Group 1: AI and Quantum Computing Market Overview - Large and mega-cap stocks dominate investor attention in the AI and quantum computing sectors, with companies like NVIDIA and Tesla playing significant roles [2] - Quantum stocks, such as IonQ, have seen substantial valuation increases, with IonQ's market capitalization exceeding $17 billion [3] Group 2: Small-Cap Stocks to Watch - Small-cap stocks, defined as those with market capitalizations near or below $2 billion, are also involved in AI and quantum computing, with Aehr Test Systems (market cap around $770 million) being a notable example [3][4] - Aehr Test Systems focuses on ensuring chip reliability for hyperscalers by testing AI chips under extreme conditions, potentially leading to long-term cost savings [4] Group 3: Aehr Test Systems Performance - Aehr's stock surged 36% on August 26 following the announcement of follow-on orders from a hyperscaler for its Sonoma machines, although these orders did not significantly impact its financials in the last quarter [5] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio exceeding 180x, indicating a high valuation relative to earnings potential [6] Group 4: Photronics Overview - Photronics (NASDAQ: PLAB) manufactures photomasks, which are critical in chip manufacturing, and has recently gained attention from investors after a period of low visibility [8]
AI & Quantum's Next Big Winners: 3 Small-Cap Stocks to Watch in 2026