Latest news with #QuantumLeap
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE 90s actress who starred in two classic comedies steps out in LA on rare outing... can you guess who it is?
Fans of classic '90s comedies did a double take when one of their favorite scene-stealers stepped out in L.A. on Monday. The actress, now 77, looked youthful as she was spotted grocery shopping at the upscale Bristol Farms market in West Hollywood. Dressed in checked trousers, a cozy cardigan, and chunky loafers, she looked worlds away from the hapless high school teacher she portrayed in the iconic 1995 coming of-age comedy. Her laid-back look also marked a sharp contrast from the flirty outfits she rocked as Kirstie Alley 's sassy best friend Rona in 1989's Look Who's Talking and its 1990 sequel Look Who's Talking Too. Still, longtime fans instantly recognized her signature fiery red locks — the same ones she's been flaunting since her guest appearance on Quantum Leap. Can you guess the star? If you said Twink Caplan, you're absolutely right! Back in 2020, Caplan marked the 25th anniversary of Clueless - in which she played hapless teacher Miss Toby Geist - with heartfelt reflections on the enduring popularity of the film and the deep affection she still receives from fans. Speaking to the Today show, she admitted the lasting impact of her role continues to surprise her. 'It moves me to think that I would move anybody or that they would like me that much,' Caplan said at the time. Caplan credited the film's success to its casting — especially praising Silverstone, who led the film as Cher Horowitz. 'There's no one in the world that could have played this role because she was so beautiful and so naively approachable and so kind and funny,' she said. She also shared fond memories of the late Brittany Murphy, who played Tai, recalling how Murphy's charm stood out during auditions. 'We kept her in the room for other people's auditions because she was just delicious, such a sweet girl,' Caplan said. The on-screen romance between Miss Geist and Mr. Hall remains one of Caplan's favorite parts of the film. 'When they found each other, it completed them. And it was genuinely kind of pulling your heartstrings.' Caplan also reflected on her longtime collaboration with director Amy Heckerling, who based the character of Miss Geist on one of her own former teachers. 'This movie that she wrote and directed was so amazing and put every one of us actors in the stratosphere because of it,' she said. 'And she is so loved.' Caplan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 25, 1947. While she's best known for her role as Miss Geist in Clueless — a part she later reprised and executive-produced for the ABC television spinoff — her career spans decades of film and television. While she starred as Alley's BFF Rona in Look Who's Talking and its sequel, Look Who's Talking Too, Caplan declined to appear in second sequel Look Who's Talking Now (1993). She also appeared in the cult TV series Fast Times. As a producer, Caplan worked on films like Loser and I Could Never Be Your Woman, often appearing on screen alongside stars like Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, and Michelle Pfeiffer In Frasier, she played the fall-back fiance of Donny Douglas. As a producer, Caplan worked on films like Loser and I Could Never Be Your Woman, often appearing on screen alongside stars like Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Other credits include guest spots on Community, Frasier, CSI, Quantum Leap, and Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie. Throughout it all, Caplan has remained a beloved character actress known for her comedic charm and unmistakable red hair.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PLUG Q1 Earnings Call: Revenue Beat Estimates, Europe and Cost Cuts in Focus
Fuel cell technology Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) exceeded the market's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales rose 11.2% year on year to $133.7 million. Is now the time to buy PLUG? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $133.7 million (11.2% year-on-year growth) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $160 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $158.1 million Market Capitalization: $982.2 million Plug Power's first quarter results reflected renewed momentum in its material handling business and operational progress in hydrogen production. Management pointed to a major initial order from a key customer, as well as expanded partnerships in Europe, as drivers of business activity. CEO Andy Marsh noted the Louisiana hydrogen plant was commissioned on schedule, joining existing facilities in Georgia and Tennessee to boost internal production capacity. Plug Power launched its 'Quantum Leap' cost-saving program, which management claims has already realized a significant portion of targeted savings across manufacturing, logistics, sourcing, and overhead. Marsh emphasized, 'Our Q1 cash burn was down nearly 50% year-over-year and with Quantum Leap, we expect further reductions in cash burns in future quarters.' The company also raised equity and secured structured financing to reinforce liquidity amid industry headwinds. Looking ahead, Plug Power's outlook centers on expanding its presence in Europe's rapidly developing electrolyzer market, while managing uncertainties in U.S. policy. Management highlighted an active project pipeline in Europe, where new regulatory mandates and funding programs are supporting large-scale green hydrogen adoption. Jose Luis Crespo, General Manager of European operations, explained, 'Europe is a fully active electrolyzer market and Plug is in the pole position on project visibility, regulatory fit and delivery readiness.' However, Marsh cautioned about evolving U.S. energy policy, particularly surrounding hydrogen tax credits and tariffs, which may affect domestic project economics. The company is closely monitoring legislative developments and expects European projects to contribute meaningfully to bookings and revenue over the next 18 to 24 months. Plug Power's management attributed quarterly performance to progress in manufacturing efficiency, cost control initiatives, and European market expansion, while also noting policy uncertainties impacting U.S. operations. Cost Reduction Initiatives: The Quantum Leap program was launched to achieve over $200 million in annualized run-rate cost savings, focusing on manufacturing, sourcing, logistics, and SG&A. Management said most targeted savings have already been executed, leading to a nearly 50% year-over-year reduction in cash burn and further improvements expected. European Electrolyzer Momentum: Plug Power expanded its European presence, positioning itself for large-scale projects supported by regulatory mandates, funding incentives, and enforceable compliance deadlines. The company is actively participating in hydrogen projects across Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, emphasizing its 'full stack offering' and local engineering teams. Hydrogen Production Ramp-Up: The company commissioned its Louisiana hydrogen plant on time, increasing internal production capacity alongside facilities in Georgia and Tennessee. Plug Power highlighted improved operational efficiency at these sites, with the Georgia plant achieving record production and Louisiana benefiting from lessons learned in earlier builds. Customer and Market Diversification: Management reported both expansion with existing material handling customers and penetration into new accounts, including new projects with logistics firms and cold chain operators in Europe. These activities are seen as supporting future revenue stability. Tariff and Policy Mitigation: Recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports impacted some core product lines, prompting a multi-pronged strategy: adding potential surcharges, dual sourcing, product redesign, and further geographic diversification. Management emphasized that the electrolyzer platform is minimally affected due to its non-Chinese content. Plug Power's guidance is driven by European market expansion, continued cost reductions, and navigation of U.S. policy changes affecting hydrogen incentives and tariffs. European Project Pipeline: Management sees Europe as the most active opportunity for electrolyzer sales, with enforceable mandates and funding programs supporting sustained growth. The company expects multi-gigawatt contribution to bookings and revenue in the next 18 to 24 months as projects move from backlog to commissioning. Continued Cost Discipline: Plug Power aims to reach gross margin breakeven by year-end, supported by further reductions in cash burn through the Quantum Leap savings program. Management believes discipline in manufacturing and sourcing will help mitigate external cost pressures and improve profitability. U.S. Policy and Tariff Uncertainty: Ongoing debate around U.S. clean energy tax credits (such as Section 45V) and increased tariffs on Chinese components introduce uncertainty for domestic project economics. Plug Power is closely monitoring legislative developments and has implemented mitigation strategies, but acknowledges potential impacts on future U.S. projects. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will watch (1) how Plug Power executes on its European electrolyzer project pipeline and converts backlog into revenue; (2) the company's ability to achieve further cost reductions and make progress toward gross margin breakeven; and (3) the impact of evolving U.S. policy and tariffs on hydrogen project economics. Developments around the Texas hydrogen facility and broader adoption of hydrogen in material handling will also be important signposts. Plug Power currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.1×. Should you double down or take your chips? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). 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 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). 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 Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PLUG Q1 Earnings Call: Revenue Beat Estimates, Europe and Cost Cuts in Focus
Fuel cell technology Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) exceeded the market's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales rose 11.2% year on year to $133.7 million. Is now the time to buy PLUG? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $133.7 million (11.2% year-on-year growth) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $160 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $158.1 million Market Capitalization: $982.2 million Plug Power's first quarter results reflected renewed momentum in its material handling business and operational progress in hydrogen production. Management pointed to a major initial order from a key customer, as well as expanded partnerships in Europe, as drivers of business activity. CEO Andy Marsh noted the Louisiana hydrogen plant was commissioned on schedule, joining existing facilities in Georgia and Tennessee to boost internal production capacity. Plug Power launched its 'Quantum Leap' cost-saving program, which management claims has already realized a significant portion of targeted savings across manufacturing, logistics, sourcing, and overhead. Marsh emphasized, 'Our Q1 cash burn was down nearly 50% year-over-year and with Quantum Leap, we expect further reductions in cash burns in future quarters.' The company also raised equity and secured structured financing to reinforce liquidity amid industry headwinds. Looking ahead, Plug Power's outlook centers on expanding its presence in Europe's rapidly developing electrolyzer market, while managing uncertainties in U.S. policy. Management highlighted an active project pipeline in Europe, where new regulatory mandates and funding programs are supporting large-scale green hydrogen adoption. Jose Luis Crespo, General Manager of European operations, explained, 'Europe is a fully active electrolyzer market and Plug is in the pole position on project visibility, regulatory fit and delivery readiness.' However, Marsh cautioned about evolving U.S. energy policy, particularly surrounding hydrogen tax credits and tariffs, which may affect domestic project economics. The company is closely monitoring legislative developments and expects European projects to contribute meaningfully to bookings and revenue over the next 18 to 24 months. Plug Power's management attributed quarterly performance to progress in manufacturing efficiency, cost control initiatives, and European market expansion, while also noting policy uncertainties impacting U.S. operations. Cost Reduction Initiatives: The Quantum Leap program was launched to achieve over $200 million in annualized run-rate cost savings, focusing on manufacturing, sourcing, logistics, and SG&A. Management said most targeted savings have already been executed, leading to a nearly 50% year-over-year reduction in cash burn and further improvements expected. European Electrolyzer Momentum: Plug Power expanded its European presence, positioning itself for large-scale projects supported by regulatory mandates, funding incentives, and enforceable compliance deadlines. The company is actively participating in hydrogen projects across Denmark, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, emphasizing its 'full stack offering' and local engineering teams. Hydrogen Production Ramp-Up: The company commissioned its Louisiana hydrogen plant on time, increasing internal production capacity alongside facilities in Georgia and Tennessee. Plug Power highlighted improved operational efficiency at these sites, with the Georgia plant achieving record production and Louisiana benefiting from lessons learned in earlier builds. Customer and Market Diversification: Management reported both expansion with existing material handling customers and penetration into new accounts, including new projects with logistics firms and cold chain operators in Europe. These activities are seen as supporting future revenue stability. Tariff and Policy Mitigation: Recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports impacted some core product lines, prompting a multi-pronged strategy: adding potential surcharges, dual sourcing, product redesign, and further geographic diversification. Management emphasized that the electrolyzer platform is minimally affected due to its non-Chinese content. Plug Power's guidance is driven by European market expansion, continued cost reductions, and navigation of U.S. policy changes affecting hydrogen incentives and tariffs. European Project Pipeline: Management sees Europe as the most active opportunity for electrolyzer sales, with enforceable mandates and funding programs supporting sustained growth. The company expects multi-gigawatt contribution to bookings and revenue in the next 18 to 24 months as projects move from backlog to commissioning. Continued Cost Discipline: Plug Power aims to reach gross margin breakeven by year-end, supported by further reductions in cash burn through the Quantum Leap savings program. Management believes discipline in manufacturing and sourcing will help mitigate external cost pressures and improve profitability. U.S. Policy and Tariff Uncertainty: Ongoing debate around U.S. clean energy tax credits (such as Section 45V) and increased tariffs on Chinese components introduce uncertainty for domestic project economics. Plug Power is closely monitoring legislative developments and has implemented mitigation strategies, but acknowledges potential impacts on future U.S. projects. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will watch (1) how Plug Power executes on its European electrolyzer project pipeline and converts backlog into revenue; (2) the company's ability to achieve further cost reductions and make progress toward gross margin breakeven; and (3) the impact of evolving U.S. policy and tariffs on hydrogen project economics. Developments around the Texas hydrogen facility and broader adoption of hydrogen in material handling will also be important signposts. Plug Power currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.1×. Should you double down or take your chips? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). 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 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). 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 Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Dominion Post
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Steve Sabins' path to WVU baseball coach took patience, leap of faith
MORGANTOWN — It wasn't exactly a journey of 1,000 decisions that guided Steve Sabins to West Virginia. Rest assured, there were plenty of steps the WVU baseball coach took that ultimately brought him to Morgantown. Others were made for him. There was one instance where he was given the opportunity to back out. In a sort of leap of faith, Sabins also passed up his first opportunity to become a head coach in 2023 in order to stay with the Mountaineers as a head coach in waiting. Such is the way of life for any college assistant coach who is looking to become a head coach. It is a nomad's journey, one where families are uprooted and moved from one side of the country to the other for the next climb up the ladder. Or maybe it's more like the old TV show 'Quantum Leap,' where Sam Beckett continually traveled through time with the hope the next leap would be the leap home. Sabins' journey has now taken him to his first NCAA tournament as a head coach in what was his first season since taking over the program for longtime coach Randy Mazey. The 24th-ranked Mountaineers (41-14) will play Kentucky (29-24) at noon Friday in the opening round of the Clemson, S.C. Regional with either Clemson or USC Upstate waiting on Saturday. 'If you get in the tournament, you've got a shot,' Sabins said. 'That's all you could ever ask for in this world.' As an example of just how interesting life's twists and turns can be, Sabins' shot nearly came at a number of different schools. If you reach Sabins' coaching history, it is rather short compared to so many others. He worked his way up the assistant ranks at Oklahoma State for four years. 'I was a volunteer coach at Oklahoma State, so I was on camp money,' Sabins recalled. 'I was working in the batting cage with seven-year olds trying to pay bills. My wife floated us with a real job.' He then came to WVU as an assistant under Mazey in 2016. 'Mazey tried to scare me away from not taking the job,' Sabins said. 'He was like, 'It snows here. You and your wife are going to have babies and you're going to be pushing a stroller in the snow.' He tried to scare the hell out of me.' Turns out pushing a stroller in the snow still beats working with young campers in the batting cage. 'I told him I would take a Big 12 job if it was in Iraq,' Sabins said. 'This was a dream come true for me.' It could have been so much different. West Virginia was not the first job Sabins applied for. He admits now that he wasn't even Mazey's first choice as an assistant coach back in 2016. 'I interviewed for a job at Loyola Marymount. I interviewed for a job at Appalachian State,' Sabins said. 'Randy saw something in me, but there was another assistant at the time who turned the job down first. A million things had to happen for the job to fall to me basically.' It would be easy to say the rest is history, except Sabins could very well have been the head coach at Cincinnati this season rather than at WVU. The Bearcats gave him his first offer to be a head coach in 2023. 'That was insane,' Sabins said. 'It was the most tight, tense, high-pressured and high-leveraged situation I had ever been in,' Sabins said. 'Ultimately I was extremely thankful for Cincinnati and extremely thankful for West Virginia. Cincinnati was gracious enough to think I could lead their program. 'When you're an assistant coach and you have to provide for your family, the difference between a five-year contract and a one-year contract is very different.' Mazey had previously expressed an interest in retiring, but there were no guarantees. 'It was a mentally taxing time,' Sabins said. Mazey and WVU athletic director Wren Baker — 'Within a 24-hour period after the offer from Cincinnati,' Sabins recalled. — put together a plan that Mazey would coach the 2024 season and Sabins would take over the Mountaineers in 2025. 'For me it was great,' Sabins said. 'I tell recruits all the time and talk about delayed gratification. I wanted to be a head coach and make a good salary, but I essentially turned down a head-coaching salary to wait a year to take this one. 'That's a lot of money and a lot of risk and things can change and stuff can happen.' He felt confident in his decision, Sabins said, because of the nine years he had already spent in Morgantown building and recruiting. 'I loved this place,' Sabins said. 'I recruited the players, and I thought we could win at a high level.' WVU vs. KENTUCKY WHEN: Noon, Friday WHERE: Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Clemson, S.C. TV: ESPNU (Comcast 266, HD 853; DirecTV 208; DISH 141) RADIO: 100.9 FM WEB:
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New guide launched to help S'pore manufacturers decarbonise
Step-by-step guidance and real-world use cases are included in the guide. PHOTO: SINGAPORE MANUFACTURING FEDERATION SINGAPORE - Local manufacturers, which accounted for nearly half of Singapore's primary greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 , will get extra new help in their decarbonising efforts with the launch of a new guide. Step-by-step guidance and real-world use cases are included to help over 5,000 Singapore manufacturers on their path to net-zero emissions. Decarbonisation Playbook: A Practical Guide For Manufacturers To A Low-Carbon Future was launched on May 28 by DBS Bank, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), consultancy EY Singapore, and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Many companies in the manufacturing sector, a major economic driver for the country, face challenges in adopting sustainability solutions, the four organisations said in a release. In a survey of over 70 manufacturers across seven sub-sectors, 80 per cent of them said they were still in the early stages of their sustainability journey. The survey, conducted in 2025 by DBS, EY and SMF, also found that the top reason local manufacturers want to decarbonise is to comply with regulations. But SMF chief executive Dennis Mark said in his speech at the launch event that sustainability is also about growth. 'It is now a defining pillar of industrial resilience, innovation, and future growth. Today, the expectations on manufacturers are rising – from customers, from regulators, and increasingly, from global supply chains,' Mr Mark said. To reduce the complexity of decarbonisation for manufacturers, the playbook provides a framework that offers a step-by-step model for companies. Under the framework, companies are given help in identifying their emissions sources, then evaluating opportunities, creating business cases, putting in place solutions, and developing long-term decarbonisation roadmaps. It also provides case studies from different manufacturers in Singapore to show how firms can decarbonise, such as the example of Quantum Leap. The small to medium-sized smart home device manufacturer in Singapore has identified its emission sources as energy-heavy production processes, packaging materials and overseas shipping. It then plans to transition to renewable energy, reduce packaging waste and explore product refurbishment and recycling to further reduce its emissions. DBS head of corporate and SME banking Chen Ze Ling said: 'We recognise that sustainability is essential, and in today's uncertain business climate, building financial resilience is equally critical. 'Striking the right balance between the two empowers businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while effectively navigating ongoing challenges.' He added: 'Meaningful decarbonisation starts with practical, real-world support – shaped by close industry engagement and delivered in partnership across the manufacturing value chain. That is the spirit behind this playbook.' SMF chief sustainability officer Clara Kwan said the book can be a practical and inclusive guide for its members. 'It addresses the very real challenges our manufacturers face – from limited resources to regulatory pressure – and equips them with tools to move from sustainability ambition to implementation,' she said. SMF also has other initiatives to help its members go green, such as a programme where it offers the services of a chief sustainability officer to manufacturers. This programme provides companies with tailored guidance and hands-on expertise in their push to decarbonise. Mr Praveen Tekchandani, EY Singapore leader and partner for climate change and sustainability services, noted that the book also combines perspectives of manufacturers with the insights of other ecosystem players who are already familiar with decarbonisation. 'It breaks down complex requirements and policies like Singapore's carbon tax and sustainability reporting standards,' he said, adding that it also provides science-based strategies and solutions that are readily applicable. NYP will also be integrating the playbook into its pre-employment training and the curriculum for its continuing education and training. This is estimated to benefit 1,000 pre-employment training for students across 10 diploma courses and 220 continuing education and training adult learners in a year. It will also help 438 companies that are part of NYP's alliance for sustainability innovation. Dr Graham Ng, NYP director of the school of engineering, said that integrating the book in the school's programmes creates a ripple effect that gives learners the ability to identify and tackle sustainability challenges in their business operations. Sue-Ann Tan is a business correspondent at The Straits Times covering capital markets and sustainable finance. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
