It has been a disappointing day for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO). In afternoon trade the benchmark index is down 0.6% to 5,839 points due largely to declines in the energy sector.
Despite the index sinking lower, four shares in particular have managed to make notably strong gains today. Here's why:
The Alcidion Group Ltd (ASX: ALC) share price has jumped 7% to 7.6 cents after the exciting health informatics company announced a $2.3 million contract with Western Health. The contract will see Western Health utilise Alcidion's technology across their public hospital facilities in the western suburbs of Melbourne. For a full breakdown of what this fast-growing company does, I would suggest a read of this article.
The Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE) share price has climbed 3.5% to $3.26 after the company revealed that it is the subject of a potential takeover plot. According to the release Sentinel Health Trust is interested in turning its 4.99% stake in the company into a controlling position.
The JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) share price is up 3.5% to $25.25 after the retailer reported an impressive 8.2% increase in comparable sales for the quarter ending March 31, excluding its Good Guys business. In light of this, management reiterated full-year underlying profit growth of between 31.4% and 35.4%.
The St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price has jumped 3.5% to $2.71 despite the spot gold price remaining relatively flat at US$1,253 an ounce. Today's jump is likely to be attributable to a research note out of Macquarie which revealed that its analysts have reiterated their outperform rating on its shares. Whilst I think St Barbara is a quality gold miner, I feel the gold price could come under pressure this year. For this reason I would avoid the industry.
