Latest news with #VanderMerwe
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Quantum Foods adapts strategy amid high risk of avian influenze outbreak in South Africa
The South African Poultry Association warns there is a high risk of a High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in South Africa, given the outbreaks in many other parts of the world. Image: Supplied Quantum Foods said the risk of a highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in South Africa is high, given outbreaks in many other parts of the world, and the group has adapted its strategy to lessen its risk to the disease. The JSE-listed diversified feed, poultry, and egg business operating in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, and Mozambique said on Friday it is placing less of its layer hens in areas that have a higher risk of HPAI, and is sourcing hatching eggs from geographically diverse breeder farms due to the escalating risks of an HPAI outbreak. 'The risk of an HPAI outbreak is regarded as very high for the remainder of the 2025 financial year, with an increased number of outbreaks reported in recent months in the US, Europe, North Africa, and West Africa,' CEO Adel van der Merwe and chairman Andre Hanekom said in the interim results for the six months to March 31, which were released on Friday. The directors said that stringent protocols for voluntary vaccination against HPAI that have been published by the South African government are prohibitive and, to the best of their knowledge, no producers have been successful in their applications to vaccinate poultry. 'In the absence of vaccination, HPAI will remain a key risk factor that will continue to affect poultry businesses going forward, resulting in major uncertainty for the poultry industry, which could severely impact earnings,' Van der Merwe and Hanekom said. They said that total egg production in South Africa is steadily increasing as the national flock recovers from the outbreaks of HPAI in 2023 and 2024. The South African Poultry Association has forecast national egg production to be at pre-2023 HPAI outbreak levels by mid-2025, in the absence of any new HPAI outbreaks. 'Egg selling prices decreased towards the end of the reporting period and are expected to decrease further in the second half of the year to September 30, 2025,' Van der Merwe and Hanekom said. They noted that trading conditions for the company had improved significantly in the six months, although this was compared to the same period a year before, when an outbreak of HPAI had impacted the company's birds to the value of about R37 million. The HPAI outbreaks in 2023 and 2024 not only negatively affected earnings in the previous reporting period, but it also resulted in reduced volumes of livestock, hatching eggs, and table eggs, as well as significant cleaning and disinfecting costs to prepare affected farms for future placement. Additionally, there were a number of loadshedding hours in the previous period. The reduction in load shedding hours in the six months under review resulted in lower generator fuel costs and fewer disruptions in the supply of feed raw material items. On December 26, 2024, a crowd forcibly entered a layer farm and looted about 16% of the layer birds. No injuries to staff occurred, and operations were able to resume soon after the incident. However, the hens looted and the resultant lower egg production, further impacted by a disruption in planned vaccinations, contributed to lower earnings from this business in the reporting period. Notwithstanding this, interim headline earnings per share increased sharply to 74.8 cents, up from 21.7 cents reported in the previous reporting period. No interim dividend was declared. Group revenue increased 19.6% to R3.6 billion, with a 20.1% increase (R560m) in the South African operations' revenue and a 13.8% increase (R31m) in the other African operations' revenue. The animal feeds segment increased by 14.1% (R212m) from the previous reporting period, primarily driven by an 11.3% increase in external volumes sold. The farming segment increased by 15.5% (R137m), mainly due to higher volumes of layer livestock sold. The egg segment increased by 52.4% (R212 m), with the 14.1% average egg selling price decrease being offset by the increase in sales volumes of 78.4%. Revenue from the other African operations increased, primarily due to the increased volumes of eggs sold at higher selling prices in Zambia and increased volumes of feed sold in both Uganda and Zambia. A positive margin from higher egg volumes, high operational efficiency at egg packing stations, effective cost management, and improved overhead cost recovery outweighed the negative effect of a 14.1% decline in average egg selling prices. Visit:
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Van der Merwe could make Edinburgh return against Bulls
Duhan van der Merwe "has a chance" of returning to action in Edinburgh's URC quarter-final away to Bulls on Saturday, says head coach Sean Everitt. Scotland's record try-scorer has been sidelined since March after suffering ankle ligament damage, an injury that cast some doubt on whether he would be fit for involvement with the Lions this summer. Van der Merwe, who had surgery in April, has flown with Edinburgh to his birth-country with a view to being included in the squad for Saturday's last-eight clash in South Africa. "Duhan will be flying with the team," the head coach said. "He's got one more training session to get through for his return to play but at the moment he's booked on the flight to Pretoria, and everyone that's on the flight has a chance of being involved in the match 23. "We have to see how he responds to the flight, like everyone else, and obviously we've got another training session to get through. "He has been in and out of training last week and he finished a full day of training today, which was a double session, and hopefully he gets through tomorrow. "Part of his rehabilitation programme is to be ready to return to rugby from a fitness point of view, but it's just the fact that he hasn't been involved in many 15 v 15 sessions, so we're hoping that he can hit the ground running." Despite his injury, Van der Merwe was selected in Andy Farrell's Lions squad earlier this month and Everitt said the 29-year-old wing is eager to get some game time under his belt for his club before he goes to Australia in the summer. "I think it's one thing playing for the British and Irish Lions, and the second thing is that every performance that he puts in from now on will help in his selection in the Test team," Everitt added. "That's the ultimate goal, playing Test rugby for the Lions against Australia. So, yes, he'll be keen to play, but we won't put him on the field if he's not ready."
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Cash happy Lions sent Edwill and Marius off with a win
Edwill van der Merwe heads down to Durban to join the Sharks, while Marius Louw departs overseas to join English Premiership side Sale Sharks. Lions wing Edwill van der Merwe leaves the union on a high, scoring a try in their final URC game of the season to help them beat Ospreys at Ellis Park over the past weekend. Picture: Piaras O Midheach/Gallo Images Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen was happy to send off departing players Edwill van der Merwe and Marius Louw on a winning note after the team's exhilarating 29-28 United Rugby Championship (URC) win over Ospreys at Ellis Park on Saturday. Wing Van der Merwe has signed for the Sharks in Durban and will join up with his new side in the off season, while centre Louw heads overseas to English Premiership club Sale Sharks. Both players have been integral members of the Lions team since arriving from the Stormers and Sharks in 2021 and 2022 respectively, with Van der Merwe becoming the Lions' most lethal finisher, while Louw became the club captain. After it was confirmed a week previously that the Lions were out of the running for the URC playoffs, making it another season of disappointment, scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye spoke of the team's eagerness to send their stalwarts off on a high. And so they did, although it took a last gasp try from flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela after the fulltime hooter to secure the win, which also snapped a three game losing streak against their 'bogey' Welsh opponents. Van der Merwe also enjoyed a try scoring goodbye, as he showed all his trademark finishing skills to open the scoring for the Lions in the first half. Pleased with result After the match Van Rooyen said he was pleased with the result and happy to give the two stalwarts a positive send off, but was sad to lose two key players for next season. 'To win one of the tight ones is nice. I think at stages we played really good rugby, we just didn't manage to finish in the last 20m,' said Van Rooyen about the game. 'The one try they scored seemed to be forward, and they put us under pressure and made it a lot tighter than the flow of the game went. But to finish at the end is really cool, to send off Marius and Edwill. 'It was really an honour and a privilege to have them in our system. They are great team guys, ultimate professionals on and off the field, so to have them in our system was awesome. To lose them obviously is then the opposite. 'You never want to lose two of your most senior players, experience wise and performance wise. So we wanted to get a win for them as well. Their contribution this season and in previous seasons was immense. It's sad to see them go. Good luck to Maro in England, and we'll see Edwill soon.' The Lions now break for the off season, although a number of their squad will be back in action in the Currie Cup which kicks off in July.
The South African
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Who is the Welsh club signing eyeing a Springbok call-up?
Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe will have the perfect opportunity to press his case for a Springboks call-up when he takes on the Sharks in Durban this weekend. That will likely see him going head to head with the man currently in possession of the South African No 2 jersey, double World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi. It will also be a chance for Van der Merwe to help the Scarlets reach the Vodacom URC playoffs as they look to build on last Sunday's historic victory over the Lions in Johannesburg. The Nelspruit-born forward was selected for the Springboks' wider alignment camp in February of last year when he was with the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs, but he is yet to play for his country. Given his outstanding form, you would have to think he is in with a shout of another call up. He has been one of the signings of the season, making a huge impact with his ball carrying, his work at the breakdown and his all round physicality. The 28-year-old readily admits that playing international rugby remains a big ambition. 'I think as a child, any South African watching the game, with the Springboks doing well, everyone wants to play for that team, just like people in Wales who grew up watching their team,' he said. 'So everyone wants to play for their nation. It's definitely a thing I am going for, but I focus on the next thing which is helping the Scarlets where I can. Then, through that, I hope the Springbok coaches can see what I bring and see that I have the talent to be there. 'My goal is to get into international rugby. Everyone hopes for that. I just go out and play the best I can every single day. Hopefully that's enough.' Van der Merwe, who was with the Cheetahs for eight years, spent a month on loan at the Ospreys last season, making one appearance, before returning to Wales on a permanent move to the Scarlets. 'It was a very easy decision because it felt like my career was standing still in South Africa,' he said. 'I'd had a few injury problems and the Cheetahs weren't involved in the top competitions. They were out of Super Rugby and out of the URC. 'I had planned to go overseas for a couple of years, so when the Scarlets came and gave me an offer, I couldn't refuse. 'It was a good opportunity to be somewhere where I could get some game-time and show what I have against the big teams. It was a chance to improve my rugby and I was grateful for that. 'If you get an opportunity, some players take it, some players lose out. I think I have taken it with both hands. I am doing well and the coaches are backing me. Hopefully I can keep performing in this Scarlets jersey and show people what I am. 'I have enjoyed it so much here. The guys are very nice. They let me in quickly and just showed me the ropes. Everyone has been so welcoming. They made it so easy for me. It's become a home from home and my rugby has improved a lot. 'I love playing with the boys. It's a great side with amazing characters and thanks also to the fans. They help us do what we want to do. 'We can build a really good team here. I think the Scarlets are going to be in a good place in the next five years with all the youngsters coming up. There is something building here.' Having shared in the 32-19 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park, Van der Merwe is now after another South African scalp as he prepares for Saturday's showdown with the Sharks and the 77-cap Mbonambi. 'I think about winning every game. That's my mentality. I am very competitive,' he said. 'My character is to stand and fight and never give up. 'I look to get stuck in, slotting into the big five forward game, while also being like an extra back rower in the loose, so mixing it up really.' The Scarlets will go into the weekend in sixth place after four successive bonus point victories in the league. A win over the Sharks in their final regular season match would guarantee them a spot in the play-offs, while they have a good chance of progressing even if they lose. 'From day one, we have been competitive,' said Van der Merwe, who is contracted through to the summer of 2026. 'We had a few narrow losses, but we are starting to click as a team. Everyone is playing their part.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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
