Latest news with #SEM
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
BFood disposes stake in 7-Eleven Malaysia for RM13.2mil
KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Food Bhd's (BFood) wholly-owned subsidiary, Berjaya Food (International) Sdn Bhd (BFI), has disposed of 6.60 million ordinary shares, representing a 0.60% equity interest in 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd (SEM), to Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) for RM13.2mil cash, or RM2 per share. Following the disposal, BFood, via BFI, now holds a 0.25% equity interest in SEM, comprising 2.77 million shares. ALSO READ: BCorp acquires 1.66% stake in Berjaya Assets for RM12.75mil In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, BFood said the cash consideration for the disposal was arrived at after taking into consideration the prevailing market prices of the SEM Shares at the time of the disposal. 'The cash proceeds from the disposal will be utilised as working capital of BFood and subsidiaries (BFood Group). The disposal enabled the BFood Group to realise part of its investment in SEM,' it added. The carrying value of the SEM Shares pursuant to the disposal (which were acquired since March 2023) in the books of the BFood Group as at May 31, 2025 is about RM1.95 per SEM share.
New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tobacco ban to hit sales, footfall at convenience stores, mini-marts
KUALA LUMPUR: Convenience store chains and mini-marts across Malaysia are bracing for a significant hit from the impending ban on the open display of tobacco products, a regulatory move that could shake up revenue models heavily reliant on tobacco sales. The Ministry of Health announced the tobacco display ban in October 2024, initially set for April 1, 2025, but now phased with full enforcement by Oct 1, 2025. Retailers must store tobacco and vape products in closed cabinets, not openly. Analysts caution that major players like 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd (SEM), which generates about 33 per cent of its total revenue from tobacco products, are particularly vulnerable. Other chains like KK Super Mart and MyNews are also expected to be affected, though to varying degrees depending on their reliance on tobacco sales. In contrast, 99 Speedmart may be less impacted given its stronger emphasis on household essentials and grocery items. "Tobacco purchases frequently trigger impulse buys of snacks, beverages, and other essentials. With the display ban, these secondary sales could decline, potentially reducing both store traffic and basket size," said an analyst who requested anonymity. He added that convenience retailers will need to revamp their shelving layouts and possibly retrain staff, incurring compliance costs that could weigh heavily on smaller chains with fewer resources. CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd said that despite a temporary reprieve, it warns that companies like SEM are not out of the woods. "Although the delay offers SEM some near-term reprieve, the eventual enforcement of the ban may weigh on its top-line performance," CIMB cautioned in a research note, citing an expected decline in tobacco-related sales. CIMB said that SEM continues to face mounting regulatory and cost challenges, despite reporting steady revenue growth for the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025). SEM reported a 10.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in revenue for Q1 2025, largely driven by 7.1 per cent same-store sales growth. The growth was attributed to a low base effect from Q1 2024, longer operating hours, and an accelerated rollout of the modern 7-Café format. However, rising costs are eroding gains. The Feb 1, 2025, nationwide minimum wage hike to RM1,700 and longer business hours pushed SEM's operating expenses up by 10.2 per cent YoY. As a result, EBITDA margin remained flat at 11.8 per cent, while core net profit edged up just 0.5 per cent YoY. Looking ahead, CIMB expects QoQ earnings improvement in Q2 2025, helped by post-Ramadan consumer spending and continued expansion of 7-Café outlets. Margins are forecast to stay steady, supported by higher-margin fresh food sales and improved operating leverage. "We understand that SEM remains committed to its store opening target (of 100 new outlets this year) and will be accelerating its store rollout in subsequent quarters to meet its target by end-Dec 2025," it said. Despite the positive growth trajectory, CIMB maintains a 'Reduce' rating on the stock, with a target price of RM1.63, citing long-term challenges such as intensifying competition in the convenience retail space and mounting cost pressures. SEM's share price has remained largely unchanged in 2025, fluctuating between RM1.96 and RM2.00, with a brief dip to RM1.90 in late January. Notable shareholders include Classic Union Group Ltd (26.3 per cent), Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun (22.4 per cent), and PERKESO (4.6 per cent), with public investors holding 14 per cent.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Security Engineered Machinery Surpasses Expectations in Steps for Vets Event
WESTBOROUGH, Mass., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Security Engineered Machinery (SEM), a leading provider of high-security data destruction solutions, announced the successful conclusion of its Steps for Vets event, which was held the week leading up to Memorial Day. The initiative, which encouraged employees and participants to collectively track their steps, raised awareness and support for veterans' causes. Steps for Vets is a 5k fundraising event organized by U.S. Vets, one of the nation's largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans. Participants have the option to walk, run, or roll at their own pace, both at in-person events or remotely. The annual event encourages participants to track their steps, promoting physical wellness while raising awareness and funds to support U.S. Vets' mission to provide critical services, housing, and support to veterans in need. The event was brought to SEM's attention by the company's Culture Committee, an employee-led group dedicated to fostering community engagement, planning company-wide events, and supporting philanthropic initiatives. "As a veteran-founded company, supporting causes that benefit our nation's veterans is deeply personal to us—especially around Memorial Day," said Steve Watson, SEM Culture Committee President. "The Steps for Vets initiative was a meaningful opportunity for our team to come together in support of those who have served." SEM's collective participation helped surpass the initial goal of 100,000 total steps, reaching more than 217,000 steps, with contributions from SEM employees and management. Team members joined the initiative from all over the country; from their Westborough and Hudson, MA facilities, remote sales team, and traveling service technicians. Founded in 1967, SEM is a veteran-founded organization with a deep commitment to supporting the military community. The Steps for Vets event, held in conjunction with Memorial Day, provided SEM with a meaningful opportunity to honor the sacrifices of service members while promoting physical activity and community engagement during a time when individuals and organizations across the nation reflect on and pay tribute to those who have served. SEM's participation in this initiative demonstrates their dedication to supporting those who have served in the military, as well as its broader corporate social responsibility efforts. The funds raised during the event will go toward supporting veteran-focused charities, providing much-needed assistance to those who have served the country. "It was incredibly rewarding to see such enthusiastic participation from our team, with over 217,000 steps logged—more than doubling our original goal," says Andrew Kelleher, SEM President. "Together, we've shown the power of collective effort and our ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served our country." For more information on SEM, please visit About U.S. Vets U.S. Vets is one of the largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans. With programs in cities across the United States, U.S. Vets provides critical services such as housing, employment assistance, mental health support, and case management to help veterans transition successfully to civilian life. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Security Engineered Machinery 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
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Dinosaurs may hold key to cancer breakthroughs say scientists
Researchers explored the fossil of a Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a 'marsh lizard' that existed between 66 and 70 million years ago Dinosaurs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering cancer treatment. Yet scientists now believe these prehistoric creatures could actually provide valuable insights on how to tackle the complex, cell-mutating disease. Ne w research from Anglia Ruskin University and Imperial College London explored this subject, using pioneering techniques to closely examine the fossil of an ancient species. Now they theorise that soft tissue and cellular structures are perhaps preserved in ancient remains more frequently than previously understood, potentially offering crucial information for future illness prevention. Senior author Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years. "Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination. This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens." The researchers specifically highlighted the Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a duck-billed 'marsh lizard' that roamed what is now Romania between 66 and 70 million years ago. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), researchers discovered 'red blood cell-like structures' within a fossil of this creature. Now, by examining preserved proteins and biomarkers, scientists hope to gain insights into diseases that impacted prehistoric animals, including cancer. This project builds on a previous study that found evidence of cancer in the same marsh lizard. Professor Stebbing continued: "Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease." With this in mind, scientists also emphasised the importance of gathering and preserving dinosaur tissue, not just skeletons. They asserted that future analyses could enhance our understanding of disease evolution over time, potentially informing treatments for humans. "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans," Professor Stebbing added. "However, it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations."
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SEM Q1 Earnings Call: Regulatory Headwinds and Mixed Division Performance Shape Outlook
Healthcare services company Select Medical (NYSE:SEM) missed Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025 as sales rose 2.4% year on year to $1.35 billion. The company's full-year revenue guidance of $5.4 billion at the midpoint came in 1.6% below analysts' estimates. Its GAAP profit of $0.44 per share was 7.3% below analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy SEM? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $1.35 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.39 billion (2.4% year-on-year growth, 2.6% miss) EPS (GAAP): $0.44 vs analyst expectations of $0.47 (7.3% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $151.4 million vs analyst estimates of $166.5 million (11.2% margin, 9.1% miss) The company dropped its revenue guidance for the full year to $5.4 billion at the midpoint from $5.5 billion, a 1.8% decrease EPS (GAAP) guidance for the full year is $1.14 at the midpoint, beating analyst estimates by 1.8% EBITDA guidance for the full year is $520 million at the midpoint, below analyst estimates of $531.3 million Operating Margin: 8.3%, in line with the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was -$55.8 million compared to -$119.2 million in the same quarter last year Sales Volumes fell 1.9% year on year (1% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $1.96 billion Select Medical's first quarter results reflected the company's ongoing transition following the Concentra spin, with divergent trends across its main business lines. Management attributed the quarter's performance to robust growth in the inpatient rehabilitation division, which offset challenges in both outpatient and critical illness recovery hospital operations. CEO Robert Ortenzio cited severe weather events and Medicare reimbursement reductions as primary pressures on outpatient results, while regulatory changes and a delayed flu season weighed on the critical illness recovery segment. Looking ahead, management's guidance is shaped by ongoing regulatory uncertainty and shifting payer dynamics. The team expressed cautious optimism about inpatient rehabilitation expansion, noting a strong development pipeline and recent facility openings. However, they acknowledged persistent headwinds in the critical illness recovery segment, including higher outlier thresholds and the impact of the 20% transmittal rule. Management stated, "We are constantly having conversations both on the regulatory side with the new CMS administration and on the legislative side," underscoring the unpredictable reimbursement environment. Select Medical's leadership focused on the mixed performance across its divisions and the external factors impacting results. Management highlighted division-specific drivers and detailed ongoing initiatives to mitigate recent headwinds and support future growth. Inpatient Rehab Outperformance: The inpatient rehabilitation division delivered double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth, supported by both increased daily rates and a robust pipeline of new facility openings and expansions. Management pointed to occupancy rates above 80% in mature hospitals and a multi-year plan to add 440 new beds. Regulatory Headwinds in Critical Illness Recovery: The critical illness recovery hospital segment faced regulatory challenges, particularly a sharp increase in the high cost outlier threshold and the 20% transmittal rule. Management estimated these changes accounted for two-thirds of the EBITDA decline for this segment, and noted ongoing discussions with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address these impacts. Outpatient Division Weather Disruption: Severe winter storms in key geographies and a 3% decline in Medicare reimbursement led to lower outpatient volumes and EBITDA. The division saw a late-quarter recovery, and management expects further improvements as technology and access initiatives progress. Technology and Margin Initiatives: Management emphasized ongoing investments in technology for the outpatient business, including a new software platform aimed at improving productivity and contract negotiations. Early benefits were observed, and management expects margin improvement as further releases are implemented. Strategic Capacity Management: The company continued to optimize its outpatient footprint by opening 10 new clinics and closing or consolidating 13 underperforming locations, aligning resources with market demand and supporting more efficient operations. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year centers on regulatory and reimbursement trends, the pace of rehab expansion, and operational improvements in challenged segments. Regulatory Uncertainty Remains: The company's earnings trajectory will depend on future CMS policy changes impacting critical illness recovery reimbursement, as well as ongoing advocacy to mitigate outlier threshold increases and transmittal rule effects. Rehabilitation Expansion Pipeline: A strong pipeline of new inpatient rehab facilities and bed additions is expected to drive segment growth, with management noting both signed projects and additional opportunities under evaluation. Margin Recovery Initiatives: Continued implementation of technology upgrades and productivity measures in the outpatient division are expected to support gradual margin improvement, although external factors such as weather and Medicare rates remain risks. Justin Bowers (Deutsche Bank): Asked about expected occupancy rates in new inpatient rehab facilities. Management guided for occupancy to remain above 85% in mature hospitals, even as new capacity comes online. Ben Hendrix (RBC Capital Markets): Inquired about mitigation strategies for regulatory headwinds in critical illness recovery hospitals. Management indicated active discussions with CMS and ongoing advocacy, but cautioned that policy changes may take time. William Sutherland (The Benchmark Company): Sought clarification on the magnitude and timing of high cost outlier impacts and start-up costs. Management confirmed that start-up losses remained consistent year over year, with most headwinds concentrated in the first six weeks of the quarter. William Sutherland (The Benchmark Company): Asked about outpatient margin improvement initiatives. Management described new technology rollouts and improved commercial contract rates as key drivers, with incremental benefits expected throughout the year. Anne Hines (Mizuho): Asked about potential acceleration in inpatient rehab expansion to diversify away from critical illness recovery. Management confirmed an acceleration beyond currently announced projects, citing a robust project pipeline and ongoing market evaluations. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) regulatory developments and any CMS decisions related to reimbursement for critical illness recovery, (2) progress on opening new inpatient rehab facilities and the pace at which they reach targeted occupancy, and (3) the effectiveness of technology and operational initiatives aimed at restoring outpatient division margins. Additionally, trends in patient volumes and reimbursement rates across all segments will remain key indicators of business momentum. Select Medical currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 13×. Should you double down or take your chips? See for yourself in our free research report. The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. 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