Greek Stocks: the First Advanced Civilization in Europe

Some interesting facts about Greece:
1. It is ranked number 24 on the Human Development Index.
2. It is ranked 22 of the The Economist's World-wide Quality-of-life Index.
3. The service industry makes up the largest and fastest-growing sector of the Greek economy.
4. It receives almost 20 million visitors per year.
5. Shipping accounts for 4.5% of their Gross Domestic Product.
5. The Greek-owned maritime fleet is the largest in the world.
6. It ranks ranks first in both tankers and dry bulk carriers.
7. It is ranked number 27 for GDP per capita.
8. It is a member of the European Union, the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union, NATO, the OECD, the WEU, and the ESA.

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company SA (CCH) is an Athens, Greece based company, which is a distributor of Coca Cola products in Europe. The stock has a P/E of 21.7, a P/S of 1.33 and a yield of 1%. They reported a revenue increase of 17.4% for the quarter, year over year.

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA (OTE) is a major telephone and Internet service provider in Greece and southeast Europe. The stock has a price earnings ratio of 18.24 and a yield of 2.5%. They reported a first quarter net profit increase of 28%.

National Bank of Greece SA (NBG) is a large Greek banking company based in Athens. They also provide asset management, brokerage, and investment banking services. The stock has a P/E of 18.38 and a yield of 2.2%.

Alpha Bank Sponsored ADR (ALBKY.PK) is another large bank based in Greece. The bank's subsidiaries include leasing services, financial services, investment services, information services, insurance, hotels and real estate. The operating margin is 45.62% and the return on average equity is 22.13%.

Hellenic Petroleum (HLCPF.PK), an oil and gas company, markets petroleum products and distributes natural gas. Their operating margin is 3.93% and the return on average equity is 9.5%.

MJ Maillis SA Sponsored ADR (MJMSY.PK) makes and markets packaging materials, tools and machines, including steel and plastic strapping systems, pallet and shrink-wrapping systems, and carton sealing systems. The stock has an operating margin of 6.25% and a return on average equity of 4.04%.

Public Power Corporation S.A. (PUPOF.PK) is a major electric utility in Greece, generating electricity through lignite, oil, hydro power and natural gas. Operating margin is 12.39% and the return on average assets is 3.22%.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Picture is Mount Olympus in northern Greece.