Latest news with #MAA
Hans India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kajol's haunted remark on Ramoji Film City sparks debate
Bollywood actress Kajol has stirred conversation online with her recent comments about Ramoji Film City, one of India's most iconic film studios located in Hyderabad. During a promotional interview for her upcoming movie MAA, Kajol shared that she has always felt a strange unease while filming at the location, describing the studio complex as having 'haunted vibes.' She elaborated that certain spots within the premises felt so unsettling that she wanted to leave immediately and never return. Without citing specific incidents, Kajol went on to call Ramoji Film City 'one of the most haunted places in the world.' Her remarks have since gone viral, prompting widespread discussion on social media. Reactions to the statement have been mixed. Some netizens supported her personal experience, while others criticized the actress for publicly labeling a major production site in such a way. Critics argued that such comments might tarnish the reputation of a location deeply embedded in Indian cinema's history. Supporters, however, pointed out that Kajol merely expressed a personal feeling, which shouldn't be taken as a factual claim. Kajol has shot several films at Ramoji Film City over her career. The studio is a favorite among Bollywood and South Indian filmmakers alike, and her husband Ajay Devgn continues to be associated with projects filmed there, including his notable appearance in the Telugu blockbuster RRR. While Kajol has not acted in a Telugu film so far, her influence in Bollywood remains strong. As for her eerie claim, whether she chooses to clarify it further remains uncertain. Still, the episode highlights the complex intersection between celebrity opinions and public perception, especially when it involves industry landmarks.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MAA- An Apartment REIT with Diverse Properties, High Growth Potential
(MAA) specializes in acquiring, developing, and managing apartment communities. It owns and operates nearly 300 properties in 16 states and Washington, DC. The company's focus on innovation and technology presents opportunities for growth, enabling it to cater to evolving tenant preferences and expectations, advises Kelley Wright, editor of IQ Trends. To get more articles and chart analysis from MoneyShow, subscribe to our .) MAA caters to a varied demographic, providing housing solutions that range from luxury apartments to more affordable options. The Real Estate Investment Trust's operations are predominantly concentrated in the Sun Belt region, an area with robust population growth, economic expansion, and favorable climate conditions. MAA boasts a geographically diverse portfolio that spans multiple states, encompassing urban, suburban, and metropolitan areas. With thousands of units under management, the company has strategically positioned itself to capitalize on market demand while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction. MAA's success can be attributed to its well-defined strategic framework, which emphasizes both organic growth and expansion through acquisitions. By focusing on regions with high population density and economic activity, the company ensures a steady stream of demand for its properties. Additionally, MAA employs robust market analysis to identify emerging opportunities, allowing it to adapt swiftly to shifting trends in the real estate sector. MAA's primary challenges include fluctuating market conditions, regulatory changes, and the impact of economic cycles on the real estate sector. However, its strategic agility and diversified portfolio provide a strong foundation to navigate these uncertainties. See also: Fed: On Tap to Sit Tight Amid Mixed Inflation, Employment News The ROIC, FCFY, and P/EBV are 6%, 2%, and 3.9 respectively. Economic earnings are -$1.05 vs. $8.77 reported. Economic Book Value equals $38.29 per share. Finally, $10,000 invested five years ago is now approximately $15,326. Recommended Action: Buy MAA. More From NFLX: A Great Example of How Adaptation Can Pay Off LEN: A Beaten-Down Builder with the Worst Priced In? Market Minute 6/18/25: Investors Waiting to See if US Joins the Fight 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Tax expansion poses limited direct impact on auto sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming expansion of the service tax scope, effective next month, will have a limited direct impact on Malaysia's automotive sector, according to CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd. The firm said this is because vehicle sales are already subject to a 10 per cent sales tax, while maintenance and repair services incur an eight per cent service tax. "That said, there may be a slight increase in dealership and showroom rental costs due to the measure, although we believe the impact will be minimal. "Indirectly, however, weaker consumer sentiment could weigh on new vehicle sales in the second half of 2025 (2H25)," it added. CIMB Securities also highlighted that the Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast a 4.5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in total industry volume (TIV) to 780,000 units in 2025. This is attributed to demand normalisation and a reduced industry order backlog. The firm said MAA also flagged global economic uncertainty, exacerbated by US-China trade tensions, as a risk to Malaysia's economic outlook. In addition, the government has postponed the implementation of the revised open market value (OMV) calculation from January 2025 to January 2026. CIMB Securities views this delay as a short-term positive for the sector, as the new OMV formula could raise the average selling price of locally assembled vehicles by 10–30 per cent, based on MAA estimates. The firm also expects a sharper seven per cent YoY decline in TIV to 760,000 units, mainly due to potential headwinds such as the planned removal of the RON95 petrol subsidy in 2H25. "Despite this, we expect demand in the sub-RM100,000 segment to remain resilient, supported by national brands and selected entry-level Japanese models. "The government's plan, outlined in Budget 2025, to retain subsidies for at least 85 per cent of RON95 users should help cushion the impact and support affordability in the mass-market segment. "Consequently, we project national brands to retain a dominant 64.5 per cent market share in 2025, with non-national marques accounting for the remaining 35.5 per cent," it said. Furthermore, CIMB Securities believes the removal of fuel subsidies could further accelerate battery electric vehicle adoption. The firm also expects a potential spike in electric vehicle (EV) demand in the fourth quarter of 2025 as buyers rush to benefit from tax savings. Full duty exemptions for imported EVs are set to expire by the end of 2025, and the government is unlikely to extend them beyond the December 31, 2025 deadline. "Within our coverage, Sime Darby Bhd is well-positioned to ride this wave, supported by its expanding EV line-up across brands like BMW, Mini, Porsche, BYD, and Volvo," it said. Overall, CIMB Securities has maintained a "Neutral" rating on the auto sector due to a subdued growth outlook amid intensifying market competition. It noted that Sime Darby remains its top sector pick, supported by earnings recovery in the Australian mining sector, a broad EV portfolio, its stake in Malaysia's auto market leader Perodua, and the potential monetisation of non-core and land bank assets. Moving forward, the firm said key catalysts for the sector include the strengthening of the ringgit against the US dollar and Japanese yen, a reduction in interest rates, and favourable government policies aimed at reviving domestic demand. Key downside risks to its call include depreciation of the ringgit, interest rate hikes, and weaker consumer sentiment stemming from the potential subsidy rationalisation programme and new taxes.
The Star
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
May auto sales up 12.4% to 68,007, MAA reports
A Perodua customer care executive (right) assisting a customer at a showroom in Sungai Buloh. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reported that the automotive sector's total industry volume (TIV) rose by 12.4% month-on-month in May 2025, reaching 68,007 units compared to 60,527 units in April. In a statement, MAA said the higher TIV in May 2025 was due to a higher number of working days compared to April, ongoing strong promotional activities, and the delivery of vehicles from bookings made in the first quarter of 2025. However, on a year-on-year basis, MAA said the TIV fell by 3.2% from the 70,254 units recorded in May 2024. MAA noted that a total of 65,970 vehicles were produced in May this year, down 11.6% from the same month last year. 'TIV for June 2025 is expected to be lower than in May 2025 due to a one-week plant shutdown during Hari Raya Aidiladha by major makes,' MAA said in its outlook for June.
The Star
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Auto sales likely to ease
RHB Research maintained its 2025 vehicle sales forecast at 730,000 units. PETALING JAYA: The automotive sector's total industry volume (TIV) rose by 12.4% month-on-month in May, reaching 68,007 units compared with 60,527 units in April. In a statement, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the higher TIV was due to more working days in May compared with April, ongoing strong promotional activities and the delivery of vehicles from bookings made in the first quarter of 2025. However, on a year-on-year basis, MAA said the TIV fell by 3.2% from the 70,254 units recorded in May 2024. MAA noted that a total of 65,970 vehicles were produced in May, down 11.6% from the same month last year. 'TIV for June is expected to be lower than May due to a one-week plant shutdown during Hari Raya Aidiladha by major makes,' MAA said in its outlook for June. Meanwhile, RHB Research said auto sales momentum is expected to ease further in the coming quarters due to the lack of catalysts, softening order backlogs and a high base effect from 2024. The research house maintained its 2025 vehicle sales forecast at 730,000 units, representing an 11% year-on-year (y-o-y) decline from the record high of 816,747 units last year. 'We do not see any compelling catalysts for 2025 auto sales to be maintained at elevated levels,' it said. RHB Research noted that its forecast aligned with the year-to-date April TIV of 248,700 units – a 5% y-o-y drop – which made up 34% of its full-year assumption. The research house remained cautious on the sector, citing 'ongoing price competition in the non-national segment and softening order backlogs.' 'We anticipate TIV to soften y-o-y in the second quarter of this year (2Q25), due to the declining order backlogs, shorter working quarter as a result of the long festive holidays, as well as scheduled factory maintenance shutdowns by major carmakers.' While the expiry of tax exemptions for fully imported electric vehicles (EVs) after 2025 could lead to a short-term spike in EV sales, RHB Research said the impact on overall TIV would be minimal. 'The local EV market remains modest, accounting for about 2% of total car sales. Hence, it is unlikely that a surge in EV demand would materially move the TIV needle in 2025,' it said. In line with its 'cautious' outlook, RHB Research has maintained its 'neutral' call on the sector. 'We maintain our sector weighting –premised on a lack of catalysts to drive sales and earnings to new highs.' RHB Research said sector earnings for 1Q25 were largely underwhelming, with two out of four companies under its coverage – Sime Darby Bhd and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd – coming in below expectations, while MBM Resources Bhd and Bermaz Auto Bhd were in line. Despite the miss, Sime remained its sole 'buy' call within the sector, supported by robust mass-market brand contributions from Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd or Perodua and Toyota Motor Corp. 'Automotive sales volumes may slow, but solid contributions from mass-market brands – Perodua and Toyota – should cushion the impact (for Sime).' On the policy front, RHB Research highlighted that the rationalisation of the RON95 fuel subsidy is set to proceed as reaffirmed by the prime minister. 'While details remained limited, earlier indications may point to a rollout in the second half of 2025. 'Nonetheless, we believe the policy will raise vehicle ownership costs. This could accelerate EV adoption or lead some consumers to downtrade, especially given the limited affordable EV options. 'Public transport may gain traction as an alternative, but much will depend on how the policy is executed,' it added.
