Core Insights - Companies are aiming to establish a connected fault-scale network by the early 2030s as part of their initiative towards creating a quantum-computing internet [1] Group 1 - The target timeline for achieving a connected fault-scale network is set for the early 2030s [1] - The overarching goal of the companies involved is to develop a quantum-computing internet [1]

Core Insights - The quantum computing industry is rapidly evolving, with Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) and Rigetti Computing emerging as two key players, each utilizing different technologies to harness quantum mechanics for advanced computational capabilities [1][2]. Company Overview - Quantum Computing Inc. focuses on photonic qubits, leveraging particles of light for data processing, which allows for operation at room temperature and long-distance quantum communication [4][6]. - Rigetti Computing employs superconducting qubits, which require cryogenic temperatures near absolute zero, leading to higher energy consumption and additional hardware requirements for networking [5][6]. Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Quantum Computing Inc. reported revenue of approximately $384,000, indicating a slow sales growth as the company continues to develop its business [7][8]. - Rigetti Computing generated $1.9 million in revenue during the same period, showcasing a stronger financial performance compared to QCi [8].

Core Insights - IBM and Cisco Systems are collaborating to connect quantum computers over long distances, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of this concept by the end of 2030 [1] Company Developments - The partnership between IBM and Cisco Systems signifies a strategic move towards advancing quantum computing technology [1] - The goal of linking quantum computers over long distances reflects the companies' commitment to innovation in the tech industry [1] Industry Trends - The initiative highlights the growing interest and investment in quantum computing as a transformative technology within the tech sector [1] - Demonstrating long-distance connectivity of quantum computers could pave the way for new applications and advancements in various industries [1]

Core Insights - The 2025 Quantum Technology and Industry Conference opened in Hefei, showcasing the launch of a general-purpose programmable quantum computer developed by Hefei Silizhen Chip Technology Co., Ltd. [1] - This quantum computer utilizes photons as qubit carriers and integrated photonic chips as its core, significantly reducing operational complexity and cost, facilitating the transition of quantum computing from laboratory to industrial applications [1] - The device currently offers 4 qubits of physical resources for experimental validation in small to medium quantum computing scenarios, achieving average fidelity of 99.7% for single qubit and 99.4% for two qubits [1] Company Overview - The newly released optical quantum computer includes three core components: entangled photon source, integrated optical quantum computing chip, and optical quantum computing chip control system, all developed independently by Silizhen [2] - Silizhen's chip technology originates from the team of Academician Guo Guangcan at the University of Science and Technology of China, with shareholders including Benyuan Quantum and Guoxin Technology [2] - In May of this year, Silizhen completed a multi-million yuan financing from Xiangfeng Investment to accelerate the progress of optical quantum computing [2] Industry Context - The "14th Five-Year Plan" prioritizes quantum technology as the leading future industry, positioning quantum computing as a strategic high ground in global technological competition [2] - The release of the optical quantum computer represents a significant upgrade following the recognition of Silizhen's quantum computing system as Hefei's first major technological equipment in 2024 [2] - The quantum computer is expected to find applications in various fields, including strategy optimization, artificial intelligence, simulation analysis, and information security [1]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett has identified Alphabet as a new favorite stock in the quantum computing sector, alongside his existing investment in Amazon, indicating a strategic shift in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio towards companies involved in advanced technologies [1][4][2]. Company Investments - Berkshire Hathaway has increased its investment in Alphabet by acquiring over 17.8 million Class A shares, valued at more than $5 billion, which is more than double its position in Amazon [4]. - Amazon Web Services (AWS) is developing a quantum computing chip called Ocelot, aimed at reducing costs related to quantum error correction, and offers cloud-based quantum computing services through its Amazon Braket platform [3]. Quantum Computing Advancements - Alphabet's Google Quantum AI is a leader in quantum computing, having achieved significant milestones, including a calculation that would take traditional supercomputers 10,000 years to complete in just 200 seconds [5]. - Google Quantum AI has also demonstrated a prototype of a logical qubit and advancements in quantum error correction, showcasing its potential in the quantum computing field [5]. Advertising Business Strength - Alphabet's advertising business generated $74.2 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2025, highlighting its robust performance and attractiveness to investors [7]. - Buffett's investment in Alphabet is likely driven more by its strong advertising business rather than solely its quantum computing initiatives [6][8]. Future Prospects - The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Alphabet's operations, particularly in Google search and Google Cloud, is expected to enhance its market position [9][10]. - Alphabet's Waymo, a leader in the autonomous ride-hailing market, is also seen as a promising area for future growth [10]. - Quantum computing is anticipated to present significant opportunities for Alphabet in the long term, reinforcing its status as a key player in the technology sector [11].

Core Insights - Warren Buffett is preparing to step down from Berkshire Hathaway but has identified a new favorite in quantum computing stocks, which is Alphabet, not D-Wave Quantum or IonQ [1][5] - Prior to Q3 2025, Amazon was the only quantum computing stock in Berkshire's portfolio, but the conglomerate has now invested significantly in Alphabet [3][5] Company Investments - Berkshire Hathaway purchased over 17.8 million Class A shares of Alphabet, valued at more than $5 billion, which is more than double its investment in Amazon [5] - Alphabet's Google Quantum AI is a leader in quantum computing, having achieved significant milestones, including a calculation that would take supercomputers 10,000 years to complete in just 200 seconds [6] Business Focus - The investment in Alphabet is likely driven more by its robust advertising business rather than its quantum computing initiatives, as evidenced by the $74.2 billion revenue generated from advertising in Q3 2025 [8][9]

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Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly attracted to quantum computing stocks, but diversified AI stocks are considered better long-term investments [1][3]. Group 1: Quantum Computing Stocks - Key players in quantum computing include IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum, which have outperformed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite over the past year [1][3]. - These companies are primarily in exploratory phases, investing billions in R&D to achieve commercial breakthroughs [3]. Group 2: Nvidia - Nvidia's growth is driven by its GPUs and data center services, and it is innovating in quantum AI products [4][8]. - The company is leveraging its CUDA software architecture for hybrid computing environments [6]. - Nvidia's NVQLink platform addresses the fragility of qubits in quantum systems, enhancing its competitive edge [7][8]. Group 3: Alphabet - Alphabet is recognized for its diverse business model, with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) gaining traction among major clients like OpenAI and Meta [9][12]. - GCP's custom chip designs (TPUs) allow Alphabet to compete in the semiconductor market [12]. - Alphabet's research lab, DeepMind, is developing quantum computing systems, contributing to its AI foundation [13][14]. Group 4: Amazon - Amazon's extensive ecosystem includes e-commerce, streaming, and cloud services, with a focus on AI infrastructure [15][19]. - The company is investing heavily in data centers and has developed its own quantum processor, Ocelot [16][18]. - AWS leads in cloud computing market share, positioning Amazon well for AI-driven integration [19]. Group 5: IBM - IBM has a long history of investing in quantum computing and is now collaborating with AMD to commercialize quantum-centric supercomputing chips [20][22]. - This partnership could position IBM as a first mover in the quantum computing hardware market, potentially revitalizing its growth [22][23].

Industry Discussion - The industry is discussing whether crypto can become quantum safe in time [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO) grew 24% year-over-year to $15.5 billion, indicating strong long-term revenue predictability [28] - Next-Generation Security (NGS) Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) reached $5.85 billion, up 29% year-over-year, exceeding guidance [28] - Total revenue for Q1 was $2.47 billion, representing a 16% increase, surpassing the high end of guidance [29][35] - Diluted non-GAAP EPS was $0.93, exceeding guidance, with adjusted free cash flow of $1.7 billion, up 17% [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SASE ARR grew 34% year-over-year, surpassing $1.3 billion, making the company the fastest-growing SASE provider at scale [10] - Product revenue increased by 23% year-over-year, with nearly half of product revenues driven by software form factors [29] - Software firewalls saw significant growth, contributing to 44% of trailing 12-month product revenue, up from 38% [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region grew 14%, EMEA increased by 18%, and JPAC saw a 22% growth, indicating broad-based strength across all major markets [30] - The company reported strong traction in the U.S. Federal sector, including a $33 million SASE deal and a $100 million deal with a large telecom provider [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on platformization to address the fragmented security landscape, emphasizing the need for unified security solutions [8][10] - The acquisition of CyberArk and Kronosphere is expected to enhance capabilities in identity security and observability, respectively, aligning with the company's strategic goals [25][23] - The company aims to achieve $20 billion in NGS ARR by FY2030, raising expectations from a previous target of $15 billion [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the evolving threat landscape due to AI, emphasizing the need for real-time visibility and security [7][8] - The company is optimistic about the future, expecting continued growth driven by AI transformation and the need for robust security solutions [12][23] - Management reiterated confidence in achieving 40%+ free cash flow margins by FY2028, despite the impact of acquisitions [36] Other Important Information - The company launched Prisma AIRS 2.0, a comprehensive platform for AI security, addressing the growing risks associated with AI [12] - The integration of Protect AI is complete, enhancing the company's capabilities in securing AI workloads [12] - The company is actively pursuing a quantum-safe strategy, launching solutions to prepare customers for future quantum threats [15][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is Palo Alto Networks doing to ensure success in an AI and quantum future? - Management emphasized the importance of network inspection and the sustained demand for security solutions as AI and quantum technologies evolve [41][43] Question: What is the perspective on the convergence of security and observability? - Management acknowledged the challenges in integrating observability into security but expressed confidence in Kronosphere's capabilities to address these needs [50][52] Question: How does XIM capture customer spending compared to incumbents? - Management indicated that XIM not only captures incumbent spending but also consolidates multiple product categories, expanding the overall footprint [58][60] Question: What are the biggest moving pieces behind the raised NGS ARR target? - Management cited the strength of core business areas, including SASE and software firewalls, as key drivers for the increased target [62][64] Question: What is the expected impact of acquisitions on margins and free cash flow? - Management expects to maintain at least a 37% free cash flow margin during the interim period, with a return to 40%+ by 2028 [72][73] Question: Are customers focused on quantum readiness yet? - Management noted a significant increase in customer discussions around quantum readiness, driven by urgency and potential future threats [86][87]