Latest news with #VMD
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Veterinary Nonprofit Helps Pets And People After Myanmar Earthquake
When a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, the epicenter was near the country's second-largest city, Mandalay. The tremor collapsed buildings and killed an estimated 10,000 people. Roads and bridges buckled as the city lost power and water, with many newly homeless residents or people living in unstable buildings forced to live on the streets without access to sanitation as aftershocks continued to rock the region. Somehow, the entire team and the Mandalay office of the nonprofit Lets Save the Strays International survived — to the immense relief of Massachusetts veterinarian Amy Shroff, VMD, the group's founder and president. 'Our team is safe. Their families are safe. The feeders are safe. Most of the animals are safe,' she says. 'It's amazing that they're safe.' Despite some losing their homes and one veterinary clinic, the team is working overtime to help pets and people impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks. Normally, Lets Save the Strays focuses on TVNR — aka Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter and Release — working to humanely trap stray dogs and cats, vaccinate them against rabies, spay or neuter them, and after a day or two of recovery, return them to their outdoor realm. They'll set up what's essentially a veterinary MASH unit at schools, stadiums, police stations, hospitals, monasteries, universities and senior centers in response to requests for help. The team consists of five local veterinarians, several veterinary technicians, a bookkeeper, animal catcher and a 'whole gaggle' of volunteers, with help from around 20 'street feeders' who feed strays out of kindness, Dr. Shroff says. Since 2016, Lets Save the Strays has performed TVNR on nearly 20,000 dogs in Myanmar — around 600 dogs a month prior to the earthquake. Before that intervention, strays were being poisoned 'by the truckload,' according to Dr. Shroff. 'I thought, 'Why don't we start doing TVNR ourselves and show the government and the community that it can work,' and it's exploded,' she says. 'We started out small, but everybody wants it. People don't want to poison them. And it really is One Health because by keeping animals healthy, we're keeping the community healthy.' Since the devastating earthquake in Myanmar — which is also in the throes of a civil war — the Burmese team for Lets Save the Strays has shifted focus to offer free veterinary care, give away pet food and bottled water, and vaccinate any animal brought in. 'It's an amazingly difficult yet inspirational situation,' Dr. Shroff says. She's deeply concerned about the 'major humanitarian crisis' in Myanmar. 'Myanmar is a country of very little resource, so there's not a lot of infrastructure. It's an older country. It's in the middle of a civil war. The government is a military regime, which is constantly bombing and killing people in some of the areas of the country where active fighting is going on, and Mandalay is close to that active fighting,' she says. 'And then you have an earthquake that just topples these older buildings and beautiful monasteries and pagodas — it is just absolutely horrible.' So Lets Save the Strays is prioritizing helping pets to help the local people. Since March 30, the nonprofit has given away thousands of pounds of food for dogs and cats, and is providing veterinary care to 12-30 pets every day. Earlier this week, the team traveled to an impoverished village near Mandalay where nearly 400 homes were lost in the earthquake to feed, vaccinate, deworm and treat pets for mange and other health issues, according to Dr. Shroff. 'People are having trouble feeding themselves and taking care of themselves so we can help them with their pets, which is sometimes the only thing that they have,' she says. An emergency grant from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and donations of food from pet stores have helped fuel efforts, but she says financial donations are still desperately needed, and that even $5 goes a long way in Myanmar. 'I want people to know this crisis is still ongoing and it's not going away anytime soon,' she says. 'We need all hands on deck.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Viemed Healthcare, Inc. (VMD): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on Viemed Healthcare, Inc. (VMD) on Substack by Petty Cash. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on VMD. Viemed Healthcare, Inc. (VMD)'s share was trading at $7.25 as of March 27th. VMD's trailing P/E was 25.89 according to Yahoo Finance. A close-up of a medical technician wearing lab coat and a face mask preparing a portable oxygen concentrator for a patient. Viemed Healthcare (VMD) reported solid quarterly results, surpassing expectations and driving a modest stock increase of 3-4%. Revenue reached $60.7 million, while EBITDA improved to $14.2 million from $12.8 million. Patient metrics remained strong, with ventilator patients growing 14% year-over-year and 4% sequentially to 11,795, while PAP therapy and sleep resupply patient counts saw impressive growth, rising 43% and 29% year-over-year, respectively. For the first time, VMD issued full-year guidance, projecting $254-265 million in revenue and $54-58 million in EBITDA, reflecting a 16% and 10% increase at the midpoint. Management noted typical seasonality, with Q1 softer than Q4 before ramping up. The company continues its transition from a traditional home medical equipment (HME) provider to an in-home clinical care provider. While uncertain about the impact of tariffs and regulatory changes under the new administration, management remains confident in VMD's positioning amid broader healthcare cost-efficiency trends. The joint venture with East Alabama Medical is progressing well, and larger JV opportunities may emerge. The M&A landscape has improved compared to previous years, offering potential expansion opportunities. The market for VMD's ventilation and sleep apnea treatments remains underpenetrated, presenting a significant runway for growth. COPD affects 25 million people in the U.S., with 1.25 million in chronic respiratory failure requiring ventilation, yet industry penetration remains in the high single digits. Similarly, sleep apnea remains widely underdiagnosed, and the rise of GLP-1 medications has increased patient awareness and demand for PAP therapy, driving recurring resupply revenue. Despite strong execution and growth, VMD trades at a compelling 6x EV/EBITDA trailing and 5.5x forward, near its post-COVID lows. While the company requires capital for expansion, its organic growth, improving M&A environment, and undervaluation make it an attractive investment. Viemed Healthcare, Inc. (VMD) is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 14 hedge fund portfolios held VMD at the end of the fourth quarter which was 9 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of VMD as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VMD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Rachel Gilmour MP raises pollution concerns over flea killer use
An MP has called for flea treatments for cats and dogs to be restricted after raising concerns about pollution in waterways. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, called for "strict" measures on the use of "spot-on" treatments, saying the chemicals used are harmful to wildlife, as well as response, Emma Hardy, the Parliamentary Undersecretary for the Environment, said the Veterinary Medical Directorate (VMD) had commissioned research to investigate the matter. DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) said it will publish a "roadmap" within weeks to set out the work it is doing on the issue. Gilmour told the House of Commons she was concerned about toxic chemicals used in the treatments ending up in rivers and ponds, harming local wildlife. One of the ways the pesticides end up in waterways is because they are carried there by pets after having the treatment. "Dissemination can also occur because of rainwater run-off with residual product washing off from animals into drainage systems and in turn ending up in our waterways," said she did not call for a total ban, she added: "Restrictions should be placed on the trade of Fipronil and Imidacloprid, the only exceptional continued use should come under strict conditions of prescription only via veterinary medical professionals and for a limited time period."A report last year by Wild New Forest and the Freshwater Habitats Trust showed high levels of imidacloprid at four locations and previous research has found it negatively affected insect said: "The VMD is developing the evidence base and has commissioned scientific research to investigate how these substances reach rivers and streams and they are working closely with stakeholders to collect data and address the issue and they are supporting calls for a review of the internationally agreed environmental risk assessment standards."
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Viemed Healthcare Inc (VMD) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue Growth and ...
Revenue Growth: 20% increase year-over-year for Q4; 23% increase for the full year 2024. Vent Revenue: 4.4% sequential increase in Q4; accounted for 55% of Q4 revenue and 56% for the year. Sleep Business Revenue: Increased to 17% of Q4 revenues; 43% increase in 2024 compared to 2023. Gross Margin: 59.5% for Q4; 59.4% for the year. Adjusted EBITDA: $14.2 million for Q4 (11% growth); $51.1 million for the year (19% growth). SG&A Expenses: 46% of revenue in Q4; 47% for the year, down from 47% a year ago. CapEx: Gross CapEx of $13.6 million for Q4; $37.8 million for the year. Free Cash Flow: $11.6 million in 2024; 5.2% of revenue. Cash on Hand: $17.5 million at year-end. 2025 Revenue Outlook: Projected net revenue of $254 million to $265 million, implying 16% growth over 2024. 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Outlook: Projected to be in the range of $54 million to $58 million, implying 10% growth over 2024. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with VMD. Release Date: March 11, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Viemed Healthcare Inc (NASDAQ:VMD) reported a record revenue performance with a 20% year-over-year increase for Q4 and a 23% increase for the full year 2024. The company experienced strong growth in its core Vent business, which accounted for 55% of Q4 revenue and 56% for the year. The sleep business saw a nearly 10% sequential increase in sleep therapy patients, contributing to a 43% increase in 2024 compared to 2023. Viemed Healthcare Inc (NASDAQ:VMD) has a strong balance sheet with $55 million available on credit facilities and no net debt, providing significant financial flexibility. The company is projecting net revenue growth of 16% for 2025, with adjusted EBITDA expected to grow by 10%, indicating a positive outlook for the coming year. The adjusted EBITDA margin declined year-over-year and sequentially, primarily due to shifts in product and service mix. Free cash flow decreased to $11.6 million in 2024 from $21.7 million in 2023, impacted by increased cash taxes and Philips receivable adjustments. The staffing business, while strategically important, contributes less to gross margin and introduces variability in top-line results. CapEx increased significantly due to the vent exchange program and growth in vent patients, impacting net cash flow. The company faces uncertainty regarding potential impacts from the new administration's healthcare policies and tariffs, which could affect operations. Q: Do you anticipate any impact from the tariffs suggested by the new Trump administration on your business? A: W. Todd Zehnder, Chief Operating Officer, stated that they haven't seen any impact yet. Most products are sourced domestically, but if parts are taxed, it could affect them. Casey Hoyt, CEO, added that hospitals are concerned about potential Medicaid program changes, which could lead to more collaboration with Viemed. Q: Are there any updates on competitive bidding? A: Casey Hoyt, CEO, mentioned that there have been no updates or whispers about competitive bidding. It seems unlikely to be a 2026 event, possibly 2027 or beyond. Q: How do you view the current M&A environment? A: Casey Hoyt, CEO, described it as more target-rich and fertile than during the Biden years, with increased interest and activity. They are optimistic about potential M&A opportunities. Q: Can you provide an update on the joint venture with East Alabama Medical Center? A: Casey Hoyt, CEO, reported that the JV is going well, but it took significant time for integration. They are considering larger JV targets for future endeavors. W. Todd Zehnder, COO, added that the JV has been profitable and accretive. Q: Could you elaborate on your behavioral health initiatives? A: Casey Hoyt, CEO, explained that Viemed started with clinical social workers to complement respiratory therapists. Their staffing division has identified significant demand for behavioral health services, which now constitutes a large part of their staffing business. 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
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stardust Power Announces Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Lithium Brine Concentration Technology from KMX Technologies
Following the October 8, 2024 announcement, Stardust Power finalizes exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies to enhance lithium production efficiency and sustainability. GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST) ('Stardust Power' or the 'Company'), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, today announced the execution of an exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies, Inc. ('KMX'), a leader in advanced lithium brine concentration technology. This agreement grants Stardust Power the exclusive rights to utilize KMX's innovative vacuum membrane distillation ('VMD') technology for lithium extraction and concentration across the United States, Canada, and select international markets. The exclusive license grants Stardust Power the full rights to use and operate KMX VMD units within the designated territory and field of use for lithium. This agreement will support Stardust Power's continued commitment to build out the North American lithium supply chain and onshoring of critical minerals in the rapidly growing North America lithium market. 'This exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies is a pivotal step forward in advancing Stardust Power's sustainability and operational efficiency goals,' said Roshan Pujari, CEO and Founder of Stardust Power. 'KMX's VMD technology offers a unique opportunity to reduce both energy consumption and water use across our supply chain, particularly by concentrating lithium feedstocks for efficient logistics. By incorporating this technology, we aim to significantly lower operating costs while strengthening the U.S. critical mineral supply chain and enhancing national security, all while doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.' KMX's technology is ideal for Stardust Power's innovative hub and spoke refinery model. By reducing the volume of the brine feedstock, less volume needs to be transported. The large central refinery is designed to repulp feedstock and blend as needed. KMX's VMD technology is capable of concentrating lithium from brine sources with minimal losses, thereby enhancing the economic viability of lithium projects. Additionally, the technology produces high-quality water as a byproduct, which can be used to minimize reliance on local freshwater resources in the lithium extraction process, a key factor in increasing water sustainability for the industry. Zachary Sadow, CEO of KMX Technologies, added, 'We are excited to partner with Stardust Power, a visionary company dedicated to driving sustainability and innovation within the lithium sector. This agreement represents a shared commitment to improving the efficiency and environmental footprint of the lithium supply chain.' With the execution of this agreement, Stardust Power is positioned to deploy KMX's VMD technology throughout Stardust Power's network design and supply chain in order to optimize delivery of feedstocks to its lithium refinery under development in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with up to 50,000 metric tons per annum production capacity upon completion. The Company plans to integrate this advanced technology to further enhance the environmental and economic performance of its lithium production processes. About Stardust Power Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to bolster America's energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol 'SDST.' For more information, visit About KMX Technologies, Technologies is solving the most critical environmental and energy challenges of the 21st century. Through its proprietary membrane distillation technology, the company sustainably sources critical minerals necessary for next generation supply chains and infrastructure, is advancing wastewater treatment, and is accelerating energy storage with its direct lithium recovery enhancement processes. Stardust Power Contacts For Investors:Johanna For Media: Michael Thompson media@ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this press release constitute 'forward-looking statements.' Such forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'should,' 'would,' 'plan,' 'predict,' 'forecasted,' 'projected,' 'potential,' 'seem,' 'future,' 'outlook,' and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or otherwise indicate statements that are not of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the ability of Stardust Power to realize the anticipated benefits of KMX's technology; the ability of Stardust Power to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; obtaining the necessary permits and governmental approvals to develop the site; risks related to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Stardust Power; risks related to the price of Stardust Power's securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Stardust Power plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Stardust Power's business and changes in the combined capital structure; and risks related to the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Stockholders and prospective investors should carefully consider the foregoing factors, and the other risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Stardust Power from time to time with the SEC. Stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made, are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Stardust Power. Stardust Power expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations of Stardust Power with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is in to access your portfolio
