In afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is lower by 0.2% to 5,805 points, with declines in the materials and energy sectors weighing on the index.
Four shares in particular have defied the market today and look set to finish the week with strong gains. Here's why:
The Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK) share price is 5% higher to $7.56 following the release of its half-year results. Although revenue rose just 1% to $396 million, the company swung from a $4 million loss in prior period to a first-half profit of $42 million. Whilst business is clearly improving, I think at 25x earnings its shares offer limited upside from here.
The PMP Limited (ASX: PMP) share price has rocketed higher by 11% to 73 cents after the company announced that the ACCC would not block its proposed merger with IPMG. The printing company's share price tumbled in December when the ACCC voiced concerns over the merger. But with the ACCC now supportive of the plan, PMP and IPMG are free to create an industry giant.
The Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) share price has jumped 5% to $1.81 despite there being no news out of the gold miner. Many of Australia's leading gold miners are finishing the week strong after the gold price rebounded from its midweek decline. But with the U.S. Federal Reserve signalling that rate rises are on the way sooner rather than later, I don't expect it will be long until we see significant pressure on the gold price.
The SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) share price has climbed 4.5% to $15.61 after the job listings company announced its plan to privatise its U.S.-listed Zhaopin business with private equity firms Hillhouse Capital Group and FountainVest Partners. The company expects to retain the same controlling interest post-privatisation. I think this is a great decision by the company and hope to see the transaction complete.
