listed Xero hits two-month high on first-half revenue gain, announces buyback
** Shares of ASX-listed Xero XRO.AX rise as much as 12%, hitting their highest level since September 4
** The cloud accounting software provider posted first-half revenue of NZ$1.75 billion ($973.18 million), compared to NZ$1.19 billion the previous year
** Co also announced A$1 billion share buyback
** Stock is top gainer on tech sub-index .AXIJ, adding to the benchmark's 0.9% rise
** Analysts at Citi rate the stock "buy"
** Stock down 33% YTD, including sessions' moves
($1 = 1.7982 New Zealand dollars)