The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has followed the lead of international markets and is climbing higher again today. Currently the index is up around 0.5% to 5,514 points.
Whilst it has been the healthcare and industrials sectors doing a lot of the heavy lifting today, the following four shares have definitely played their part. Here's why they are climbing higher today:
Integrated Research Limited (ASX: IRI) shares have climbed 5% to $2.21 after it issued a profit guidance announcement to the market after it closed yesterday. The infrastructure and unified communications software developer revealed that it is expecting both record revenue and net profit after tax for the financial year ending 30 June 2016.
Integrated Research's share price is now up by around 2% year to date.
Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) shares rocketed higher by over 7% shortly after the market opened, before settling down to being up by over 2% to $2.11 currently. The jump in its share price was a result of the announcement that it had won approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for it to bid for rival wholesaler Home Timber and Hardware from Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW). I believe a successful bid would put it in a great position to compete with rival Bunnings.
Metcash shares have posted a fantastic 12 months and climbed over 84%.
Nanosonics Ltd. (ASX: NAN) shares are up almost 9% to $2.66 after the infection control company released its quarterly sales report. As you might have guessed from the market's reaction, it was a very positive report. The company delivered record sales of $15.1 million during the quarter, which was a 25% increase on the prior quarter. The great result was largely driven by the continued strong adoption of its Trophon EPR product in the North American market.
Nanosonics shares have climbed a huge 45% so far in 2016.
Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) shares are up by around 3% to $2.43 following an announcement by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that it would not oppose the $9 billion buyout of Asciano Ltd (ASX: AIO) by a consortium of companies. As part of the acquisition Qube Holdings will receive Asciano's Patrick Container Terminals business in a 50:50 joint venture. Management believes the transaction will be transformational for the company with significant benefits expected.
Qube Holdings' share price has now edged into positive territory with a 1% gain in 2016.
