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Why Quantum Computing Stock Plummeted 38% Last Year but Is Soaring in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-18 12:15
Core Viewpoint - Quantum Computing stock experienced a dramatic surge of approximately 1,710% in 2024, followed by a significant pullback in 2025, resulting in a 38% decline over the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's 16.4% and Nasdaq Composite's 20.4% gains [1][2][3]. Stock Performance - The stock was one of the hottest in 2024 but faced volatility in 2025, particularly after comments from Nvidia's CEO indicated that commercially viable quantum machines were further away than anticipated [3]. - Despite a recovery later in 2025, the stock continued to experience volatility and significant declines, particularly in October and November, due to bearish trends in the quantum industry and concerns over inflated valuations in AI and growth stocks [5][6]. Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of the previous year, Quantum Computing reported revenue of $484,000, an increase from $311,000 in the same period of 2024, indicating growth but also highlighting the company's vulnerability to market sentiment regarding growth stocks [6]. Recent Developments - Quantum Computing's stock has shown signs of recovery in early 2026, with a year-to-date increase of 24%, driven by the acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor and positive analyst coverage [6]. - The company has made a bid of approximately $22 million to acquire additional assets from Luminar Technologies, with expectations for the deal to close in the current quarter if approved [7]. - Rosenblatt initiated coverage on Quantum Computing with a buy rating and a one-year price target of $22 per share, suggesting a potential upside of about 73% [8].
IonQ Stock Prediction: Here's Where the Quantum Computing Play Will Be in 1 Year
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-18 01:05
Core Insights - Quantum computing companies, including IonQ, are gaining significant attention in the market due to their potential to revolutionize computing technology [1][2] - IonQ has made notable advancements in 2025, generating over $68 million in revenue and projecting up to $110 million for the year, indicating strong growth in a nascent industry [3][7] Company Progress - IonQ achieved a world record with a 99.99% 2-qubit gate fidelity rate, enhancing the accuracy and speed of its quantum systems [4] - The company plans to roll out a 256-qubit system in 2026 and aims to develop systems with 10,000 to 2 million qubits by 2030, indicating a focus on scaling its technology [4] Market Position - IonQ's current market capitalization stands at approximately $18 billion, with a stock price of $50.77, reflecting investor confidence despite the company's speculative nature [6] - Analysts predict IonQ's revenue could reach $189 million by 2026, suggesting a positive outlook for the company's financial growth [7]
Week in review: Stocks battled a flood of news and we booked some profits
CNBC· 2026-01-17 19:21
Market Overview - Stocks finished last week slightly lower amid political headlines and policy news, with the S&P 500 falling 0.1% and Nasdaq retreating 0.4% [1] - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is under criminal investigation related to a $2.5 billion renovation at the central bank headquarters, causing market uncertainty [1] - President Trump threatened a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, adding to global and geopolitical tensions [1] Earnings Season - Bank earnings season began, but bank stocks weakened due to concerns over Trump's call for a cap on credit card interest rates [1] - Wells Fargo reported an earnings and revenue miss, while Goldman Sachs had a mixed quarter, missing on revenue but exceeding earnings expectations [1] - Texas Roadhouse was downgraded to a hold-equivalent 2 rating due to risks from elevated beef prices impacting margins [1] Sector Performance - The tech sector experienced volatility, particularly Nvidia, which faced new requirements for sending AI chips to China, leading to a 25% cut on those sales [1] - Other major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Broadcom also faced pressure [1] - Energy, industrials, and staples sectors performed better, contributing to a broadening out trade [1] Portfolio Management - The company made several portfolio trades during the volatile week, including trimming positions in Texas Roadhouse and booking profits in Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo [1] - Honeywell announced plans for an IPO for its quantum computing subsidiary, Quantinuum, which could enhance its asset value [1] - Dover's stock was trimmed after a 24% increase since its last earnings report, leading to a downgrade to a hold-equivalent 2 rating [1]
Is Wall Street Underestimating Rigetti's Long-Term Potential?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-17 16:00
Core Viewpoint - Rigetti Computing is a controversial quantum computing stock that has experienced significant historical gains but is currently facing challenges such as declining revenue and dilution risk [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Rigetti Computing has delivered massive gains historically, indicating strong market interest and potential in the quantum computing sector [1] - The company is currently experiencing shrinking revenue, which raises concerns about its financial health and sustainability [1] Group 2: Investment Risks - There is a notable dilution risk associated with Rigetti Computing, which could impact shareholder value and long-term investment returns [1] - The video discusses the potential upside for long-term investors, highlighting what needs to go right for the company to succeed [1]
3 Reasons to Buy IBM Stock Right Now
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-17 14:25
Core Insights - IBM has shown significant stock performance in 2025, with shares rising 35%, outperforming the S&P 500, due to a renewed focus on hybrid cloud computing and enterprise AI [2][3] Group 1: Enterprise AI Momentum - The AI industry is rapidly evolving, with unprecedented capital investment in AI data centers, making it challenging to predict future winners [4] - IBM's strategy focuses on delivering tangible value to enterprise customers through AI solutions, rather than developing costly frontier AI models [5] - IBM has secured $9.5 billion in AI-related business, with 80% from consulting signings, and the AI consulting market is projected to grow from $8.75 billion in 2024 to $49.1 billion by 2032 [6] Group 2: Quantum Computing Potential - Quantum computing, while not yet commercially viable, has the potential to revolutionize the industry, with IBM aiming to demonstrate quantum advantage by the end of this year and deliver a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029 [8][10] - The quantum computing market is estimated to reach $97 billion by 2035, positioning IBM at the forefront of this long-term opportunity [11] Group 3: Reliable Dividend - IBM offers a reliable dividend, currently at $1.68 per share with a yield of approximately 2.2%, and has maintained continuous quarterly dividends since 1916 [12][13] - The stock is reasonably priced relative to free cash flow, with a forecasted free cash flow of $14 billion for 2025, resulting in a price-to-free cash flow ratio of about 20 [16] Group 4: Growth Prospects - While IBM is not classified as a growth stock, there is potential for free cash flow expansion in 2026 and beyond as the AI business grows, with quantum computing expected to become a significant revenue source [17]
Better Quantum Computing Stock: D-Wave Quantum vs. Rigetti Computing
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-17 12:25
Industry Overview - Quantum computing is still in the experimental phase, with significant challenges such as error-proneness and stability of qubits needing to be addressed [2][3] - Companies are making progress, with Nvidia's CEO indicating that quantum computing is nearing an inflection point for solving practical problems [4] D-Wave Quantum - D-Wave is recognized as a leader in quantum annealing, focusing on finding optimal solutions for specific problems rather than solving complex mathematical problems [6] - The company has a market cap of $10 billion, with a current price of $28.83 and a gross margin of 82.82% [8] - D-Wave has over 100 paying customers and is experiencing growth in revenue and bookings, while also moving into gate-based quantum computing [8][9] - The acquisition of Quantum Circuits aims to develop an error-correcting, gate-based system [9] Rigetti Computing - Rigetti is pursuing a universal gate-based quantum system, which is expected to solve more complex computational problems [10] - The company has a market cap of $8.5 billion, with a current price of $25.62, but has a significantly negative gross margin of -6849.48% [11][12] - Rigetti's systems are reported to be over 1,000 times faster than competitors, but it lags in accuracy, achieving only 99.5% 2-gate fidelity compared to IonQ's 99.99% [12] - The company has minimal revenue and faced setbacks, including not advancing in the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative and delaying the availability of its new 108-qubit machine due to fidelity issues [13][15] Comparative Analysis - D-Wave is preferred for its established niche in quantum annealing and its strategic move towards gate-based systems, which could leverage its existing business [14] - Rigetti's challenges with accuracy and setbacks in key programs highlight its competitive disadvantages [15]
Prediction: The Nasdaq Will Soar in 2026. Here's One AI Stock to Buy Now Before It Does
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-17 07:10
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Amazon as a strong investment opportunity, particularly in the context of the ongoing AI boom and its solid performance in e-commerce and cloud computing [2][4][9]. Industry Overview - The AI market, currently valued at $300 billion, is projected to reach trillions by the end of the decade, indicating significant growth potential for companies involved in AI technologies [2]. - The Nasdaq has seen growth driven by excitement around AI and quantum computing, suggesting a favorable environment for tech stocks [1]. Company Performance - Amazon's stock rose approximately 5% last year, reflecting growth from its AI initiatives and established e-commerce and cloud computing sectors [3]. - Amazon Web Services (AWS) has achieved an annual revenue run rate of $132 billion, benefiting from AI offerings and innovations [6][9]. Investment Appeal - Amazon is positioned as a suitable investment for both aggressive and cautious investors due to its diversified business model and proven growth outside of AI [4]. - The stock is currently trading at about 30 times forward earnings estimates, a decrease from over 50 times in previous years, making it an attractive valuation for investors [7][8]. Future Outlook - The expectation is that Amazon will continue to thrive as a key player in the AI space, with potential for significant stock appreciation as the Nasdaq is predicted to soar in 2026 [2][9].
Quantum Computing Could Be a $72 Billion Opportunity by 2035. Can IonQ Capture It?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-17 00:40
Core Viewpoint - Quantum computing is poised to become a significant market in the coming decades, with potential advancements across various sectors, but the uncertainty surrounding which companies will dominate remains high [2][7]. Industry Overview - The quantum computing industry is highly competitive, with numerous companies pursuing different technological approaches, leading to a crowded market where not all players may succeed [3]. - Major tech companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and IBM have substantial resources to invest in quantum computing, contrasting sharply with smaller firms like IonQ, which face financial challenges [5]. Company Analysis - IonQ is a pure play in quantum computing, presenting a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity, but it currently has limited revenue and relies on equity sales and research contracts for funding [4][10]. - Despite IonQ's advancements in quantum computing accuracy, its error rates are still too high for commercial viability, indicating that the company has significant hurdles to overcome [8][10]. - The potential market for quantum computing is projected to reach between $28 billion and $72 billion by 2035, but the wide range of estimates reflects the uncertainty in the industry's future [7]. Investment Considerations - Investors in IonQ must be prepared for a long-term commitment, as the company may take a decade to realize its potential, and the risks associated with holding its stock are considerable [10][11].
Lightwave Logic (NasdaqCM:LWLG) FY Conference Transcript
2026-01-16 21:02
Summary of Lightwave Logic FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Lightwave Logic (NasdaqCM: LWLG) - **Industry**: Optical Networking and AI Networking Hardware - **Key Technology**: Development of electro-optic polymer materials, specifically Perkinamine, which allows modulation of light at speeds exceeding 100 billion times per second [2][3][4] Core Points and Arguments - **Technology Significance**: The ability to modulate light quickly is crucial for optical networks, enhancing data transmission rates over fiber optics [3][4] - **Material Development**: Lightwave Logic has transitioned from research to commercialization, focusing on the productization of their electro-optic polymer materials [6][20] - **Management Changes**: A new management team has been established to drive the company towards product development, including hiring a new CTO and VP of Engineering with extensive industry experience [6][7][9] - **Market Opportunity**: The addressable market for transceivers and co-packaged optics (CPO) is projected to approach $30 billion by 2028, with the modulator segment estimated between $1 billion and $2.5 billion [20][24] - **Revenue Model**: The business model combines material sales with reference designs and process design kits, aiming for gross margins exceeding 60% [24][33] Industry Dynamics - **AI Networking Demand**: The increasing demand for high bandwidth and low power consumption in data centers is driving innovation and engagement with potential customers [10][40] - **Competitive Landscape**: Lightwave Logic's polymer technology is positioned against traditional materials like silicon photonics and lithium niobate, with advantages in speed, power consumption, and integration capabilities [18][31] - **Reliability Breakthrough**: A significant milestone was achieved in 2025 when the company passed reliability tests for their materials, enhancing market confidence [19][40] Future Directions - **Expansion into Quantum Computing**: Lightwave Logic is exploring opportunities in quantum applications, establishing partnerships to build a quantum ecosystem [21][23] - **Production Infrastructure**: Investments are being made to scale production capabilities in preparation for anticipated revenue growth in 2027 and 2028 [44][46] - **Customer Engagement**: The company has secured engagements with major Fortune Global 500 companies, validating its technology and market position [27][39] Financial Position - **Cash Reserves**: The company entered 2026 with over $70 million in cash, providing a strong runway for continued investment and growth [33] - **Burn Rate**: The current burn rate is approximately $20 million, with expected increases in investment for production and technical support [44] Additional Insights - **Intellectual Property**: Lightwave Logic holds over 80 patents, covering various aspects of their technology, which is crucial for competitive advantage [16][32] - **Geopolitical Stability**: The company is not significantly affected by geopolitical issues, as its raw materials are widely available and it does not rely on rare earth materials [32] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Lightwave Logic FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's technology, market opportunities, competitive positioning, and future strategies.
Ahead of the Quantinuum IPO, Should You Buy Honeywell Stock?
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-16 20:55
Core Viewpoint - Honeywell International is planning an initial public offering (IPO) for its quantum computing unit, Quantinuum, which focuses on providing end-to-end quantum solutions by integrating both hardware and software [1][2]. Company Overview - Honeywell is a diversified industrial technology company with a history dating back to 1906, operating in sectors such as aerospace technology, building automation, energy and sustainability solutions, and software and digital solutions [4]. - The company has a market capitalization of $136.5 billion and has seen a 5% increase in stock value over the past year, with a dividend yield of 2.23% and a payout ratio of about 43% [5]. Quantinuum's Value Proposition - Quantinuum is valued at approximately $10 billion and is positioned to capitalize on the growing quantum computing industry, which is expected to exceed $1 trillion in economic potential by 2035 [6]. - The unit's full-stack approach, which includes both hardware and software, along with its development of H-Series trapped-ion quantum computers, provides a competitive edge in the market [7]. - Quantinuum's systems have achieved world records in quantum volume, with the System Model H2 being recognized as one of the most powerful quantum machines globally [7].