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IonQ's Growth Story Is Just Beginning. Here's What Investors Should Know.
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 16:30
Core Viewpoint - IonQ is positioned as the world's only vertically integrated quantum platform provider, with significant potential for growth despite recent stock declines [1][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - IonQ's stock experienced a significant rise in 2025, reaching a 52-week high of $84.64 in October, but has since declined by 14% year-to-date as of February 3, 2026 [1]. - The company claims to have a full-stack quantum platform, covering all essential elements from quantum chip manufacturing to software [4]. Group 2: Strategic Acquisitions - IonQ has expanded its technology through strategic acquisitions, including Skyloom, which enhances its ability to build a scalable quantum computer network [5]. - Other acquisitions, such as SkyWater Technology and Seed Innovations, aim to improve supply chain efficiency and develop AI-powered software for quantum tasks [6][7]. - The acquisition of Oxford Ionics is intended to address calculation errors in quantum computing, a significant barrier to adoption [8]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - IonQ achieved a world record for its quantum machine's accuracy and anticipates increasing its qubit support from 256 in 2026 to over a million by 2030, enhancing computational power [9]. Group 4: Financial Performance - In Q3, IonQ's revenue surged by 222% year-over-year to $39.9 million, indicating strong sales growth [10]. - However, the company reported an operating loss of $168.8 million in Q3, up from a loss of $53.1 million the previous year, due to rising operating expenses [11]. - IonQ faced a net loss of $1.1 billion in Q3 2025, a significant increase from the previous year's loss of $52.5 million, primarily due to warrant liabilities [12]. Group 5: Financial Position - Despite the losses, IonQ maintains a strong balance sheet with $3.5 billion in cash and equivalents and no debt as of November 4, allowing for continued investment in research and development [12][13]. Group 6: Investment Opportunity - The decline in IonQ's stock price presents a potential buying opportunity, as the company is expected to generate sales between $106 million and $110 million in 2025, a substantial increase from $43.1 million in 2024 [14][17]. - IonQ's sales multiple has decreased significantly from its peak valuation, suggesting that while not yet a bargain, the current price may be attractive given the company's growth potential [16].
IJJ vs. IWN: Can the Mid-Cap ETF Compete with a Small-Cap Fund?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 16:16
Core Insights - The iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and iShares SP Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) were both launched 20 years ago but have diverged in performance and characteristics [1][2]. Cost & Size Comparison - IWN has an expense ratio of 0.24% and an AUM of $12.59 billion, while IJJ has a lower expense ratio of 0.18% and an AUM of $8.47 billion [3][4]. - The 1-year return for IWN is 18.44%, compared to IJJ's 10.84%, and IWN has a dividend yield of 1.53% versus IJJ's 1.7% [3]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, IWN experienced a maximum drawdown of 26.71%, while IJJ had a lower drawdown of 22.68% [5]. - A $1,000 investment in IWN would have grown to $1,338, whereas the same investment in IJJ would have grown to $1,528 [5]. Portfolio Composition - IJJ focuses on mid-cap value stocks, with significant holdings in financial services, industrials, and consumer cyclical sectors, totaling 311 holdings [6]. - IWN, in contrast, holds a broader array of 1,413 small-cap stocks, with top holdings including EchoStar Corp., Hecla Mining Company, and TTM Technologies, reflecting a wide diversification [7]. Investment Implications - Investors' choice between IWN and IJJ may hinge on their risk tolerance, as small-cap stocks (IWN) are generally more volatile than mid-cap stocks (IJJ) [8][10]. - IJJ has outperformed IWN by over 20% in both the last five years and since inception, making it a more stable option with potential for price gains [10].
7 Billion Reasons to Buy Walt Disney Stock in February
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 16:15
Core Viewpoint - Disney's recent post-earnings sell-off presents a significant buying opportunity for long-term investors despite concerns over its streaming service growth and challenges in its cable business [1][2]. Financial Performance - Disney reported solid overall results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, but there are investor concerns regarding the slower growth of its streaming video on demand (SVOD) service, which is not sufficient to offset declines in its linear networks [2]. - The company is guiding for $19 billion in cash from operations for fiscal 2026, with capital expenditures projected at $9 billion, leaving $10 billion in free cash flow (FCF) for stock buybacks and dividend expenses [5]. Stock Buyback Program - Disney has announced a near-record stock buyback plan of $7 billion for fiscal 2026, which is double the amount from fiscal 2025 and the second-highest annual buyback plan in its history [5]. - The buyback program is expected to reduce the outstanding share count by approximately 67.5 million shares, or 3.8%, which is a significant reduction in a single year [9]. - This strategy reflects management's confidence in the stock's undervaluation and is seen as a more effective way to return cash to shareholders compared to increasing dividends [7][10]. Growth and Valuation - Despite the challenges in growth, Disney is generating consistent high FCF, and its streaming business has become profitable with improving margins [11]. - The company is projected to achieve double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth in fiscal 2026, making it an attractive value stock at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.7 [3][11].
Better iShares International ETF: IEFA vs. IXUS
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 16:06
Core Insights - The iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) and the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) provide different exposures to international equities, with IXUS including emerging markets and IEFA focusing solely on developed markets [1][2] Cost and Size Comparison - Both IXUS and IEFA have an expense ratio of 0.07% - As of January 30, 2026, IXUS has a 1-year return of 37.7% while IEFA has a return of 34.9% - IXUS has a dividend yield of 3.2% compared to IEFA's 3.6% - IXUS has assets under management (AUM) of $51.9 billion, while IEFA has $162.6 billion [3][4] Performance and Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, IXUS experienced a maximum drawdown of -30.05%, while IEFA had a drawdown of -30.41% - An investment of $1,000 in IXUS would have grown to $1,305, whereas the same investment in IEFA would have grown to $1,353 [5] Fund Composition - IEFA tracks developed markets in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East, holding 2,589 companies with a sector focus on financial services (22%), industrials (20%), and healthcare (11%) [6] - IXUS holds over 4,100 stocks, providing broader diversification with sector allocations leaning towards financial services, industrials, and basic materials [7] Investor Implications - The choice between IXUS and IEFA depends on the desired exposure; IXUS offers global exposure including emerging markets, while IEFA provides stability and a higher dividend yield from developed markets [8][11] - IEFA's focus on developed markets avoids emerging market volatility but limits growth potential, while IXUS can deliver higher returns due to emerging market growth despite associated risks [9][10]
Beyond the Chips: Why This Power Play Could Ride the AI Data Center Boom Higher
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 15:45
Core Insights - Hyperscalers are projected to spend $500 billion on capital expenditures in 2023, driven by the growth of artificial intelligence and the need for data center infrastructure [1] - Quanta Services is positioned to benefit from this trend as it provides essential infrastructure solutions for power and energy, particularly in the context of data center buildout [2][3] Company Overview - Quanta Services operates in two segments: electric infrastructure solutions, which focuses on modernizing the grid and constructing substations, and underground utility solutions for gas, water, and specialty pipelines [3] - The company has a market capitalization of $76 billion and a gross margin of 13.42% [3] Demand Drivers - The rapid expansion of AI technology is expected to increase U.S. data center electricity usage by 133% by 2030, necessitating grid modernization and increased energy supply [4] - Quanta Services has seen a record backlog of $39.2 billion as of September 30, reflecting strong demand across utility, renewable energy, and technology sectors [7] Strategic Acquisitions - Quanta has made significant acquisitions, including Cupertino Electric in 2024, to enhance its capabilities in serving technology and data center clients [6] - The acquisition of Dynamic Systems has further expanded Quanta's ability to service large load facilities, such as semiconductor plants [7] Market Position - Quanta Services plays a crucial role in modernizing the energy infrastructure and is expected to benefit from long-term demand as hyperscalers continue to invest heavily in data center infrastructure [9]
Could Applied Digital Be the Most Undervalued Stock Right Now?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 15:30
Core Viewpoint - Applied Digital is capitalizing on the AI data center boom, but achieving significant growth to a $100 stock price hinges on effective execution, margins, and cash flow [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Applied Digital is scaling AI data centers at a rapid pace, positioning itself as a leader in the industry [1] - The company's future stock price growth is contingent upon its ability to manage operational execution flawlessly [1] Group 2: Investment Considerations - Investors need to understand the catalysts that could drive the company's growth, as well as the associated risks [1] - Key factors influencing the company's performance include margins and cash flow management [1]
Will Tariffs & EVs Destroy This Top Stock's Bottom Line in 2026?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 15:24
While tariff complications and EV profitability will continue to weigh on bottom lines, this automaker is still driving strong results.While the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) industry lost some steam and tariff complications made investors nervous, General Motors (GM +1.17%) managed to drive through the obstacle course of issues last year with ease.The company topped earnings estimates for the fourth quarter, reached its highest U.S. market share since 2015, increased its dividend 20% and authorized a new $6 b ...
Down 22%, Should You Buy the Dip on Peloton?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 15:08
Company Overview - Peloton sells exercise equipment and subscriptions to fitness classes, gaining popularity during the pandemic [3] - The company's fiscal 2020 sales were $915 million, which quadrupled to over $4 billion by 2022 [4] Financial Performance - Recently reported second quarter saw paid fitness subscriptions fall 7% year over year to under 2.7 million [5] - Revenue dropped 3% compared to the previous year, although operating loss narrowed from $45.9 million to $14.3 million [6] Market Position and Valuation - Peloton's stock trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.7, significantly lower than the S&P 500's P/S ratio of 3.4 [8] - Despite the low valuation, the company faces significant long-term competition challenges, making the stock potentially a value trap [8][9]
How Does BND's Broad Bond Exposure Compare to VGIT's Lower Risk?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 14:32
Both of these Vanguard ETFs give investors exposure to the bond market, but there are some key differences to be aware of. Both the Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT 0.05%) and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND +0.01%) are popular bond ETFs from Vanguard that aim to provide steady income, but their approaches differ when it comes to the grade of bonds. This comparison examines their costs, yields, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup to help investors decide which might fit their needs.Snap ...
The Most Undervalued AI Stock on Wall Street Right Now (It Will Shock You)
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-08 14:05
Group 1 - Nvidia is considered undervalued despite being the world's largest company, with its stock price not reflecting its strong performance [1][3] - The stock is expected to grow revenue at over 50% this year while trading at a valuation similar to the broader market, making it an attractive investment opportunity [3][8] - Nvidia's current market cap is $4.5 trillion, with a stock price of $185.65 and a recent increase of 8.01% [4] Group 2 - For fiscal year 2027, Wall Street anticipates a revenue growth of 52%, driven by significant AI spending and Nvidia's GPUs being essential for AI workloads [5][6] - Revenue projections for fiscal year 2027 range from $226 billion to $412 billion, indicating a mix of skepticism and optimism in the market [6] - Nvidia's stock trades at 24 times forward earnings, which is only slightly above the S&P 500's 22.2 times forward earnings, despite its higher growth expectations [8] Group 3 - AI spending is expected to accelerate through at least 2030, providing a favorable long-term outlook for Nvidia [9] - Analysts recommend investors consider Nvidia as a strong buy, suggesting a long-term holding strategy due to its growth potential [9]