MQ Market Updates - 16 February 2024

MQ Trader

Publish date: Fri, 16 Feb 2024, 05:15 PM

British American Tobacco Malaysia Bhd (BAT Malaysia) has been recognised as the leading employer in Malaysia by the Top Employers Institute. This highlights BAT Malaysia's effective strategies and human resources practices, as well as its dedication to enhancing the workplace environment globally. BAT Malaysia human resources director Adrita Datta emphasises that the company's focus on fostering talent and promoting a growth-oriented mindset lies at the heart of its people-centred approach. (NST)

Fraser & Neave (F&N) Holdings Bhd, a part of F&N Ltd, will construct a manufacturing plant in Cambodia at an approximate cost of US$37.5 million (RM179.5 million) in order to grow its diary product business. The total cost includes the amount to lease 32,200 square metres of land in the Suvannaphum Special Economic Zone, the construction of the building, and the purchase of machinery. F&N has agreed to lease the land from Suvannaphum Investment Co., Ltd for US$3.864 million,. (NST)

SNS Network Technology Bhd has been appointed Esri Malaysia Sdn Bhd's value-added partner to market its geographical information solutions (GIS) in Malaysia. In a statement, the information and communications technology (ICT) system and solutions provider said it will sell the solutions to Esri's existing and potential customers from small and medium enterprises, public companies and government agencies. "This collaboration allows SNS Network to expand its ICT services and solutions to include the state-of-the art geospatial technology. (TheStar)

KPJ Healthcare Bhd is expecting more patients this year, supported by an increase in new beds and services as well as the hiring of new consultants. Meanwhile, the healthcare group said it also intends to capitalise on the growth in the health tourism sector, which is expected to exceed RM2bil in revenue in 2024. In the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2024, KPJ posted a net profit of RM73.39mil, which compares to RM63.41mil in the same quarter in 2022. The group's earnings per share rose to 1.68 sen against 1.46 sen in the comparative quarter. (TheStar)

Hume Cement Industries Bhd’s (HCIB) wholly-owned subsidiary, Hume Concrete Sdn Bhd (HCCT), is disposing of a parcel of land in the Prai Industrial Estate, Penang, together with the buildings and all fixtures, fittings and other things on it for RM39.8mil cash. HCCT entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Skygate Technology (KL) Sdn Bhd, said HCIB in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday. HCIB is to realise an estimated net gain on disposal of RM32mil upon completion of the exercise. (TheStar)

Malaysia Smelting Corp Bhd (MSC) dropped as much as 2.9% to a low of RM2.01 in early trade on Friday, following its announcement of a 64% decline in net profit for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023 (4QFY2023). As at the time of writing, MSC shares had pared some losses to trade at RM2.04, valuing the company at RM856.80 million. Year to date, the counter had risen marginally by 0.99% or two sen, but it had slipped by 2.86% or six sen over the past 12 months. (TheEdge)

RHB research expects double-digit year-on-year (YoY) growth in revenue for OCK Group, with sustained core earnings expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 (4Q23). The financial year 2023 is forecast to set new records for the company, according to the research house. OCK is slated to announce its full-year results on February 27. (NST)

RHB research is upbeat about Sunway Bhd's successful tender bid for another piece of land at Plantation Close, Tengah, in Singapore. According to the research house, this should anchor its presence in an area that stretches from Iskandar Malaysia to Jurong East in Singapore. "We are upbeat about Sunway's successful tender bid for another piece of land at Plantation Close, Tengah, in Singapore. (NST)

Axiata Group Bhd’s 63%-owned subsidiary, edotco Group Sdn Bhd, could enhance its appeal to potential new shareholders by exiting its Myanmar operations, which could be expedited by disposing of the tower assets to local buyers, said Kenanga Research. “Following a coup in 2021 that overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government, the country is now ruled by a military regime. "A more efficient route for edotco’s withdrawal would be the disposal of its towers in Myanmar to local buyers. Hence, this would hasten the process of securing regulatory approvals and accelerate Edocto’s departure,” it said. (TheEdge)

RHB Retail Research said Rohas Tecnic Bhd is firming up its uptrend rebound after inching higher above the 38.5 sen recent breakout level on Thursday. In a trading stocks note on Friday, the research house said that the bullish momentum above that level may drive the stock higher towards the 41.5 sen immediate resistance, followed by the next resistance level at 46 sen. “However, if the price falls below the 35 sen support, it would signal the reversal of the trend,” it said. (TheEdge)

RHB Retail Research said Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd is set for an uptrend after experiencing a technical breakout above the RM2.30 on Thursday, forming a “Bullish Marubozu” candlestick. In a trading stocks note on Friday, the research house said that backed by strong trading volume, the stock may climb higher towards the RM2.50 immediate resistance, followed by the RM2.72 next resistance. “However, a fall below the RM2.20 support would potentially signal a downtrend,” it said. (TheEdge)

Source: New Straits Times, The Edge Markets The Star 15 February 2024