Latest news with #EVN
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
STRABAG finalises deal to acquireWTE Wassertechnik
European technology group STRABAG has finalised transaction documents and signed a purchase agreement to acquire WTE Wassertechnik. WTE Wassertechnik is an environmental service provider engaged in planning, financing, construction and operation of projects related to water supply, wastewater disposal, sustainable sewage sludge treatment and energy recovery. This move follows the December 2024 agreement between Strabag and EVN to acquire WTE. The acquisition is set to expand Strabag's water technology capabilities and aligns with its Strategy 2030 objectives. The purchase price for WTE shares totals €100m ($114.9m), with additional shareholder loans being assumed. The acquisition will enhance Strabag's portfolio in integrated water management, with the combined business expected to generate an annual output of €400m. Strabag SE's Supervisory Board has approved the acquisition, which is currently awaiting various regulatory clearances, including antitrust approval. The closing of the transaction is anticipated within the next six months. Strabag engages in planning, design, construction, operation and facility management, and demolition. With 86,000 employees and a network of subsidiaries across Europe and other continents, the company has already made notable progress in water technology this year. Projects include a water treatment plant in Croatia and the preferred bidder status for the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme in the UK. In a related development, Cologne-based subsidiary Strabag AG has acquired Sandkamp Tiefbau, a German pipeline construction company. This acquisition includes the integration of all 25 Sandkamp Tiefbau employees into the Strabag team in Nordhorn and Gronau. "STRABAG finalises deal to acquireWTE Wassertechnik" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
SA's MeerKAT telescope joins forces with European VLBI Network
This is a new chapter for high-resolution radio astronomy, enabling scientists to study the universe in greater detail than ever before. FILE: Part of the ensemble of dishes forming South Africa's MeerKAT radio telescope is seen in Carnarvon on July 16, 2016. Picture: Mujahid Safodien/ AFP South Africa's MeerKAT telescope has joined forces with the European VLBI Network (EVN), one of the world's most sensitive and advanced very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) systems. Their partnership sets a new standard for global collaboration and significantly enhances both resolution and sensitivity, opening new avenues for scientific exploration and a new era of radio astronomy. Space exploration It is also a new chapter for high-resolution radio astronomy, enabling scientists to study the universe in greater detail than ever before. The collaboration has already delivered impressive results, with EVN researchers capturing enhanced images of energetic plasma jets from the supermassive black hole J0123+3044. This sets the stage for a new wave of scientific breakthroughs in understanding cosmic phenomena. 'Proud moment' Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande said the achievement is a proud moment for South African science and a powerful demonstration of what international collaboration can accomplish. 'Integrating MeerKAT into the EVN marks a giant leap for precision radio astronomy and lays vital groundwork for the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA)-VLBI era'. The Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE), headquartered in the Netherlands, coordinated the EVN's participation and played a central role in data processing and image development, working closely with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory's (SARAO) engineering and science teams to ensure the mission's success. ALSO READ: Anyone out there? Astronomers find signs of life on distant planet Universe exploration Reflecting on MeerKAT's remarkable capabilities and its collaborative observations with the EVN, SARAO Managing Director Pontsho Maruping said the telescope has been highly successful in its mission to explore the radio sky with unprecedented detail, capturing images of some of the universe's largest-scale structures. 'At the same time, we strongly emphasise collaborating with other instruments as we continue to develop MeerKAT's scientific capabilities before its eventual integration into the SKA-Mid telescope'. 'Great achievement' Jive Council Chair Jessica Dempsey applauded the 'great' achievement by the SARAO team. 'This collaboration not only showcases the power of international partnerships in radio astronomy but also paves the way for transformative scientific discoveries through cutting-edge technological innovation.' The achievement is not just a technological milestone; it is also a powerful example of global scientific unity, with South Africa proudly at the forefront of the world's expanding window on the universe. ALSO READ: SA takes giant leap with Prime telescope to enhance exoplanet discovery [VIDEO]
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index ETF (FNDC) a Strong ETF Right Now?
A smart beta exchange traded fund, the Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index ETF (FNDC) debuted on 08/13/2013, and offers broad exposure to the Foreign Small/Mid Value ETF category of the market. Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry. A good option for investors who believe in market efficiency, market cap weighted indexes offer a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns. If you're the kind of investor who would rather try and beat the market through good stock selection, then smart beta funds are your best choice; this fund class is known for tracking non-cap weighted strategies. This kind of index follows this same mindset, as it attempts to pick stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance; non-cap weighted strategies base selection on certain fundamental characteristics, or a mix of such characteristics. While this space offers a number of choices to investors, including simplest equal-weighting, fundamental weighting and volatility/momentum based weighting methodologies, not all these strategies have been able to deliver superior results. Because the fund has amassed over $2.91 billion, this makes it one of the larger ETFs in the Foreign Small/Mid Value ETF. FNDC is managed by Charles Schwab. This particular fund, before fees and expenses, seeks to match the performance of the Russell RAFI Developed ex-U.S. Small Co. Index (Net). The RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Small Index measures the performance of small non-U.S. developed market companies based on their fundamental size and weight. Since cheaper funds tend to produce better results than more expensive funds, assuming all other factors remain equal, it is important for investors to pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio. With one of the cheaper products in the space, this ETF has annual operating expenses of 0.39%. FNDC's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 3.01%. Even though ETFs offer diversified exposure that minimizes single stock risk, investors should also look at the actual holdings inside the fund. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis. When you look at individual holdings, Evolution Mining Ltd (EVN) accounts for about 0.21% of the fund's total assets, followed by Israel Corporation Ltd (ILCO) and Ssc Government Mm Gvmxx (GVMXX). The top 10 holdings account for about 1.34% of total assets under management. So far this year, FNDC has added about 19.16%, and it's up approximately 16.44% in the last one year (as of 06/03/2025). During this past 52-week period, the fund has traded between $32.97 and $40.68. FNDC has a beta of 0.80 and standard deviation of 16.36% for the trailing three-year period, which makes the fund a low risk choice in the space. With about 1748 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk. Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index ETF is a reasonable option for investors seeking to outperform the Foreign Small/Mid Value ETF segment of the market. However, there are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider. Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF (DISV) tracks ---------------------------------------- and the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) tracks ----------------------------------------. Dimensional International Small Cap Value ETF has $3.06 billion in assets, Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF has $9.19 billion. DISV has an expense ratio of 0.42% and AVDV charges 0.36%. Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Foreign Small/Mid Value ETF. To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Schwab Fundamental International Small Company Index ETF (FNDC): ETF Research Reports Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EVN AG (WBO:EVN) Half-Year 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Profit Growth Amid Market ...
Release Date: May 26, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. EVN AG (WBO:EVN) reported a solid half-year net profit of 250.6 million, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year. The company confirmed its full-year guidance, expecting group net results between 400 and 440 million, indicating a substantial step up in earnings levels. EVN AG (WBO:EVN) is on track with its investment program, with investments up by 23% to 318 million, aligning with its plan to invest 900 million annually until 2030. The company has successfully aligned its CO2 emission reduction targets with the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement, enhancing its ESG credentials. EVN AG (WBO:EVN) has signed a new cooperation to install and operate 600 e-charging points, reinforcing its position as a market leader in Austria's e-mobility infrastructure. Renewable generation volumes were lower due to unfavorable wind conditions, despite the expansion of wind and photovoltaic parks. Market prices for EVN AG (WBO:EVN)'s electricity generation have declined year on year, impacting revenue from renewable generation. The company experienced a drop in revenue from natural gas trading due to lower prices and volumes. Higher procurement costs in the regulated energy supply business in Southeast Europe increased the cost of electricity purchases. The generation segment faced revenue decreases due to declining market prices and lower generation volumes, with expected EBIT to be lower than last year. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with WBO:EVN. Q: With the new Austrian government's EUR200 million targeted tax for the utility sector, how will this impact EVN, and what do you expect from the government regarding utility-related strategies? A: The energy crisis contribution for electricity has been extended to March 2030, but the exact impact on EVN is unclear. We estimate a low single-digit amount. We hope for clear regulations, including the new Electricity Act, to provide stability for our industry. Q: The decline in renewables generation was over 40%. Is this solely due to lower wind and water flows? A: Yes, the decline is mainly due to less wind and water. Q: Regarding your April 2025 presentation, is the annual network investment of EUR450 million realistic, or should we expect an increase due to inflation? A: We do not foresee a major increase in this number. Q: Can you provide more details on the WTE disposal timeline and any changes in terms of economics? Also, what are your plans for battery investments? A: Both parties are committed to the WTE transaction, though complex details require more time. We plan a 70-megawatt battery at our energy spot location in T. Q: Can you confirm the environment segment's outlook for EBIT between EUR10 and EUR20 million? A: Yes, the environment segment's result outlook is above the previous year, with an increase expected due to the absence of last year's receivable devaluation effect. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos' largest regional wind farm scheduled to become operational by late 2025
VIENTIANE: Laos is on track to launch its first wind farm – and the largest in South-East Asia – by the end of this year, with all 133 turbines for the project now fully installed. The 600-MW Monsoon Wind Power Project, valued at US$930 million, spans 68,000 hectares across Dakcheung district in Xekong province and Sanxay district in Attapeu province. The project is the region's first wind energy initiative covering more than one province. Electricity generated by the project will be exported to Vietnam under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Vietnam Electricity (EVN). The power will be transmitted via a 500-kilovolt power line. The project is led by Impact Energy Asia Development Co Ltd, which signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lao government in 2011 to assess the feasibility of the venture. Work on the project officially progressed in 2022 after the signing of a concession agreement and it is now operated by Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited. ACEN, the Ayala Group's renewable energy platform, announced the completion of turbine installation on May 19. The company holds a 25 per cent economic interest in the joint venture, construction of which began in March 2023. The wind farm comprises turbines with tower heights of 110 metres and 140 metres, strategically positioned based on wind data collected over eight years, from 2015 to 2023. The Monsoon Wind Power Project is not only a landmark energy initiative for Laos but also a symbol of hope and progress. The project is committed to supporting sustainable development across all sectors, promoting tourism, and creating employment opportunities for local communities. The company regularly undertakes a wide range of social assistance activities in fields such as agriculture, education and healthcare. As a strategic initiative of the Party, the government and Xekong province, the project is designed as a clean energy solution that will play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions. With minimal environmental impact, it represents a renewable, sustainable and inexhaustible energy source. Additionally, the wind farm will contribute to national energy security and support the global mission of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Lao government aims to promote investment cooperation and raise public awareness about the country's climate change commitments, while simultaneously encouraging more foreign companies to invest in clean and renewable energy and other sustainable and environment-friendly projects in Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
