The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back on form at last in July. During the month, the benchmark index rose 5.7% to end at 6,945.2 points.

While a good number of shares rose with the market, some climbed more than most. Here’s why these were the best performing ASX 200 shares in July:

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 last month with a massive 159% gain. Investors were buying this buy now pay later provider’s shares after it scrapped its merger with rival Sezzle Ltd (ASX: SZL). Management believes that it will help the company become profitable sooner. This went down well with investors who were scrambling to buy its beaten down shares. Though, it is worth noting that the Zip share price is still down 83% over the last 12 months even after this gain.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

The Megaport share price was some way behind as the next best performer despite recording a very strong gain of 78%. As well as getting a lift from a rebounding tech sector, the release of a strong quarterly update got investors excited. Megaport reported a 13% increase in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) to $10.7 million and its first quarterly operating profit of $1 million.

St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM)

The St Barbara share price was on form and stormed 50% higher last month. This followed a decent quarterly update from the gold miner and news that it could be looking to bolster its business with M&A activity. St Barbara confirmed that it is in talks with gold explorer Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) about a potential merger. The gold miner sees possible synergies in the Leonora region of Western Australia.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

The Austal share price was a strong performer and sailed 49% higher during July. A good portion of this gain came at the start of the month following the release of a very positive announcement relating to a major contract win in the United States. According to the release, the shipbuilder has been awarded a contract with a potential value of US$3.3 billion (A$4.35 billion) for the detail design and construction of up to 11 Offshore Patrol Cutters for the United States Coast Guard.

The post These were the best performing ASX 200 shares in July appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares in July
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Friday
• Why is the Santos share price beating the ASX 200 on Friday?
• Why BrainChip, Fortescue, PointsBet, and Zip shares are dropping

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Austal Limited, MEGAPORT FPO, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. 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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