Sales and EBITDA exceed expectations

The energy company's EBITDA rose him, from 4.4% to 10.4 billion euros against 9.93 billion euros targeted by analysts. And the turnover amounted to 37.5 billion euros, up 7.7% and also above the expectations of experts, which amounted to 35.9 billion euros. The increase in sales figures is primarily due to acquisitions and CEng SPE, the company said.

EDF maintains its annual outlook

In terms of outlook, EDF has confirmed its objectives for the current year. It is thus an organic EBITDA growth of between 3% and 5%, a ratio of net debt / EBITDA of between 2.5 and 3, and a stable dividend.However, the company said it was a nuclear power between 405 TWh and 415 TWh in France for the whole year, with an availability target of its nuclear plants between 78.5% and 79.5 %. It had previously targeted a rate of availability of its French nuclear plants up 1.5 point "at least" in 2010 compared to 2009. This rate is crucial for the profitability of the group has been set at 85% over the medium term.

In addition, EDF has confirmed two information widely mentioned by the press. The electrician has announced a delay of two years starting from the EPR Flamanville cost of construction and re-evaluated at 5 billion euros.

On the other hand, the group said it has received an offer from Li Ka-shing on its UK business.The Hong Kong billionaire head of Cheung Kong Infrastructure offers 6.9 billion euros for the acquisition of the distribution network owned by EDF in the UK.

In total only seven of 91 major European banks subject to tests of resistance have been realigned, as the Committee of European Regulators (CEBS), which means they will raise funds to strengthen their financial position. They may need to raise 3.5 billion euros.By comparison, 10 of 19 U.S. banks had been tested in early 2009 over the obstacle.

CONCERE tests in Europe, there are five Spanish banks (Civica Cajasur, Unnim, and Espiga Diada), a Greek bank (Atebank) and Germany's Hypo Real Estate. No major surprises so. The institutions cited were regularly advertised as the most fragile. Note that none of the seven institutions is listed on the Exchange. Among the banks that failed this test, regulators believe that capital requirements are the most important elements in establishing German Hypo Real Estate (HRE), which needs to 1.245 billion euros to raise the minimum, and The Spanish savings bank Diada (Caixa Catalunya, Caixa Tarragona Caixa Manresa), too short of 1.032 billion.

Among the 84 banks that have successfully passed the tests, several lie exactly at the required level, a ratio "Tier One" 6%.It is the establishment Greek Piraeus Bank, and Spanish banks Banco Pastor, Caja Sol, while many German regional banks and savings banks in Spain will fall only slightly above 6%. C This is also where the largest Slovenian bank Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB) which displays a level of 6.3% and decided, therefore, increase its capital on its own initiative.

Analysts reviews

"It was too lenient. We anticipated the failure of 10 banks, but only seven have failed. No institution has failed side. This has dispelled any fears that existed until now and all questions were asked before (stress tests) will continue to be asked "critic James Hughes, market analyst at CMC Capital in London.

For Chris Rupkey, economist at Mitsubishi UFJ in New York, "The monetary authorities need to reassure international investors and to show skeptics that European banks are sound from a financial point of view. Despite the questions about transparency and the fact that stress tests are not subject to stress tests U.S. last year, I think these tests will begin to concerns about the eurozone behind us. There could be an initial disappointment leading to some selling on Monday at the reopening of markets, but the market will quickly pass over. " He continued: "The market was asking too much at once. At one stage it was thought that U.S. banks drank the cup in terms of equity because there was significant depreciation of their assets in mortgages.This was not true, so it is not "fair" that the market wants to see a decline in the value of sovereign debt in the euro area in the accounts of banks'

European regulators have scrutinized the 91 largest banks in the European Union to ensure that their capital levels are sufficient to enable them to cope with shocks even more severe than the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, which sparked a near-collapse of global financial markets. Banks unable to maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital of at least 6% by end 2011 in the hardest of these scenarios will be considered as having failed the tests.

France has fully passed the examination, the four banks involved in these tests (BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, Credit Agricoleet BPCE-Banque Populaire Caisse d'Epargne) have shown that they retain a sufficient level of funds in proportion different scenarios.

French banks "among the strongest"

The "brand of French banks is really a very strong resilience, welcomed Christian Noyer, governor of the Bank of France, with the results of these tests, commissioned by the European Commission and organized by the CEBS (Committee European Banking Supervisors). With these results, show that French banks "are among the strongest in Europe," says the Bank of France again.These results were "predictable" because they are "in line with the results obtained in tests conducted regularly in France and the demonstrated ability of French banks weather the recent crisis," he added.

Banks were tested maintain a level of equity called "Tier One" (reported capital commitments of the bank) of 6% for the regulator considers that they had passed the test. However, tests have shown that if stress of a major financial crisis, the ratio of cumulative four French banks would fall to 9.3% at end 2011 against 9.9% in late 2009.For Christian Noyer, even in cases of "adverse scenario, the banks maintain a" level of income in 2010 and 2011 roughly the same as in 2009.

"Cum laude" for Christine Lagarde

The Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde, who in the columns of Le Figaro said it had "full confidence on the health of French banks said they had succeeded in" hands down "the exam. "The French banks have passed the exam, I would say: with honors," she said."The test was particularly difficult," ruled the economy minister, stressing that the simulation was at once assumed an economic recession and crisis of sovereign debt of countries of the European Union.

"It's obviously a matter for satisfaction," she said, "because it means we will be able to finance the economy, finance households, businesses, and the distrust of markets should now disappear, given this exercise in transparency. " "These good results reflect the overall strength of the French banking and in particular the significant strengthening of the capital of French banks in recent months, and exposure to sovereign risk control," she said in a statement ."They demonstrate the relevance of the model of regulation and supervision of French, based on a demanding approach to risk prevention," stressed the minister, who said "the efforts of French authorities during the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009 stabilizing the French financial system have borne fruit. "

The global study was conducted among 136,000 people in 132 countries between 2005 and 2006. His basic premise: there are two definitions of happiness. On the one hand, happiness linked to a sense of well-being. On the other, that which is derived from specific moments of joy.If the first definition depends largely on personal income and wealth of the state in which one lives, the second responds rather to how psychological and social needs of all are met, the researchers said Gallup.

Yet with the highest GDP per capita in the world (46,400 dollars per capita, according to the CIA), the U.S. can only 16th in the ranking prepared by Gallup in regard to the general welfare, and only in 26th position out of 132 in terms of moments of satisfaction. The Americans were upstaged by the Danes, who are happiest with a general point of view, and by New Zealanders, who are champions of the moments of joy. Far from the United States, Denmark is the 31st worldwide in terms of GDP per capita ($ 36,000 in 2009) and New Zealand 51st (to 27,300 dollars), according to CIA data.

The importance of social relationships

"While enriched with a sense of general satisfaction on his life, it is perhaps not as big an impact than we imagine how we appreciate each moment," says Ed Diener, a researcher at the University of Illinois and in Gallup. The researcher stresses the importance of "quality of social relations" in the lives of everyone. He cites, for example, Costa Rica, despite income levels below those of South Korea, would have a population happier.

One issue that has also gained ground in France. To determine the limits of GDP as an indicator of social progress, President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008 mandated a committee chaired by Professor Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel Prize in economics.Its report, delivered in late 2009, believes that there is often "a gap between declared, first, the usual measures of major socio-economic variables such as growth, inflation, unemployment, etc.., And, Moreover, widespread perceptions of these realities. " The Committee also questioned "the relevance of these data as a tool to measure societal well-being."

The adage has limits

For example, northern Europe and Anglo-Saxon beautiful lie on top of the global economic scale, these areas have nothing to envy of Latin America, which is relatively well positioned in the rankings of Gallup . This reasoning, however, limits. "Many if not most people want and run after money for most of their days, in fact, admit the authors of the study.Unsurprisingly, the countries of Africa's poorest arrive back of the pack, and this, in the two rankings of happiness!

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Yet as the heroes of comic books, Charles Beigbeder conducts its business in the charge, hussar to conquer Ukraine. "His outsider allows him to undertake the impossible in our eyes. He charges no ulterior motives. Grow 45,300 hectares in three years in Ukraine, with a small team, for us it was unbelievable, "explained his field man, Charles Vilgrain, young chief executive of AgroGénération who rents the land now six collective farms Ukraine.Charles Beigbeder is with his partner Alain Mallart, shareholder. They rely on the required increase of 70% of agricultural production provided by FAO, to feed the world population by 2050.

Nothing is too good to conquer the breadbasket of Europe, under-utilized in the courtyard of a huge kolkhoz Glukhov Case-IH Steiger articulated eight wheels, 535 horsepower, illustrates the enormity of the operation of 8000 hectares. With a tank of 1000 liters, it can run tirelessly in "three to eight" during the harvest. "The effect of size is a key to success, assures Joseph Alexander, CFO AgroGénération. The park is powered on average four times higher than in France, but the area 100 times greater. "

These farms were not chosen at random.The optimal humidity coincides with the very fertile black soil, the chernozem, the humus layer is so thick that it provides costly irrigation facilities. At Glukhov, no deep furrows of the earth scratch disks. This more gentle to the ecosystem is also good for the accounts: "The fuel savings and pesticides made possible an improvement in 30-50% of the margin," says Joseph Alexander. "The optimum is equivalent to 53 quintals per hectare wheat," says Charles Beigbeder. Today, farms are close to 43 quintals, or about the financial balance.

No taxes on corporate farming

Since the beginning of the adventure, all the activities required a total investment of 30 million euros (Shiloh, equipment …). Analysts expect a profit for the fourth year in 2011.For the current year the group should not be so far from equilibrium. Special zone: Ukraine no taxes on corporate farming, or VAT. To locate, AgroGénération relied on the experience of agri-industrial group Cereals French Champagne which it now sells its production of barley.

The risks are real: four guards protect equipment and crops. The GPS is used not only to optimize the use of fertilizers, but also to monitor the equipment to trace. To retain its 350 employees, AgroGénération offers the highest wages in the region (250-500 euros), while the average farm wage is 180 euros.

The company treats its relations with donors land farmed in 2800. Almost all are paid in kind with grain (750 kg) which will then feed the animals. But already Charles Beigbeder dream of other horizons."The presence in South America with the offset of the season will smooth the cash and share risks," says company founder, has set a goal: 100,000 hectares in 2012 in Ukraine.

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However, Christine Lagarde, Minister of Economy, warned Friday that gas prices will not move until January 1. Consumers will escape upwards so that additional sketched already by 1 October – the price revision is now making quarterly.

The "pause" as required by the Minister is made on behalf of a review of the formula that currently GDF Suez to calculate its rates. In spring, the regulator had already begun an audit. It will therefore continue, before the drawing, probably new method of calculation.Knowing that GDF Suez is currently conducting a number of renegotiations with producer countries. 'I hope that the CRE do an audit of this formula because I'm quite surprised at the speed of execution and I wish that as a result of this audit, we determine if the formula is good, "said Friday Christine Lagarde on France Inter.

"The current tariff is not obsolete, but it can be optimized," says one expert dossier.In discussion, the long-term contracts underlying the supply of GDF Suez (with key suppliers such as Russia, Algeria and Norway), while the spot price of gas fall very weakly into account in calculating the formula.

The government takes the hand

"On a more general issue is whether to continue to index the price of oil on gas prices, even though overproduction of gas worldwide has resulted in a fall prices, "says one expert. However, increased consideration of market prices in the establishment of the formula may increase the volatility of the prices. In all cases, the balance is difficult to find.

For government, the issue of gas prices remains thorny.Early this year he thought he had found a solution by entrusting exclusively to the regulator, on the proposal of GDF SUEZ, the task of settling. But after two significant increases in quick succession, the government, well aware of the unpopular side of the increases among the public, are now forced to return to the game

To choose between two companies in the euro area, 53% of investors focus first on to dissect the "fundamentals", only 16% consider the prospects for growth as critical. Which is good in this day and age.

Trade unions, left parties and student organizations were called to take to the streets, in the words of Secretary General of the CGT, Bernard Thibault, "create a balance of power in discussion" with the government. The pension reform is expected before the end of the year and a new appointment office at the Elysee Palace will be held prior May 10

For its part, Workers Power had returned to tradition by going it alone.Its secretary general, Jean-Claude Mailly, said Saturday morning on Europe-1 radio that "the repeated demonstrations will not shake the government" on the proposed pension reform fast cash.

"Putting pressure on politicians'

In Paris, between 21,000 protesters and police said 45,000 people marched from one union between the Place de la R?publique and the Op?ra, against 160,000 in 2009 according to the CGT.In the march included union leaders sat Bernard Thibault (CGT), Fran?ois Ch?r?que (CFDT), Alain Olive (UNSA), Annick Coupe (Solidarity) and Bernadette Groison (FSU), as well as student union UNEF Jean-Baptiste UNL schoolboy Antoine Prevost Evennou.

In Toulouse, between 5,000 people, police and organizers said 6,000 marched in the rain Saturday morning, behind a banner of the Inter-CGT, CFDT, FSU, UNSA and Solidarity proclaiming: "All public-private jobs, wages, pensions and retirement. A procession much shorter than last year, when there were between 15,000 and 30,000 participants according to sources.

Parade and sparse rainfall in Lyon.

As for the Seine-Saint-Denis, "for four months, it has a 32% increase in revenue from estate duty, with a recovery of real estate," says Pierre Jamet. Understood, this department alone has passed a 2010 budget in balance – an act widely publicized by the President PS council, Claude Bartolone – is no longer in danger. In contrast, a dozen others may fail to maintain their balanced budget during the year, due to slippage in social spending. "We must therefore establish a monitoring committee at the government level. And the State will assist in June or July to emergency departments, by advances of funds by contributions, or even "recommends Pierre Jamet. Estimated boost: maximum 100 million euros.

Cost Standards

Nothing says that the government will retain this recommendation. For now, Francois Fillon has agreed only to launch in May a consultation with the Assembly of the departments of France. Matignon prefer to retain other recommendations: curbing the proliferation of standards and highlight good practices, including the cost of administering benefits. Pierre Jamet also insists on including the need for effective monitoring computer: "A software company has crossed the files of the RSA family benefit fund with those of a department. In 67 000 110 000 records, differences have emerged "in the name, address or income … In the longer term, the report recommends improving the redistribution of wealth between departments.The latest proposal is not as uncontroversial: that the career firefighters is managed by the local government service, rather than headquarters.

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Since 2004, Wall Street has found a new Eldorado, CDOs (collateral debt obligation). These financial products assembled from scratch, called "synthetic" because they only reflect the value of other real assets, they, as loans granted to low-income households, the famous subprime. In 2007, Goldman Sachs creates such mass-produced and dubbed "Abacus".

The needs of a large customer

Paulson & Co is the time a small hedge fund. It will become one of the biggest thanks to its bet on the decline in U.S. housing. In the year 2007, his boss will cash alone a profit of some 3.7 billion dollars and will save 15 billion to its customers! The SEC in 2006, Paulson & Co has the right intuition that the subprime market is fragile. He put on his fall.Its Paris can take two forms: buy CDS (credit default swaps), the "insurance" against default that will naturally grow in value when the risk will increase, or "short" CDOs, that is ie sell futures without holding them.

A French in the loop

Paulson & Co. is not alone in feeling the wind change on CDOs. At Goldman, you think too. This is particularly the case of a young French – the "Frenchies" are highly respected in the business of structured finance – Fabrice Tourre. The banker of 31 years, citing the SEC's complaint, went on the benches of Henri IV and Louis-le-Grand, has joined Goldman Sachs after Stanford and Central Paris. It is he who makes and sells the Abacus series. On January 23, 2007, he sent an email to a friend: "more and more leverage in the system.Any building can fall at any moment now … only surviving potential, the fabulous Fab, standing amid all these complex transactions, (…), exotic we've created without necessarily understanding all the implications of these monstrosities No teletrack payday loans ".

Fraud

The fund Paulson wants to "short" of CDOs, the most fragile, if possible. Goldman is going to create. According to the SEC investigation, the investment bank has simply made the model 2007-AC1 Series Abacus according to the wishes of his client. Paulson has directly participated in the selection of loans that this CDO would be representative. The bank was then entrenched behind an independent firm, ACA. This firm, which appear to have selected the credits of this CDO when it will be sold to investors.

Goldman said that "ACA has selected the benchmark portfolio, omitting any mention of the fact that Paulson, an actor whose interests were contrary to those of investors, had played a significant role," says the SEC to justify its accusation of fraud.

In fact, few investors have bought shares knowing that a heavyweight like Paulson urged to Paris on their fall! ACA would for his part acted in good faith.While representatives from attending meetings Paulson – "surreal" by Fabrice Tourre – with those of Goldman, but suggesting that hedge funds also invest in shares of CDOs.

Victims

SEC's complaint cites two main victims of the banks handling it denounces the German IKB, the subprime crisis has brought to its knees and the Dutch ABN Amro, fully nationalized today … The first would have lost 150 million, almost all of its investment. As for ACA, it is off … "Investors of Abacus 2007-AC1 lost more than one billion dollars. The opposing positions on CDS Paulson reported a profit of approximately one billion, "says the SEC.

This system will certainly evolve in the coming months.Because France does not respect EU rules: since 1 January 2009, the FTA should become mandatory. The 2003 directive on the taxation of energy products and electricity provided that each State should, at that time, have a low tax (the minima are lower than current French) but paid for by all and based on the volumes consumed and not the amount of the invoice.

Losers in the rural

The European Commission said in Paris about the end of March, threatening to bring the case before the Court of Justice if the reform was not implemented within two months. For now, the government has not made a decision. But Bercy board on the subject. Indeed, a first draft was submitted to the consultation in late 2008 which set the fee to 8.50 euros per megawatt hour for households. A level calculated for the levy does not change.For Bercy is that the changeover from one system to another is painless for the French. But there will inevitably be losers: the inhabitants of the few municipalities, often rural, not applying EFT. Additional cost for a typical household of two children: about 25 euros per year. At a Senate hearing, Philippe Marini, the UMP rapporteur of the Budget, has proposed that, in this case, the application of the new tax should be spread over five years.

But there will also be winners, as second home owners, who will pay more than their consumption, whereas before the subscription was also submitted to the FTA and the Parisians, whose rate of TLE (13.2 %) was higher. Ultimately, all French people will be interested because the volumes consumed – using the new system – progress less rapidly than the bill that reflected higher prices. This does not relish the local politicians.Another uncertainty, Brussels does allow communities to adjust the tax? Apparently so. Finally, manufacturers will be exempt from TLE, themselves, pay the new tax. The final draft is not yet completed. And it is unlikely to be ready before the review in May and June, the bill on the organization of the electricity market. Especially if the government wants to resume consultations. The deadline is rather that the next draft budget law for 2011.