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Asia Corporate Payment Survey 2019: Deteriorating payment trends amid trade war woes

Coface’s 2019 Asia Corporate Payment Survey covered over 3,000 companies in nine economies (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan). 63% of companies surveyed stated that they experienced payment delays in 2018. The length of payment delays increased to 88 days on average in 2018, compared to 84 days in 2017. The length of payment delays was highest in China, Malaysia and Singapore; as well as the energy, construction and ICT sectors.

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Coface's political risks overview: the temperature is rising on the African continent

With numerous bouts of conflicts, terrorism, and social and political tensions, which show no signs of stopping in the near future, Africa will continue to experience fragility and destabilisation.

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Coface Barometer - Trade tensions return to the forefront of the global economy

US/China trade war, struggling automotive sector, slower growth in emerging economies... the second quarter of 2019 highlights a global economic slowdown

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Natural gas: an oscillation between boom and gloom

The natural gas market is booming and will increase in the medium term, but many factors point to a less promising future.

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Morocco: payment delays are improving but remain too long

Coface's fourth survey on payment terms in Morocco shows a situation that remains worrying despite a slight improvement.

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COFACE SA enters into the SBF120 index

The SBF 120 is one of the leading Paris stock market indices. It tracks the top 120 companies, in terms of market capitalization and liquidity.

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Corporate insolvencies in France: microenterprises in the trough of the wave

While the yellow vests movement did have a strong impact on corporate insolvencies at the beginning of the year, the decline in mobilization and the resilience of economic growth had a positive impact on the health of French companies in March and April.

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From copycat to early bird: Taking stock of China’s 5G ambitions

China coordinated its approach to 5G and some successes are already visible. However, China still relies on imports, especially for high-end products, leaving the sector exposed to protectionist threats. Moreover, the deployment of 5G networks by Chinese companies is perceived as a cybersecurity risk by many recipient countries. The US is banning Huawei equipment and pressing its allies to do the same, which could limit the growth of Chinese 5G in the future (...)

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In a global economic slowdown, luxury continues to outperform but faces new challenges

Counterfeiting, e-commerce, Chinese consumers importance, even if it is generally relatively spared by recessions, the luxury market must adapt to a profoundly changing economy if it does not want to lose its exceptional status.

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Coface delivers a strong first quarter 2019

Net income at €36.4m and RoATE at 9.0%, supported by full impact of Fit to Win plan, portfolio growth and sound underwriting management

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Central Asia, China, and Russia: a three-way partnership of reason

Located on two branches of the New Silk Road (Belt and Road or B&R), Central Asia is both a trading partner and gateway for China and Europe; Russia’s long-standing influence in the region through expatriate transfers, its military bases, and culture is also of note. For the moment, China and Russia find reasons for rapprochement in their opposition to Western ideas and their fight against the spread of radical Islam. However, the balance of power could soon change as China is the largest provider of funding for corridor development in the region.

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The turnaround in the industrial cycle hits companies in the chemicals sector in Europe and North America

Signs of a slowing global economy continue to accumulate - 2019: the number of insolvencies will increase in two-thirds of countries (+3% in Western Europe) - The chemical industry in Europe and North America is suffering from fewer opportunities in the automotive sector - Improvements in assessments are concentrated in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia's upgrade (B)

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Coface strengthens its market position in the Adriatic region by acquiring SID - PKZ, the leading credit insurance company in Slovenia

Coface announces today the acquisition of SID - PKZ, the market leader in credit insurance in Slovenia with a high market share. As Coface has acquired all SID - PKZ shares, the business will operate under the new brand name Coface PKZ. The acquisition supports Coface’s strategy of profitable growth in Central & Eastern Europe region.

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Despite five years of Modinomics, India continues to be constrained by economic fragilities

When Narendra Modi ran for Prime Minister in 2014, he pledged to boost the competitiveness of India’s industrial sector to promote growth. Modi will be running for president again in India’s general elections between 11 April and 19 May. The economy is in a better position than it was in 2014, but many of the structural fragilities that Modi inherited continue to afflict India today and a mixed track record in terms of economic reforms has dampened enthusiasm for Modi.

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Coface announces the publication of its 2018 Registration Document

The 2018 Registration Document includes the following information: The 2018 Annual financial report; The Report on corporate governance (attached to the management report); The Statutory Auditors’ reports and the news release concerning their fees; The description of the share buyback program; The draft resolutions submitted to the vote of the Combined Shareholders’ Meeting of May 16th 2019; The Non-Financial Performance Statement.

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Mexico and Brazil taking opposite directions in terms of energy policies

2019 will be marked by high volatility in the global oil market - Brent crude oil price to average USD 65 in 2019, according to Coface estimates - In Mexico, the financial stress already faced by Pemex might not be contained - Brazil oil policy is expected to have positive knock-on effect in the medium term

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COFACE SA: Dividend per share at 0.79€, representing 100% of EPS. Nathalie Bricker and Nicolas Moreau are proposed as new directors.

The Board of Directors of Coface SA met on 27th March 2019 and has decided to propose a dividend of €0.79 per share (representing a payout of 100%). Subject to approval of this proposal by the Annual General Meeting on 16th May 2019, the ex-dividend date will be on 22nd May 2019 and the payment date will be on 24th May 2019.
The Board also decided, on the recommendation of the Compensation & Nomination Committee, to propose to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the appointment of two new Board members, Nathalie Bricker (non- independent), CFO of Natixis and Nicolas Moreau (independent).

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Coface launches credit-insurance offer in Greece

Local companies set to benefit from Coface’s expertise in risk prevention and payment protection.

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China Payment Survey 2019: Longer delays as growth falters

2018 proved to be a relatively challenging year for China. Growth slowed to 6.6% and is expected to decline further in 2019 (6.2%, according to Coface forecasts). As a result, 59% of the 1500 Chinese companies that participated in Coface’s survey believe the economy will not improve in 2019, the highest score since 2003.

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Coface appoints Oscar Villalonga to lead its North America region

Coface announces today the appointment of Oscar Villalonga, 52, as the new CEO, North America Region.

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