How one ASX investor turned $156k into $12 million

This is how one punter multiplied his money 77 times in just 3 years. But his controversial strategy is not for the faint-hearted.

| More on:
A young entrepreneur boy catching money at his desk, indicating growth in the ASX share price or dividends

Image source: Getty Images

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

Picking a 10-bagger is what all investors dream of. How good would it be if you can turn $10 into $100?

It's like you won the lottery. And some people achieve this with ASX shares over many years of playing the long game.

But one punter managed to do even better, turning $156,000 into $12 million in just 3 years on the ASX. That's a 77-bagger!

Marcus Today director Marcus Padley told his podcast listeners that one of his subscribers wrote to him this month.

The investor recalled that he had met Padley at an investment seminar in 2018, where they talked about lithium stocks.

"You said there's a lot to be said for focusing on ONE company alone and know everything there is to know," the email to Padley said.

"I did that."

That strategy has worked out pretty well for the investor.

He initially bought $156,000 of Kidman Resources Limited. The mining company is no longer listed after it was acquired by Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) in late 2019.

The investor sold out for $800,000, which was a nice 413% return.

"I was supposed to pay off debt… but put into Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) instead," the investor wrote.

"That investment hit $12 million yesterday."

Indeed Liontown shares have gone from 4 cents in May 2019 to now 64 cents. That's a 1500% gain.

The 'one stock portfolio' method

Putting massive amounts of money into just one stock would frighten most investors. But Padley has long been an advocate of the "one stock portfolio".

He believes knowing nothing about 20 companies is much worse than getting to know one business intimately.

"If you were to buy one stock, you're going to watch every move. You'll go to every company presentation, get to know the CEO, get to know the other shareholders… You're going to watch the drivers and pick up on anything that's relevant to that stock."

Padley reckons with so much at stake, the investor will be more risk-averse, not less.

"You're going to be sensitive to bad news, you're going to be in touch with it everyday," he said.

"So with one stock it's not necessarily more risky at all, or more short-term. It's actually less risky because you've got your head in the game and you've only got one stock to focus on after all."

As for the punter, he sent Padley a photo of him posing with the chief executive of his money maker.

"I can tell you his licence plate number is 'LTR' — Liontown," said Padley.

"I don't think I'd ever get excited enough to have 'the NAB' on my licence plate, I have to say."

According to Padley, diversification is a false idol that's been proselytised by "lazy" financial advisors.

"In the remote wilderness of portfolio construction, we have a lot of gurus — but there is one religion: it's called diversification," he said.

"It underperforms in the good times, outperforms in the bad times, but it still doesn't perform anyway."

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Investing Strategies

The letters ETF on wooden cubes with golden coins on top of the cubes and on the ground
Defensive Shares

Bolster your ASX stock portfolio with these two defensive ETFs

These ETFs can help you sleep at night...

Read more »

Senior man wearing glasses and a leather jacket works on his laptop in a cafe.
Defensive Shares

Overinvested in Woolworths shares? Here are two alternative defensive ASX shares

These businesses offer strong and defensive earnings.

Read more »

Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.
Dividend Investing

Here's how I would build a $100,000 dividend portfolio for maximum passive income today

These ten stocks will pay you handsomely to own them...

Read more »

An older executive man dressed in suit trousers and a white shirt sits against a wall smiling with cash rains down over him representing dividend shares like BHP, FMG and Newcrest paying dividends in retirement
How to invest

How you can earn $10,000 a year in passive income from a $10k ASX 200 investment today!

Looking to boost your retirement with an extra $10,000 a year in passive income. Read on...

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Growth Shares

3 ASX growth shares you'll wish you bought in June

Analysts think these shares could be destined for big things in the future.

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Dividend Investing

Bell Potter names the best ASX dividend shares to buy in June

Bell Potter thinks these are among the best shares for income investors to buy right now.

Read more »

Father and daughter with hands on a small plant.
ETFs

Focused on growth? Here are 3 ASX ETFs to consider

Growth investors must ignore the current market noise about tariffs and focus on the long-term horizon.

Read more »

a man leans back in his chair with his arms supporting his head as he smiles a satisfied smile while sitting at his desk with his laptop computer open in front of him.
Dividend Investing

With a 5% dividend yield, why I think this leading ASX share is a buy

I think this business offers pleasing income with potential capital gains too.

Read more »