It has been another positive day of trade for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO). In afternoon trade the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 6,034 points.
Four shares that have climbed more than most today are listed below. Here's why they have posted strong gains today:
The James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) share price is up 4.5% to $19.79 after the building products company's second-quarter result beat expectations. Pleasingly, management expects its performance to continue to improve as the year progresses and has provided full-year operating profit guidance of between US$245 million and US$275 million.
The Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF) share price is higher by almost 6% to $9.22. The market has responded well to the crop protection and seed technologies company's plan to acquire FMC Corp's herbicide portfolio in Europe. Analysts at Morgans also appear bullish on the move. A note out of the broker revealed that it has retained its add rating and increased the price target on its shares to $10.30.
The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price has stormed 6% higher to an all-time high of 99 cents as investors continue to pile into the lithium miners. Whilst I think Pilbara Minerals is well-positioned to deliver strong earnings growth over the coming years, I would hold off an investment until its shares drop back a touch.
The Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX:VAH) share price has continued to climb higher and is up almost 8% to 23.7 cents. Investors appear pleased by its improved performance and talk of plans to privatise the airline in the future.
