If you invested $10,000 in this ASX defence stock 1 year ago, here’s how much you’d have now

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are charging higher again on Tuesday.

The stock is up 7.2% to $10.72, adding to a powerful run over the past week. Gains are now pushing close to 20% across just a few sessions.

Zoom out, and the move becomes far more extreme.

One year ago today, EOS shares closed at $1.175. What has followed since then is one of the most aggressive re-ratings seen on the ASX in recent years.

Why the market piled in

The backdrop has been building for a number of months.

Global defence spending is rising, and the shift is not for the short-term. Governments are committing more capital to counter-drone systems, automated weapons, and high-energy laser capability.

EOS sits directly in that firing line.

The company has built a contract base that is starting to carry real weight. It finished FY25 with an unconditional order book of around $459 million, giving clear visibility into future work.

New orders have continued to land, particularly across remote weapon systems. At the same time, the pipeline for high-energy laser contracts has kept attention locked in.

Funding has also been addressed, with a $100 million facility now in place to support growth.

The swings have been just as big

Earlier this year, EOS shares collapsed toward $5 after a short-seller report triggered a loss of confidence.

That drop was followed by a rapid recovery as new contracts, funding support, and operational updates came through.

More recently, the stock pulled back from its March peak near $11.80 before pushing higher again this week.

That pattern has repeated several times. Very fast moves up, resets, then another push higher.

Why momentum is still holding

The key difference now sits in the underlying position of the business.

There is a larger order book, more contract wins coming through, and stronger funding support than what existed a year ago.

Demand is also being driven by factors outside the company’s control. Defence budgets are rising globally, and counter-drone capability has become a priority.

That keeps attention on companies already operating in those segments.

What $10,000 would be worth today

A $10,000 investment at $1.175 would have bought roughly 8,510 shares.

At today’s price of $10.72, that holding would now be worth about $91,200. That is a gain of more than 800% in 12 months.

Put another way, the position has added more than $80,000 in value over a single year.

Moves of that size are rare on the ASX, especially over such a short period. It shows how quickly sentiment and expectations can shift.

Foolish takeaway

EOS has delivered one of the biggest runs on the ASX over the past year.

The gains have been backed by rising demand, contract momentum, and a shift in how the market values the business.

Volatility remains high, but so does attention.

From here, the focus shifts to delivery and whether the next leg can match what has already played out.

The post If you invested $10,000 in this ASX defence stock 1 year ago, here’s how much you’d have now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Will EOS shares ever go back to $5?
• Why are shares in this ASX defence company tanking today?
• Why this ASX defence stock could be one to watch on Tuesday morning
• EOS shares rebound after a surprise twist in its South Korean laser deal
• What is Bell Potter saying about DroneShield and EOS shares this week?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.