Despite a disappointing end to the week, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was able to record a strong gain last week. The benchmark index rose 1.4% to end the period at 7,217.3 points.
While a good number of shares climbed higher with the market, some rose more than most. Here's why these were the best performing ASX 200 shares:
Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)
The Flight Centre share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 last week with an 18.6% gain. Investors were buying the travel agent's shares amid optimism that the reopening of Australia's international borders will be a boost to its performance. For the same reason, the Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price rose 17.5% and the Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price jumped 12.9% last week.
Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU)
The Computershare share price was on form last week and stormed 11.1% higher. Investors were buying the stock transfer company's shares after its first half update impressed the market. Computershare delivered a 4.6% increase in management revenue to US$1.2 billion and a 4.5% lift in management earnings per share to 22.76 US cents. This was ahead of even the company's expectations, which led to management upgrading its full year earnings per share growth guidance from 2% to 9%.
Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)
The Viva Energy share price wasn't far behind with a 10.9% gain. This was despite there being no news out of the fuel retailer. Investors may have been buying shares ahead of its full year results release this month. Management expects to report a profit in the range of $470 million and $490 million. The mid-point of this guidance range represents a 96% year on year increase.
Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)
The Graincorp share price was a strong performer and climbed 8.9% over the five days. This was driven by the release of a trading update from the grain exporter. According to the release, GrainCorp expects its underlying net profit after tax to come in at $235 million to $280 million in FY 2022. This will be up 69% to 100% over the $139 million it reported in FY 2021.
