Deposits may surpass loans growth this year Apr 11, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass, however, says based on the current trends, he feels deposits growth is unlikely to surpass loans growth. Balancing act. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Investors seek govt bonds rather than private firms' bonds Apr 7, 2009
In contrast, RAM Rating Services Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor believes that there will not be any crowding-out effect from the increased issuance of MGS going forward due to the ample liquidity in the financial system. Moreover, the papers are catered to different segments of investors. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Eastman Kodak Gets Credit Line of up to $500M Apr 4, 2009
In March, Standard s Rating Services said the company was burning through cash and cut its ratings on the company further into junk territory, lowering the creditworthiness rating one notch, to B- from B.. Eastman Kodak in February warned that sales would decline between 12 percent and 18 percent this year, partly because of slumping digital camera sales. (ABC News -- Wire)
Ratings for insurers Apr 3, 2009
Expressing similar views, RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass said: Ratings promote market transparency. Many corporates and banks in Malaysia, and their counterparts in other countries, are rated. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
S&P cuts ratings on cruise lines Mar 28, 2009
Shares of and PLC and were down in morning trading after s Rating Services hit the cruise lines with a double whammy credit rating downgrades and negative outlooks for 2009 and 2010. Carnival (NYSE: CCL) was dropped to a BBB+ from an A- rating, while Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) dropped to BB- from BB. The existing debt of both companies also was lowered one notch. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
MARC to offer syariah ratings soon Mar 27, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd (MARC) will introduce syariah-compliant rating services in the second half of this year as part of its diversification plan ... Currently, the company derives about 90% of its income from rating services for private debt securities and the remainder from the ratings of foreign currency, financial institution and takaful as well as from the provision of educational courses. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Cobb maintains high credit rating Mar 26, 2009
The county has been rated AAA by Standard #8217;s and Fitch rating services, and Aaa by Moody s. The services assign the ratings as a financial indicator of credit worthiness, using factors such as the municipality s management and the economy. Recent headlines. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
NorthWestern Energy Prices First Mortgage Bond Offering Mar 24, 2009
The Bonds are expected to be rated by Standard & Poor's Rating Services, Moody's, and Fitch Ratings as A-, Baa1, and BBB+, respectively. All three ratings are investment grade for the Bonds. (PR Newswire)
RAM views human capital as important for rating business Mar 23, 2009
In fact, RAM Ratings may increase the number of new intakes this year in anticipation of a successful roll-out of the recently announced FGI (Financial Guarantee Institution) which is expected to boost demand for rating services, Liza told StarBiz. The Government recently proposed the setting up of the FGI that is slated to act as a bond guarantee agency that can provide guarantees for the bonds issued, thereby helping to raise the credit ratings of these issuers. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Uptick in corporate financing defaults Mar 7, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor says there is already an emerging trend that overall corporate credit quality as measured by net rating activity, is turning negative (for the first time since 2004). Negative rating actions for weaker credit profiles are possible, particularly for companies in the more volatile sectors such as those in the export-oriented manufacturing, retail and hospitality sub-sectors, says Liza. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Bond market facing new challenges Mar 7, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor says that while there is still a healthy pipeline of rated-but-not-issued debt papers in RAM Ratings portfolio, there is currently a pricing gap between the rates that borrowers are willing to pay against what investors are willing to accept. Until this gap can be narrowed to tolerable levels, we expect the issuance of these proposed debt issues to be deferred, she says. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
RAM Ratings CEO to focus on governance of credit rating agencies Mar 7, 2009
There are also still quite a number of blue oceans in the local market that could benefit from rating services, she adds. RAM Ratingss share in the sukuk and conventional bond markets is quite well-established, with a 90% share of bank ratings. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Foundations of Financial Management Mar 4, 2009
Organizations like Standard and Poor s or Moody's and Fitch are rating services that rate the quality and safety of a bond. The is based on the company s financial condition or the strength of its finances. (Suite101.com)
Banks' performance in first half expected to be weaker Mar 2, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd financial institutions ratings head Promod Dass concurred that the overall profits for commercial banks in particular would be shaved given that interest income was very much a core income stream. Interest income will be squeezed, therefore banks will be trying to partially compensate for it through fee and transaction-based income, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
The pursuit of excellence Feb 28, 2009
Its bonds have also been ascribed pretty strong ratings of at least A2, and all with stable outlook, by RAM Rating Services Sdn Bhd. Meanwhile, like all corporate players, Malakoff is just waiting for sanity to return to the market, and then, the company is ready to charge full-force with its expansionary plans. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Islamic banking rising but impact is minimal Feb 23, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd financial institutions ratings head Promod Dass is confident that Islamic banking will continue to grow in the next five years. His optimism is supported by the fact that nearly all the banking groups in the country are expanding their business via Islamic banking subsidiaries and Bank Negara is aggressively pushing the Islamic banking business by positioning the country as an Islamic financial hub. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Bad news for UGA fans: Florida is just getting started Feb 8, 2009
We can argue this till we re both blue, but the AP and coaches polls and 5 out of 6 BCS computer rating services agree that the Gators are number one ... It s interesting to read your defense of the BCS computer rating services when you ve done just the opposit in the past ... FLA DAWG You ve apparently confused my somewhat nuanced stance regarding the merits of the 6 BCS computer rating services (Anderson & Hester, Billingsley, Colley Matrix, Massey, Sagarin, Wolf) with someone else. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
TRAI issues paper on regulating TRP Mar 29, 2008
"Looking at the impact of television rating points on broadcasters, advertising agencies and advertisers, the first and foremost issue that arises for consultation is whether there is at all a need for the government to regulate the system of TRP, or whether it should be left to be decided by industry initiative for the growth of the rating services," it said in a statement. TRP captures the viewership and market share of channels based on a sample of about 7,000 TV-owning households in select... (India Times)
Move to boost non-ringgit bonds Mar 26, 2008
RAM Rating Services Bhd managing director Wong Fook Wah said in an e-mail statement that the company welcomed the establishment of a third rating agency in the country. We welcome another agency, especially if there are credible shareholders to ensure the new agency operates on international standards like RAM. Competition is good for the market, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
How C3 Continues to Change the Business Mar 24, 2008
The question people want answered is how many people saw my spot, said Steve Sullivan, svp, communications services, Liberty Mutual, Boston, and current board chairman of the ANA. The answer is available in Europe, he said, referring to rating services that measure viewing to individual spots outside the U.S.. But even the ANA admits that getting there won t be easy. (MediaWeek.com)
KFH wins RAM Special League award Mar 18, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait Finance House (M) Bhd (KFH) has won the Special League Achievement Award category from RAM Rating Services Bhd in recognition of its outstanding feat in the RAM League Table. KFH said in a statement the award epitomised the ultimate recognition of accomplishments and leadership in the Malaysian bond market. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Starcom Sets Upfront Rules for TV Negotiations Mar 15, 2008
Starcom USA will no longer do business with unrated networks that are not measured by companies or rating services that can offer documented data on viewership ... That means that the agency will no longer do business with unrated networks that are not measured by companies or rating services that can offer documented quantitative data on who their viewers are. (MediaWeek.com)
Casino’s finances at issue Feb 29, 2008
Two national credit rating services downgraded Mount Airy s credit rating. But there s been no sign JP Morgan Chase will foreclose and trigger the casino s closing. (Scranton Times, PA)
Manulife Financial partners with Ticoon Technology Inc. for next generation client manager suite for financial advisors Feb 26, 2008
Manulife Financial is one of two publicly traded life insurance companies in the world whose rated life insurance subsidiaries hold Standard s Rating Services' highest "AAA" rating. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www. (Canada Newswire)
GEORGIA BLUE CHIPS: A daily look at some of the top companies in the state. Feb 23, 2008
Fayard told analysts that bond rating services are "extremely nervous" because of market turbulence, and that he didn't want share-buyback forecasts to affect debt ratings in the Coca-Cola bottling system. The soft drink maker said in 2006 that it planned to repurchase as many as 300 million shares over an unspecified period. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
No. 9 Lady Bears Travel to Iowa State Feb 22, 2008
- Baylor ranks among the top eight in all four RPI rating services: No. 6 in collegerpi. com, No. 7 in both College Basketball News and NCAA and No. 8 in Jeff Sagarin. (Baylorbears.com)
Madden makes verbal commitment to Baylor Feb 21, 2008
Madden, ranked the 30th best junior overall in the country by some rating services, will be joining what Lewallen calls a fantastic 2009 recruiting class which Mulkey has amassed. Besides his star, Madden will be joined by the #2 player in the country, 6-8 Brittney Griner of Houston. (Tri-City Tribune, AR)
ING Canada Reports 2007 Fourth Quarter and Year-end Results Feb 20, 2008
QUICK SEARCH BY ORGANIZATION. FREE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES. (Canada Newswire)
Kota Selat inks Danga Bay project deal Feb 19, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: RAM Rating Services Bhd has reaffirmed the AAA(bg) ratings of ORIX Leasing Malaysia Bhd's RM200mil guaranteed fixed-rate Bonds and RM150mil guaranteed fixed-rate bonds with a stable outlook. The enhanced ratings reflected the credit strength of the irrevocable and unconditional sub-guarantees extended by Japan Bank for International Cooperation and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd, Labuan, via ORIX Corp, said the rating agency in a statement. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
LOCAL STATE NATION WORLD Feb 17, 2008
Mount Airy Casino Resort defaulted on more than $400 million in debt when owner Louis DeNaples was arrested on perjury charges and barred from the casino, leading two national credit rating services to downgrade Mount Airy s credit rating this week. While there is no indication lender JPMorgan Chase will foreclose on the debt, which would likely force a closure of the casino, Mount Airy has lost access to a $25 million revolving line of credit with the investment bank, one of the rating services... (Scranton Times, PA)
Ihnen gets second shot at title Feb 16, 2008
He will tangle in the finals with 42-0 Trent Weatherman of Huxley Ballard, rated first in Iowa and 12th nationally by two different prep rating services. "I've got the No. 1 guy, but what do rankings mean anyway?'' cracked Loughlin with a smile. "I'll go out there, give it my best and see what happens. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Gurcharan Das: End this killer Raj Feb 10, 2008
Professional rating services should evaluate colleges with the same credibility as Crisil rates industrial companies. Competition will take care of the rest. (India Times, India)
Georgia Tech Feb 7, 2008
I don t get into all these rating services, and I don t care who else is recruiting them, Johnson said, sounding a lot like predecessor Chan Gailey. I want to believe what I see. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
RAM rated RM133.6bil bonds last year Feb 7, 2008
PETALING JAYA: Corporate bonds rated by RAM Rating Services Bhd surged to RM133. 6bil for calendar year 2007 from RM42. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Arbitron and Midwest Television Sign Multi-Year Agreement for Portable People Meter(TM) Radio Rating Services Feb 7, 2008
You no longer need to remember symbols. Simply type in a company name or stock symbol for instant results. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Adequate provisioning for bonds Feb 6, 2008
PETALING JAYA: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd says the super senior tranches of Idaman Capital Bhd has adequate provision despite RAM Rating Services Bhd's downgrading of the company's senior, mezzanine and subordinated bonds ... In a statement yesterday, RAM Rating Services said it was downgrading Idaman Capital's senior fixed-rate bonds with an issue size of RM220mil from AAA to A3, mezzanine fixed-rate bonds with an issue size of RM20mil from AA2 to BBB2, and subordinated bonds with an issue size... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Super Tuesday or sucker Tuesday? Feb 5, 2008
Bundle all of these risky loans, get the asleep-at-the-switch debt rating services to give these debt pools a reasonable investment grade, and then sell off to a bunch of gullible investors, pension plans and hedge funds. You ve got to believe me folks: This nation is facing a horrific financial crisis that s putting families out of their homes, family pets are being locked in closets and left to die, abandoned by their now-evicted owners. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
No. 6 Lady Bears host No. 25 Texas Jan 30, 2008
-Baylor ranks among the top eight in all four RPI rating services: No. 6 Jeff Sagarin, No. 7 in both College Basketball News and collegerpi. com and No. 8 in NCAA. This ranks No. 1 among Big 12 schools. (Baylorbears.com)
Strong response to Gulf firms RM1b bonds Jan 29, 2008
The bonds have been accorded the highest AAA rating while the company has been accorded a financial institutions rating of AAA/P1 with a stable outlook by RAM Rating Services Bhd. More News. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
City of Austin receives top bond debt rating Jan 26, 2008
The city of Austin received a AAA rating on its general obligation debt by Standard and Poor's Rating Services. The upgrade affects approximately $781. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Affin Investment adviser for PIYS notes Jan 18, 2008
It said the Islamic debt securities had been accorded a rating of AA1(s) by RAM Rating Services Bhd. The statement said proceeds from the issuance of the BaIDS would be used to construct buildings for Unisel as well as to fund the university's future expansion. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Board faces cheerleaders, credit rating and more Jan 17, 2008
Town Manager Michael Caira reported that according to Standard & Poor s Rating Services, the town s fiscal rating on bonds has gone from AA to AA- based on the multi-year trend of deficits that has reduced the unreserved general fund balance to a somewhat thin level. (The reserve is at 4. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
Nearly 9 of 10 PA residents really like their city Jan 16, 2008
Palo Altans are generally satisfied with life in Palo Alto, with 86 percent rating services "good" or "excellent," Erickson said. Yet general satisfaction with city government ratings slipped in several categories. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Glitch could leave some TV screens blank Jan 9, 2008
Most of the low-power stations are too small or too remote to subscribe to audience rating services like Nielsen. In addition, some low-power stations have already converted to digital broadcasting on their own. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Dual ratings proposal Dec 17, 2007
A common theme that both Malaysian Rating Agency Corp Bhd (MARC) and RAM Rating Services Bhd highlighted to StarBiz was the subject of dual ratings. At present, issuers only need to get their bonds rated by either MARC or RAM. Dual ratings would mean issuers get their bonds rated by both rating agencies. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
"Room Without A View": Amy Tucker Dec 11, 2007
Cardinal fans who follow recruiting have heard a great deal about the recently-signed 2008 class, which features several players ranked highly by various rating services. Forward (HoopGurlz. (TheBootleg.com)
India growth to moderate in 2008: S&P Dec 5, 2007
Strong domestic and export demand continues in line with expectations, and Indian corporates are not likely to face significant challenges in accessing resources, said Anshukant Taneja, senior director, corporate and infrastructure ratings, S&Ps Rating Services, Asia ex-Greater China ... In 2008, the Indian banking system, which has been unaffected by the US sub-prime markets, will continue to reap benefits of strong domestic economic growth, said Ritesh Maheshwari, senior director,... (India Times)
Another record year for local bonds Dec 3, 2007
To get a more meaningful insight of the country' debt market performance this year, StarBiz spoke to representatives from RAM Rating Services Bhd and Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd (MARC), the country's two credit rating agencies. RAM Rating managing director and chief executive officer Wong Fook-Wah opines that 2007 would be another record year for the primary bond market. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
RHB Bank prices subordinate debt Nov 24, 2007
RAM Rating Services Bhd has accorded the issue a rating of A1. RHB Investment Bank managing director Chay Wai Leong said the subordinated debt issue was oversubscribed by an average 1. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Make sure charitable contributions hit mark Nov 21, 2007
These online rating services also can help. rates over 5,000 large charities according to financial strength and revenue spent on programs and services. (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
UNC-Chapel Hill expected to sell bonds Nov 14, 2007
and rating services also have given the bonds their second highest ratings. UNC is expected to issue $500 million in additional debt to fund capital needs through 2012, Fitch's said. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
S&P outlook on Romania negative Nov 6, 2007
MUMBAI - Standard & Poor's Rating Services has revised its outlook on the Republic of Romania to negative from stable. At the same time, the 'BBB-/A-3' foreign currency, the 'BBB/A-3' local currency sovereign credit ratings and the 'A-' transfer and convertibility assessment on the Republic of Romania were affirmed. (India Times)
S&P upgrades NBHD's bond rating Nov 4, 2007
Both rating services called the district's outlook stable. Related Industry News. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
S&P LIFTS NEGATIVE OUTLOOK Oct 24, 2007
Standard s Rating Services, one of the three major New York City bond rating agencies that downgraded the city's bond rating last January, notified city officials this week that it has lifted its negative outlook. While it is keeping the bond rating level at A+, it has revised the outlook to "stable" because of the city's "improved financial position and ... moderate overall debt burden.". (Suffolk News Herald, VA)
RHB Bank eyes M&As Oct 24, 2007
The programme, which has a A1 rating from RAM Rating Services Bhd, has a 20-year tenure, during which RHB Bank has the option to issue subordinated notes with maturities raging from 10 to 20 years from the date of issue and callable after a minimum period of five years, or senior notes with maturities raging from one to 20 years from the date of issue. RHBCAP : [] [] RHBCAP-WA. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Rating Agencies Are Under Fire, But Little Consensus On Solution Oct 4, 2007
"The agencies market their rating services to the issuers, who of course want better ratings," Schumer said during the hearing. "Could this be creating a tendency to inflate ratings in the marketplace?". (Investors Business Daily)
Unit to issue first tranche of ABS next month Sep 26, 2007
This is given the anticipated AAA rating to be accorded to the senior bonds by RAM Rating Services Sdn Bhd, he said in his speech. It (the ABS) is also expected to lower RCE Capital's funding costs and improve the interest margin of its consumer lending business, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Tech struggling to define itself Sep 25, 2007
Based on the recruiting guru s and rating services of the college football world, GT has done okay the past 2-3 seasons and should have enough talent now to win CONSISTENTLY. Yet, GT continues to be totally unpredictable from one game to the next, and that, ultimately, is Chan s responsibility. My patience has been exhausted and I am ready for Chan to be gone. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Mortgage Mayhem Hits E-Trade Sep 19, 2007
Countrywide has been forced to buy back some dev lued mortgage-backed securities (MBS) from hedge funds, investment banks at full price, According to Fitch Rating Services up to 80% of all option ARM borrowers make only the minimum payment each month. Those ARM loans originated in 2006 won. (SmartMoney)
Consumers call Sep 10, 2007
The senior ABS, RCE said, is rated by RAM Rating Services Bhd with an indicative rating of AAA while the subordinated ABS will not be rated. The ABS will allow RCE to continue to expand its loan financing business. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Media Prima still keen to go abroad Sep 5, 2007
RAM Rating Services has assigned ratings of AAA and P1 for the proposed MTN and CP respectively. While the exercise is not expected to have material impact on the group's current year earnings, it is expected to provide lower cost of funds and interest savings over the medium term. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
FOREX COMMENTARY Aug 31, 2007
Rating services blew it. Government overseers couldn't keep up with financial innovation. (Asia Times Online)
Subprime Crisis Isn't Fault of Ratings Companies Aug 22, 2007
Meanwhile, Christopher Dodd, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, has said regulators will need to look at whether the rating services are biased in their assessments because of fees they earn. Cynical View. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
OSU game reminds of Boise St. in '05 Aug 21, 2007
It is one more example, to me, the rating services are very poor at predicting success. By Buck in the NW. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Appointments Aug 20, 2007
As part of its corporate reorganisation, RAM HOLDINGS BHD (formerly known as Rating Agency Malaysia Bhd) has appointed WONG FOOK WAH managing director and chief executive officer of its newly established subsidiary, RAM RATING SERVICES BHD.. LIZA MOHD NOOR has been appointed chief operating officer of RAM RATING SERVICES BHD. ... She has been with the organisation since 1991 and has led various rating assignments before becoming the head of Islamic rating services and client relationship... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
