Today was another positive day for the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO), which ended the day up 0.55% at 5,136 points.
The following four companies significantly outperformed the market though, and here's why:
Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX) skyrocketed 34% to $0.47 after an 'Operational Update' was released to the market this morning. It revealed reductions in operating cash burn thanks to divestments, as well as a cash balance of equivalent to $0.32 per share. Discussions with both the US Department of Energy and partner GE-Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment are ongoing, and management remains committed to commercialising its SILEX uranium enrichment technology, believing this is the best way to deliver returns to shareholders.
Including today's rise, Silex shares are down 17% in the past 12 months.
Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) rose 5% to $2.41 on no news today. Mesoblast made headlines after a US analyst firm declared the stock had 'blockbuster' potential, and shares have virtually doubled since that date. Long-term shareholders will be no stranger to volatile price swings, with Mesoblast trading above $6 per share not so long ago. As yet, Mesoblast remains unprofitable and the future of the company hinges in part on upcoming results from its product trials.
Mesoblast shares are down 38% in the past 12 months.
Billabong International Limited (ASX: BBG) leapt 12% to $1.65 on no news and average volume today, in what looks to be a case of bargain hunting after shares hit a 52-week low of $1.28 earlier this week. Billabong recently disappointed investors by posting a loss of $1.6m for the six months to 31 December 2015, compared to a profit of $26m in the prior corresponding period.
Billabong shares are down 47% in the past 12 months.
Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) jumped 7% to $2.44 today on no news, after trading as high as $2.55 earlier in the session. While there was no apparent catalyst for the rise, Adairs' shares experienced something of a sell-off in recent weeks and yesterday's announcement of a director buying an additional 20,000 shares may have reassured shareholders. Adairs recently reported a Net Profit After Tax of $13m for the '26 weeks' (half-year) to 27 December 2015, as well as a dividend of 5 cents per share.
Adairs shares are down 4% since listing mid last year.
