Day: February 7, 2007

Categories
China Stocks

Second Look at Huiyuan Juice IPO

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Last Updated on February 7, 2007 by stlplace

I noticed this juice thing is getting popular in China, just like the coffee did in recent years. In summer 2004, when I attended a bunch of formal dinners in Ningbo, juice is an option, as is the wine. Juice is also offered in the airplane. One thing I noticed that the orange juice in China is mostly “from concentrated”, probablly due to cost and taste reasons. So the demand and the growth is there. The problem with the company, from I read from FinanceAsia:

“Among the potential concerns, observers say, is the cost of buying juice concentrates and fruit puree, which increased by more than 50% in the first nine months last year. The company buys about 56% of this raw material from abroad, making it vulnerable to swings in international prices, particularly for oranges.”

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Categories
Business China

Chinese Solar Stocks are Hot

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Last Updated on February 7, 2007 by stlplace

First is the SunTech Power (STP), it came to NYSE a little more than a year ago. The stock almost doubled from its debut. The company is founded by Australian Haigui and based on Wuxi, Jiangsu province. This is the largest Chinese solar panel marker and it’s profitable.

Then comes the Canadian Solar (CSIQ). Don’t know why it’s called Canadian. Maybe founded by Canadian Haigui? Anyway the company is based in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.

Just before Xmas 2006 two new players joined the party. Solarfun (SOLF) is based in Qidong, Jiangsu province. The rumor is the founder came from SunTech Power. Trina Solar (TSL), is based in Changzhou, Jiangsu. TSL is hot in last few days (don’t know why, not my specialty).

Last but not least, here comes the JA Solar (JASO). From its prospectus it’s from Hebei. The CEO worked for SunTech Power before founding the company.

Categories
Stocks

Cashback Credit Card is Sweet

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Last Updated on February 7, 2007 by stlplace

But not all of them are equal. I am using the Citibank Dividend and the Discover Cashback card. The Citi card used to give 5% (now 2%) cash back for gas, grocery and 1% for everything else, with an annual limit of $300.

The Discover card is more complicated. It has a “ladder” rate and does 5% promotion every three months. Each year (start from the day card being activated), it gives 0.25% for first $1000, 0.5% for the second $2000, 1% for anything afterwards. Every three months or so, e.g., Jan 1 to March 31, it gives 5% cashback for airlines, trains and buses; and the 5% category could change to restaurant from April to June. Also Discover has more redeem options, in addition to cash, it can be converted to gift cards from various vendors.