Archive for the ‘special’ Category

Veolia Environnement: 2009 earnings better than expected

March 5, 2010 - 2:10 pm Comments Off

Veolia Environment is doing well in 2009. The group, which publishes Better Canada on Friday reported a net profit group share of 584 million euros, a sharp rise of 44% compared to 2008. It is far more than expected by the markets as analysts expected an increase of 34%.

Regarding turnover, however, performance is online. The group's revenues decline by 3.4% to 34.551 billion euros. Observers expected a decline of 2%.

The group expects an increase in its operating performance in 2010, further reducing costs.

Veolia Environnement intends to pay its shareholders a dividend of 1.21 euro per share for the year 2009. This proposal will be voted at the General Meeting of May 7

More details to follow ….

Companies want to encourage the loyalty of their small shareholders

February 10, 2010 - 1:12 am Comments Off

"We are exploring ways to provide benefits to small holders faithful, these solutions exist, and we're working on." That was the message delivered by Pierre Bellon, the boss of Sodexo at the last general meeting of the group that denounced the attitude of speculators "that enter and leave."

How to build a strong relationship with individual shareholders? The question hangs over the board: whether to protect themselves from the vagaries of the Stock Exchange or the appetite of a rival, small holders, shareholders are stable and frequent strong allies. For loyalty, companies are using every weapon at their disposal. And to fly, nothing can replace the hard cash.

The payment each year of a generous dividend, indicating a continuous and healthy growth is certainly the most effective way to reward its shareholders.For the most faithful, "who hold their shares for more than two years, companies may pay a dividend plus a maximum of 10%," explains Eric Bleine, Director General of JRC Asset Management. "These same shareholders may also benefit from plans to award free shares also increased to a maximum of 10%.

Another lever: the right to vote can be doubled beyond a certain period of detention. Another technique that has proved itself: shares in registered form, directly into the records of the company make quick cash .

A variety of tools

For the latter, the advantage is huge. It clearly identifies its shareholders and can detect any movement in the capital, where a significant proportion of the shares are registered in the nominative, as is the case with Michelin, Lagardère or Air Liquide.For the holder of action, the advantage is twofold: It is generally exempt from payment of custody and is constantly informed of the life of society. In the world of action "father", some titles are in a privileged position as Air Liquide and L'Oreal, darlings of small shareholders. "Among the 410 identified 000 individual shareholders, more than 150 000 were registered," says one from Air Liquide. Its main recipe: distribute generous dividends.

But the group uses almost the entire range of tools at its disposal with many levels of distribution of free shares, plus dividends and many buybacks. L'Oreal led until a different policy focusing mainly on the growth of its shares to pamper its shareholders.But now the group has decided to go further by also rewarding its loyal shareholders with a bonus dividend. The first will be paid in 2012 for profit in 2011.

Berlin completes his tax plan antifraudeurs

February 7, 2010 - 12:56 am Comments Off

Angela Merkel has found his political instinct thanks to German tax evaders. Criticized since the inauguration of his new center-right government in late October for his lack of leadership, the chancellor has imposed against the will of its partners liberal FDP and the barons of his party, the CDU, the purchase files containing the names of thousands of taxpayers who have hidden assets in Switzerland. The German opinion ranks behind Merkel's opinion and personalities of all political gradually overcome their moral reservations about buying stolen data, to endorse its decision.

100 000 taxpayers

According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, citing sources close to the investigation, fraud could be much more massive than was originally estimated.After studying hundreds of cases randomly draws the German tax authorities now believes it could recover up to 400 million euros. According to several sources, the data come from the second Swiss bank, Credit Suisse, also reaffirms the daily despite the denials of the institution. In addition, an "internal estimate" of the bank can show that up to 100 000 taxpayers German practice of tax evasion in Switzerland, for a total of 34 billion Swiss francs (23 billion euros), says Süddeutsche Zeitung cash till payday .

Internal documents from Credit Suisse from 2004 might suggest that "over 80% of all Germans who deposit money into accounts at Credit Suisse, Switzerland, German tax authorities to conceal the proceeds of their interests" .An informant offers to sell the files to the German government, for 2.5 million euros a bargain defended the more convinced by the Chancellor that some fraudsters have engaged in concealment amounting to several million euros. "I think there is a common interest in the information. Tax evasion is not a crime chivalrous, "said Friday, the Chancellor.

Legal experts have now the treasury verified all the legal implications related to the purchase of the list, and the way is clear for its acquisition. Fraudsters have only a few hours to withdraw without risking additional sanctions.

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"Berlin will buy the secret Swiss bank

Vivendi penalizes the CAC 40

February 2, 2010 - 12:13 am Comments Off

The Paris Bourse opened the week and the month of February, down from 0.48% to 3721.66 points in the wake of the decline on Wall Street Friday. The same applies to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange decline of 0.38% at 5587.5 points, and that of London which yields 0.38% to 5168.64 points. After a week punctuated by a sharp increase from 1.37% to 3.739.46 points, investors should be preparing to take their profits.

Markets were awaiting major publications in the United States. Around 12 o'clock, the President of the United States, Barack Obama has proposed a 2011 budget of 3.834 billion dollars. The White House said Monday that the draft budget for next fiscal year (October 2010-September 2011) showed a deficit of 1.267 billion dollars, down 19% due to higher expected revenue.In the afternoon, indicators follow overseas spending and household income for the month of January (1430), construction costs for the month of December (16 hours), the ISM index of manufacturing activity January (16 hours). On Friday, the U.S. GDP figures for the fourth quarter, came out up 5.7%.

The results season of American companies continues its course on Monday with those of Exxon Mobil, the world's oil.

In France, prices for production in French industry decreased by 2.9% in 2009, a decline limited to 1.3% for foreign markets, according to figures released Monday by the INSEE. In all markets (French and exports), the producer prices are down 2.4% a year, says the National Institute of Statistics.In December 2008, prices remained stable (0%) in the industry for the French market.

Sales of new vehicles surged 14% in January by the Committee of French manufacturers (CCFA).

Side currencies and commodities, oil off again on the rise (+0.22% to 73.21 dollars), while the euro strengthens against the dollar (+0.25% to 1.3899 dollars).

Vivendi unscrewed, Ipsen well oriented

Vivendi (-3.42% to EUR 18.2), largest drop in the CAC 40, was convicted by an American jury to have provided misleading information to shareholders in connection with a proceeding initiated in partnership 2002 in the United States by minority shareholders. The New York jury has acquitted the other hand Jean-Marie Messier, CEO of the group of telecommunications and media at the material time and the former CFO Guillaume Hannezo.

Total (2.67% to 41.99 euros).The oil company should take its decision on the future of the Dunkirk refinery by the end of the first half of 2010.

A reconciliation between EDF (+1.26% at 39.52 euros) and Veolia (+2.18% at 24.36 euros) is not on the agenda, said Prime Minister Francois Fillon, adding he continued to favor a gradual departure of Henri Proglio Veolia.

Ipsen (+3.44% at 39.61 euros), the second largest increase of the SBF 120, published Monday sales up 8.2% for the 4th quarter 2009 to 255.3 million euros thanks to its activities in the medical specialty.

PSA Peugeot Citroen (0.55% to 23.77 euros after having opened down 1.73% to 23.23 e uros) confirmed the preventive recall of 97,000 cars for a problem of faulty accelerator pedal that affects also models of Toyota.Saturday a spokesman for the French manufacturer had told Reuters that the recall campaign targeting models Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 would cover fewer than 100,000 vehicles.

According to information from BFM Sales of new registrations should increase 15% for the month of January 2010. But on the whole year, the Committee of French automobile manufacturers expected a general decline of 20%.

France Telecom (+1.11% to 16.81 euros after a decline of 0.24% to 16.59 euros at the opening). According to The Tribune.fr, the government has been seized by the telecom authority (Arcep) a request for higher rates for operator service providers Internet alternatives.

United States: exceptional growth in late 2009

January 30, 2010 - 9:45 pm Comments Off

Year End Spectacular for the U.S. economy. According growth reached 5.7% in the fourth quarter. Economists had forecast between 4.7% and 5.4%.

This unexpected development will limit the historical downfall of GDP over the year to -2.4%. The U.S. economy had not experienced such a decline since 1946.

In the fourth quarter, growth was supported by the recovery in business inventories, the resumption of investment and exports, says the Federal Bureau of Statistics payday loans for bad credit . In addition, imports, which are deducted from GDP, slowed. These factors have offset the slowdown in federal spending and household consumption.

The Kindle boosts Amazon results

January 29, 2010 - 1:45 pm Comments Off

In 2009, net income of Amazon rose 40% to $ 902 million or $ 2.04 per share. The U.S. Internet provider has presented these figures Thursday after the close of Wall Street, at the same time it announced its net profit for the fourth quarter, which soared 71% over the same period a year earlier, and rising to $ 384 million, or $ 0.85 per share.

During the last three months of 2009, marked by the holiday shopping season, Amazon's sales jumped 42%. Its turnover in the fourth quarter then reached $ 9.52 billion, which is better than expected. Due to a favorable currency effect, sales in the fourth quarter rose more rapidly in international markets (ie markets UK, French, German, Japanese and Chinese, which together grew by 49%) on the northern markets American (36%).But the two geographical areas show a growth rate similar sales since the currency effect is offset, and equivalent volumes.

This dynamic sales at year-end allows Amazon to total $ 24.51 billion worth of sales throughout the year, or 28% more than in 2008 low fee payday loans .

The group attributes this performance to the success of its electronic book reader, the Kindle, released in a hundred countries. "Millions of people now have the Kindle, and those who have a Kindle read a lot. When we have two editions (print and digital), six editions we sell Kindle books for 10 paper, "said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.

On its forecast for first quarter 2010, Amazon is planning a sales growth of about 32 to 43%.Its quarterly revenue could be up to 7 billion dollars. Over the period, operating profit could rise by 13% to 50%, Amazon said.

The group finally warned that its Board of Directors has endorsed a program of share repurchases by the group, amounting to 2 billion dollars.

"IPad: strengths and weaknesses of the Apple tablet

The Paris Bourse remained in negative territory

January 27, 2010 - 6:13 pm Comments Off

The CAC 40 fell back into the dark red. After a morning spent in sharp decline, the index in Paris was trying to recover. The index began in Paris plunges more clearly in the red at mid-session.

Around 1530, ACC fell 1.26% to 3.7591,15 points.

"The results of U.S. companies in 2009, better than expected, are completely ignored by markets that focus on three issues: Obama and his banking project, the re-appointment of Ben Bernanke to head the Fed and the organization of economic slowdown China by the Beijing authorities, "said Xavier de Villepion, fund manager at Global Equities.

This decrease in the overall rating takes place amid concerns over banks, while in Davos, experts discuss the modalities of regulation put in place in this sector."Investors fear that they reduce their size or they are prohibited from carrying out activities on their own funds," says Alice Lhabouz, manager Turgot Asset Management.

The morale of French stable consumption in Germany decreased

The publication this morning by the INSEE, a stabilization of the morale of French households had no impact on investors. The moral of households has remained virtually unchanged in January, the indicator is measured taking 1 point to -29 points, sharply up from the lower reaches in late 2008 but still below the average of the last fifteen years.

From the industry side, INSEE also announced that "the balance of opinion on the overall demand in the fourth quarter picked up strongly, thus approaching its long-term average.For the first quarter 2010, demand prospects remain however below the average long-term view of industry expectations.

The corporate failures of August 2009 will, they are known in 12 hours. After Exchange, 18 hours, Pole employment must disclose the number of requests and offers of jobs in December. Globally, the International Labor Office (ILO) has provided figures on employment depressing. "The number of unemployed worldwide reached almost 212 million in 2009 due to an unprecedented increase of 34 million compared to 2007, the eve of the global economic crisis," says the ILO.

In Germany, consumer prices fell 0.6% in January, posting a year increased 0.5%, said Wednesday the Statistics Bureau of Land. In December, prices had risen by 0.8% over the month as the year.

In the United States, all are attentive to the conclusions of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Fed that interest rates will at 20:15. Before that, Americans will unveil the promises of home sales in December (16 hours) and the weekly oil inventories (16:30) free business cards .

Risk arbitrage STMicroelectronics

As for values, STMicroelectronics reported Tuesday after market loss of $ 70 million in the fourth quarter, or 8 cents per share, against a loss of $ 366 million (42 cents per share) a year earlier. But this figure is below expectations of analysts.In exchange, having been one of the few titles CAC 40 to receive up to the opening (0.82%), the action was down in red, mid-session: — 1.20% to 6.03 euro).

Apple must introduce a new product on Wednesday the United States. It should be a new eBook reader electronic touch and connectable to the Internet. France Telecom (-0.53% to 16.77 euros) through Orange and Vivendi (-1.51% to 19.25 euros) via SFR should look at the new "toy" of the Apple brand.

Thomson (-2.82% to 1.03 euros) meets on Wednesday a special general meeting to discuss the restructuring of its debt and the adoption of its new name, Technicolor.

Spir Communication (-1.23% to 21.71 euros) on Tuesday reported a further decline in sales in the fourth quarter, down 11.4%.

Rusal, the Russian mining group, is listed first in Paris and Hong Kong.The group was not well received on the Chinese markets. He lost 10% in early trade. Investors have booked him in Paris the same cold reception: the title lost 11.10% to 17.70 euros.

Areva (-2.24% to 338 euros) and GDF Suez (-0.44% to 28.08 euros) would be full discussion for several months to conclude a partnership in nuclear power, confirming a report in Les Echos. Cependat No information has been taken in this regard.

Klepierre (-2.91% to 26.66 euros) Tuesday announced a turnover in 2009 increased by 22.6% to 246.5 million euros.

AXA (-0.77% to 15.40 euros) recorded an increase of 11% of its turnover in 2009 to 24.5 billion euros.The growth was 14.5% in life insurance.

Inter Parfums (+0.83% at 18.12 euros) for its part, announced a turnover down 6.2% at constant rates for 2009 to 259.2 million euros.

M6 (-0.03% to 19.12 euros) Lafuma (+0.33% to 11.99 euros) should publish their figures for the fourth quarter after market close.

Eiffage (-1.64% to 39.38 euros) will publish its balance sheet in 2009.

Note that the bank this morning are especially misguided: BNP Paribas (-1.04% to 52.15 euros), Credit Agricole (-1.35% to 11.71 euros) and Societe Generale (-0.85% to 43.15 euros) saddled the index, in a heated in Davos.

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"The Asian exchanges still sluggish

Public debts worry Coface

January 19, 2010 - 2:41 am Comments Off

A shock exceptional in its scope but not its duration. Coface, which examines the risks of outstanding companies, announced Monday at a symposium on the country risk, the end of the credit crisis. While recalling the unprecedented nature of this recession, the worst post-war related to the bankruptcy of Lehman. Between its 2007 peak and the lowest point in 2009, the global economy fell by 6.1 points, two times the oil crisis of the 1980s or the collapse of the dotcom bubble.

"There is a strong correlation between the curve of defaults and that of economic growth, said President Francois David. For six months we see an improvement in creditworthiness of companies. "After rising 19% in the first half of 2009, the total payment incidents has decreased by 40% over the last six months.With this improvement, Coface has revised upwards its ratings, while it had conducted several waves of decommissioning throughout the crisis. Note that unlike traditional agencies, which follow the sovereign debt, the insurance company is only interested in credit risk business. The improvement is true for most industrialized countries. The A2 rating of the United States is no longer under negative watch while France, Germany and Japan, in particular, came under positive watch.

Household debt

But if the bulk of the storm passed, many clouds darken the sky of the recovery. It is primarily the weakness of private demand, which remains constrained by the debt ratio and savings rates, and deterioration of the labor market."The key to growth lies in the particular behavior of the American consumer, accounting for 18% of global GDP," notes Francois David.

Another black spot, the rate of industrial capacity utilization remains limited, especially slowing business investment. "The recovery in 2010 will depend even public spending," says the chief economist at Coface, Yves Zlotowski. With the risk of digging a little more deficits. The situation is particularly alarming for the "pigs" – Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain – where the debt has increased the most between 2007 and 2011. "The markets could force them to implement budget cuts, which contribute more to the recession," said Yves Zlotowski. The economist is also concerned about overheating in China and the rebound of stock markets, including commodities, stronger and faster than the real economy.Coface expects global growth in 2010 of 2.7%, driven by emerging markets (5.3%) against 1.4% for developed countries.

Alcatel is the challenge of saving energy

January 12, 2010 - 7:06 am Comments Off

The world of telecom and Internet is one of the largest energy consumers in the world. Also, the giants of the industry can not stand idly by. Alcatel-Lucent and its famous Bell Labs in the United States have therefore taken the initiative to create a consortium, called "Green Touch" to floor on this issue. From the outset, the consortium brings together the best researchers. Around the Bell Labs of Alcatel and research laboratories of Samsung of South Korea are three of the most prestigious American universities specializing in technology: Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard. The National Institute for Research in Computer Science (INRIA) and laboratories from CEA-Leti in Grenoble are part of the French side, and the Belgian research institute IMEC.Finally, two operators, Telefonica, and Swisscom, join the adventure.

For six months, Bell Labs, the famous centers of R & D of Alcatel-Lucent, consider a crucial question: "How much energy a telecommunications network can it be reduced without affecting capacity information transmission? "

Networks must be completely redesigned, including the architecture should be changed. For example, "wireless telecommunications are one of the largest contributors to the energy needs of a network. It is easy to reduce the power emitted by an antenna, and therefore consumption, removing his show in all directions in space and focus the signal to the next station or end user, "says the boss research at Bell Labs.Moreover, the power of an antenna of a wireless network can be reduced by using tricks to encode the signal. "Thus, information can be extracted even if the noise level is high." Architecture is another central point: "To perform a calculation, the human brain needs a million times less energy a computer, thanks to its apparently chaotic! "

Consumption divided by 10 000

"After six months of work, we have calculated, based on our many disciplines such as physics, mechanics and quantum computing, it is possible to reduce, at most, by 10 000 energy d a telecommunications network, "said Gee Rittenhouse, head of research at Bell Labs. "We can not do everything alone.We have therefore decided to create a consortium, called "Green Touch," whose objective is already reduced by 1 000 the energy of a telecommunications network within five years. This consortium will bring together four groups of actors: universities, industrial laboratories, research institutes, non-profit and telecommunications operators, "said Gee Rittenhouse.

Besides protecting the environment, this research will have another impact: Increase the amount of data transmitted in the network without increasing the radiation, which concern both consumer groups.

The "big" bottom borrowing visibly

November 6, 2009 - 4:31 pm Comments Off

These days, advocates of fiscal orthodoxy seem to score points on the supporters of a massive debt. The president ruled between 25 and 50 billion euros will be invested in projects that build the future of France. That does not mean that the amount of the "great debt" will be too high.

First difference: the Elysee account used to finance part of the "future costs", public aid granted at the beginning of the crisis with French banks, which are paying off. Or 13 billion euros back into the coffers of the state and which will therefore be recycled. While the state had to borrow funds on the market a year ago before re-lending to banks …

Cofinancing

Second difference: The government has always been clear, most projects will be financed by the state and privately.To allow access to the Internet at high speed throughout, for example, the loan will finance a large part of the deployment of a huge network of fiber optic telecom operators but will also put their hands in their pockets . And their "contribution" could well be recorded in the 25 to 50 milliards displayed, provides a government source. Who goes: "It is true, ultimately, he could not keep a lot of money to borrow." Perhaps no more than 15 billion euros …

"Do not the French credibility differs from that of Germany", explained in any case François Fillon on Thursday at the World.

In other words, Matignon would prevent total borrowings French (to fund all deficits, "great debt" included) than in 2010, that of German broadcasts.

And to avoid a surge in borrowing rates at which Bercy. The Treasury figures the additional borrowing capacity of France "between 20 and 30 billion euros", said the Premier.

Regardless, the executive does not repeat does not all the time that the important thing is not to set the amount of the loan but to define priorities for the future?

"Borrowing" Focus on new technologies and defense "

"Accoyer:" The prime minister has whistled the end of recreation "on the loan