The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form in 2024 and rose approximately 7.5% to 8,159.1 points.
And including dividends, the benchmark index delivered a return in the region of 11.2%.
While this is a strong return and ahead of historical averages, it pales in comparison to some of the gains that were made by ASX 200 shares during the period.
Let's look at the five best performing shares on the index in 2024. They are as follows:
The Zip Co share price was far and away the strongest performer on the ASX 200 in 2024 with a stunning 363% gain. This would have turned a $5,000 investment in the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider's shares into approximately $23,000 today. This strong gain was driven by an impressive shift to profitable growth which underpinned a material re-rating in Zip's shares.
The Life360 share price was a very strong performer in 2024 and raced 198% higher during the period. The ASX 200 tech share caught the eye of investors after reporting stellar growth in all key metrics. This includes growing the location technology company's monthly active users (MAU) to a whopping 76.9 million. In addition, the secondary listing on the Nasdaq index appears to have given the company a lot of exposure to investors on Wall Street.
The Sigma Healthcare share price wasn't too far behind with a gain of 162% during the 12 months. Investors were scrambling to buy the Amcal owner's shares after it agreed to merge with industry giant Chemist Warehouse. And while the deal is not finalised just yet, it looks like a formality now after the ACCC gave the thumbs up.
The Pro Medicus share price was just a fraction behind with a gain of 161% in 2024. The health imaging technology company's shares were on fire after it reported more strong profit growth in FY 2024. In addition, investors were left gobsmacked by the ASX 200 share announcing a series of huge contract wins again thanks to strong demand for its industry leading Visage platform. One of those was a 10-year $330 million contract with Trinity Health.
The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price was a strong performer and charged 144% higher over the period. Investors were buying the radiopharmaceuticals company's shares after it once again reported strong Illuccix sales growth and made progress with regulatory approvals. In respect to the former, total revenue came in at approximately US$135 million (A$201 million) during the third quarter thanks primarily to the prostate cancer imaging product. This was an increase of 55% over the prior corresponding period.
The post These were the 5 best performing ASX 200 shares in 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Pro Medicus, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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