The bad loans at Chinese banks have risen for the ninth straight quarter, but MoneyShow's Jim Jubak thinks the level of bad loans is exactly what makes even the tiniest of slowdowns in China's economy such a big deal.
This can't be good.
Yes, Chinese stocks were up again last Thursday night with the Shanghai Composite Index adding a gain of 0.8% to finish the week up 3.5%. That's the biggest weekly advance in five months.
But bad loans at Chinese banks rose for a ninth straight quarter to the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, the China Banking Regulatory Commission announced on February 13. Bad loans rose by 28.5 billion yuan ($4.7 billion) in the last quarter of 2013 to 592.1 billion yuan ($97.6 billion). Officially, bad loans now account for 1% of total loans, up from 0.97% in the third quarter.
Of course, nobody believes the official numbers, but even the official trend is headed in a bad direction. Last week, Standard & Poor's said that it expects loan quality to continue to decline in 2014. Some analysts are even more pessimistic. Changjiang Securities in Wuhan, for example, expects the deterioration to continue for two more years, according to Bloomberg.
Top 10 Building Product Companies To Buy Right Now: Constellium NV (CSTM)
Constellium N.V., formerly Constellium Holdco BV, is a Netherlands-based company, which is engaged in the manufacture of aluminum products and solutions. The Company is a supplier of such sectors as: aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium Holdco BV offers plates, sheet and coil, precision casting, cockpit carriers for vehicles, vehicle safety components, profiles, as well as tubes and bars, among others. Its main customers include: Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Renault, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar and others. The Company is active domestically and abroad, including North America, Europe and Asia. Advisors' Opinion:- [By GuruFocus]
George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) just reported his first quarter portfolio. He buys Citrix Systems Inc, Baker Hughes Inc, Comcast Corp, Spansion Inc, etc during the 3-months ended 03/31/2014, according to the most recent filings of his investment company, Soros Fund Management LLC. As of 03/31/2014, Soros Fund Management LLC owns 305 stocks with a total value of $10.1 billion. These are the details of the buys and sells.New Purchases: BHI, CODE, CTRP, CLI, AVB, COMM, CNQ, AGO, AUY, ATML, ASH, BXMT, CSTM, AEM, CMA, ARE, CHKP, AUQ, BEAV, CX, ADSK, AALCP, BLK, AIG, BIIB, ADEP, AMRI, ARWR, ATHX, BALT, BCRX, BEAT, CFX, CLFD, CUR, CODE,Added Positions: CTXS, CMCSA, CNP, ALTR, BRCD, CBS, CRM, CHTR, CCJ, CIEN, BIDU, ALLE, ABT, CDNS, ACT,Reduced Positions: AAPL, CCI, AMT, ABBV, AAL, BITA, AL, ANGI, ARIA, CBST, BA, BIRT, EXAR,Sold Out: C, BAC, CRI, AMZN, AGN, CF, BRCM, COTY, BMY, AMCX, CAR, A, ADBE, AFL,For the details of George Soros (Trades, Portfolio)'s stock buys and sells, go to http://www.gurufocus.com/StockBuy.php?GuruName=George+SorosThis is the sector weightings of his portfolio:Technology18.9%Energy14%Healthcare8.3%Consumer Defensive8.2%Communication Services8.1%Consumer Cyclical5.4%Industrials5.1%Basic Materials4.9%Financial Services2.5%Real Estate1.9%Utilities0.5%These are the top 5 holdings of George Soros (Trades, Portfolio)1. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA) - 10,310,041 shares, 5.4% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 10.67%2. Herbalife Ltd (HLF) - 4,901,337 shares, 2.8% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 52.9%3. EQT Corp (EQT) - 2,573,814 shares, 2.5% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 3.27%4. Adecoagro SA (AGRO) - 25,915,076 shares, 2.1% of the total portfolio.5. Halliburton Co (HAL) - 3,596,353 shares, 2.1% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 20.73%New Purchase: Baker Hughes Inc (BHI)George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) initiated holdings in Baker Hughes Inc. His purchase prices were between $51.82 and $65.27, with an estimated
- [By Jan-e- Alam]
Constellium (NYSE: CSTM ) is a downstream aluminum producer engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of specialty rolled and extruded aluminum products. The Netherlands-based company, which offers its products primarily to the aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries, is a world leader in the manufacturing of high-quality aluminum products and solutions.
Hot Quality Companies To Buy Right Now: IDT Corp (IDT)
IDT Corporation (IDT), incorporated on March 15, 1996, is a multinational holding company with operations primarily in the telecommunications industry. The Company operates in two segments: Telecom Platform Services and Consumer phones Services, which comprise its IDT Telecom division. Telecom Platform Services provides telecommunications services, including prepaid and rechargeable calling products and international long distance traffic termination, as well as various payment services. Consumer Phone Services provides consumer local and long distance services in the United States. All other segments include Zedge Holdings, Inc. (Zedge), which owns and operates an on-line platform, including Android app, that allows users to share and obtain content to personalize mobile phones and tablets; Fabrix T.V., Ltd. (Fabrix), a software development company specializing in cloud-based video processing, storage and delivery; IDT Spectrum, which holds, leases and sells fixed wireless spectrum; Innovative Communications Technologies, Inc. (ICTI), which holds intellectual property primarily related to voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), technology and the licensing and other businesses related to this intellectual property; the Company's real estate holdings, and other smaller businesses. On October 28, 2011, the Company completed the Genie Energy spin-off. In July 2013, Straight Path Communications Inc announced its spin-off from IDT Corporation.
Telecom Platform Services
IDT markets and distributes multiple communications and payment services across four business categories, including retail communications, wholesale termination services, payment services and hosted platform solutions. Retail Communications provides international long-distance calling products primarily to immigrant communities worldwide, with markets in the United States and Europe. These products include the Company's Boss Revolution Pinless product (an international calling service sold through the Boss Revolution ! payment platform), as well as many of its disposable calling card brands, including Boss, La Leyenda and Feliz, and mobile apps, including PennyTalk. Wholesale Termination Services is a global telecom carrier, terminating international long distance calls around the world for Tier 1 fixed line and mobile network operators, as well as other aggregators through the Company's network of 800-plus carrier interconnects. Payment Services provides payment offerings, such as international mobile top-up, or IMTU, as well as gift cards in both the United States and Europe. IMTU enables customers to purchase minutes for a prepaid mobile telephone in another country. IMTU is available in both traditional cards, as well as on the Company's Boss Revolution payment platform. Payment Services also includes reloadable prepaid debit cards and bank identification number (BIN) sponsorship services offered in Europe by IDT Financial Services through the Company's Gibraltar-based bank. Hosted Platform Solutions provides customized communications services that leverage the Company's networks, platforms and/or technology to cable companies and other operators.
The Company�� Boss Revolution payment platform is an online portal that can be accessed via a regular Web browser and utilized to sell a range of the Company's products and services. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012, the Company added domestic mobile top-up (DMTU) offerings. The Company sells its traditional calling cards under the La Leyenda, Boss, Playball, GOOOL, RED, Feliz, PT-1 and PennyTalk brand names, among others, providing telephone access to more than 230 countries and territories. As of July 31, 2012, IDT sold more than 1,000 different calling cards in the United States and more than 800 different cards abroad, with specific cards featuring favorable rates to specific international destinations. The Company's calling cards are marketed primarily to the ethnic and immigrant communities in the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America! and Afri! ca.
Consumer Phone Services
The Company provides its bundled local/long distance phone service in 11 states, marketed under the brand name IDT America. The Company's bundled local/long distance service, offered predominantly to residential customers, includes unlimited local, regional toll and domestic long distance calling and popular calling features. A second plan is available, providing unlimited local service with the Company's long distance included for as low as 3.9 cents per minute. IDT also offers stand-alone long distance service throughout the United States. As of July 31, 2012, the Company had approximately 10,500 active customers for its bundled local/long distance plans and approximately 45,200 customers for its long distance-only plans.
The Company competes with AT&T,Verizon, InComm, Blackhawk Network and Coinstar.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Seth Jayson]
IDT (NYSE: IDT ) reported earnings on June 6. Here are the numbers you need to know.
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended April 30 (Q3), IDT met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share. - [By Monica Gerson]
IDT (NYSE: IDT) is projected to report its Q4 earnings at $0.28 per share on revenue of $397.40 million.
Xyratex (NASDAQ: XRTX) is expected to post its Q3 earnings at $0.05 per share on revenue of $209.31 million.
Hot Quality Companies To Buy Right Now: DRDGOLD Ltd (DRD)
DRDGOLD Limited (DRDGOLD), incorporated on February 16, 1895, is a South Africa-based surface gold retreatment company. DRDGOLD operates in a single segment, Ergo. Ergo is a surface retreatment operation and treats old slime and sand dumps to the south of Johannesburg�� central business district, as well as the east and central Rand goldfields. The operation consists of four plants: Brakpan, Crown, City and Knights. Included in the Ergo segment is the East Rand Proprietary Mines Limited (ERPM) surface operation comprise the Cason retreatment operation. Ergo is evaluating the viability of processing surface uranium- and sulphur-bearing tailings on the east and central Rand goldfields of South Africa. The Company�� business includes Crown Gold Recoveries (Pty) Limited (Crown), Ergo Mining (Pty) Limited (Ergo JV) and ErgoGold are jointly referred to as ERGO and ERPM. On June 1, 2012, the Company disposed of its 74% interest in and loan claims against Blyvoor.
The Company�� focus is on the recovery of lower-risk, lower-cost, higher-margin ounces. As of October 9, 2012, 68% of production comes from surface retreatment operation. The company holds a 74%-interest in operating subsidiary Ergo Mining Operations (Proprietary) Limited. Crown is the gold surface tailings retreatment facility, reprocessing the large and numerous sand and slimes dumps along the reefs that stretch from east to west just to the south of Johannesburg�� central business district (CBD). Crown�� major project is Top Star, a tailings dam to the south of Johannesburg�� CBD. ERPM is situated on the Witwatersrand Basin near the town of Boksburg, 25 kilometers to the east of Johannesburg. The Ergo as a joint venture between DRDGOLD and Mintails Limited. Wholly owned by the DRDGOLD group, Ergo has a network of surface rights that provide access to a further 600 million tons of surface tailings deposited across the western, central and eastern Witwatesrand. Ergo has three tailings deposition facilities. ERPM continues ! as a surface retreatment operation. It holds 65% of ErgoGold through the contribution of its Elsburg Tailings Complex.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Monica Gerson]
DRDGOLD (NYSE: DRD) shares fell 4.09% to reach a new 52-week low of $4.66. DRDGOLD's trailing-twelve-month profit margin is -1.61%.
InnerWorkings (NASDAQ: INWK) shares dipped 34.83% to touch a new 52-week low of $6.19 after the company reported downbeat Q3 results and issued a weak FY13 outlook.
- [By Roland Head]
DRDGold (NYSE: DRD ) climbed 4.2% to $6.25 last week. Rather than mining gold, this South African firm is focused on large-scale reprocessing of the tailings, or waste piles, of large gold mines in order to extract the gold that was not captured by the original mining process. This business is heavily mechanized and requires a relatively small workforce, giving DRDGold some protection from the rising labor costs that are reducing the profitability of many South African mining firms.
- [By Zahra Hankir]
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index decreased 1.5 percent to 995.30, extending its slump for the week to 3.2 percent. Benchmark stock gauges from South Africa to Russia and China dropped more than 1 percent, while the Borsa Istanbul National 100 Index posted the second-biggest decline among the 94 world equity gauges tracked by Bloomberg. DRDGold Ltd. (DRD) and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. decreased at least 3.7 percent in Johannesburg as the precious metal drove losses in commodities.
Hot Quality Companies To Buy Right Now: Essential Innovations Technology Corp (ESIV)
Essential Innovations Technology Corp., incorporated on April 4, 2001, is a development-stage company, focused towards research and development, commercialization and market entry strategies for the intellectual property that it has acquired in regards to multiple green and environmental technology applications such as fluid heating, electricity generation and water treatment/purification.
The Company will focus its activities on development and commercialization of two primary technologies. The first technology is a method for the design of equipment used in the heating of a variety of fluids such as oil, water (to steam). The second technology is a method for the combined mechanical heating and transport of fluids. As of October 31, 2011, the Company had no operations. As of October 31, 2011, the Company had no revenue.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap green stocks Essential Innovations Technology Corp (OTCBB: ESIV), Building Turbines Inc (OTCMKTS: BLDW) and Kleangas Energy Technologies Inc (OTCMKTS: KGET) have all been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters ��either because they were sinking, because of paid promotions or a combination of both. However, there aren�� many green stocks out there that have actually produced some green for investors in the form of profits. With that in mind, here is a quick reality check about all three green small cap stocks to help you decide whether any have the potential for long-term success:
Essential Innovations Technology Corp (OTCBB: ESIV) Announces New Distribution AgreementsSmall cap Essential Innovations Technology Corp aims to provide eco-friendly lifestyle enhancement solutions for the betterment of energy, water, air and health as the company holds the exclusive global manufacturing, distribution and applications rights to the ��ximius Technologies - Extraordinary solutions for an ever-changing World.' On Friday, Essential Innovations Technology Corp sank 22.79% to $0.0525 for a market cap of $909,953 plus ESIV is up 4,275% over the past year and up 50% over the past five years according to Google Finance.
Hot Quality Companies To Buy Right Now: BankFinancial Corporation(BFIN)
BankFinancial Corporation operates as the holding company for BankFinancial, F.S.B., which provides commercial, family, and personal banking services in Illinois. It accepts deposit accounts, such as savings accounts, NOW accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and IRAs and other qualified plan accounts. The company?s loan portfolio consists of investment and business loans, including multi-family, nonresidential real estate, commercial, construction and land loans, and commercial leases, as well as one-to-four family residential mortgage loans comprising home equity loans, lines of credit, and other second mortgage loans. It also provides financial products and services consisting of cash management, funds transfers, bill payment and other online banking transactions, automated teller machines, safe deposit boxes, wealth management, and general insurance agency services. In addition, the company offers investment, financial planning, and other wealth management services; and sells life insurance, fixed annuities, property and casualty insurance, and other insurance products on an agency basis. It provides its products and services through banking offices and an Internet Branch. As of December 31, 2009, it operated 18 full-service banking offices and 3 express branch facilities in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties, Illinois. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Tim Melvin]
Thompson says the firm likes Bank Financial (BFIN) right now. The bank is in the lucrative Chicago market that has seen a lot of consolidation in the past year. The bank has 20 branches in fairly desirable locations and must be on the target list of anyone looking to expand into Chicago.
Hot Quality Companies To Buy Right Now: Core Laboratories N.V. (CLB)
Core Laboratories N.V. engages in the provision of reservoir description, production enhancement, and reservoir management services to the oil and gas industry worldwide. The company�s reservoir description services comprise the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, fluid, and gas samples; and provision of analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and petroleum products. Its production enhancement products and services relate to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations, and production, as well as include integrated services to evaluate the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions to increase the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects. The company�s reservoir management services consist of the combination and integration of information from reservoir description and production enhancement services to increase production and enhance recovery of oil and gas from clients' reservoirs. Core Laboratori es N.V. markets and sells its services and products through sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows, and print advertising, as well as through direct sales force, technical experts, operating managers, sales representatives, and distributors in various markets. The company was founded in 1936 and is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Joel South and Taylor Muckerman]
In this video, Joel South and Taylor Muckerman discuss Core Laboratories'� (NYSE: CLB ) earnings and prospects. The company reported another record quarterly earnings, at $1.22 per share. Consecutive record quarters are one reason the stock is up 15% year to date. The future looks good, too.�Core Labs provides reservoir description, production enhancement, and reservoir management services to oil companies. As oil becomes increasingly expensive to�produce, Core Labs' services become increasingly important. For investors,�Core Labs converts roughly one quarter of its revenues into free cash. The company also sells at a premium, 30 times earnings. However, given the growth�prospects, this may not be as expensive as the number might suggest. Big Oil uses Core Labs, both for onshore and offshore assets, and this should keep Core Labs generating record quarterly earnings.�
- [By Travis Hoium]
What: Shares of oil and gas service company Core Laboratories (NYSE: CLB ) jumped as much as 10% today after the company released first quarter earnings.
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