COSCO looking at weakest earnings year in 2013

Net profit could be below S$50m.

COSCO Corporation (Singapore) is facing its lowest earnings year this 2013, according to OCBC Investment Research, possibly a net profit of below $50m for FY13 compared to S$139.7m and S$105.7m in FY11 and FY12, respectively.

"Indeed, after five quarters of either little cost overruns or reversal of provisions made earlier, COSCO returned to making provisions on its construction contracts again, dousing hopes that it is gaining footing on the execution front," said OCBC.

"Looking ahead, we expect the operating environment for the group to remain difficult. Any credit tightening in China may also affect the ability of customers to meet their financial obligations," it added.