Latest news with #EVN
Yahoo
5 days ago
- 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
United News of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Laos set to power up Southeast Asia's largest wind farm
Vientiane, May 22 (UNI) Laos is preparing to switch on Southeast Asia's largest wind farm by the end of the year, with all 133 turbines at the Monsoon Wind Project now fully installed, signalling a significant step in the country's renewable energy ambitions and wider economic strategy. The 600-megawatt project, valued at $930 million, is located across 68,000 hectares in the southern provinces of Sekong and Attapeu. Once operational, it will supply electricity to neighbouring Vietnam under a 25-year power purchase agreement with state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN), transmitted via a dedicated 500-kilovolt cross-border line, reports Laotian Times. As the region's first transnational wind power scheme, the project reflects a growing trend of cross-border energy cooperation in Southeast Asia. For Laos, it also represents a diversification of its energy exports, which are currently dominated by hydropower — an industry increasingly vulnerable to seasonal variability and environmental concerns. Developed by Impact Energy Asia Development Co., Ltd., the project has been over a decade in the making. An initial memorandum of understanding was signed with the Lao government in 2011, with development formally advancing in 2022 following the concession agreement. The project is now being delivered under the Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited joint venture. Turbine installation was completed on May 19, according to ACEN, the renewables platform of the Philippines' Ayala Group, which holds a 25% economic stake in the venture. Construction began in March 2023, and the project's turbines — with tower heights of 110 and 140 metres — were positioned based on eight years of wind data gathered from 2015 to 2023. The Monsoon Wind Project is expected to play a key role in Laos's strategy to become the "battery of Southeast Asia", a long-standing national policy aimed at turning the country's natural resources and geographical position into an energy export engine. However, the heavy focus on large-scale hydropower has drawn criticism for its environmental and social impact, particularly on river ecosystems and local communities. Wind power offers a cleaner and more seasonally stable complement to Laos's hydro output. While the electricity will initially be exported, the expansion of such infrastructure could lay the groundwork for future domestic supply, particularly as demand grows and energy access becomes a greater priority. For Laos, one of the region's least developed economies, the project brings not only foreign investment but also the potential for technology transfer, employment, and longer-term regional integration. Its success may shape how the country balances energy export revenue with domestic development, and whether wind can scale up to become a more prominent part of the nation's future energy mix.
Reuters
22-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Vietnam retroactively cuts subsidies for some solar, wind farms, investors' letter says
HANOI, May 22 (Reuters) - Vietnam's state power utility has cut previously agreed subsidised prices it pays for electricity from some solar and wind farms which now risk defaulting on their debts with banks, according to an investors' petition seen by Reuters. The document, dated May 16 and sent to Vietnam's top authorities, follows a first letter in which most of the same signatories warned of billions of dollars of investment at risk because of retroactive changes to subsidies implemented by Vietnamese authorities even as they target a massive expansion of renewables capacity. Starting with January invoices, a subsidiary of Vietnam's power utility EVN "unilaterally withheld a portion of its payments by applying a provisional tariff of its own proposal," the document said. "This has caused us to breach commitments to banks and both local and international lenders, face the risk of default under pressure of monthly debt repayments, and suffer cash shortages," it added. Among the 16 foreign signatories are private equity fund Dragon Capital, the Vietnamese subsidiary of Philippines' ACEN ( opens new tab energy group, and investors from Thailand, Portugal, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore and China. Dozens of other Vietnamese projects also signed the letter. In recent years, the Southeast Asian country has experienced a boom in renewable energy investments driven by generous feed-in tariffs (FiTs), under which the state committed to buying electricity for 20 years at above-market prices, effectively subsidising producers. However, amid allegations of abuses in accessing the FiTs and increasing losses for EVN from the subsidy programme, authorities have proceeded to freeze or cut some subsidies. EVN had no immediate comment on the second petition but it has told Reuters in recent weeks that preferential prices could not be continued for projects that violated regulations. It did not specify whether rules were changed retroactively and which projects were in breach of regulations.
