News by Myia S Nair

RHB Research has upgraded the basic construction materials sector to 'overweight' from 'neutral', amid a positive outlook on aluminium and cement companies under its coverage.

The earnings prospect for real estate investment trusts (REITs) in the second half of this year is expected to remain positive, due to the bright outlook for the retail industry and industrial segment in Malaysia, according to MIDF in a note on Friday.

Implemented in over three dozen countries to date, carbon tax is a type of levy based on the emissions of environmentally polluting gasses from consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and diesel.

“It is important to achieve the investment of RM300 billion [by 2030], so that we can get to net zero by 2050."

Analysts have trimmed their earnings forecasts for Sentral REIT (KL:SENTRAL), following a lease expiry at Menara Shell in May, but see limited downside risk to occupancy rates in the medium term.

Real estate developer I-Bhd (KL:IBHD) said on Thursday its net profit tripled in the second quarter from a year earlier, thanks to a turnaround of its leisure business and higher property investment income.

Analysts continue to be positive about Sentral REIT (KL: SENTRAL), noting its appealing yield compared to the sector average.

MUI Properties Bhd (KL:MUIPROP) said it is not aware of any corporate development that caused the unusual market activity (UMA) in its shares, which climbed to a near four-year high on Monday.

Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research has maintained its 'buy' rating for Axis REIT (KL:AXREIT) at RM1.87, with a lower target price of RM2.03 (from RM2.04), saying the real estate investment trust's quarterly core net profit of RM39.6 million, which was 1.1% lower quarter-on-quarter but 17.2% higher year-on-year, brought the sum to RM79.6 million for the first half ended June 30, 2024 (1HFY2024).

Genting Plantations Bhd’s (KL:GENP) recent acquisition of land in Bogor, Greater Jakarta, will increase its estimated end-FY2025 net debt of RM1.23 billion (22% net gearing) to RM1.58 billion (29% net gearing), which remains manageable.