Centurion's non-executive director increases interest

FOR the four local trading sessions that spanned Aug 7 to 13, the Straits Times Index (STI) gained 1.4 per cent, with the Nikkei 225 Index, Hang Seng Index and S&P/ASX 200 Index averaging a five-day 1.3 per cent gain. This has brought the STI's decline in total return for the 2020 year to Aug 13 to 17.1 per cent.

Over the four sessions, the iEdge S-Reit Leaders Index declined 0.4 per cent, bringing its decline in total return for the 2020 year to Aug 13 to 5.9 per cent.

Share buybacks

With earnings season in full swing, there were just three primary-listed stocks conducting share buybacks over the four sessions with a total consideration of S$113,235 compared to the S$54,917 from the preceding week.

Director and substantial shareholder transactions

Earnings focus meant the four trading sessions again saw less than 50 changes in director interests and substantial shareholdings, filed for half as many primary-listed stocks.

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This included seven company director acquisitions, with two disposals filed, and substantial shareholders filing six acquisitions and two disposals.

Centurion Corporation

On Aug 12, Centurion Corporation non-executive director Han Seng Juan increased his interest in Centurion Corporation from 55.43 per cent to 55.50 per cent.

The acquisition saw Mr Han acquire 550,000 shares of the listed company for a consideration of S$192,500 at an average price of 35 cents per share.

On Aug 11, Centurion Corporation reported net profit growth of 16 per cent for H1FY20 (ended June 30) due to strong Q1FY20 growth, while Covid-19 had impacted Q2FY20, and the group expects further headwinds due to Covid-19.

Addressing uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 and its consequent effects on economies, the group noted that it had taken steps to conserve cash and strengthen operating capabilities and efficiencies.

International Cement Group

Between Aug 7 and 11, International Cement Group executive director Chng Beng Hua acquired 2.5 million shares of the listed company for a consideration of S$79,650.

At an average price of 3.19 cents per share, the acquisition increased his interested in the cement producer and distributor in Central Asia, from 0.33 per cent to 0.34 per cent.

Mr Chng has extensive experience in finance and real estate development and he is an independent director of Hong Leong Finance.

On Aug 6, International Cement Group reported 23 per cent growth in H1FY20 (ended June 30) net profit to S$6.0 million with group revenue rising 9 per cent to S$63.1 million on the back of a 17 per cent increase in revenue from the group's cement division.

Envictus International Holdings

On Aug 11, Envictus International Holdings non-executive director and vice-chairman Sam Goi Seng Hui increased his total interest in the listed company from 24.90 per cent to 25.06 per cent.

He acquired 389,300 shares for a consideration of S$38,151 at 9.80 cents per share.

This followed his acquisition of 833,000 shares, also at an average price of 9.80 cents per share between July 9 and 14.

Mr Goi also serves on the board of three other mainboard-listed companies as vice-chairman of Super Group, vice-chairman of JB Foods, and director of Tung Lok Restaurants (2000).

MeGroup

On Aug 11, MeGroup executive chairman and CEO Wong Cheong Chee acquired 101,000 shares of the Catalist-listed company for a consideration of S$15,600.

At an average price of 15.45 cents per share, this increased his total interest in MeGroup from 51.32 per cent to 51.40 per cent.

Mr Wong has more than 40 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Prior to his involvement with the group, he was one of the founders of Paragon Union Berhad, a company listed on Bursa Malaysia in the business of manufacturing and distributing automotive components.

VibroPower Corporation

Between Aug 11 and 12, VibroPower Corporation substantial shareholder Chng Beng Hock increased his total interest in the stock from 10.32 per cent to 10.46 per cent.

With a consideration of S$10,847, the 76,700 shares were acquired at an average price of 14.14 cents per share.

This followed his acquisition of 48,200 shares at 14.37 cents per share on Aug 4.

Mr Chng has gradually increased his substantial shareholding in VibroPower from 5.24 per cent on June 15.