Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator Instructions) Our first question will come from Peter [Cyress], [Group Capital].
Peter Cyress - Group Capital
I just want to understand -- there’s no guidance for the fourth quarter and no guidance for next year. Is that correct?
Ben Chen
Yes.
Peter Cyress - Group Capital
Why? Does that mean you have no idea of how business is going to be in the fourth quarter or next year? Let’s start with the fourth quarter. We are already halfway into the fourth quarter. You must have some idea of what business is like right now, right?
Ben Chen
Let me translate to Mr. Zhang first.
Xiao Ping Zhang (Translation)
Although for the fourth quarter already [inaudible] for like around one month, but the change was really dramatically and actually the debt crisis which originated from the U.S. had already spread throughout global. And like GM or other big auto parts manufacture companies, they are already reduced their production capacity and also reduced their labor force. And for our Chinese companies, they also reduced their output capacity. So for us, it is really one of the most difficult seasons for us and so far it is really difficult for us to make any forecast or guidance for the fourth quarter.
Peter Cyress - Group Capital
I understand that it is difficult but I mean, do you think you will be profitable in the fourth quarter?
Xiao Ping Zhang (Translation)
Yeah, sure, we will be profitable. We are going to reduce our sales, our revenues, but we also want to maintain our profit capability.
Peter Cyress - Group Capital
Okay, so even though there’s no guidance for the fourth quarter, you are willing to say that your earnings -- you earn what, $0.58 in the nine months -- you are willing to say that your earnings for the year will be higher than the $0.58 that we currently have for the nine months -- that’s correct?
Xiao Ping Zhang (Translation)
Yes, and in another way, we can say that our EPS for 2008 will be less than $0.70 but more than $0.60.
Peter Cyress - Group Capital
Okay, fine, so it’s going to be less than the $0.70 guidance but more than $0.60, so we know what 2008 is. Now let me ask you about 2009 -- I know there is no way to judge 2009. What do you -- we’re sitting here in New York, we’re not in China. What do you -- you know, they are talking about [inaudible] stimulus packages, building more roads, things that should be good for your business as they reach construction and stuff like that. What do you see as the sort of risk and opportunities in 2009?
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