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Lafarge announced Friday an increase in its turnover and its operating income in the first quarter thanks to emerging markets and improved pricing, allowing the world's leading cement to reduce its debt.

The group, which now generates 60% of its sales in emerging economies, achieved the first three months of the year sales up 5% to € 3.35 billion, slightly above the consensus reached by the editor of Reuters estimates from eight analysts who gave $ 3.3 billion.

Ebitda rose to its share of 8% to 516 million euros while operating profit rose 28% to 267 million. 

However, net income, group share, shows a loss of 44 million euros, against -29,000,000 a year earlier, reflecting restructuring charges corresponding in particular to the 500 job cuts engaged around the world as part of the reorganization of the group. Excluding these charges, Lafarge has emerged over the period with net income of 18 million euros.

"The group continues to anticipate an increased demand for cement, and maintains its estimate of market growth between 1% and 4% in 2012 compared to 2011," the group said in a statement .

"Emerging markets remain the main driver of demand growth (…) The prices should be up on the year 2012, and cost inflation more moderate e in 2011. "

CONTINUATION OF ASSET TRANSFERS

In the first quarter, net debt of Lafarge fell 13% year on year to 12.4 billion euros. One quarter to another, it is clear, however, up 3%, a trend linked "to normal seasonal variations in working capital (working capital needs)," said Lafarge.

The group's debt, inherited largely from the acquisition of Orascom in 2008, is still expected to decline "significantly" this year, without elaborating.

As part of its debt, Lafarge intends to limit to 800 million euros investment and reduce by at least 400 million euros in 2012 its costs. The group also maintained its target of over one billion euros of asset sales over the year, of which 71 million were made during the quarter.

Both activities are the subject of rumors of transfers, the plaster in North America, last active group in a trade which it is almost released last year, and cement in South Africa . The group must also achieve significant asset sales in Britain required by the Competition Authority to give its green light to the proposed joint venture between Lafarge and Anglo American.

"It is not impossible that these divestitures can be made in 2012," said the CEO of Lafarge, Bruno Lafont, during a teleconference.

The stock closed Thursday at 29.97 euros. Since the beginning of the year, the title took about 10%, after -42% in 2011.

Since same day cash advance is a high risk loan for the lender, the interest rates charged are high. The lender has no security and does not even conduct a credit check.

Saint-Gobain said Thursday up 3.7% of its turnover in the first quarter to 10.2 billion euros, driven by sales price, and confirmed all of its 2012 objectives.

Excluding the currency effect (+1.0%) and perimeter effect (+1.8%), the growth of world number one in production, processing and distribution of building materials spring over the period to 0.9%.

The consensus reached by the editor of Reuters from estimates of seven analysts gave a turnover of 9.9 billion euros.

"In an uncertain economic environment, and despite a high comparison base, the group achieved positive organic growth in this first quarter," said St. -Gobain in a statement. 

"In particular, we continued to increase our selling prices (+2.4%), to compensate, overall on the year, rising raw material costs and the energy. "

The group maintained for the full year its goal of a moderate growth and good resistance to its operating income and profitability.

In February, the CEO, Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, had clarified that growth in 2012 would be less than 5% in 2011, then qualified performance of "sustained", without further pre ; decision. 

In the first quarter, the rebound in residential construction in the U.S. market, where the group has enjoyed double-digit organic growth, offsetting the slowdown registered in Europe because of a inclement weather in February and the crisis in the South, as well as slowing growth in Asia, to 0.6%.

"In Asia and in emerging countries, growth should remain moderate in the second quarter, before returning more strongly in the second half of the year," said Saint-Gobain.

All business units recorded a slight growth in the quarter, with the exception of innovative materials, affected by the glass, whose sales were down 5 , 6%. This decrease is attributable to a decline in solar markets and European car likely to remain challenging, and a slowdown in construction in Western Europe.

The Saint-Gobain shares closed down slightly from 0.39% to 31.87 euros, giving a market capitalization of around 17 billion euros. Since the beginning of the year, the title took about 8%, having dropped nearly 23% in 2011.

Zodiac Aerospace has shown more optimistic on Tuesday its forecast for the current fiscal year thanks to the dynamism of aviation activity, likely to gain market share and revenue that draws lucrative after-sales services.

The equipment manufacturer, which provides Boeing, Airbus and Embraer, said in a statement it expects now to the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which runs until August 31, on a double-digit organic growth in its turnover and an operating margin of at least 14%, despite the negative impact of non-aeronautical activities.

The group had so far committed to a growth in sales and improved profitability over the period. 

Zodiac announced in the first half (ended in late February) an operating profit (ROC) of 223.8 million euros (+20.3% excluding IFRS 3) and a result net 152.4 million (+33.3%).

Its turnover reached 1,567.3 million euros in the first half ended in late February, up 19.7%, with organic growth of 15.9%.

Its operating margin was thus established to 14.3% in first half 2011 to 2012 against 14.2% a year earlier.

The football game is played Saturday night between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona looks exciting. If the sporting challenge is enormous, it is primarily economic, pitting the two most powerful clubs in the world. Sport, the rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is also economic.

FC Barcelona hosts Real Madrid in the 35th day of Liga on Saturday. This is called in Spain the "Clasico". Several hundred million télespacteurs be in front of their screen to see compete much of the world's best players. The meeting promises to be decisive in the title race, the people of Madrid with four points ahead of the Catalans with four rounds of the championship. L'Expansion. Com plays the game between these two economic giants of world football.

Turnover: The Real Madrid takes the ascendancy

On this ground, the Madrid club takes advantage of his rival Catalan. With 479 million euros over the 2010-2011 season, Real preserves for the seventh consecutive season in first place worldwide, according to research firm Deloitte. Results in increase of over 40 million euros compared to last year. The capital club Iberian approach and the symbolic barrier of 500 million euros, mainly due to increased revenues from broadcasting games (24.8 million Euros compared to the previous season ) and trading income (up 21 million euros, 16%). Real Madrid is not just a club, it is primarily a mark capable of generating over 170 million euros of profit. With the latest project to create an amusement park in the UAE, the "Island Resort".

FC Barcelona is not left out: it achieved a turnover of 450 million euros over 2010-2011. An increase of 52.6 million euros that Barca has several elements. First, thanks to jersey sponsorship, contracted with the foundation of Qatar, who paid a cool $ 165 million to appear on the jersey Catalan. A historic agreement that breaks with tradition. In recent years, the club had banked on the associative bearing the UNICEF logo on his jersey. Barcelona is the club that collects the most revenue for the retransmission of games. For his last European campaign (with a new success in the Champions League in the key), it has received 51 million euros. He thus maintained easily in second place worldwide.

Indebtedness: Barça (slightly) less debt

In the midst of crisis, the issue of debt clubs turns to the controversy. Spain is the country whose clubs are the most indebted in the world, with over 3 billion euros of debt. Besides the $ 752 million they owe the IRS Spanish. Attract players at a high price with money we do not have on hand has become common for Spanish clubs, if not a national sport. And our two heavyweights are champions of the discipline, combining alone over one billion euros of debt. Remains to be seen whether the rules laid down by UEFA to eradicate the phenomenon will contribute to real change. Especially since a law passed in January in Spain La Liga allow clubs to downgrade in case of termination payments. Real Madrid's debt rises to € 590 million. Club Jose Mourinho has however reduced its debt by 93 million over the previous season. FC Barcelona's debt rises for its 479 million euros.

The net result: Madrid back on top

Real Madrid finished last season with a profit of 31.6 million euros. The situation is more delicate for FC Barcelona, ​​with 9.6 million euros in losses. For the upcoming season, the Catalan club expects earnings of 20 million euros. A goal that can not be achieved only if the following sports scores. Hence the importance of finishing the match with a positive result tomorrow night …

Salaries: Take Charge balance

The Barcelona, ​​despite a considerable debt, however, have paid 163 million euros in total for the season-2011-2012, against 130 million paid to Madrid. With regard to each of the stars, Messi and Ronaldo, the Portuguese ahead of Argentina in terms of net salary: 13 million euros a year against 10.5 million. But the triple Golden Ball is getting on advertising contracts: it perceives as 21 million euros annually through advertisers, against 15.5 million "only" for Ronaldo. In total, with 33 million, including bonuses, Lionel Messi is the highest paid footballer, before Ronaldo (29.2 million). Between the two coaches, the Madrid Jose Mourinho won the showdown with the financial Barcelona Pep Guardiola: 14.8 million euros a year against 9.5 million.

Number of socios: Madrid Barcelona ahead

By paying a certain sum each year, the socios have a real decision making power within the club, winning a vote. Each year, they elect and the club president. In these elections, all votes have equal value, they are lovers of their favorite club, handed down from generation to generation titles. And it is Barcelona who matters most, according to accounts Francefootball, exactly 175,000. The Réal is a tone lower, with 96 000 socios.

Result: Real Madrid 2-2 FC Barcelona

Score parity economically, is to be hoped that both teams can be separated on the pitch Saturday night.

Sony announced Thursday the outlines of a recovery plan providing for the elimination of 10,000 jobs worldwide, representing 6% of its workforce, hoping to return to profit despite the difficulty ; s division of his television.

Led by its new chief executive Kazuo Hirai, the Japanese manufacturer of consumer electronics said he wanted to strengthen its business in mobile telephony, digital imaging and gaming while seeking strategic investments in medical equipment and batteries for electric vehicles.

Sony suffers from declining demand for its televisions to compete more innovative rivals such as Apple or the American South Korea's Samsung Electronics. 

"We heard the many voices calling for change of investors," said Kazuo Hirai, the new boss at a crowd of journalists gathered at Sony headquarters in Tokyo.

"Sony will change," he promised, adding that he intended to become a key player in the global market for mobile telephony.

Kazuo Hirai, who took office as head of Sony last month, said the group aimed for a total turnover of 8,500 billion yen (80 billion euros) in fiscal 2014 – 2015 and an operating margin of over 5%.

Eventually, Sony also hopes to increase to 100 billion yen in sales in the medical field, has indicated Kazuo Hirai. 

In a statement released before the press conference, Sony said, anticipating a restructuring charge of approximately 75 billion yen (705 million) in fiscal year which ends March 31, 2013 .

The group intends to reduce its fixed costs 60% and 30% of its operating costs in televisions in 2013-2014 compared to this year.

Prior to these announcements, action Sony closed up 0.86% to 1,528 yen in Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Group's market capitalization has shrunk by almost 20% over the last month. Samsung is now ten times, while Apple – some Sony executives were considering buying in the early 90s – now represents 30 times its market capitalization.

Sony, like its Japanese rivals Sharp and Panasonic, has suffered in recent years a decline in demand for televisions, fierce competition and competitiveness weighed down by the strong yen.

The group said Tuesday forecast a record annual net loss of 520 billion yen (4.88 billion euros) for its 2011-2012 fiscal year, which is more than double the expected loss in February.

With the exception of Frankfurt, the main European stock markets ended slightly higher Thursday, but on the whole a week cut short due to Easter weekend extended, they show a marked decline, with such a decline of 3.04% for the CAC 40 in Paris, mainly because of concerns about the financial situation of Spain.

In Paris the CAC 40 closed up 0.19% (6.34 points) on the day at 3319.81 points. The UK FTSE gained 0.35% while the German Dax has sold 0.13%. The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index took 0.12%.

The exchanges were volatile throughout the session, which ultimately resulted in a slight gain thanks to a surge in mining stocks, which sector index jumped 1.82%, by far the best performance of the session, before the oil (0.81%).

The resilience of these compartments highly cyclical, which had suffered heavy losses during the previous two sessions, is partly explained by the anticipation of positive numbers in employment to United States.

"The markets are closed tomorrow, so if you are an investor and you think that this statistic will be better than expected, then you buy. This indicator should reflect a further improvement in the labor market in the U.S. and the good employment figures in recent months have helped fuel the stock market rally in progress, "said a broker based in ; London

. Due Friday, all major stock exchanges, except for the Asian markets will be closed Friday and some (Euronext, London, Frankfurt , Madrid, Zurich and Hong Kong among others) will not reopen until Tuesday due to Easter Monday

. This long weekend will not prevent chera, however, the U.S. Department of Labor to publish Friday's monthly employment figures, always eagerly awaited by investors

. Economists polled by Reuters expect March to 203,000 jobs created outside the agricultural sector from 227,000 in February. 

A Spanish Treasury auction Wednesday marked by weak demand and yields to rise, despite the austerity budget presented by Madrid, has revived tensions over the debts of pe riphériques the euro area and fueled a movement of flight to quality benefiting in particular German bunds.

To questions from investors on the viability of public accounts of some countries in the euro area was added Thursday to the disappointment of indicators (manufacturing in Germany and Britain) worse than expected, underlining the weakness of activity in Europe. 

Even if they did not quite meet the expectations of economists, weekly jobless claims in the U.S., touching a low of nearly four years, illustrate the gap between the two sides of the Atlantic in terms of conditions.

Veolia Environnement shares could resume directly to the ferry company SNCM, which liaises with Corsica, to facilitate the reorganization of its subsidiary public transport Transdev he wants to withdraw, Les Echos reported Wednesday.

This announcement could be made following a meeting this morning between the President of the Supervisory Board of SNCM, Gerard Couturier, and the CEO of Veolia, Mr. Frérot at Veolia headquarters in Paris, the newspaper said.

Veolia currently operates indirectly SCNM the capital, through which he is a shareholder Transdev joint with the Caisse des Depots (CDC). Veolia Transdev owns 66% stake in SNCM.

Veolia announced at the end of last year its intention to withdraw from Transdev, which owns 50%, as part of an outflow of its transportation activities. The balance is held by the Deposit (CDC).

According to Les Echos, the CDC and the investment fund Cube, owned by Natixis, "who have applied, would have made it clear that SNCM was too much in the transactions."

The daily added that the SNCM is considered "atypical and cumbersome" because of the economic and social setbacks that undermine it.

In early trade on the stock exchange, the action Veolia yielded 2%, biggest drop in the CAC 40 index in a market down 0.4%.

GDF Suez said Monday he will propose to its shareholders to receive shares in a portion of the dividends for 2011 and 2012 to complete the refinancing of its tender offer to minority shareholders of Britain's International Power.

The group also said they received the unanimous support of its board of directors in the proposed bid at 390 pence per share, which values ​​the 30% stake in International Power holds that yet almost 7 billion euros.

GDF Suez said it offered its shareholder to receive the final dividend in 2011 (0.67 euro) in shares, the payment of the balance being shifted from April 30 May 24, 2012. 

The board of the group decided to offer the same option, subject to successful tender offer to minority shareholders of International Power, for any interim dividend for 2012 that could ê be decided.

"In this context, the French government and Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) have reported to GDF Suez of their intention to select the option in securities for their share of dividends," said GDF Suez said in a statement.

The State and GBL now hold 36% and 5% stake in GDF Suez.

The proposal aims "to complete the refinancing scheme of the proposed bid to minority shareholders of International Power, beyond increasing the previously announced divestiture program." 

GDF Suez said Thursday that he indeed could revise upward its program of asset disposals in case of completion of the transaction.

The GDF Suez closed Monday up 1.06% to 19.575 euros. The company said that the conditions of fixing the exchange value of the stock dividend would include a 10% discount on the average of the last 20 trading days before the general meeting of shareholders scheduled for April 23.

The social network Facebook will stop next week's trading in its shares on secondary markets as part of preparations for its IPO in May, officials said a source familiar with the matter.

The American group has recently asked the companies that manage the transactions on its capital outside regulated markets to suspend them, a decision to re ; reduce distortions of value that might disrupt the binding of its IPO price, said another source.

Facebook plans to raise five billion dollars (3.75 billion euros) in its IPO. This could add value to the $ 100 billion, which would make it the largest IPO in the history of Silicon Valley.

The possibility of such an operation in May depends on the decision of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the authority of the U.S. equity markets, the prospectus filed by the group, noted the first source.

Facebook this document amended three times since its initial filing in early February.

A Facebook spokesman declined to comment.

Some investors are challenging the group's choice of a capital consisting of two classes of shares that would give the Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg effective control of 56.9% after the company entered e stock exchange. 

Despite these criticisms, the demand for securities and promises strong action Facebook shines on secondary markets.

SharesPost Financial, a company specializing in capital transactions in unlisted companies, said Wednesday it would no longer intervene in the equity trading Aftern Facebook s Friday "to help ensure the orderly transition of society towards regulated markets".

SecondMarket, an intermediate competitor, declined to comment.

The pace of job creation in the private sector accelerated in February in the U.S., according to the results of the ADP monthly survey released Wednesday.

Index futures on Wall Street have increased their rise after the announcement.

According to ADP, 216,000 jobs were created last month in the private sector, while the market expected 208,000 new jobs.

The figure for January was also revised upward, to 173,000 jobs created instead of the 170,000 initially announced.

These figures precede the monthly statistics of employment that will be published Friday. The markets expect the unemployment rate unchanged at 8.3% and 210,000 net new jobs in the public and in private but non-farm, after 243,000 announced for January.

"This suggests indeed that we are moving in the right direction," Beth Ann Bovino judge, economist at Standard & Poor's.

"This reinforces expectations of a new publication with over 200,000 (creations) in the employment statistics on Friday. The employment figures seem more robust."

Around 1400 GMT, futures on the major indexes on Wall Street progressed about 0.5%.