Latest news with #MaestroAI
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar advances sustainable desalination with innovative technologies
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is actively enhancing the sustainability of its desalination sector through the integration of advanced technologies and renewable energy sources. Guillermo Hijós, an expert in the water desalination sector and the Desalination Director for the Middle East and Oceania at the Water business of Acciona told The Peninsula that these initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impacts, ensuring a reliable and eco-friendly water supply for the nation. In a significant move towards operational efficiency, the organisation has implemented its Maestro AI platform at Qatar's Umm Al Houl plant, which has a capacity of more than 500,000 m³/day, while the Ras Abu Fontas 3 plant supplies 165,000 m³/day, thus obtaining ISO 50001 energy management system certification for the desalination plants. Both plants, operated by the firm for Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), have a drinking water supply capacity equivalent to 2.9 million inhabitants and have the largest capacity to date, consolidating its position as a key part of the country's water supply system. 'Through these concerted efforts, Qatar is making significant strides towards a more sustainable and efficient desalination sector, balancing its water needs with environmental stewardship,' the market expert said. Hijós mentioned that this marks the company's first international certification of its kind, underscoring the dedication toward Qatar's energy efficiency and sustainable practices in the operation of desalination facilities. With the Middle East producing a substantial portion of the world's brine, effective management strategies are crucial. Researchers emphasise the importance of integrating renewable energy, advanced technologies, and water conservation practices to mitigate the environmental impact of brine disposal. Qatar is also investing in solar energy to power parts of its desalination operations. While still at an early stage, projects under the QNV 2030 aim to integrate solar photovoltaic systems with desalination units to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) has developed a Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) pilot plant in Dukhan, demonstrating higher efficiency compared to conventional methods. This technology consumes merely 4.5 kWh/m³, significantly lower than the 12 kWh/m³ required by traditional thermal desalination processes, thus reducing both energy usage and operational costs. 'This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the energy performance of its facilities and implementing advanced technological solutions that enable more efficient and sustainable operations. Obtaining the internationally recognized ISO 50001 certification validates Acciona's energy efficiency policies, as well as its ongoing efforts to achieve the highest standards in operational management,' Hijós added. With this certification, it reinforces the leadership in Qatar's water sector, consolidating its transition to a low-CO2 economy. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( The Peninsula Newspaper
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Buy Kinaxis Stock While It's Below $170?
Written by Amy Legate-Wolfe at The Motley Fool Canada Kinaxis (TSX:KXS) has become a major player in supply chain management, helping businesses navigate increasingly complex logistics through artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software solutions. Yet with Kinaxis stock trading below its 52-week high, investors are left wondering if this is an opportunity to buy before the next rally. Given its solid growth, strong customer base, and innovative technology, Kinaxis stock presents a compelling case for long-term investors. The company reported strong financial results in its most recent earnings release. Revenue increased 12% year over year to US$121.5 million, with its Software as a Service (SaaS) segment growing 16% to US$78.6 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose 32% to over US$30 million, reflecting a 25% margin. While revenue continues to expand, earnings per share (EPS) saw a slight decline, falling 8.6% year over year. Some investors view this as a temporary setback rather than a sign of deeper issues, as Kinaxis stock continues investing in AI-powered solutions to drive future growth. Shares of Kinaxis are currently trading at around $168, down from a 52-week high of $190.17. While the stock has seen volatility, its long-term trend remains positive. The company's valuation remains elevated compared to traditional tech firms, with a forward price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 36.2. Yet this is typical for high-growth SaaS stocks. Its enterprise value-to-revenue ratio of 6.6 also suggests a reasonable valuation given its industry and growth rate. Kinaxis stock is aggressively expanding into international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, where supply chain disruptions have increased demand for AI-driven logistics software. Its Maestro AI tool is one of its latest innovations, allowing companies to automate supply chain decisions and improve forecasting. The transition toward a subscription-based revenue model also provides stability, as recurring SaaS income is less vulnerable to economic cycles. There are some risks to consider. Leadership transitions could create short-term uncertainty, with CEO John Sicard set to retire and Chief Sales Officer Claire Rychlewski leaving as well. Plus, competition from enterprise giants remains a challenge, as these firms are also investing heavily in AI-driven supply chain solutions. Economic slowdowns could also impact IT spending, potentially slowing Kinaxis stock's growth. Despite these risks, Kinaxis remains well-positioned for the future. The company has a strong balance sheet, with $294.6 million in cash and only $50.3 million in total debt. Its current ratio of 1.9 suggests it has more than enough liquidity to navigate economic uncertainty and fund future expansion. This financial strength allows Kinaxis stock to continue investing in innovation while maintaining stability in its operations. Investors looking for a high-growth mid-cap stock with strong fundamentals may find Kinaxis stock attractive at its current valuation. The company's ability to consistently grow revenue while maintaining profitability speaks to its long-term potential. The stock's recent dip could provide a buying opportunity for those who believe in its business model and industry leadership. For those who prefer to wait, upcoming earnings will provide a clearer picture of whether Kinaxis stock can maintain its momentum. If growth remains steady and management reassures investors regarding the leadership transition, the stock could regain lost ground quickly. However, if headwinds persist, there may be more volatility ahead. Ultimately, Kinaxis stock represents a strong investment case for those willing to handle some short-term uncertainty in exchange for long-term growth. With a leading position in AI-powered supply chain software and a growing international footprint, the company is well-equipped to thrive in the evolving logistics landscape. Whether now is the right time to buy depends on your risk tolerance, but for long-term investors, Kinaxis stock remains one worth watching. The post Should You Buy Kinaxis Stock While It's Below $170? appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. Before you buy stock in Kinaxis, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Kinaxis wasn't one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years. 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See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 1/22/25 More reading 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2024 [PREMIUM PICKS] It's Time to Buy: 1 Canadian Stock That Hasn't Been This Cheap in Years Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution 3 No-Brainer TSX Stocks to Buy With $300 5 Years From Now, You'll Probably Wish You Grabbed These Stocks Subscribe to Motley Fool Canada on YouTube Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Kinaxis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2025
