The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) finished a short trading day 15 points, or 0.2%, lower. However, shares of the following four ASX shares ended the day firmly higher.
- NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) – up 2.63%
Shares of NIB Holdings ended the day higher, bucking the trend of the broader market and the insurance sector. Throughout 2015, NIB shares have been volatile after rising to nearly $3.90 in March before falling to a low of $3 in October. However, consistent profit and dividend growth has been a regular feature from NIB in recent years and likely played a part in helping NIB's share price lift 10% for the year. The positive return compares to the 10% fall in rival Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) throughout 2015.
- Yowie Group Ltd (ASX: YOW) – up 4.63%
In a day short of news, small-cap children's confectionery maker, Yowie Group, made a positive announcement to the market. Early this morning, Yowie Group, the owner of the once-popular Australian children's chocolate, which is currently rolling out across the US; announced a key manufacturing agreement with New York chocolate company, Madelaine. The deal, effective tomorrow, gives Yowie 100 million units of production capacity immediately, scrapping the prior manufacturing design arrangement with Florida-based Whetstone. Yowie also announced that its Middle East product trial was a success, and it is in discussion with major distributors.
- BC Iron Limited (ASX: BCI) – up 6.06%
It's been a tumultuous year for BC Iron shareholders and, more broadly, those exposed to commodity prices, particularly iron ore. The BC Iron share price, which is down from over 70 cents in January, climbed more than 6% to 10.5 cents on the final day of ASX trading in 2015. Earlier this week, Watpac Limited (ASX: WTP) responded to BC Iron's announcement last week that it had commenced legal proceedings against the mining services contractor by saying the matters will now, "progress through the court process."
- Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) – up 3.21%
Bega Cheese finished the year in spectacular fashion, climbing 20% over last five days. Further, since the beginning of October, the dairy products manufacturer soared more than 54% after the company announced an agreement with Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) for the production of infant formula products.
