The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued start to the week. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 8,275.5 points.
Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are rising:
4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)
The 4DMedical share price is up over 3% to 48 cents. This morning, this respiratory imaging technology company announced a new partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine. The agreement allows the University's clinicians to utilise 4DMedical's comprehensive portfolio of structural and functional lung imaging products, including CT LVAS. Management notes that by signing this contract, it is accelerating the roll-out of its technology at important academic medical centres and with key opinion leaders. It also feels that it highlights the value of 4DMedical's comprehensive suite of imaging solutions that enhance clinical decision-making. However, the contract value is commercial-in-confidence.
Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)
The Brainchip share price is up 12.5% to 27 cents. Investors have been buying this semiconductor company's shares after it announced a licence agreement. The release reveals that Frontgrade Gaisler has licensed the company's Akida 1.0 Neuromorphic AI IP for incorporation into its space-grade, fault-tolerant, system-on-chip solutions for hardware AI acceleration across multiple product generations. Brainchip CEO, Sean Hehir, said: "This collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler to licence Akida IP for implementation into space SoCs represents an important step in space-based AI deployments, turning into reality what once was considered unattainable. We are pleased to expand on our trusted relationship with Frontgrade as they push the boundaries of space computing."
Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ)
The Meridian Energy share price is up 4% to $5.19. This follows the release of the energy company's monthly operating report for November. Meridian revealed that compared to November 2023, segment sales increased in residential +0.6%, agricultural +11.4%, and large business +7.8%. This offset decreases in small medium business by 1.1% and corporate by 1.8%. Meridian's retail sales volumes in November were +1.8% higher than November 2023.
Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)
The SCEE share price is up 2.5% to $1.45. This morning, this engineering company revealed that its Heyday and Trivantage Manufacturing subsidiaries have been awarded a range of projects totalling over $100 million. The company's managing director, Graeme Dunn, said: "I am pleased to be announcing our largest ever hospital contract award which builds on Heyday's longstanding record of successful delivery of projects in the healthcare sector. I also note the range of orders Trivantage Manufacturing has received which, together with its two awards that we announced to the ASX on 11 December 2024, means its order book is now at a record level."
