 22.3% higher last week. This was the second week in a row that the health imaging company's shares have been amongst the best performers and has been driven by its impressive increase in profits in FY 2019. A week earlier the company announced a full year profit of $19.1 million, which was 91.9% higher than the prior corresponding period. This led to analysts at Morgans upgrading its shares to an add rating with a $32.79 price target.

The Ausdrill Limited (ASX: ASL) share price rose a sizeable 15% last week. Investors were buying the mining services company's shares after it released its full year results and revealed a 14.2% increase in revenue to $1,970 million and a 15.4% lift in underlying EBIT to $217 million. Ausdrill's strong performance was given a boost by the successful acquisition and integration of leading underground mining contractor, Barminco.

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 Nanosonics Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nanosonics Limited. 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

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Why Droneshield, Meteoric Resources, Mount Gibson, and Tyro shares are charging higher

These shares are having a good time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Ten smiling business people wave to the camera after receiving some winning company news.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX was back in the black this Tuesday.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why DroneShield, Hansen, Hub24, and Paladin Energy shares are racing higher today

These shares are having a strong session. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Man on a laptop thinking.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors weren't in a good mood this Monday.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why Abacus Storage King, DroneShield, Hansen, and Macquarie Technology shares are charging higher

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

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors finished the trading week on a sour note today.

Read more »

Happy teen friends jumping in front of a wall.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week

Investors are sending these four ASX 200 stocks soaring this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Share Gainers

Why IGO, Johns Lyng, Lynas, and Web Travel shares are pushing higher today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »