Latest news with #JacovanderMerwe
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Astec (NASDAQ:ASTE): Strongest Q1 Results from the Construction Machinery Group
The end of an earnings season can be a great time to discover new stocks and assess how companies are handling the current business environment. Let's take a look at how Astec (NASDAQ:ASTE) and the rest of the construction machinery stocks fared in Q1. Automation that increases efficiencies and connected equipment that collects analyzable data have been trending, creating new sales opportunities for construction machinery companies. On the other hand, construction machinery companies are at the whim of economic cycles. Interest rates, for example, can greatly impact the commercial and residential construction that drives demand for these companies' offerings. The 4 construction machinery stocks we track reported a strong Q1. As a group, revenues missed analysts' consensus estimates by 0.8%. Luckily, construction machinery stocks have performed well with share prices up 25.5% on average since the latest earnings results. Inventing the first ever double-barrel hot-mix asphalt plant, Astec (NASDAQ:ASTE) provides machines and equipment for building roads, processing raw materials, and producing concrete. Astec reported revenues of $329.4 million, up 6.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts' expectations by 2.8%. Overall, it was a stunning quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts' EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates. "We are pleased to report another strong quarter in line with our plans to deliver consistency, profitability and growth," said Jaco van der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer. Astec achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is up 17.8% since reporting and currently trades at $41.54. Is now the time to buy Astec? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free. Contracted by the United States Navy during WWII, Manitowoc (NYSE:MTW) provides cranes and lifting equipment. Manitowoc reported revenues of $470.9 million, down 4.9% year on year, falling short of analysts' expectations by 2.3%. However, the business still had a strong quarter with a solid beat of analysts' backlog and EBITDA estimates. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 38% since reporting. It currently trades at $11.45. Is now the time to buy Manitowoc? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free. With its iconic yellow machinery working on construction sites, Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) manufactures construction equipment like bulldozers, excavators, and parts and maintenance services. Caterpillar reported revenues of $14.25 billion, down 9.8% year on year, falling short of analysts' expectations by 2.6%. It was a softer quarter as it posted a miss of analysts' adjusted operating income and EPS estimates. Caterpillar delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. Interestingly, the stock is up 13.6% since the results and currently trades at $348.95. Read our full analysis of Caterpillar's results here. With humble beginnings as a dump truck company, Terex (NYSE:TEX) today manufactures lifting and material handling equipment designed to move and hoist heavy goods and materials. Terex reported revenues of $1.23 billion, down 4.9% year on year. This result lagged analysts' expectations by 1.3%. More broadly, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also recorded an impressive beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates. The stock is up 32.7% since reporting and currently trades at $48.23. Read our full, actionable report on Terex here, it's free. Thanks to the Fed's series of rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has cooled significantly from its post-pandemic highs, drawing closer to the 2% goal. This disinflation has occurred without severely impacting economic growth, suggesting the success of a soft landing. The stock market thrived in 2024, spurred by recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November), and a notable surge followed Donald Trump's presidential election win in November, propelling indices to historic highs. Nonetheless, the outlook for 2025 remains clouded by potential trade policy changes and corporate tax discussions, which could impact business confidence and growth. The path forward holds both optimism and caution as new policies take shape. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 6 Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Join Paid Stock Investor Research Help us make StockStory more helpful to investors like yourself. Join our paid user research session and receive a $50 Amazon gift card for your opinions. Sign up here.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mid-range Range Rover Sport HSE shows why it is the one to have
Despite the "not a true Range Rover" label continuing to be placed on it by purists, the Sport's ongoing popularity suggests otherwise. Despite the availability of the Evoque and Velar, the Sport is still viewed, by some, as the true junior Range Rover. Image: Hanro Venter The current third generation, or internally named L461, Range Rover Sport has been on-sale locally since 2023, a year after its world reveal, but in that time, has received more revisions than ordinarily found four years into a vehicle's lifespan. Wait? Did we miss something? From an improved infotainment system two years ago to a new Ingenium turbodiesel engine the year after, the Sport's most recent update came in March this year with the arrival of the SV Edition Two that now uses the BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. A year prior to the SV, the first special edition version, the Stelath, made local landfall as mainly an appearance package modelled on the Dynamic SE that opens the Sport range up. ALSO READ: Original 'junior' Range Rover shows luxury can still be Sport(y) Given how most JLR products take their time to reach media fleets, the arrival of a Charente Grey Sport for the weeklong stay had The Citizen Motoring team perplexed. For one, the range favourite D350 had already been sampled twice, first by editor Jaco van der Merwe soon after its market arrival and then last year by yours truly as part of the infotainment upgrade. Rear-end styling remains the most polarising aspect of the third generation Sport. Image: Hanro Venter Jaco's Santorini Black example used the Dynamic HSE as a base, while the Eiger Grey version I ended up with was the flagship Autobiography. Hello again, D350 On first glance, and given the bevy of plug-in hybrid Defenders and Range Rover Evoques that arrived before and after the Sport, it was assumed that the new P460e, which premiered at the same time as the new infotainment system, had been given for testing. As it turned out, this wasn't the case, and neither was the dropped-off model the Stealth or even the SV. Instead, a quick look underneath the windscreen wiper where JLR places its trim level designations came with a sense of déjà vu. While the engine was indeed the 3.0-litre Ingenium straight-six turbodiesel that produces 350 pferdestarke (PS), hence the D350 moniker, which equates to 257kW/700Nm, the trim grade – again – read Dynamic HSE. The step down from the Autobiography, the HSE presented somewhat of a challenge as, apart from having already been sampled, taking it to Gerotek wouldn't have been worth it as the former had already fulfilled that role. Renewed look at HSE For the fear of 'copying-and-pasting' Jaco's findings, the weeklong stay with what has now become a Range Rover Sport familiarity still impressed in the environment where it will spend the majority of its life, the urban jungle. Compared to the Autobiography, the tested HSE keeps the option of the gloss Narvik Black roof, but swaps the optional 23-inch gloss black alloys for the silver 22-inch wheels. Dynamic HSE came fitted with the standard 22-inch alloy wheels. Image: Hanro Venter Also missing was the optional black styling package and, in place of the black brake calipers, the Brembo-supplied stoppers finished in a more appealing red. While more discreet and not as over-the-top as the Autobiography that had, admittedly, been specified with nearly every optional extra available, the HSE lacks for little in presence despite the stigma of it still not being the 'proper' full-size Range Rover that has followed the Sport ever since the original's world unveiling in 2005. As mentioned, the rear-end styling won't find favour among everyone considering the 'cleaner' and more simplified look of the previous generations. Right, that interior Tugging the pop-out door handles came with the biggest and most contentious surprise, the colour of the Ebony Windsor leather upholstery. Called Caraway/Ebony, the saddle tan hue looks out of place and while different from the traditional black, grey, white or even red, won't be to everyone's preference and will likely require lots of attention to keep clean over time. The same applies to the piano key black inlays around the toggle switch gear lever and starter button on a centre console, which remains a point of contention, as the latter could have been relocated aft of the steering wheel or on the dashboard to better optimise storage space. Interior cocoons and feels typically luxurious, although the Caraway/Ebony colour option won't be favoured by everyone. Image: Hanro Venter That being said, hiding spaces aren't found lacking as, apart from the cubby in front of the gear lever that also houses the wireless smartphone charging pad, sliding back the lid of the cupholders reveals a deeper storage area underneath. Capping it off, the HSE gets a pair of individual armrests for each of the front seats, plus a refrigerated centre console glovebox. Ergonomically, the interior adheres to the minimalistic design approach in which the majority of the functions are located within the infotainment system. Electric front seats feature heating, ventilation and massaging functions. Image: Hanro Venter In the case of the HSE, this means the upgraded 13.3-inch Pivi Pro system. Although still easy to fathom despite appearing the complete opposite, certain buyers will still bemoan the lack of physical buttons or even dials for the quad-zone climate control. The workings of the system, besides this, are intuitive, while the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, as mentioned on the Autobiography, didn't annoy as much as on other products. Still tech packed and practical Compared to the HSE is anything but spartan on the equipment front with the inclusion of the customisable 13.7-inch instrument cluster, a heated steering wheel with electric adjustment, a panoramic sunroof and Adaptive Cruise Control. Further items consist of heated, ventilated and massaging front electric seats, a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Display and, admittedly from the options list, the ear-pleasing 29-speaker, 1 430-watt Meridian sound system. Boot can take 647-litres with the rear seats in use. Image: Hanro Venter Only blemished, no pun intended, by the choice of colour and piano black inserts, fit-and-finish remains difficult to fault – especially the Kvadrat textile material on the doors – as does practicality. Despite the 60/40 split folding electric rear seat being a touch on the slow side when folding compared to doing the process manually, total boot space increases from 647-litres to 1 491-litres. Dropping the rear seats increases packing space to 1 491-litres. Image: Hanro Venter As a result of the test unit being fitted with the adaptive air suspension system, the rear apron can be lowered using the toggle switches integrated into the side of the boot walls to aid loading heavy items. In addition, the cabin, up front and at the rear, isn't found lacking in space, with the mentioned glass roof making no ingress on headroom for rear-seat occupants. On the road As has become the norm with JLR's D350 badged models, the Ingenium straight-six, which lacks the electrified 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered in Europe, pulls smoothly from low-down, but when provoked, easily lifts the Sport's nose with a surge of muscled grunt. All the while accompanied by an aurally pleasing straight-six soundtrack and nearly faultless eight-speed automatic gearbox, the unit shows its hand, unsurprisingly, the most in Dynamic mode, however, the quickfire punch soon stops the higher the tachometer goes. In either Auto or Comfort modes – the supposed efficiency-focused Eco not being selected at all – the Sport becomes comfortable and, thanks to the lower profile tyres, with a slightly better ride quality than the Autobiography. That being said, and while equipped with the Terrain Response 2 system incorporating low range, locking differential and seven off-road modes – Auto, Comfort, Grass/Gravel, Mud Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and Wade – taking the Sport off-road never crossed minds for fear of scratching the wheels or even worse. One of the highlight options is the 29-speaker Meridian sound system. IMage: Hanro Venter A decision the majority of owners will likely adhere to as well, the HSE's on-road demeanour ultimately counts. In this regard, and besides the adept ride, engine and road noise is found lacking thanks to what JLR calls Active Noise Cancellation technology, while the steering is quick and with relatively good feedback for a vehicle of this type. On the consumption front, the HSE recorded an indicated best figure of 10.3 L/100 km over its seven-day and 496 km spell, 1.8 L/100 km heavier than the Autobiography, but still commendable for a package weighing 2 315 kg. Conclusion The phrase 'all the car you will ever' is a more than well used description when summarising a vehicle that often sits on top of its respective model range. In the case of the Range Rover Sport D350 Dynamic HSE, the saying is anything but as the mid-range D350, arguably, makes the biggest case for being the most complete offering above Autobiography, the fire-breathing P530 petrol, the SV and the contentious P460e. Sport continues to do its name justice. Image: Hanro Venter At R2 526 600 before options, the HSE is still anything but a bargain and unlikely to shake off the adage of not being a 'real Range Rover' by brand purists. However, it simply is the Sport to have and, to quote the earlier statement, 'all the model you will ever need'. NOW READ: Easy to see why the Range Rover Sport is a Mzansi favourite
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Maxus eTerron 9 electric bakkie makes surprise Nampo showing
Double cab claimed to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds with a range of over 400km. The all-electric Maxus eTerron 9 could go on sale as soon as June. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe While the Riddara RD6 was a no-show at the opening day Nampo Harvest Day agricultural show outside Bothaville on Tuesday, another all-electric bakkie in the form of the Maxus eTerron 9 did make a surprise appearance. Maxus is a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor which also owns MG. Maxus' current local light commercial vehicle portfolio includes the eDeliver 3 van and eDeliver 3 Cab, as well as the T90EV double cab bakkie. Confusing matters locally is its affiliation with LDV. LDV is the moniker used by Maxus for export markets under which the range of T60 bakkies is sold locally. The shared design language is very clear between the Maxus T90EV and the LDV T60. ALSO READ: New Terron 9 bakkie coming as part of revised LDV product range Maxus eTerron 9 keeps badge But despite the new Maxus Terron 9 reportedly powered by a diesel engine heading for South Africa under the LDV badge via SAIC's Australian operations, the eTerron 9 will keep its Maxus badge in South Africa. The rear features a horizontal light bar. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Maxus told The Citizen Motoring there are currently three eTerron 9 homologation units in South Africa. It all goes well, the all-electric bakkie might go on sale at the end of June already. The Maxus eTerron 9 features a 102kWh battery powering dual electric motors with a total power output of 325kW. It is clamed to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds with an electric range of over 400km. The bakkie supports DC fast charging of up to 115kWh. Seven-digit sticker Entry to the Maxus eTerron 9 range is estimated to be around R1.25-million, with the flagship model expect to cost R1.3m. The Maxus eTerron 9 features futuristic and American truck-like exterior styling reminding of the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark bakkie. The interior is very posh for a bakkie. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The cabin features a wide dual-screen display and the interior is also finished in premium-like leather touches. Enviro Automotive confirmed on Monday that the all-electric Riddara RD6 bakkie was set to make its first public showing at Nampo, but was said to be 'delayed'. It will be offered in single motor 200kW and also dual motor 315kW derivatives.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ASTE Q1 Earnings Call: Margin Expansion and TerraSource Acquisition Stand Out
Construction equipment company Astec (NASDAQ:ASTE) reported Q1 CY2025 results exceeding the market's revenue expectations , with sales up 6.5% year on year to $329.4 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.88 per share was 91.3% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy ASTE? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $329.4 million vs analyst estimates of $320.4 million (6.5% year-on-year growth, 2.8% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.88 vs analyst estimates of $0.46 (91.3% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $35.2 million vs analyst estimates of $22 million (10.7% margin, 60% beat) Operating Margin: 8.3%, up from 3.9% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was $16.6 million, up from -$52.8 million in the same quarter last year Backlog: $402.6 million at quarter end, down 28.1% year on year Market Capitalization: $952.2 million Astec's first quarter results saw notable improvement in profitability, which management attributed to higher volumes, favorable product mix, and continued operational discipline. CEO Jaco van der Merwe highlighted the positive impact of capital equipment sales and healthy aftermarket demand in the Infrastructure Solutions segment, while acknowledging that Materials Solutions remained pressured by high interest rates and dealer destocking. The team further credited proactive pricing actions and manufacturing efficiencies for the improvement in margins and free cash flow. Looking ahead, management maintained their full-year profitability outlook, but were cautious about uncertainties tied to new U.S. tariffs, which have the potential to disrupt cost structures and customer ordering patterns. Van der Merwe emphasized that the guidance excludes the impact of tariffs and noted, 'We have a really strong team driving this discussion for us right now,' but also signaled that customers may delay orders pending tariff clarity. The company also announced its acquisition of TerraSource, aiming to strengthen its Materials Solutions segment and expand its recurring revenue base. Astec's management identified several business factors shaping the quarter's operational and financial outcomes, with a focus on product mix, operational initiatives, and strategic portfolio expansion. Infrastructure Solutions momentum: Capital equipment and aftermarket parts sales were key contributors, supported by strong demand for asphalt and concrete plants, even as mobile paving and forestry product sales softened. Materials Solutions challenges: High interest rates and dealer inventory reductions constrained capital equipment sales in this segment, though management noted a sequential increase in backlog and implied orders, hinting at possible recovery later in the year. Operational improvements: Margin gains were driven by a combination of pricing actions, procurement efficiency, and cost controls, as highlighted by CFO Brian Harris, who pointed to the company's ability to rapidly adjust to cost pressures, including those arising from steel price fluctuations. Proactive tariff response: Management detailed steps to mitigate the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs, including dual sourcing, supplier negotiations, and forward-buying of steel. The company's ability to source steel domestically has helped insulate Astec compared to competitors more reliant on imports. TerraSource acquisition: The planned acquisition of TerraSource, a materials processing equipment provider, is intended to diversify Astec's revenue streams, add scale in aftermarket parts, and enhance international exposure. Management expects TerraSource to contribute immediately to EBITDA margin and free cash flow, with integration synergies expected within two years. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year centers on navigating macroeconomic and policy uncertainties while leveraging operational strengths and new business initiatives. Tariff-related uncertainty: The evolving U.S. tariff environment is expected to influence both customer purchasing activity and input costs, with management monitoring the situation closely and adapting pricing and procurement strategies as needed. Aftermarket parts and service expansion: Management believes the growing installed base and increased focus on recurring aftermarket sales will support revenue stability and margin improvement across both core and newly acquired businesses. Integration of TerraSource: The company expects the addition of TerraSource to provide EBITDA margin expansion and greater product portfolio diversification, though successful integration and realization of synergies remain key risks. Steve Ferazani (Sidoti): Asked why guidance was not raised despite improved order trends; management cited tariff uncertainty and the risk that customers may delay orders while awaiting policy clarity. Steve Ferazani (Sidoti): Pressed for details about TerraSource's recent performance compared to legacy Material Solutions; van der Merwe highlighted TerraSource's greater exposure to fixed installations and robust aftermarket parts business, resulting in more stable margins. Mig Dobre (Baird): Sought clarification on whether full-year guidance excludes the impact of tariffs; management confirmed guidance does not factor in potential tariff effects. Mig Dobre (Baird): Asked about the magnitude of tariff impacts and Astec's ability to absorb or pass on increased costs; management estimated a 4%-10% cost impact if unmitigated, but described proactive measures to offset these effects. Mig Dobre (Baird): Requested historical EBITDA for TerraSource; management declined to provide specifics, but indicated that integration details and updated guidance would be shared post-close. In future quarters, our analysts will monitor (1) whether Materials Solutions segment backlogs and orders rebound as dealer destocking stabilizes, (2) the pace and effectiveness of TerraSource integration and its contribution to margin and cash flow, and (3) the company's ability to adapt to new tariff regimes without sacrificing profitability. Progress on these fronts will determine if Astec can sustain its recent margin improvements and deliver on its strategic growth initiatives. Astec currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 14.8×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? 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. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. 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
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
New and personal challenge awaits in Toyota GR Cup trek to PE
The Citizen's rookie faces his biggest challenge yet with a home race and brand-new machinery. This weekend's third round of the Toyota GR Cup presents a massive highlight in a season that so far delivered unchanged results in all four races. It has arrived Heading to the coast and the Aldo Scribante circuit outside what was formerly known as Port Elizabeth, the event sees the long awaited arrival of the facelift GR Yaris fitted with the new eight-speed DAT or Direct Automatic Transmission. Replacing the tried-and-tested six-speed manual campaigned in all four seasons so far, the new close ratio 'box offers a number of innovations over the three-pedal layout it replaces. Facelift GR Yaris, complete with the DAT gearbox and more powerful 1.6-litre engine, form basis for the new racecars the media will drive from this weekend. Image: Jaco van der Merwe Besides the obvious lack of a clutch pedal, it sports predictive shifting software Toyota says adjusts to the driver's behaviour by then selecting gears faster than not only the manual, but also than what a human can shift with the paddle shifters in manual mode compared to other conventional torque converter automatic transmissions. NOW READ: Kyalami deals cruel hand to The Citizen in Toyota GR Cup The second key statistic is more power. While the G16E-GTS three-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine has been retained, outputs have increased from 198kW/370Nm, to 210kW/400Nm. Home race Besides the new toys, which had initially been planned for the last round at Kyalami, the third round of the GR Cup, and by extension the National Extreme Festival, comes as personal. Having grown up about 40 km or so from the circuit, the solitary round at Aldo Scribante will mark an almost 30 year split from this writer witnessing his first ever race as spectator, to driving around in a racing environment. As a four year old back in 1995, supporting my heroes and watching from the sidelines never came with the expectancy of one day being part in providing the show as opposed to witnessing it. While I have been privy to have physically driven around Scribante since then, neither were at ideal race speed, or against other cars trying to overtake. In fact, the last time was part of a tyre testing event in 2019. As such, any advantages over my rivals is unlikely despite the outlay of the track being a familiar one. Demanding, tight and abrasive Tight and compact, the circuit is technical with a long standing reputation for being massively abrasive and therefore hard on tyres. Factoring this in further is the relatively fast Hanger section after the twisty turns two and three esses. Get it wrong, a fast understeer onto the gravel or even worse, flicking over the track into the tyre barriers on the opposite side is a given as an unfortunate Opel Astra driver did in 1998 during the Group N round. Despite it's tightness, the hairpin after Hanger is still the prime area for overtaking, but comes with the dilemma of favouring those brave enough to have hold on to quickly becomes the inside line. This is because of the left hand sweep that follows directly after. Another point of the track that places literal pressure on the outside wheels, the sweep appears even more inviting for overtaking, but has been known to bite with damaging consequences if not enough space is left. The short back straight over the subway then leads into the final Dunlop corner – a critical corner in itself as taking too much road – when on the outside – will lead to an off-road excursion. Getting it right though comes with a two-tier outcome; sufficient drive to out drag your drive and breaking the all important tow preventing your rivals behind from overtaking into the turn one LuK Repco corner. Easy sounding on paper, the simple reality is that Scribante is far from easy. While nowhere as fast as Killarney never mind Kyalami, it requires a different skill to get right. The pressure is on And while championship leader Nabil Abdool (SuperSport) is likely to continue his battles with the various GR dealers in their GR Corollas, academy drivers in the GR86's, and fellow scribes Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) and Phuti Mpyane (TimesLive), the thrill and pressure of being on home soil has been building on me ever since the season started. Having gotten close to displacing AutoTrader's Lawrence Minnie in the first Kyalami round, I had proven the The Citizen's no. 16 Yaris had what it takes when the driver morphs into well, a racing driver. Coming together in the second race with IOL/Independent's Willem van de Putte, and a generally poor outcome, needs no repeating, especially on a circuit I have wanted to do well and not finish in my now customary fifth place. It, therefore, promises to be weekend into the unknown as we will be having our first go in the new cars during Thursday practice and therefore with no idea what to expect. But, as the saying goes, it all adds to the fascinating unpredictably of this thing called motorsport. ALSO READ: Thrill of a lifetime: Toyota GR Cup season opener goes to plan
