INSIDE BTIMES.COM.MY

'Sell' call on MAS
The research house estimates that the airline will announce a net loss of RM332 million for the period ended March 31 2012.

Maybank Investment upgrades Media Prima
KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Investment Bank has upgraded Media Prima Bhd to a "hold" recommendation from "sell" previously with an unchanged target price of RM2.34 per share as it expects the worst is likely over for the media conglomerate.

Analysts upbeat on Kimlun's 2012 performance
KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts remained positive on Kimlun Corp Bhd stocks after the company secured a RM148.5 million job to build apartments last Friday.

INDUSTRIES

AUTO/TRANSPORT

Nasim to rollout all-new Peugeot 408 next week

KUALA LUMPUR: Nasim Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia, will launch the highly-anticipated all-new Peugeot 408 next week.

BANKING/FINANCE

Banking system sound: Bank Negara

Malaysia'S banking system remains well capitalised with a risk-weighted capital ratio and core capital ratio at 14.7 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, said Bank Negara Malaysia yesterday.

BRANDING

Google upbeat on Chrome Web Store

KUALA LUMPUR: Google Malaysia is upbeat on a higher rate web browser adoption via localised web store with its newly-launched Chrome Web Store (CWS).

BROKERS/VIEW

HwangDBS expects MAHB to face challenges in 2nd half

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite a strong first quarter, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) can expect a challenging second half this year, says HwangDBS Vickers Research.

COMMODITIES

Labour shortage hits palm oil export earnings

BILLIONS OF RINGGIT LOST: 40,000 foreign workers needed to harvest ripe fruit bunches

FRANCHISING

Franchise industry seen contributing RM23b to GDP

KUALA LUMPUR: The franchise industry is projected to contribute 2.6 per cent, or some RM22.5 billion, to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) this year.

INSURANCE

Great Eastern sees RM100m premium from new plan

KUALA LUMPUR: Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd is projecting RM100 million premium income from its latest endowment plan, The Great Treasure Wonder.

LOGISTICS

Asian premium airlines' plight

SEVERE CROSSWINDS: High fuel prices, economic uncertainty and pressure from Middle East, budget carriers squeeze profits

PROPERTY

Bumiputera property expo sees RM50m sales

THE 5th Bumiputera Property Exhibition 2012 (BPEX 2012) is projecting RM50 million in sales and some 30,000 visitors this year.

RETAILING

Ayamas eyes overseas debut by year-end

The company had allocated RM5 million for the opening of the 10 outlets in Malaysia, while the one in Brunei had cost RM1.23 million.

SMEs

Yogen Früz reaches Malaysian market

The first Yogen Früz outlet was opened about a week ago in Jalan Jelatek here, while another two are due for opening in Danau Kota in Setapak and The Strand in Kota Damansara this month.