The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form on Thursday and charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.7% to 7,257.7 points.
Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:
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Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)
The Collins Foods share price is up 6.5% to $12.76. Investors have been buying the quick service restaurant operator's shares after it announced an agreement with KFC Europe. According to the release, Collins Foods will become KFC's corporate franchisee in the Netherlands. This means Collins Foods has the rights to develop, manage, and operate the KFC business in the country. The agreement provides a framework for the development of up to 130 new KFC restaurants over a 10-year period.
Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)
The Pilbara Minerals share price is up 6% to $1.98. The catalyst for this rise was the release of an update on its Ngungaju Plant. The release reveals that the lithium miner has now started the commissioning of the plant after a period in care and maintenance. Management expects the old Altura Mining operation's production to increase to approximately 180,000 to 200,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) from mid-2022 onward.
Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL)
The Sezzle share price has jumped 9% to $5.38. Investors have been buying this buy now pay later (BNPL) provider's shares after US retail giant Target launched Sezzle's BNPL service across its store network. The two parties signed a three-year deal earlier this year. Affirm is also being offered to Target's customers.
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)
The Super Retail share price is up over 7% to $12.33. This strong gain appears to have been driven by a bullish broker note out of UBS. According to the note, UBS has upgraded the retailer's shares to a buy rating with a $13.50 price target. The broker believes Super Retail is well-placed to benefit from an increase in consumer spending post-lockdowns.
