In the last 30 days there have been a couple of shares in particular on the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) which have stood out with strong gains.
March was very kind to the shareholders of these two shares, but will April prove to be just as kind, or could things be about to take a turn for the worse?
The two shares are as follows:
Fairfax Media Limited (ASX: FXJ)
In the last month the share price of Fairfax Media has climbed by a huge 13% off its 52-week low, regaining a large portion of its declines so far in 2016.
Things do appear to be picking up for Fairfax Media. It was reported on Thursday in the Sydney Morning Herald that Fairfax publications had reached 11 million people through its sites and apps in February.
If the company can maintain this strong performance then there is a good chance that we may see a boost to its advertising revenue in its full year results.
Despite this, I wouldn't expect a repeat performance of last month in April. The shares were on the cheap side a month ago, whereas now they look about fair value at 13 times estimated FY2016 earnings.
McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS)
The shares of McMillan Shakespeare are up over 10% in the last month on the back of news that it has been appointed as a vehicle leasing partner for the New South Wales government.
This appointment meant the salary packaging and vehicle leasing administration company became one of six companies able to compete for the financing of 22,000 government-owned vehicles.
Similar to Fairfax Media, its shares had been down close to 52-week lows prior to the announcement. This rally has taken the shares well and truly off those lows now, but still some distance from its 52-week highs.
However, I wouldn't expect any significant moves higher from the shares for now. There is the threat of the federal budget being brought forward and an early double dissolution election.
There are concerns over the future of salary packaging and fringe benefits tax. A new budget could bring about regulatory changes which negatively impacts the company's business model. Until the budget is out of the way, I would expect subdued buying of McMillan Shakespeare's shares.
Foolish takeaway
Both shares performed fantastically well in March, but I'm a little sceptical over their prospects in April after climbing high so quickly. I would be more inclined to look at a share like Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) or the share mentioned below.
