Stocks
SK Trims’ Bank Accounts Frozen Amid Corruption Probe
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has frozen the bank accounts of SK Trims and Industries, a publicly traded company allegedly owned by the family of former National Board of Revenue (NBR) official Matiur Rahman. This action follows court orders and a recommendation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as disclosed today on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) websites.
Key Figures and Investigation
Media reports indicate that MA Kaium Howlader and Md Nurul Huda, brothers of Matiur Rahman, hold significant positions in SK Trims, serving as Managing Director and Sponsor Director, respectively. The ACC is currently probing Matiur Rahman’s assets on allegations of amassing illegal wealth.
On July 11, a Dhaka court mandated the freezing of 116 bank accounts and 23 beneficiary owner (BO) accounts, along with the seizure of multiple properties belonging to Matiur Rahman and his family.
Company Disclosure and Response
In a recent disclosure, SK Trims confirmed that the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court and the BFIU had frozen all their bank accounts based on the ACC’s recommendation. Efforts to reach Md Riaz Haider, the company secretary, and Md Nazmul Hossain, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for comments were unsuccessful.
According to SK Trims’ annual report for 2022-23, the company maintains over a dozen bank accounts across various banks, including fixed deposit receipts (FDRs), loans, and other accounts critical for its business operations.
Stock Market Performance and Financial Impact
SK Trims was listed on the stock exchange in 2018, raising Tk30 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) to expand its business. The company’s share price has fluctuated significantly following allegations against Matiur Rahman. From Tk27.6 per share on June 20, it fell to Tk24.4 on July 2, then briefly rose to Tk27 on July 9, before declining again, closing at Tk24.8 on the DSE yesterday.
Business Operations and Investments
SK Trims specializes in manufacturing various products for the export-oriented garment industry, including sewing thread, elastic, poly, cartons, photo cards, backboards, barcodes, hang tags, tissue paper, and gum tape.
The company has invested Tk17 crore in seven companies as of June 30, 2023. Among these, Dominage Steel Building Systems, Mamun Agro Products, Acme Pesticides, and Asiatic Laboratories are listed on the bourses, while Anik Trims, B Brothers, and Banbiz (Pvt) remain non-listed. It is unclear whether SK Trims has sold or still holds shares from these investments.
Revenue and Profit Growth
SK Trims reported a 40% increase in revenue to Tk92 crore for the first nine months of the 2023-24 fiscal year, with net profit soaring by 86% to Tk8.81 crore. These figures surpassed the company’s annual revenue and profit of Tk88.75 crore and Tk7.97 crore, respectively, for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The company paid a 3% cash dividend to its shareholders in FY23 and its shares are currently trading in the B category.
As of June 30, sponsor-directors held 31.23%, institutional investors 28.86%, and the general public 39.91% of the company’s shares.
Industry Concerns
Ziaur Rahman, General Secretary of the Benapole Landport Importers and Exporters Association, expressed concerns over the significant losses traders face with perishable food products due to halted trade services. “Since the goods trucks cannot enter after the evening, the trade deficit will increase,” he noted.
Dhaka Stock Market DSE, Bourse on the second working day of the week, 30th September, ended with a negative performance in Indices and a hike in Turnover from the previous working session. This information is known from DSE sources.
503 crore 90 lakh taka shares were traded on this day. 22 crore 58 lakh more tradings were done in DSE today compared to the previous workday, 29th September, Shares worth Tk 481 crores 31 lakh shares were traded last time, Sunday.
The benchmark DSEX lost 33.61 points or 5,624 The Shariah-based index DSES dropped 7.36 point or 1,263 and the blue-chip index DS30 decreased by 9.57 points or 2,053.
Of the issues traded, 72 advanced, 299 declined and 25 remained unchanged.
Shahjibazar Power Company Limited ranked top gainer on DSE, the share price increased by Tk 4.00 paisa or 9.76 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 45.00 paisa.
Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited ranked top loser on the DSE, the share price dropped by Tk 1.80 paisa or 7.56 percent. On this day, the share was last traded at Tk 22.00 paisa.
DSE topped on trade is Pragati Life Insurance Limited 25 crore 35 lakh takas of company shares have been traded.
A total of 27 companies’ shares were traded in the Block on Dhaka Stock Exchange. A total of 1 crore 50 lakh 42 thousand 956 shares of the companies were traded. The financial value of which is 65 crore 60 lakh taka
One of the Listed companies, National Polymer Limited has recommended 10.50% Cash Dividend for the year ended June 30, 2024.
It has reported Consolidated EPS of Tk 2.27 paisa, and Consolidated NAV per share of Tk 30.63 for the year ended March 31, 2024.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on December 18, through the digital platform. The record date for this has been fixed at October 22.
The Company also discloses its financial reports for the second quarter, (April – June 24).
As per the company’s consolidated life revenue account for April to June 2024, the excess of total income over total expenses, including claims (surplus), stood at Tk 1,394.24 million. This marks a significant increase from the surplus of Tk 823.68 million during the same period in 2023.
For the first half of 2024, from January to June, the company reported a surplus of Tk 2,177.57 million, compared to Tk 1,290.39 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Additionally, the Life Insurance Fund balance as of June 30, 2024, reached Tk 55,188.62 million, showing a net increase of Tk 5,892.25 million from Tk 49,296.37 million on June 30, 2023.
One of the Listed companies, Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC has recommended 20% Cash dividend and 10% Cash Dividend to Sponsor Shareholder and Directors for the year ended June 30, 2024.
It has reported EPS of Tk 2.26 paisa, and NAV per share of Tk. 26.37 for the year ended June 30, 2024.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company will be held on December 23, through the digital platform. The record date for this has been fixed at October 27.
