Major-value stocks decline,three companies prop up ASPI

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Stock trading activities in the Colombo Stock Exchange(CSE) was subdued throughout yesterday as all major value-stocks declined in prices. Three companies; namely LOLC Development Finance (NIFL) Carsons and Bukit Darah kept the All Share Price Index positive, stock market analysts said.

Hence both indices showed mixed reactions. All Share Price Index was up by 16.98 points up and S&P SL20 down by 40.86 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.94 billion with a single crossing. The crossing took place in HNB (Non Voting), which crossed 330,000 shares to the tune of Rs 36.3 million and its share price traded at Rs 110.

In the retail market top five companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were Expolanka Rs 247 million (4.9 million shares traded), Bukit Darah Rs 156.7 million (450,500 shares traded), LOLC Rs 145.5 million (365,000 shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 128.5 million (21 million shares traded) and HNB (Non Voting) Rs 109.3 million (993,000 shares traded).

When Bukit Darah share price appreciated by 25 percent or Rs 51.25 from its initial trading price of Rs 279.50 to Rs 355, its holding company Carson Plc  share price also appreciated in parallel to its. Carsons Plc share price appreciated by 18 percent or Rs 52. Its share price started trading at Rs 293 and at the end of the day it shot upto Rs 345.

Further, NIFL being a low float company its share price increased by 25 percent or Rs 51.25. Its share price started trading at Rs 205 and at the end of the day it moved to Rs 256.25. These companies positively contributed 75 points to the All Share Price Index. Carsons contributed 28 points, Bukit Darah 28 points and NIFL 19 points to the All Share Price Index.

NIFL or LOLC Development Finance Company  has emerged as the most valuable finance company in terms of market capitalization. During the last seven sessions it’s share price appreciated by 261 percent or 3.6 times. The share price staryed trading at Rs 71 seven days ago and today it has moved up to Rs 256.25.