(Yicai Global) Aug. 22 -- China's Anhui Conch Cement Co. (SHA:600585) pocketed investment income of USD279 million (CNY1.86 billion) in the first half by shedding its shares in listed cement concerns, thereby becoming one of China's A-share listed companies that specializes the most in investment.

Its net profit was up 100.21% annually to CNY6.72 billion, of which income from stock investment was CNY1.86 billion (USD279 million), making up 27.69% of net profit, Conch Cement's interim results reported yesterday show.

Conch Cement ditched its shares in Anhui Xinli Finance Co. (SHA:600318), Xinjiang Qingsong Building Materials and Chemicals (Group) Co. (SHA:600425) and Tangshan Jidong Cement Co. (SHE:000401) during the reporting period. All three companies ply the cement business. Conch Cement had bought these shares in 2008.

Buying and selling shares in the same industry requires massive funds and superb skills, but Conch Cement does not just buy and sell shares. Its credo is to make strategic equity investments in listed cement industry companies with competitive advantages and development potential with its own funds, its 2014 annual report stated.