I think this ONE factor gives ASX shares a huge chance to make big returns

Want strong returns? I'd look for this characteristic to help.

| More on:
A young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beach

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

I love investing in ASX shares that have lots of growth potential. Of course, we'd love all of our investments to be big winners. There's one factor that I think can really help.

When I look at some of the better performers in the S&P/ASX 100 (ASX: XTO) over the last decade, I'm thinking about names like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) and Altium Limited (ASX: ALU).

There's one element they all have in common.

International growth

The one thing that ties all of those businesses together is that they have significant international growth earnings and can grow a lot more globally.

Australia and New Zealand are great countries, but we're talking about a total population of around 32 million. There are billions more potential customers in other countries, or lots of other businesses and governments, for ASX shares to tap into.

Xero would probably be a lot smaller without its northern hemisphere subscribers and the possibility of more growth there.

Macquarie would likely be a much smaller investment bank without its operations in other regions.

WiseTech would probably be a smaller software business if it only dealt with the Australian and New Zealand divisions of the global logistics businesses.

Goodman would probably be smaller without the ability to build warehouses beyond the domestic markets it's in here.

Businesses that have a good product or service, and can successfully take that overseas, give themselves a much bigger growth runway because of the larger total addressable market.

Look for the next ASX share winners

The market is very aware of the growth story of the ASX 100 share names that I've already talked about. They can continue to do well, but they're certainly priced for the success they're expected to achieve in the short term.

I think some of the next big winners will be ones that have smaller market capitalisations but the ability to become much larger thanks to their addressable market and the trajectory they're headed in.

That's why I like names like Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV), Johns Lyng Group Ltd (ASX: JLG), Frontier Digital Ventures Ltd (ASX: FDV), Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART), Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) and Close The Loop Ltd (ASX: CLG).

But there are plenty of others that could deliver on their international growth potential.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Altium, Close The Loop, Johns Lyng Group, and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Altium, CSL, Cochlear, Frontier Digital Ventures, Goodman Group, Johns Lyng Group, Lovisa, Macquarie Group, SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Close The Loop, Cochlear, Frontier Digital Ventures, Goodman Group, Johns Lyng Group, and Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Opinions

Boys making faces and flexing.
Opinions

3 ASX 300 shares to buy and hold for the long run

I believe these stocks have loads of growth potential.

Read more »

two racing cars battle to take first place on a formula one track with one tailing the the leader and looking to overtake the car.
Opinions

Down 21% in 2024. This ASX 300 stock looks like a money-making monster

Profits are expected to plunge, but the future could still be bright.

Read more »

Big percentage sign with a person looking upwards at it.
Opinions

Why ASX investors should 'ditch the fixation' with interest rates

How important are interest rates?

Read more »

Emotional euphoric young woman giving high five to male partner, celebrating family achievement, getting bank loan approval, or financial or investing success.
Opinions

The smartest ASX dividend share to buy with $2,000 right now

I think this is a smart passive income choice today for several reasons.

Read more »

Three young people in business attire sit around a desk and discuss.
Opinions

Want to start investing? These 3 ETFs can be a great first step

The first step can be the most important, but it doesn't need to the hardest.

Read more »

A young boy in a business suit lifts his glasses above his eyes and gives a big wide mouthed smile to the camera with a stock market board in the background.
Opinions

Is the ASX now entering the 'best period for sharemarket returns'?

The ASX share market could be a great place to be invested.

Read more »

A man in business pants, a shirt and a tie lies in the shallows of a beautiful beach as he consults his laptop on the shore, just out of the water's reach.
Opinions

1 ASX stock I bought for my superannuation fund and another I'm planning to buy

I believe in these ASX shares for the long-term.

Read more »

A smiling man take a big bite out of a burrito
Opinions

3 reasons the Guzman y Gomez (GYG) share price could still be a buy

Here’s why I think spicy growth could continue.

Read more »