For the week of February 24 to March 2, the return of investors saw market activity pick up substantially with some 1.07 billion shares worth around RM1.83 billion traded in the off market in block trades of at least 450,000 shares.

One of the most active counters on the list last week was Berjaya Corp Bhd, with some 342 million shares worth RM443.58 million traded in block and direct trades at RM1.27 to RM1.30 on March 1 and 2. BCorp’s property subsidiary Berjaya Land Bhd also saw some 100 million shares traded at RM4.10 apiece on March 1.

Axiata Group Bhd was another counter that saw off-market activity, with around 27.8 million shares valued at RM70.86 million traded in block and cross trades at RM3.55 to RM3.89 apiece from Feb 25 to March 2.

The regional telco giant announced on Feb 24 that the group has more than tripled its full-year net profit for FY2009 ended Dec 31, with net income soaring 232% to RM1.65 billion.

Axiata also exceeded all targets set by the group and turned free cash flow positive for the first time.

Maxis Bhd was another telco that saw some off -market activity, with around 5.46 million shares worth more than RM30 million transacted in block and cross trades from Feb 24 to March 1. The shares changed hands at RM5.45 to RM5.52 per share.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, which reported its best ever-financial results on Feb 23, saw some 14.99 million shares valued at RM195.11 million traded in block and cross trades at RM12.96 to RM13.04 apiece.

For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2009, the banking group reported a record net profit of RM2.8 billion, while its subsidiary, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd received approval from the Vietnam Securities Commission on Feb 23 to subscribe for equity interest in Vinashin Shipbuilding Finance Company Securities.

Genting Bhd had some nine million shares valued at RM56.47 million change hands in block and cross trades on March 2 at RM6.27 and RM6.28 per share.

The gaming group recently celebrated the opening of its casino on Singapore’s Sentosa Island, while also reporting net income of RM245.4 million in 4Q2009 ended Dec 31, compared to a net loss of RM120.78 million previously.

KNM Group Bhd remained active in the off market, with around 11.87 million shares worth RM9.38 million traded in block and cross trades on March 1 at between 78.5 sen and 79.5 sen apiece.

Publishing and media group, Star Publications Bhd, saw some 16 million shares worth some RM54.36 million traded in block and cross trades from Feb 24 to March 2 at RM3.37 to RM3.43 per share.

The group announced on March 3 that the company is entering into a joint venture with JAKS Resources Bhd to develop a RM370 million commercial and residential property on a piece of land measuring 24,569 sq m owned by the former in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

This article appeared in Capital page of The Edge Malaysia, Issue 796, Mar 8 - 14, 2009.