Latest news with #Sciences
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ALS Ltd (CPBLF) (FY 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth Amidst Strategic ...
Revenue Growth: 16% increase to $3 billion. Underlying EBIT Growth: 4.7% increase, 7.7% on a constant currency basis. EBIT Margin: 19.1% excluding recent acquisitions; overall margin declined to 17.2%. Minerals Margin: Maintained at approximately 31%. Life Sciences Organic Growth: 9.8% in Environmental sector. Cash Conversion: 95% of underlying EBITDA. Net Profit After Tax (NPAT): Declined 1.4% to $312.1 million; increased 2.8% on a constant currency basis. Dividend: Final dividend of $19.7 per share, 60% payout ratio. Commodities Revenue Growth: 0.2% increase; 2.5% on a constant currency basis. Industrial Materials Organic Growth: 11.3% with margin improvements. Life Sciences Revenue Growth: 27.4% total growth; 6.6% organic growth. Leverage: 2.3 times, at the upper end of the target range. Capital Expenditure: $165 million, 5.5% of revenue. Interest Expense: Approximately $82 million in FY25. Debt Maturity: Weighted average debt maturity of 4.7 years. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 10 Warning Sign with CPBLF. Release Date: May 27, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. ALS Ltd (CPBLF) reported strong revenue growth of 16% to $3 billion for fiscal year '25, demonstrating the strength of its diversified and resilient operating model. The company achieved a robust EBIT margin of 19.1% excluding recent acquisitions, aligning with its strategic plan objectives. Life Sciences division delivered industry-leading organic growth of 9.8% in Environmental, benefiting from increased testing demand for PFAS. ALS Ltd (CPBLF) maintained a strong cash conversion rate of 95% of underlying EBITDA, supporting its capital framework and growth journey. The company declared a final dividend of $19.7 per share, reflecting a 60% payout ratio, supported by solid performance and liquidity. The underlying EBIT margin declined to 17.2% due to dilution from recent acquisitions and cyclical pricing pressures in Minerals. Return on capital employed decreased to 18.9%, impacted by recent acquisitions. Underlying net profit after tax declined by 1.4% to $312.1 million, although it increased by 2.8% on a constant currency basis. The company's leverage ratio was at the upper end of its target range at 2.3 times, reflecting investment and integration activities. ALS Ltd (CPBLF) faces a $5 million to $10 million EBIT risk in fiscal year '26 due to changes in Mexican pharmaceutical testing regulations. Q: Are you expecting recovery from other regions in the minerals sector, and what is your outlook for 2026? A: Malcolm Deane, CEO: Recovery is coming from South America, Australia, and Central Asia. North America shows mixed results, with Eastern Canada performing better than Western Canada. The recovery is driven by majors and mid-tiers, with a slight increase in gold activities. It's too early to determine the full impact from juniors. Q: What are the drivers of the above-average growth in the Environmental sector? A: Malcolm Deane, CEO: Growth is driven by pricing discipline, market share gains due to reliable service, and enforcement of existing regulations. The Environmental business has experienced consistent margin improvement and top-line growth. Q: Can you provide more details on minerals testing volumes and trends in the fourth quarter? A: Malcolm Deane, CEO: Improved momentum began at the start of Q4, with mining activities resuming earlier than usual. Sample volumes have remained steady, allowing for inventory rebuilding and a change in pricing momentum. We raised prices by 4-5% at the beginning of the calendar year. Q: How should we think about the deployment of surplus funds from acquisitions? A: Malcolm Deane, CEO: Expect no major deployments in the next six months as we focus on completing current integrations. We are looking at opportunities in minerals, particularly in non-exploration areas, and expanding our Environmental business. These opportunities may take 12 months to realize. Q: What is the rationale behind moving the head office to Madrid? A: Malcolm Deane, CEO: The move consolidates the executive team in Europe, improving decision-making agility. Europe is a focus area with 40% of our workforce, and Madrid offers cost advantages. The move aligns with recent hires and strategic focus on European markets. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Ajman University Conducts 8th Edition of ‘Research Day' to Drive Innovation and Support National Development
The event convened academics and students, highlighting the role of applied research in advancing the UAE's development strategies. UAE, May 2025: Ajman University (AU), one of the region's leading non-profit institutions, hosted the 8th edition of its flagship Research Day , reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and national development. The annual event, organized by the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies, brought together faculty members, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and distinguished representatives from government and private sectors to explore how applied research can support the UAE's long-term strategic ambitions. Held at Ajman Saray Hotel, the event showcased interdisciplinary student research projects addressing real-world challenges in areas such as urban planning, public health, technology, design, and behavioral science. This year's edition served as a dynamic platform for bridging academia with national priorities, inspiring young researchers to contribute solutions to regional and global challenges. Among the many impactful contributions, students from the College of Engineering and IT explored sustainable freshwater collection systems through condensation technologies. From the College of Architecture, Art, and Design, one project examined how walkable urban design can enhance livability, while another proposed sensory-friendly spaces for children with autism. Marketing and management students analyzed green consumer behavior in the UAE, while projects from the College of Law addressed privacy rights and legal frameworks in digital environments. Medical students explored health access and clinical practices, while researchers in Pharmacy and Health Sciences examined environmental risk factors and pharmaceutical advancements. The College of Dentistry presented innovations in oral care, while students in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mass Communication tackled behavioral trends, social perceptions, and media narratives. These projects collectively reflect the breadth and depth of Ajman University's research ecosystem, grounded in relevance, rigor, and national impact. Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stated: 'Research is one of the key pillars of our mission and the cornerstone of our vision to nurture a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. By organising this event, we have reaffirmed our commitment to fostering creative researchers capable of linking theory with practice and producing knowledge with real social impact' He further stated: 'As a non-profit institution, all our resources are utilised to strengthen the research environment, develop academic infrastructure, and forge impactful scientific partnerships aligned with national development goals. Moreover, we align all our research programs with the objectives of the 'UAE Vision 2071' as well as the national agenda for innovation, future technologies, and sustainability.' The event also honored outstanding student and faculty contributions, fostering a research culture that links theory with practice and encourages collaboration across disciplines. Through presentations, feedback from experts, and networking with industry professionals, students had the opportunity to refine their research and enhance their readiness to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development. The trailblazing event successfully demonstrated how Ajman University is advancing broader national goals for youth empowerment and intellectual capital investment, while redirecting resources toward innovation, education, and research. It also reflects the university's dedication to developing a robust academic environment that fosters impactful research rooted in the values of sustainability and positive social impact.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
No PGCET for five engineering courses: KEA
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has decided not to conduct PGCET-2025 for five ME/MTech courses after fewer candidates than the number of seats available registered for the exam. Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Polymer Science, and Textile Technology are the five courses for which the exam will not be conducted. 'Since the number of applicants is less than the available seats for these courses, a merit list will be prepared and published based on the marks obtained in the qualifying degree examination. This proposal has been submitted to the government,' said H. Prasanna, Executive Director, KEA. With the exception of these five courses, the entrance exam for Civil Engineering, Mechanical Sciences, and Electrical Sciences will be held as per schedule on May 31. The computer-based test for Computer Science Engineering will be conducted on June 2.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
What is it like to die? This VR experience offers some answers
MINNEAPOLIS: When the University of Minnesota offered to let me experience what it's like to die, naturally I said yes. Aren't we all morbidly curious about the undiscovered country, as Hamlet put it, from which no traveler returns? Except this time, happily, I would get to return because it would be a virtual death, an experience in a VR studio that's part of the university's Health Sciences Library system. The dying experience is part of a series of VR simulations developed by a nine-year-old California-based company called Embodied Labs. They've created immersive, first-person experiences of what it's like to have dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson disease, vision or hearing loss, to be socially isolated or to experience ageing. And what it's like to die. Admittedly, these experiences don't sound as fun as using VR to play a video game or pilot a jet plane. Instead, the simulations are designed as training tools to foster empathy and understanding for caregivers of older adults. At the University of Minnesota, medical school students have been using an Embodied Labs experience to understand the perspective of a woman named Beatriz, dealing with frustrations, confusion and family dynamics as she experiences advancing stages of Alzheimer's. Students at the university's Mortuary Science program have experienced an Embodied Labs simulation where they take on the role of a 74-year-old man named Alfred who has age-related macular degeneration and high-frequency hearing loss. He's struggling to hear and understand what relatives and caregivers are saying to him. 'They feel frustrated and annoyed that they're treated like a child,' said Janet McGee, an instructor at the Mortuary Science program, of the students who experience the Alfred Lab. Gagen uses a VR device to experience a virtual death, an experience in the school's VR lab in which you are given the point of view of someone in their death bed at the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Education Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In this scene the terminally ill patient is looking at their phone to get test results on their cancer. — Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS McGee said the outcome for students may be better empathetic listening skills, which will be useful when they do funeral arrangements for clients with age-related perception issues. I'm not sure if I'll be a caregiver, or if I'll experience Alzheimer's or macular degeneration myself. But I do know that someday I'm going to die. Which is why I wanted to try the end-of-life Embodied Labs experience called the Clay Lab. You take on the role of a 66-year-old man named Clay Crowder, coming to terms with the reality of a stage IV terminal lung cancer diagnosis. 'Strong emotional reactions are common,' warns an introduction to the VR experience. 'That one is intense,' said Carrie Shaw, Embodied Labs CEO and founder. 'We wanted to portray what active dying is like.' The experience includes one scene where your wife and daughter are taking you to a doctor's appointment. 'I'm afraid it's not good news,' says an oncologist. 'The latest scan that was repeated unfortunately did not look good.' My daughter is in denial. 'You're going to repeat the treatments, correct?' But the doctor says continuing treatments will likely do more harm than good. She gently guides us to accept that palliative care is the best option now. Next, I'm in my final days, seeing myself lying prone in bed, looking down at my feet and torso. For a brief period, my skin becomes transparent and I see my struggling organs and my ribcage moving as I'm panting in discomfort. If I hold up my hands, my fingertips look bluish. But I get some pain medication and my breathing and heart rate ease. I look around the bedroom in my home. My loved ones are gathered around me, watching me intently but sadly. I hear them talking about diapers, catheters and the rattling secretions from my lungs. A hospice nurse recommends against giving me a feeding tube, which will get in the way of the 'natural process' of my journey. 'At this stage, he's really not hungry,' she says of me. I fade in and out of consciousness. 'Your eyes are open. Good morning, Clay. How are you feeling?' says the hospice nurse at one point. Apparently, not so hot, I'm thinking. My daughters remark about how cold my body feels. Then at one point, the hospice nurse sends for my wife in the room because 'it's time'. 'Have you told him that it's all right for him to go?' she asks everyone. One of my daughters is tearfully reading aloud from a poem as my vision fades. Then everything disappears, and all I see is a bird – a blue heron, I think – flying away toward a white light. I didn't create these images in my head; they're all part of the VR program. 'Our intent, from an emotional standpoint, was to give some space,' Shaw said of that scene. Next, the VR program shifts my perspective. I seem to be floating somewhere near the ceiling of the room. I'm looking down on my own body. My loved ones give me final hugs and kisses. I can hear the caregivers talking to me. 'We're going to bathe you and put some lotion on your skin,' they say. I watch my body being wheeled out of my home on a gurney and placed in a vehicle. McGee said she could see the Clay VR experience being used by mortuary science students because morticians see the need to collaborate with end-of-life caregivers. 'I don't think a lot about death,' said Ryn Gagen, a 29-year-old medical school librarian. But trying out the Clay experience made Gagen empathise and wonder about the loved ones and caregivers who might be by their side at the end of life. 'I think about me in the future in that situation,' Gagen said. 'I should think about what I want to happen, what I want around me.' I had a similar reaction. When I went through the Embodied Labs experience, I was struck and saddened by the silent, miserable faces staring at me. In real life (or death), I think I'd like a television in the room, with some of my favorite movies playing. Maybe Casablanca or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance . Or a couple of lighthearted Ernst Lubitsch comedies like To Be Or Not To Be or Ninotchka . Alternatively, I'd like to have some music playing, maybe Gershwin's Lullaby for String Quartet or Joplin's Bethena waltz. Even if I wasn't always awake to appreciate it, at least it would give those around me something pleasant to do while they were waiting. Seeing my future dead self has also prompted me to take a continuing education class to finally write a will. As Hamlet also said, when it comes to death, the readiness is all. Shaw said her company grew out of her background being a caregiver for her mother, who suffered from early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Shaw used tape to obscure part of the lens of a pair of safety goggles and asked other people who were caring for her mother to try them on so they could understand the vision problems her mother was having. Shaw, who studied biomedical visualisation and game development at the University of Illinois Chicago, said the videos with real people have greater impact for the viewers than computer-generated scenes. The goal is to remind caregivers that they're dealing with a person, not just a disease. She said users of the Embodied Labs VR experiences include medical schools, nursing schools and social work programs at universities. They're also used for staff training at government agencies like VA medical centres and state and local social service programs, and senior living, home care and hospice programmes. The VR experiences feature videos showing real people – actors portraying relatives and caregivers – interacting with users, not computer-generated imagery or animations. 'We're really trying to capture the narrative of real lived experiences,' Shaw said. – The Minnesota Star Tribune/Tribune News Service
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ashland Inc (ASH) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with Strategic ...
Q2 Sales: $479 million, down 17% year-over-year, including a $67 million impact from portfolio optimization. Adjusted EBITDA: $108 million, down 14% year-over-year, with a 60 basis point increase in margin to 22.5%. Adjusted EPS: $0.99 per share, down 22% from the prior year. Free Cash Flow: Negative $6 million for the quarter. Life Sciences Sales: $172 million, down 23% year-over-year, impacted by portfolio optimization. Life Sciences Adjusted EBITDA Margin: 32.6%, up 290 basis points year-over-year. Intermediates Sales: $37 million, down from $40 million in the prior year. Intermediates Adjusted EBITDA: $2 million, with a 5.4% margin. Personal Care Sales: $146 million, down 14% year-over-year. Personal Care Adjusted EBITDA Margin: 30.1%, up 350 basis points year-over-year. Specialty Additives Sales: $134 million, down 15% year-over-year. Specialty Additives Adjusted EBITDA Margin: 19.4%, up 220 basis points year-over-year. Share Repurchase: 1.5 million shares repurchased. Liquidity: Over $700 million available. Net Leverage: 2.8 times. Full Year Sales Outlook: $1.825 billion to $1.9 billion. Full Year Adjusted EBITDA Outlook: $400 million to $420 million. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with IDCC. Release Date: May 01, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Ashland Inc (NYSE:ASH) completed its portfolio optimization, including the sale of the Avoca business, which is expected to enhance long-term profitability. Life Sciences and Personal Care segments achieved strong EBITDA margins above 30% for the first time simultaneously. The company is on track to exceed its fiscal year 2025 cost savings target, with significant progress in restructuring and manufacturing optimization. Ashland Inc (NYSE:ASH) has a strong financial foundation with over $700 million in liquidity and a manageable net leverage ratio of 2.8 times. The company is actively pursuing innovation and global expansion, with new facilities in Brazil and China to drive future growth. Q2 sales decreased by 17% year-over-year, impacted by portfolio optimization and lower organic sales volumes. Intermediates segment faced pricing pressures and reduced production due to a challenging demand environment. The company adjusted its fiscal year 2025 outlook due to increasing economic uncertainty and softer consumer demand. Specialty Additives experienced volume declines in China and competitive intensity in export markets, impacting overall performance. Free cash flow was negative $6 million in Q2, reflecting typical seasonality and ongoing inventory management challenges. Q: How has order volatility changed over the last couple of quarters, and what do customers need to see for more stable order patterns? A: Guillermo Novo, Ashland Inc's CEO, noted that the most significant volatility occurred in Q3 and Q4 of the previous year, particularly due to dynamics in China. Recently, things have stabilized, with volumes picking up and pricing aligning with full-year guidance. The current focus is on managing sentiment in certain markets, particularly in the US and Europe, where demand has been softer than expected. Q: Regarding the $70 million of US-produced China sales, how much of the risk can be mitigated by the fourth quarter? A: Guillermo Novo explained that Ashland has inventory in China and is working with customers to mitigate risks. The company can manage short-term challenges, particularly with unique products like Klucel, which are difficult for customers to reformulate. While VP&D is more exposed, Ashland is exploring options to shift production and optimize its supply chain. Q: How are tariffs impacting Ashland's supply chains in regions like Europe, Canada, and Mexico? A: Guillermo Novo stated that outside of China, the impact is minimal as most raw materials are sourced regionally. The company is monitoring Europe closely, as it is a significant manufacturing location. John Willis, CFO, added that Ashland maintains a lot of finished goods inventory in Europe, which would delay any tariff impact. Q: Have you seen any slowing of competitive pressure in the Specialty Additives segment in China, and is there equilibrium in supply-demand? A: Guillermo Novo and Dago Caceres, General Manager of Specialty Additives, noted that China is stable at the bottom, with no further decline in volumes or prices. Europe is flattish, with a focus on quality and sustainability, while the US market is characterized by uncertainty. Other regions like India are growing, but pricing pressure continues. Q: What are Ashland's cash flow expectations for the year, given the negative cash flow from operations in the first half? A: John Willis explained that cash flow will depend on several factors, including EBITDA performance, working capital, FX impacts, and restructuring costs. While there is uncertainty, free cash flow is expected to be in the range of $150 million to $200 million, assuming stability in these areas. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
