Genting Bhd News

A poor operating performance and expensive valuation prompted analysts to downgrade Asia's largest cruise operator Star Cruises Group. The company reported it posted a loss last year following its acquisition of Norwegian cruise firm NCL Holdings. "We have downgraded it into a sell," said Teh Chi-Chang, analyst of SG Securities in Kuala Lumpur. Amelia Mehta of ING Barings also cut her rating from a hold to a sell, putting a price target of 36 cents while Teh cut his target from 78 cents to 46 cents. The group, part of Malaysian conglomerate Genting Bhd, recorded a net loss of $26 million after including interest expense of $84.2 million for NCL's acquisition. Star Cruises said its results were not comparable to 1999 as they included a 10-month contribution from NCL.

The cruise line unit of Malaysia's Genting Bhd -- Star Cruises Plc reportedly signed a 10-year agreement with Wharf (Holdings) Ltd to berth in Hong Kong.