Core Insights - The quantum hardware sector, including companies like IonQ and D-Wave, is seen as a long-term growth opportunity but lacks guaranteed near-term earnings for 2026 [2] - Quantum enablers, which provide necessary infrastructure and services for quantum adoption, present more immediate investment opportunities [3][4] Quantum Enablers - Companies such as Intel, Broadcom, and Teradyne are identified as quantum enablers with projected earnings growth exceeding 40% in 2026 [4] - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is collaborating with IBM on quantum workloads, with an estimated earnings growth of 58% in 2026, primarily driven by data center demand [6] Post-Quantum Cryptography - There is a growing demand for post-quantum cryptography as governments and enterprises seek to secure data against future quantum threats [7] - SEALSQ Corp. has commercialized secure chips with post-quantum cryptography, projecting earnings growth of 66.7% in 2026 [8] Company-Specific Insights - Lockheed Martin (LMT) is advancing quantum technologies for defense applications, with a projected earnings growth of 34.8% in 2026 [9] - Intel is expected to achieve 83.4% earnings growth in 2026, leveraging its CMOS manufacturing for quantum advancements [14] - Broadcom is positioned for 42.5% earnings growth in 2026, driven by demand for quantum-resilient infrastructure [16] - Teradyne is projected to report nearly 45% earnings growth in 2026, supported by its expansion in photonics and semiconductor testing [19]

Core Viewpoint - D-Wave (QBTS) shares experienced a significant rally of up to 20% following the announcement of its participation in CES 2026, which is set for January 7, showcasing its technology and customer success stories [1][3]. Group 1: Company Participation and Market Impact - D-Wave's participation in CES 2026 presents a substantial opportunity to enhance visibility among investors and potential customers, thereby validating its commercial traction [3]. - The discussion by Murray Thom, a vice president of D-Wave, on the synergy between quantum computing, AI, and blockchain is expected to highlight growth opportunities in high-demand sectors [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Outlook and Analyst Ratings - Jefferies analysts maintain a "Buy" rating on D-Wave with a price target of $45, suggesting a potential upside of 41% from current levels [4]. - The company is projected to grow its revenue at a compound annualized rate of 73% through the end of the decade, supported by its strong cash position of over $800 million [5][6]. - The consensus rating on D-Wave stock remains at "Strong Buy," with price targets reaching as high as $48, indicating a potential rally of over 65% in the coming year [7].

Core Insights - The quantum computing sector is expected to experience significant growth following the AI boom, with potential economic value reaching up to $850 billion by 2040 according to the Boston Consulting Group [1][2] Industry Overview - Quantum computing is anticipated to revolutionize complex calculations and problem-solving capabilities, leading to breakthroughs in drug discovery, encryption, and business optimization [2] - The transition to quantum computing will necessitate new chips and data centers, distinct from those used for AI workloads, indicating that current AI leaders may also emerge as leaders in quantum computing [3] Company Focus: Nvidia - Nvidia is positioning itself as a key player in the quantum computing space, leveraging its established reputation in AI chip manufacturing to enter the quantum market [5][7] - The company has introduced NVQLink, a technology that connects AI chips to quantum computers, and has formed partnerships with 17 quantum builders and nine scientific labs to support this initiative [6] - Nvidia is actively investing in quantum computing companies through its venture capital arm, NVentures, having invested in three quantum firms in the first half of 2025 [8] Financial Performance - Nvidia reported $57 billion in revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, marking a 62% year-over-year increase, with net income rising by 59% to $31.8 billion [12] - The company holds $116.5 billion in total current assets, providing a strong financial foundation to support further investments in quantum technology [13] Market Position - Nvidia's business model focuses on providing essential infrastructure and chips for quantum computing, allowing it to benefit regardless of which specific quantum companies succeed [11] - The potential for Nvidia to double its value is supported by the rapid growth seen in quantum computing stocks, which have increased by over 1,000% in the past three years [10]

Group 1 - Meta Platforms (META) stock is currently trading about 17% below its highs from August, prompting analysts at Baird to recommend buying the dip, although they noted there is "likely no rush" [5] - Baird analyst Colin Sebastian reiterated an outperform rating for Meta stock while adjusting his price target [5] - Third-quarter stock buybacks increased by 9.9% year-over-year to $249 billion, with Apple, Nvidia, Google, and Meta Platforms leading the buyback activity [6] Group 2 - There are concerns regarding the accumulation of debt among AI-related S&P 500 stocks, which could pose risks in the future [7] - Meta is facing challenges related to its data centers, which could impact its operational capabilities [8] - Analysts suggest that cuts in the Metaverse segment could lead to a "significant" rally for Meta stock [10]

Core Insights - Investors are increasingly interested in quantum computing stocks, with IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) being a significant beneficiary, seeing a stock price increase of approximately 350% since its IPO over four years ago [1] - IonQ's market capitalization has reached $17 billion, with potential growth to $50 billion within five years as interest in quantum computing rises [2] Company Technology - IonQ claims to be "the world's leading quantum company," with advancements that support its position, including a powerful quantum platform with "world-record fidelity" and "full fault tolerance" [4][5] - The company has attracted a diverse client base, including research entities and major corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, AstraZeneca, and Airbus [6] Financial Performance - IonQ reported $68 million in revenue for the first nine months of 2025, a 222% increase, but this was insufficient to cover $473 million in costs and expenses, resulting in a loss of $883 million during the same period [8] - The company holds nearly $1.1 billion in liquidity, which is adequate for its operational needs in the near term, but its cash position should be monitored closely [7]

Core Insights - IonQ, Inc. plans to deliver a 100-qubit IonQ Tempo system to support hybrid research efforts in South Korea, marking a significant step in quantum computing collaboration [1][2] - The Tempo system will connect with the KISTI-6 high-performance computing cluster, allowing researchers and enterprise users to access the platform via a secure private cloud [2] - The installation at KISTI will serve as a foundation for South Korea's National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence, enhancing the country's computing infrastructure [3] Leadership Perspectives - Niccolo de Masi, chairman and CEO of IonQ, emphasized that this deployment will address major research and innovation challenges, providing infrastructure, algorithms, and expertise to expand quantum adoption [4] - Sik Lee, president of KISTI, noted that the system will support practical innovation in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and materials science [4] Industry Momentum - The project contributes to IonQ's expanding presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with existing partnerships in Japan and Korea, including collaborations with SK Telecom and Hyundai Motor Company [5] - IonQ is also engaged with academic institutions like Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University, further solidifying its role in the region [5] - IonQ shares are currently trading at $53.74, reflecting a slight increase of 0.06% [5]

Now, I want to talk more broadly about the market and news that's been shaping it so far this year. For that, we're going to welcome in David Straeski. He's the CEO of Sound Planning Group.David, thank you so much for being with us today. You know, I'd love to just get some of your key takeaways from 2025 before we dive into your expectations for 26. >> Well, you know, we had an amazing year.Anytime that you see the S&P up 20 25%, that's obviously an incredible year. Um, you know, obviously this year was ma ...

Core Viewpoint - IonQ Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) has shown significant performance, rallying 11.10% to close at $53.86, attributed to quarterly and year-end window dressing practices among institutional investors [1][3]. Company Performance - IonQ's stock has experienced a three-day rally, indicating strong market interest despite the absence of specific catalysts [3]. - The bullish sentiment is supported by positive ratings and price targets from analysts, with Jefferies issuing a "buy" recommendation and a price target of $100, suggesting an 86% upside potential from the latest closing price [3][4]. Analyst Ratings - Jefferies' outlook is based on IonQ's trapped-ion infrastructure, which offers superior coherence, fidelity, and connectivity capabilities [4]. - Another analyst, Wedbush, has given IonQ an outperform rating with a price target of $60, indicating an 11.4% upside from the latest closing price [5]. Future Outlook - Analysts expect further upside potential for IonQ as the company executes its strategy, expands partnerships, and develops the quantum ecosystem [5].

Group 1 - Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) experienced a share price increase of 13.13% on Monday, closing at $26.88, driven by a broader market rally and quarterly window-dressing activities [1][3] - The company is part of a positive trend in the quantum computing sector, alongside peers such as Quantum Computing Inc., D-Wave Quantum, and IonQ [3] - Wedbush has given Rigetti an "outperform" rating with a price target of $35, indicating a potential upside of 30.2% from its latest closing price [3][4] Group 2 - Wedbush's coverage highlights Rigetti's extensive experience in research and development within the quantum computing industry, positioning it as a leader in superconducting qubit technology [4] - The company is expected to benefit from anticipated growth in the quantum hardware addressable market in the long term [4]

Group 1 - Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:QUBT) experienced a significant stock price increase of 12.86%, closing at $12.29, marking its third consecutive day of gains, attributed to early quarterly and year-end window-dressing practices by institutional investors [1][5] - The company is part of a broader sector rally, alongside competitors such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave, driven by optimism regarding robust opportunities in the quantum computing sector [2] - Quantum Computing Inc. has acquired Luminar Semiconductor, Inc. for $110 million, which is expected to enhance its portfolio with core photonic technologies and a skilled team, thereby accelerating its development roadmap [3] Group 2 - Luminar Technologies, Inc., the parent company of Luminar Semiconductor, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, although Quantum Computing's acquisition is not affected as Luminar Semiconductor is not a debtor in this case [4][5] - The acquisition will still require court approval, indicating a regulatory step that Quantum Computing must navigate despite the bankruptcy of Luminar Technologies [5]