In afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is on course to end its winning streak. At the time of writing the benchmark index is down 0.3% to 6,090.7 points.
Four shares that have defied the market decline today and pushed higher are listed below. Here's why these shares have stormed higher:
The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price is closing in on an all-time high and up 8.5% at lunch following the release of its half year results. In the first half the dairy and infant formula company posted a 41% increase in revenue to NZ$613.1 million and a 55.1% jump in net profit after tax to NZ$152.7 million.
The Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price has surged 11% higher to $27.86 after the corporate travel specialist posted a 23% increase in half year revenue to $212.2 million and a 20% lift in adjusted net profit to $42.6 million. This strong first half means the company is trading at top end of its guidance and on track to achieve full year EBITDA of $150 million, which will be a 20% increase on FY 2018's result.
The Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV) share price has rocketed 21% higher to $9.37 following the release of the jewellery retailer's half year results. In the first half Lovisa posted a 12.3% jump in revenue to $133.2 million and a 2.7% increase in net profit after tax to $25.5 million. Whilst this growth was reasonably subdued, the market may be pleased to hear that management is confident in its U.S. expansion and that its performance so far in the second half has been stronger.
The Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price has zoomed 12% higher to $2.68 after the aerial imagery company released its half year update. During the first half the company reported annualised contract value growth of 42% on the prior corresponding period. This was driven by the winning combination of an increase in subscribers and the average revenue per subscriber.
