Share price hit by Q4 profit slump

Singapore

KEPPEL Corporation's shares on Friday took a hit on a reported slump in the group's fourth-quarter net profit, prompting a reality check on the recent bull run noted in oil and gas-related counters.

The stock slipped to a low of S$6.18 before trading hours commenced, down 21 cents from the previous close. Shares in the counter traded at above S$6.20 after trading began but closed 12 cents lower at S$6.27 after failing to recover lost ground.

More than five million shares changed hands in an unusually busy pre-Chinese New Year holiday trading session, over and above the stock's average thr…