Latest news with #PeterChapman
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hunt for rare Aussie species not seen since 1990s funded by $1 million boost
The search is on to find a rare Australian fish that hasn't been seen since 1998. Experts are using funds from a $1.13 million investment by a NSW tourism company to search a remote part of the state where it's hoped remnant populations of the Kangaroo River perch may have survived. 'There's a lot of folklore around this fish that hasn't been seen in ages and is very elusive… So the hunt is on to make sure it's still around,' Peter Chapman told Yahoo News. The company he works for, Reflections Holidays, is funding work by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD) to search over 100km of the Shoalhaven River in the state's south. Funds are also being used to prevent the extinction of other native freshwater fish, 47 per cent of which are listed as threatened. Whether the Kangaroo River perch is a distinct species remains unclear. It's currently classified as a Macquarie perch, but since 1986, researchers have suspected it's unique. Throughout May this year, DPIRD senior fisheries manager Luke Pearce has been searching a hard to access stretch of the Shoalhaven River, above the Tallowa Dam, for evidence that the Kangaroo River perch survives. 'It's a really remote, inaccessible part of the world to get to. It's a really steep canyon country, so the only ways to get in are by kayak, hiking, or flying in a helicopter,' Pearce said. Pearce's team surveyed the river using eDNA testing, a process that can pinpoint the presence of animals and plants in water by detecting tiny traces of genetic material. Their work has yet to reveal the Kangaroo River perch's presence, but if a population can be found, it will be protected and used to breed up numbers again. There are two other distinct populations of Macquarie Perch, which are located around the Murray-Darling Basin and the Hawkesbury River/Blue Mountains. In the 1920s, numbers were so high, rivers ran black with them, but today the fish is extremely rare, and last year, authorities warned the species could be extinct in five years. Fishing for them is now illegal in both NSW and Victoria. Macquarie perch is listed as endangered, but if it's found to be three species, the conservation status of each would need to be reassessed. DPIRD is unsure why the Kanagroo River perch vanished, and historically, there has been very little research into the species. 'There's only a handful of records of the fish occurring and just six specimens in the museum, so we know very little about it,' Pearce said. 'We don't know what the causes were for the decline, but there are a few theories going around. They're generally linked to pathogens or diseases being brought in with fish being introduced into the catchment, but they're all circumstantial, we don't have evidence.' Declines of perch in the Murray-Darling Basin have been clearly linked to humans modifying the river system with dams and invasive fish which outcompete native species and spread disease. The population in the Blue Mountains was once thought to be largely secure because it's located in a national park, but it was significantly affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. 'By sorting out these taxonomic uncertainties, we'll be able to have a more targeted approach to each population's management and recovery,' Pearce said. 'And without the donation from Reflections holiday parks this research wouldn't be occurring.' Reflections Holidays hopes its donation will inspire other Australian companies to invest in the environment. 'I think all companies should be doing this. Not necessarily native fish, that's our thing. But really it's the role of all of us to protect the environment,' Chapman said. He explained there was money already available to study more photogenic and cuddly species like koalas, but not for fish. 'There's a whole heap of environmental issues that go unspoken and untalked about, largely because they're under the surface of the water,' he said. 'We see ourselves as in a key place to raise awareness, educate, and put money behind sorting out issues related to waterways. As soon as we found out some native fish species were in such bad shape, we were keen to work out how we could get behind them.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Quantum Computing Stock IonQ a Good Long-Term Investment?
Quantum computers are expected to transform the computing industry in the years to come. IonQ is assembling a quantum computer network to power the next generation of the internet. The young tech company is now working to extend quantum computing to outer space. 10 stocks we like better than IonQ › Artificial intelligence has proven revolutionary, but quantum computers hold the promise of elevating the computing industry to unprecedented heights, thanks to the power of quantum mechanics. This makes companies working on the tech compelling investments. One of the prominent pure-play quantum companies is IonQ (NYSE: IONQ). It's pursuing the use of particles called ions to operate its quantum machines. This is a newer technology compared to the tried-and-true technique of superconducting qubits employed by rivals such as Rigetti Computing. IonQ's novel approach is just the start. It's aiming "to build the next generation of the Internet," according to the company's chairman and former CEO, Peter Chapman. But industry estimates indicate it will likely take years for quantum devices to evolve enough to replace today's computers. So does IonQ's technical achievements make it a worthwhile investment over the long haul as quantum machines gradually gain wider adoption? IonQ's ambition to drive the evolution of the internet requires taking on many different pieces of that ecosystem. As part of this, the company plans to be the first to have a quantum computer in space. To that end, it's acquiring Capella Space Corporation, which has been developing top-secret quantum capabilities for the U.S. government. IonQ also made a series of other acquisitions related to building out a quantum computer network. This network would act similarly to the computer networks that exist today, which make technologies such as the internet and artificial intelligence possible. By networking quantum computers together, IonQ can amplify their collective power to solve complex problems, such as improving energy grids and developing new medicines. But today, quantum networks can't extend very far. To address this, IonQ is acquiring Lightsynq Technologies, which specializes in equipment designed to extend the range quantum devices can be networked through devices called repeaters. IonQ's technology is making progress, and consequently so have its sales. The company has doubled revenue annually since becoming a public company in 2021. However, that streak may be at risk in 2025. That's because, at the end of the first quarter, IonQ's revenue totaled $7.6 million, essentially flat compared to the prior year. The stalled sales growth comes just as IonQ's new CEO, Niccolo de Masi, took the reins. Moreover, the company is not only unprofitable, its first-quarter operating loss of $75.7 million was 43% higher than the prior year's $52.9 million. Rising expenses without revenue growth is concerning. That said, in Q2 IonQ forecasts at least $16 million in sales, up from $11.4 million in the previous year. For the full year, the company expects revenue to reach between $75 million and $95 million. That's an increase of at least 74% from 2024's $43.1 million. Furthermore, IonQ exited Q1 with a strong balance sheet. Total assets were $850.1 million with a war chest of $588.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. Contrast this with total liabilities of $85 million. If IonQ can achieve its forecast sales numbers for the year, that would return it to the strong sales growth rates it has seen historically. That's the kind of increase you want to see in a successful business. Yet, investing in IonQ entails significant risks. The company is pursuing so many areas to build its quantum internet and network, it may be biting off more than it can chew, and contributing to its substantial rise in costs. In addition, IonQ is not a cheap stock. You can assess its valuation with the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio. This metric measures how much investors are willing to pay for every dollar of revenue based on the trailing 12 months, and is commonly used to evaluate stocks for unprofitable companies, such as IonQ. The company's encouraging sales forecasts contributed to its stock price rising in recent weeks, which drove up its P/S multiple to 170. While not quite at the lofty levels seen at the start of the year, it's getting there. Also, at this point, investors won't know until IonQ's Q2 results whether it can return to strong year-over-year sales growth. So wait for Q2 earnings before deciding on the stock, and even then, only those with a high risk tolerance should consider buying shares. Before you buy stock in IonQ, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and IonQ wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $639,271!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $804,688!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 957% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 167% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 19, 2025 Robert Izquierdo has positions in IonQ. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Quantum Computing Stock IonQ a Good Long-Term Investment? was originally published by The Motley Fool 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
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Quantum Standout IonQ Eyes Nvidia Status, Stock Rallies
IonQ surged over 35% as investors cheered CEO Peter Chapman's bold comparison to Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and his vision to dominate the quantum-computing space. The rally lifted IonQ's market cap to more than $11.3 billion, nearly double its closest rival D-Wave's (NYSE:QBTS) valuation, underscoring the company's leadership among public quantum names. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with IONQ. Chapman said IonQ will be the Nvidia player in quantum chips, noting that others will copy us and follow us, as he outlined plans to leverage IonQ's trapped-ion technology for broader enterprise uptake. Benchmark's David Williams reiterated a Buy rating and $40 target last week, citing the firm's expanding hardware roadmap and growing software services ecosystem. Analysts expect IonQ to report Q1 revenue of around $14 million when it issues earnings next month, up from $9 million a year earlier. With five?star coverage backing the stock and a surging volume backdrop, investors are betting that IonQ's first?mover advantage and CEO swagger can translate into commercial wins across cloud partnerships and government programs. Why It Matters Quantum computing is transitioning from lab to launch, and IonQ's breakout rally indicates Wall Street is finally pricing in a path to scalable, revenue?generating devices. IonQ shares have surged nearly 68% over the past month, climbing to $42.89 as of May 22, 2025. The quantum computing firm posted a steep jump in the last two sessions, marking a breakout after steady gains earlier in May. The chart shows consistent momentum through the month, capped off by a sharp spike in the final days. With a CAGR of over 47,000%, IonQ's recent performance suggests growing investor confidence in its tech roadmap and potential AI linkages. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. 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
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IonQ (IONQ) Skyrockets 27% After CEO Calls Company the 'Nvidia of Quantum Computing'
IonQ (IONQ, Financials) shot up 27% Thursday after CEO Peter Chapman made a bold claim: he sees IonQ becoming the Nvidia player of quantum computing. That comparison to one of techs biggest winners grabbed attention fastand the market responded. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with IONQ. Trading volume spiked to 27.18 million shares, blowing past the usual 16.6 million. Investors seemed to buy into Chapmans confidenceand his jab at rivals, saying others have always copied and followed us. That swagger helped push IonQs market cap to $11.26 billion, well ahead of D-Wave Quantum (QBTS, Financials), which closed at $5.96 billion. D-Wave also got a boost, rising more than 20%likely just from riding IonQs coattails. The rally follows a fresh endorsement from Benchmark, which stuck to its Buy rating and $40 price target last week. For a space as speculative as quantum computing, that kind of beliefbacked by analysts and investorscan carry a stock pretty far. Now the question is whether IonQ can live up to the Nvidia talkor if this was just a well-timed quote in a hot insider buying. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE My family went on DIY SOS and it was a horror show... five years later we are STILL picking up the pieces
A family who went on DIY SOS said they are still paying for repairs left by the 'horror show' makeover five years later. Peter Chapman wanted Nick Knowles ' team to make his detached home and garden more accessible for his wife, Sarah, who suffers from myotonic dystrophy. But the TV building crew did such a bad job at his property that he has spent the last five years and £40k battling to rectify their shoddy workmanship. The BBC, who aired the programme in 2020, initially offered him £15k compensation but when the Chapmans refused, they never heard from the corporation again, despite having written more than 50 emails and making numerous telephone calls since. Mr Chapman, 66, who is his 61-year-old wife's full-time carer, said: 'I thought we were going on a home renovation reality show, but it turned out to be a horror show. 'Nick Knowles absolutely wrecked our beautiful home and neither he nor the BBC have had the balls to contact me with an apology, let alone a sensible offer for the damage they did. 'I've been repairing the mess they made of my house for five years now and the work is still not finished.' Mr Chapman, who also cares for his 41-year-old daughter Suzie, said he has now given up on hearing from Knowles or the BBC again. 'They did an absolute cowboy job on this house. I dread to think how many other houses they wrecked. None of them should be allowed anywhere near a tool kit, let alone someone's home.' The retired motor mechanic, has done much of the repair work himself, but replacing a driveway put in by Knowles and his team required a specialist company at a cost of £3,750. He also had to call in a roofing firm to fix damage caused by incorrect laying of felt beneath the wooden batons and tiles. The blunder caused water to flood the family home and cost £2,200 to fix. The litany of mistakes also includes the installation of a mock wooden floor which was so slippy that Sarah regularly fell because her dining chair slid from beneath her. Mr Chapman said: 'The crew was told that because of Sarah's condition, we needed a carpet floor, but for some reason they put in this hideous fake wooden flooring instead. 'It cost me £3000 to buy a new carpet, which I laid myself.' At the rear of the house, the Chapmans wanted a gently sloping ramp to enable Sarah to be wheeled by her husband into their beautiful garden. But the ramp is so steep, Mr Chapman would be unable to wheel her back into the house. As a result, Mrs Chapman has never been into the garden. He said: 'It is heartbreaking for her to see our lovely garden but not be able to go outside and enjoy it. 'I could get her down there, but I'd never be able to push her wheelchair up it again because the angle is just so steep. 'The crew also installed composite decking on an outdoor patio at the back of the house, but they made some very basic mistakes and as a result the decking is splitting, making it unsafe, so I am now in the middle of pulling it all up and replacing it. 'One of the main problems has been that it is very difficult to unpack the shoddy work they did until it reveals itself, by which time it's too late and you have to start again which is expensive.' Mr Chapman said: 'One of the main problems has been that it is very difficult to unpack the shoddy work they did until it reveals itself, by which time it's too late and you have to start again which is expensive' 'All these jobs take up an incredible amount of my time. I am Sarah's full-time carer so my days and nights are busy. I have to nibble away at the repair work whenever I can, but I reckon I do at least an hour or two every day and it has been like that for the past five years.' The family are not in a position to hire a lawyer to try and sue the BBC for damages, he said. 'To be honest, I'm at the stage now where I've given up getting back the money that repairing this house has cost me. 'I've never had a penny off them and it is difficult because the bills keep racking up. Just last week I spent £2000 on cement, sand, blocking and materials for drainage. 'Every month it costs us more and more, but I am confident that one day we will get there and we will be living in a beautiful, functional house - no thanks to the BBC or Nick Knowles.' A BBC spokesman said: 'DIY SOS is a heart-warming programme that brings communities together and helps improve the lives of those in need thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to participate.
