After a couple of buoyant days of trading, the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) was flat today, rising 0.07% to 4,913 points.
A number of shares absolutely crushed the market however, and here's why:
Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) soared 28% to $2.82 after the company posted its interim results, revealing a modest revenue increase and a big lift in profit thanks to some one-off benefits. Underlying profit fell however, thanks to margin pressures and government fee cuts. Pleasingly for shareholders, volume growth continues in Primary's major business segments, although uncertainty remains about future cuts to government healthcare spending.
Primary shares are down 42% in the past 12 months.
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) shares leapt 6% to $55.50 after a cracking half-yearly report which showed the pizza enterprise lifting revenues by 30% and profit by 48%. Dividends grew, and shareholders also look set to see further improvement in the second half as recent acquisitions begin to contribute to earnings. However, Domino's price remains rather high even for a growth stock. The Motley Fool's director of research, Joe Magyer, recently wrote an article illustrating just how this is.
Domino's shares are up 54% in the past 12 months.
Blackmores Limited (ASX:BKL) shares rose 7% to $176 on no news and average volume today, possibly reflecting bargain hunting after a heavy month of selling; Blackmores shares lost 20% of their value in the past month. Strong price movements at competitors may also have played a part. Additionally, the vitamin seller is reporting its results next week which could lead to some buyers speculating on a positive outcome – Blackmores recently announced an expansion into Indonesia, which some investors expect could complement its ongoing Asian success.
Blackmores shares are up 309% in the past 12 months.
Monadelphous Group Limited (ASX: MND) jumped 11% to $6.52 today, following on from yesterday's 3% rise after the company released its interim results to the market. Although the results were not impressive, Monadelphous has been trading at a very low multiple of its earnings and is arguably not priced for a successful future. Despite recent contract wins, Monadelphous remains vulnerable to commodity price movements and its revenues and margins remain under pressure.
Monadelphous shares are down 31% in the past 12 months.
