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Noble 'completely rejects' report alleging accounting irregularities

Noble Group has “completely” rejected allegations of accounting regulations made in report that sent its shares tumbling by 8% on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) on Monday.

Marcus Hand, Editor

February 16, 2015

1 Min Read
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The report issued by the previously unknown Iceberg Research alleged commodities and shipping group Noble exploited accounting loopholes in relation to associate companies.

“The company completely rejects the allegations,” said Noble in a statement to SGX. “All material information to which Iceberg Research refers is in the public domain. There has been no material adverse change since the company last reported.

“The company reserves its rights against Iceberg Research,” it added.

Noble’s shares were closed down 7.88% on Monday at SGD1.11 and was the second most traded share on SGX with a volume 63.56m.

It is believed the report maybe an attempt to short Noble’s stock in similar way that happened to another Singapore-listed commodities company Olam in 2012..

Iceberg Research’s website said it was: “Iceberg Research identifies substantial earnings misrepresentation and accounting irregularities in financial statements issued by public companies.” There is, however, only one single 17 page report on the website, the one published on 15 February on Noble. There are no analyst names or contacts on the report or the website.

On an apparently newly set-up Twitter account Iceberg Research denied shorting Noble’s stock. “We confirm that at this point we have no short interest in Noble Group (directly or indirectly),” it said.

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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