The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) has managed to rebound slightly today with a gain of 0.35% to 5,640 points.
The big miners and energy stocks are doing most of the heavy lifting along with Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and the utilities sector.
Four shares that have managed to post very strong gains today include:
Fairfax Media Limited (ASX: FXJ)
Shares of Fairfax have spiked more than 5.8% today after The Australian reported that a U.S. based private equity fund is interested in buying the media company's Australian assets. I suggest investors think twice about buying shares based on this type of speculation, especially since the identity of the potential buyer remains unknown.
GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD)
Shares of GUD have climbed more than 7% today after the retail conglomerate released its first half result. Despite reporting a number of significant items, the company managed to grow its underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) from continuing operations by 8% to $24.7 million. Investors are probably also pleased with the fact that management expects all business units to improve their performance in the second half and have re-affirmed their full-year guidance.
Virtus Health Ltd (ASX: VRT)
After crashing heavily yesterday, shares of Virtus have rebounded 3.5% today to $5.29. It comes after the fertility company announced that it had suffered a sharp decline in treatment cycles as a result of new low-cost competitors in the market. Although the shares now appear quite cheap, investors should remain a little cautious towards Virtus as the heightened level of competition means trading conditions are likely to remain challenging for some time.
Senex Energy Ltd (ASX: SXY)
Shares of Senex Energy have spiked more than 6.2% today after the company announced that specialist energy investor, EIG Global Energy Partners, has become a substantial shareholder following a $55 million placement. EIG will now hold a 12% stake in the business and will work with Senex to establish a funding model to accelerate the development of the company's flagship Western Surat Gas project. Senex is also offering a share purchase plan (SPP) for retail investors which will be capped at $40 million.
