The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) has started the week off on the back foot, losing 0.66% to 5,394 points.
The healthcare and energy sectors have been the hardest hit sectors today, with the financials and telecommunications sectors showing some resilience to the broader market sell-off.
Four shares that have managed to buck today's broader market trend, include:
Perseus Mining Limited (ASX: PRU)
Shares of Perseus Mining have spiked more than 11.4% today after the gold producer reported better-than-expected production figures for the September quarter. A significant improvement in productivity achieved at the company's Edikan gold mine resulted in a 9% increase in gold production over the prior quarter and allowed Perseus to maintain its half-year production guidance of 80,000-100,000 ounces. Investors would also be pleased with the sizeable fall in production costs during the quarter, which came in 6% below the June quarter.
Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia (ASX: GMA)
Shares of the Australian mortgage insurer have climbed nearly 2% today after its parent company, Genworth Financial, Inc., was purchased by China Oceanwide Holdings for US$2.7 billion. Although the transaction means Genworth Australia will have a new major shareholder on its register (pending the necessary regulatory approvals), the company does not expect any material changes to its day-to-day operations.
Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API)
Shares of the pharmaceutical wholesaler and pharmacy retailer have climbed 2.9% today in what appears to be a delayed reaction to last week's better-than-expected FY16 result. API managed to increase its earnings per share (EPS) by 20.5% and, at the same time, boost its full year dividend by 33%. The strong result was driven primarily by its Priceline Pharmacy brand, and with plans to open a further 20 stores over the coming year, investors may expect another strong performance in FY17.
Yowie Group Ltd (ASX: YOW)
Shares of Yowie have spiked by as much as 6.3% today after the confectionary company released a solid September quarterly report. Net sales reached a new quarterly company record of US$4.9M, an increase of 104% on the prior corresponding period. Pleasingly, the company also received its highest quarterly cash receipts from sales since inception. Although Yowie is yet to turn a profit and is still operating cashflow negative, the company remains well funded with $30.5 million of cash at the end of the latest quarter.
