4 shares soaring on the ASX today

A topsy-turvy day sees the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.2% heading into the close

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It's been a rollercoaster day on the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) today, although the market does look like finishing up at the close.

In late afternoon trading the index was at 5,283 – up 0.2%.

These four companies have seen their share prices soar…

Adacel Technologies Limited (ASX: ADA) has seen its share price gain 4.9% to $2.885. Adacel develops simulation software and air traffic control trainers for a variety of customers including defence and obviously airports. The company reported strong performance from new and expanded orders in April, although I note two directors and a substantial shareholder have been selling shares in May. Adacel was nominated as a stock with huge potential by Motley Fool General Manager Bruce Jackson in November 2015 – when the share price was at $1.40.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) has seen its share price rise 4.2% to $1.72, which is a remarkable comeback considering the miner still faces heavy headwinds in the form of low commodity prices for many of its products. South32 saw its share price sink as low as 87 cents in January.

Spinoffs often outperform their parents, and South32 certainly has done that compared to BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) over the past 12 months. South32's share price is down 8.7%, while BHP has lost 34% of its value.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is up 4.1% to $2.54. The translation, speech and search technology company has seen its share price soar more than 250% over the past year, after quadrupling its net profit in FY 2015. Having offshore earnings has helped as has the company's forecast of earnings growth in the high teens for the 2016 financial year (FY16).

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA) share price has jumped 3.7% to $59.72. The real estate portal company is expanding its operations into Asia and the US and results so far indicate those two markets could be bigger money winners than realestate.com.au in the years ahead. REA has also branched out into complementary services, acquiring flatmates.com.au in May. Flatmates.com.au – as you might imagine – is a site for share accommodation.

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned. You can follow Mike on Twitter @TMFKinga The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »