T & D allows Areva to stay in the green

31st July

"The nuclear renaissance is confirmed", says Anne Lauvergeon, president of Areva, commenting on his group's interim results, and highlighting a turnover up 6.4% to 4.16 billion euros and a backlog increased 2.7% to 44.1 billion euros.

The group also reported a net profit of 843 million euros between January and June 2010. But excluding the gain realized from the sale of its subsidiary Alstom Transmission & Distribution and Schneider, who has reported EUR 1.3 billion to Areva, the accounts are in the red.Last year, during the first half, earnings reached 161 million euros.

Operating profit, excluding capital gains, it is clearly in the red at -485 000 000 euros, cons -170 000 000 euros in the first half of 2009.

Impairments chain

The world's largest producer of uranium indicates that it found "a depreciation of 300 million euros on some of its mining assets, because new data looking at futures prices of uranium.

There is also a provision of 400 million euros in late June increased to cover additional costs due to further delays, construction of the EPR at Olkiluoto in Finland.

It was the eighth consecutive allowance increased by Areva on this site.In total, Areva has recorded 2.6 billion euros of provisions for OL3 after the 367 million recorded in the first half cash advance loan. This third generation reactor will cost a total of 5.7 billion euros, while the original price was 3 billion euros.

The site has actually taken four years behind its original schedule, due to a series of technical difficulties. Scheduled to start in April 2009, the EPR should not enter service until late 2012 or early 2013.

An agreement with EDF

This publication comes as the Elysée has just demanded that the builder of reactors and EDF sign a strategic partnership agreement covering all areas of their mutual interest in nuclear energy.

The possibility of the rise in the capital of EDF in Areva will be examined in the context of this agreement.Areva also has proceed before the end of 2010 a capital increase of up to 15% to finance the necessary investments for its development.

Net debt stood at Areva 5.152 billion euros at end June 2010 against 6.193 billion at end 2009, for equity of 8.7 billion.

As part of its financing plan, Areva has also planned to divest its holdings from 25.6% in Eramet and 10.9% in STMicroelectronics, which must remain under public ownership.

ALSO READ:

"EDF: PRT Flamanville two years late

"Roussely: EDF and Areva have to align their interests

"Areva is optimistic for 2010

EDF Energies Nouvelles carried by the wind

28th July

EDF Energies Nouvelles has announced the results Wednesday that should let the markets perplexed. The EDF subsidiary, specializing in green energy, publishes indeed a group net profit down 7.7% to 38.6 million euros. Operating income rose 15.2% to 168.9 million euros, but remains well below the consensus was 186.58 million euros.

The group prefers to focus on sales amounting to 545 million euros, up 28.1%. A performance that the group owes its branch production, the most important, which recorded a sales growth of 30% to 219.4 million euros.

"Despite unfavorable wind conditions in the U.S. and very unfavorable to the United Kingdom, wind generation has benefited from full year impact of activations in 2009, notably in France and the United States, new facilities built in first half of 2010 in Europe and very good wind conditions in Portugal, "the company said payday advance. EDF EN has increased its wind power capacity of 156.1 megawatts (MW) gross in the first half and its capacity of 61.3 megawatts photovoltaic peak (MWp) gross.

For the future, EDF Energies Nouvelles has confirmed its forecast for EBITDA of between 430 and 450 million euros "and its goal of late 2012 installed capacity of 4200 MW net with 500 MWp of solar."

ALSO READ:

"EDF EN negotiates with U.S. customers

Status: 100 billion lost in 10 years

5th July

In ten years the state has lost 100 billion euros in revenue. This figure results from the calculations of shock UMP Gilles Carrez, general rapporteur of the Budget, published by Les Echos. What set the scene while the deputies are to discuss Tuesday guidance of public finances, which will set priorities for the years 2011-2013. The challenge: reducing the government deficit of 7.5% in 2009 to 6% in 2011 and to 3% in 2013 to meet EU rules. And convince investors of the seriousness of France.

Since 2000, said Gilles Carrez, 70 billion euros of tax cuts have been granted by the governments of left and right. At the same time, 40 billion of revenue were donated to the Social Security and local authorities. The whole, "without these have been offset by lower expenses!" Gilles Carrez surprised in an interview with Les Echos.

The largesse of governments are particularly focused on tax cuts on income and on the proliferation of tax shelters. Then, down one point from VAT in 2000 has caused an erosion of 40% of revenues.

To redress the balance, the member calls for "an effort on tax revenues and social order of 15 billion euros is needed to demonstrate our commitment to reducing deficits and debt". The markets and rating agencies watch the France at the turn. If they judge announced that the effort is insufficient, the state will see its rating deteriorated and must borrow at higher interest rates.

Effort "just"

Still, the effort "must be fair," Eaton Gilles Carrez. Therefore, "the movement of the plane" tax "should apply to the broadest possible base."Income tax, corporation tax, solidarity tax on wealth, and even VAT should be reviewed.

For example, the 5.5% VAT on food is expected to increase to 12%, defends the member. A measure already excluded by Bercy. On the other hand, Gilles Carrez believes that the biofuel "is developed enough to no longer need to be subsidized.

Expected stabilization of the CAC 40 before the U.S. job figures

2nd July

The trading hours of that Friday could mark a break after one week it is true though challenging for investors. Since Monday, the market has lost more than 5%. Of course, markets will pay close attention to monthly statistics showing employment in the United States which will be unveiled before the opening of Wall Street. But they seem they are already included in the indices, because Wednesday the investigation uncovered ADP than-expected figures for private use.

Thursday came another statistics support the poor with claims of unemployment rose 13,000 to $ 472,000 in the figures as at June 26, while economists on average expected a decline to 452,000 over the figure of 457,000 originally announced. This does not suggest the best for this afternoon.

The futures contracts reflected in the opening up of the order of 0.7 to 3362 points.

Note that the meeting in Paris will be exceptionally today around 41 values because of two new entities of Accor.

The trend has been better after the session on Wall Street to limit losses. At the close, the Dow Jones lost 0.42% to 9733 points, the Nasdaq was down 0.37% at 2101 points and the S & P 500 drops 0.32% to 1027 points. This morning in Asia, calm prevailed in the markets.

On the face values, we will therefore:

Bank stocks after doubts about the health of European banks. According to the Financial Times, a score of banks would be forced to raise funds after testing resistance.

Edenred (new name of Accor Services) made its market debut.The award technical reference of the title was set at 11.40 euros, a figure which is located in the lower range of 11-14 euro advanced Tuesday by the chairman of Accor at its general assembly and lower than its During Thursday on the gray market, which was around 12 euros depending on traders.

Accor: according to Les Echos, the group is also about to give the caterer railway wagons Beds French Newrest.Moreover, according to the newspaper, the proposed IPO of Lucien Barriere, another subsidiary of Accor, will be presented to analysts on July 7.

GDF Suez: Standard & Poor's said on Thursday lowered the outlook notes A/A1 group of "positive" to "stable", judging unlikely that the group achieves and maintains financial situation justifying an increase in his notes.

BNP Paribas and BPCE, the parent company of Natixis announced an alliance in consumer credit, which will require the development of a common platform operational from 1 January 2013.

Schneider said Thursday night it was in talks with the city of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on the renovation of the city's power grid. The Tribune reported Friday that the group has secured this contract, the newspaper figure at 1.3 billion dollars (1 billion euros).

Beneteau lowered from 17% to 15% of its target revenue growth for fiscal year 2009-2010 within the scope of delays in deliveries of vessels. The builder of sailboats and motorboats, however, confirmed its target of operating profit to 37.5 million for its fiscal year ending in late August.

Delay EPR: Standard & Poor's Areva sanctions

28th June

Standard & Poor's finally penalized AREVA, judging the profitability of the group "depressed" for two years. The notes of French nuclear group, which was under surveillance by the rating agency since April 14 last, was finally degraded Monday by two notches to 'BBB +, cons A.

The first reason advanced by the agency for "the provision of 400 million euros related to the recently announced construction of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The further delay of the Finnish EPR, one of four currently under construction by Areva (with Flamanville in the Channel and two other Chinese), forcing the group to a new provision which would involve a negative operating result for the first half 2010. In total, the group has been provisioned 2.7 billion euros for this site should be completed in late 2012 with four years late.

S & P added that the profitability of Areva would also be affected by a "conflict" is contrasted with EDF about the Georges Besse enrichment plant, in the Drome. Both groups fail to reach an agreement to renew the contract which ensures the Areva uranium enrichment EDF.

The rating agency does have a stable outlook on the debt rating of Areva, convinced that the group should be able to implement successfully the remainder of the disposal plan and its plan to increase capital , strengthening its balance sheet.

ALSO READ:

"Areva: EPR file again delayed

The operation of rating agencies

Germany: Luxury cars leave

22nd June

Welcoming their blitz-boom, leaders BMW, Mercedes and Audi display confident smiles. Driven by China's growth, the three automakers upscale German came out of the crisis in record time. A year ago, they still increased the pace of layoffs for part of thousands of their employees to cope with the collapse of global demand. In recent weeks, they continue to advance the pace of production to meet the boom in exports.

"Never before has such a situation had been improving at a rate cutting your breath so brutally," enthuses a member of the supervisory board of Daimler, maker of Mercedes, quoted by the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).The very expensive "scrappage" introduced by the German federal state, which had boosted sales of Renault-Dacia in Germany, had not benefited the high-end manufacturers. But the system Kurzarbeit, unemployment part financed by the German state, allowed them to retain their skilled workforce and avoid the waves of layoffs. And come back even stronger.

Success of "Made in Germany"

The FAZ, which displays an unusual enthusiasm, believes that "German car manufacturers are experiencing a tale was unexpected." The factories are at full speed. "Mercedes has almost regained its level before the crisis," said a member of the supervisory board of Daimler.

The resumption of exports to the United States but especially in China explains this success.The models are the most luxurious locomotive production pay day loans. Thus, Mercedes increased its production of S-Class 41% in May, while BMW has experienced a surge in sales of 34% of its 7-series.

In factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen Untertürkheim, which produces luxury Mercedes models, the assembly lines now run on Saturday. Just as in Neckarsulm, where the A8 is constructed, the limousine flagship Audi. Several factories are planning to shorten from three to two weeks summer holidays. Daimler plans to hire 2,100 temporary workers to maintain production rates during the holidays. Daimler already employs 1,800 temporary workers. At BMW, they are 5000.The Bavarian company is seeking to recruit hundreds of graduates and plans to train some 1,000 additional workers.

Health insolent the German luxury car industry should result in a significant increase in stock price for the businesses concerned. More broadly, the entire German economy should benefit from the recovery in exports in 2010. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) expects "a growth of 8% of exports," for the current year. "The international demand for" Made in Germany "can pull Germany out of the crisis," said Werner Schnappauf, head of the BDI. The chemical and electrical industries are the sectors that benefit most from the recovery.Result: analysts predict a continuing decline in unemployment in Germany.

READ ALSO:

»Automotive: New lower sales in Europe

"The Mercedes star to shine again

Wall Street expected to open in positive

14th June

The Dow Jones is expected to open up 0.67% at 10,206 points. The index futures are predicting a slight increase in opening of U.S. markets. Shortly before the opening of Wall Street, futures on indices Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 advanced 0.76% respectively at 1093.30 points from 0.65% to 1854.50 points.

Caution remains the watchword. The statistics emerged mixed Friday, with an index of consumer confidence than expected for the month of June, but the announcement of an unexpected decline in retail sales in May The Dow Jones closed up 0.38% at 10,211 points while the Nasdaq gained 1.12% to 2243 points.The three major U.S. stock indices ended the week in the green since the S & P 500 closed with a gain of 2.5%

In this session of transition marked by an agenda very quiet and a euro that has just crossed the $ 1.21 mark, investors could resume, however, slowly, some appetite for risk, encouraged by the improving market Asian and good consumption figures published last week in the United States.

Real estate, consumption and inflation on the agenda

They eagerly await the remarks on Wednesday held Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on financial sector reform.We know already that the crisis of sovereign debt in Europe has pushed the timetable of the next Federal Reserve decision affecting its basic rate, as provided Monday James Bullard, president of Fed St. Louis.

Before that, the functions of building permits (Tuesday) and housing starts (Wednesday) will be monitored closely. But these indicators should have a real strong correction with the end of the tax credit.

On Wednesday, the industrial production should instead show strong growth for the month of May, while producer prices (same day), then consumer prices (Thursday), should confirm the absence of inflation United States.

Shortly loaded results, the agenda will be dominated by Wall Street setting CBOE Stock Exchange, the last U.S. platform independent.The price of the introduction should be provided on Monday night.

In addition, FedEx (Wednesday), the cruise Cardinal (today) and Best Buy (tomorrow) will publish their quarterly results.

Moreover, the U.S. administration is stepping up its action against the British oil and wants to confiscate the group dividends. A threat to the stock.

The tax loopholes rabottées 10%

4th June

The tax shelters will soon be planed 10%, Francois Fillon warned on Thursday morning in the East Republican. After announcing in early May that he wanted to make five billion euros in savings over five years on tax shelters, the prime minister said his program. The government opted Does the deletion of niches, or a general decline in their level? "Both," explained Francois Fillon.

"In each case, some niches will be deleted. And there will be a movement of the plane by 10%. With exceptions because it should not increase the cost of labor, "he says. Over the years, it is indeed accumulated more than 400 tax loopholes, intended for particular social groups or economic sectors. In total, the Telemachus to win for the state accounts for almost 75 billion euros.

For in order to cope with a deficit which currently stands at 7.5% of GDP, the resources available to the government are now limited, said the Premier. A tax increase seems difficult in France, both the level of tax burden is already high. "Within the euro area, we are among those who have the highest rate. Again, our margins are limited, "said the Premier. More limited, for example, those of our German neighbors.

No removal of tax charges

Same for the amount of charges. "In some sectors, the competitiveness gap with Germany reached up to 20%. We can not win over the German economy, "said Francois Fillon. No question, therefore, to remove some relief.Neither, as announced Wednesday Georges Tron, the Secretary of State for Public Service, to lower or freeze the salaries of civil servants, which may depend on the success of pension reform.

Only possible levers mentioned by the Prime Minister in the East Republican, in addition to the tax loopholes, reducing social spending and a freeze on the allocation of local communities. "But we will not touch the RSA," said Francois Fillon.

ALSO READ:

"What I think the rating agencies of France

"The idea of a law challenged five years against shortfalls

The first solar-powered plane took off

8th April

It is a relief for the 70 people who spent 7 years of their life to the project. The Solar Impulse, the first aircraft powered entirely by solar energy, took off this Wednesday at about 10:28 (8:28 GMT) from the military base of Payerne, in western Switzerland. After about a hundred meters, the plane took off and landed without difficulty as easily, after half past one flight.

The plane, still in prototype stage, used the 12,000 photovoltaic cells covering its wings only source of energy. As expected, the four solar-powered electric motors of an output of 10 hp each. The panels can charge the lithium-polymer that is 400 kg device. The aircraft, which looks identical to a dragonfly, has surprised observers by its silence.

Liftoff …

… And landing

After the jump, the flight

The first flight was operated by the German rider Markus Scherdel. Long delayed by adverse weather conditions, it occurs after an initial "jump" of a few meters in December 2009. "Not one aircraft of this type has flown in the past, welcomed the Swiss explorer and creator of the prototype, Bertrand Piccard. The take off was "a huge question mark," he recalled. Andre Borschberg, co-founder of the project, added that "the first question was whether we had enough power to lift off and then if we could land this plane" online payday advance. According to Bertrand Piccard, the first success "gave us the confidence needed for the next flight and the next missions.

The Solar Impulse will come into effect as of the first successful step in a long series of tests. The team plans further tests to calibrate the machine and then build a second copy. "We will continue the test flights for improving the design of the second aircraft," said Andre Borschberg. The construction of the second unit to start next year.

Soon round the world

The designers of the Solar Impusle are aiming to launch their second aircraft in the adventure of the world tour. The journey will be in five phases by 2013, rather than 2012 as previously announced.

The ecological objective remains unchanged: "This project primarily to show what we can do in renewable energy," he assured Bertrand Piccard, who asserts that "our future depends on our ability to adapt quickly to these renewables.Solar Impulse is to demonstrate what we already can do today to use these energies.

Next step in the schedule of organizers: a journey of 36 hours non-stop before the summer from Payerne to test the device's ability to operate day and night.

ALSO READ:

"Solar Impulse few dates

"Solar Impulse: giant solar fly by night

"Around the world in a solar aircraft

China boosts household growth

3rd April

Ever. When China publishes a number, it rarely falls in the half-measure. The purchasing managers' index, which measures both new orders and industrial production, released Thursday, has gained 3 points in March according to official statistics (55.1). It is at its highest level since its inception six years ago.

China, which is expected to announce an increase of 12% of its GDP (gross domestic product) in the first quarter, beating all records, remains the leading exporter, ahead of Germany (1 202 billion last year), but , surprise, it also consumes.

It will, if one believes his prime minister, Wen Jiabao, a deficit in its trade balance of 5.9 billion euros in March, the first since April 2004. This dip is due to the explosion of imports. They had increased from 85.5% in January. They still grew by 44.7% in February.Oil, coal, but also high technology products and luxury goods. That is what the government calls "accelerating change our mode of economic development.

The recovery plan 4 000 billion yuan (432.7 billion euros), launched in late 2008, that does not fund major projects. It also subsidizes purchases of appliances, cars, farm equipment. Thanks to him, retail sales rose 15.5% last year.

China has become the biggest car market before the United States. It is also the second customer of Bordeaux wines, after the European Union. Its purchases of gold are expected to double in the next decade, according to the World Gold Council cash advance no faxing.

The scourge of inflation

"The Chinese consumer spending weighs only 35% of the country's GDP, over 50% against the rest of Asia and from 60 to 70% in most OECD countries (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development economic), "notes a recent study by Nomura. But she sees four reasons to explode: the growing appetite for Chinese goods as durable and as their wages increase, the expansion of cities in central and western countries, the development zones rural and the need to increase the share of services "which represent only 40% of GDP against 60% to 80% in high-wage economies."

But Beijing must first curb the twin evils. He needs to control inflation at 2.7% in February was the highest for sixteen months.For the first two months of the year, consumer prices rose 2.3% while retail sales increased by 17.9%. In Shenzhen, near Hong Kong, the square meter of land is sold 2 000 euros! China should also reduce the social divide. Urban residents earn 3.3 times more money than the people of the country, against 1.8 times in 1983.

Only the introduction of a real system of social protection for all allow the government to persuade households to save less to pay their pensions, their routine care, education and children to consume more.

ALSO READ:

The Chinese prefer holidays in China