Australia's Asciano reports first-half loss

SYDNEY, March 3 (Reuters) - Asciano Group Ltd (AIO.AX: Quote, Profile, Research), Australia's biggest port and rail operator, reported a loss after tax of A$71 million ($66.4 million) for the half year to Dec. 31. The company, spun off by logistics group Toll Holdings Ltd (TOL.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) last June, said it sees organic growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation <EBITDA) of 10-15 percent a year over the long term.

It reported EBITDA of A$365.9 million for the first half.

Asciano bought a 4 percent stake Brambles Ltd (BXB.AX: Quote, Profile, Research) last year, sparking talk it might make a bid for the pallet provider. But it cut its stake in December and said it would use the proceeds to trim debt. Analysts remain concerned about the group's heavy debt burden.

Asciano shares have lost more than half their value since listing last June, falling from A$10.76 to last trade at A$4.97. The broader market has fallen 12 percent over the same period. ($1=A$1.07) (Reporting by Miranda Maxwell)