The value of trading on the Bermuda Stock Exchange in 1994 rose significantly compared to a year earlier, but many listings lost value over the 12 month period, a survey by The Royal Gazette shows.

Share value for the year's trading rose 28.8 percent from $60.4 million last year to $77.8 million up to December 28, 1994, according to BSE figures.

Among the biggest losers was Kentucky Fried Chicken, which dropped to $26.25 from $32 at the same time last year.

And the Island Press, which amalgamated with the Bermuda Sun during the year, saw its preferred shares close down to $3.50 from $7.

Among more widely held stocks which lost ground in 1994, BF&M slumped 15 percent to $6.375 from $7.50 and Bermuda Press (Holdings) Ltd. fell 13.5 percent to $8 from $9.25.

Bermuda Aviation Services, which seemed likely to benefit from the Base transfer earlier in the year, saw its shares fall from $3.50 to $2.50.

Elsewhere, the Bank of Butterfield, after a 2.4:1 stock split, closed at December 23, 1994 at $12.625 (adjusting for the split gives a value of $30.30) compared to the 1993 close just before Christmas of $34.75.

Bank of Bermuda ended slightly down at $20 versus $20.25 last year while its warrants closed at $2.40 versus a first trade of $2.25.

Bermuda Commercial Bank closed the week of December 23, 1994 at $10.50, down from a year ago when the listing closed at $11.875.

Telco closed at $37, down from $38.25 a year ago.

Other losers included: Argus, $10.25 versus $11.50, Masters, $7.50 versus $8.50, Long Botham Boats $7 versus $8, Chips Ltd., $6.25 versus $6.50, Bermuda Broadcasting $5.25 versus $6 and Island Press $4.50 versus $5.

There were fewer widely held isues which gained ground, but the best perfomer of the year was Stevedoring Services, which rose 27.8 percent to $5.75 from $4.50.

BFCL, whch plans to redevelop the Bermudiana Hotel site, also saw its stock rise to $10 from $8.75.

Other listings with increases were; Belco up slightly at $20.25 versus $20 a year ago, Bermuda Bakery $18 versus $17.25, Bermuda Computer Services $14.75 from $14.25, Devonshire Industries $10.125 versus $10 and SAL preferred $7.875 versus $7.50.

BF&M preferred shares closed at $9.50, the same as last year and SAL, last traded in 1992 at $12 continued to be inactive while Solar Enterprises has not traded in the last two years.

Watlington Waterworks closed out the year at $4.75 after its stock split with prior trade information not available this week.

The year also included an injection of activity via new listings.

Bermuda Home common shares closed at $6.875 after opening at $7.50 while Bermuda Home 8% preferred, also new, closed at $11.875 versus a first trade of $11.50.

Another new listing, Hemisphere Group preferred, traded at $5.50 for all its trades.

BSL, new to the exchange in 1994, closed at $8 after opening at $8.25 while Bermuda Container Line, also new, has not traded, but the spread between bids and asking prices narrowed to $20 to $38, the latter down from more than $50 earlier in the year.

Buttress Bermuda mutual fund was launched on March 31, 1994 with a Net Asset Value of $10 and the fund has paid out 24 cents per share. At December 21, 1994 the fund's NAV was 9.92. A spokesperson for First Bermuda Securities could not be reached to determine the results of the Bermuda Rock Fund.

Bonds and their year to year comparisons were; Bank of Bermuda 9%, closing at $103.75 December 23 versus $107.25 a year earlier, Belco 7%, $120 versus $118, Belco 7% first Mort., $101 versus $105, BDR Co. remained at $30 and FBS MBIC last traded in October 1994 at $100.

The BSE Index closed at 1,098.17 on December 23, 1994 versus 1,164.77 on December 24, 1993.

Volume through the end of November this year was 6.93 million shares.

Winners and losers The following are the five best and worst performing equities on the Bermuda Stock Exchange: Best Stevedoring Services, up 27.8 percent BFCL, up 14.3 percent Bank of Bermuda warrants, up 11.1 percent SAL Ltd. preferred, up 5 percent Bermuda Bakery, up 4.3 percent Worst Island Press preferred, down 50 percent Bermuda Aviation Services, down 28.6 percent Kentucky Fried Chicken, down 18 percent BF&M, down 15 percent Bermuda Press (Holdings), down 13.5 percent