Core Insights - IonQ has established itself in the quantum computing sector by developing one of the most accurate systems, achieving 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity [1] - The company is pursuing vertical integration to enhance scalability and control over the quantum ecosystem through strategic acquisitions [2] Company Strategy - IonQ has made significant acquisitions, including Oxford Ionics for reducing quantum computer size, LightSynq for photonic interconnect technology, Capella for satellite-based distribution, and Vector Atomic for quantum sensing technology [4] - The latest acquisition of SkyWater Technology allows IonQ to manufacture its own chips, making it the only vertically integrated quantum computing company [5] Industry Context - Most semiconductor companies operate on a fabless model, relying on third-party foundries, but vertical integration is advantageous in the emerging quantum computing field [6] - With SkyWater's fabs located in the U.S. and its trusted status with the government, IonQ is positioned to secure government contracts in quantum computing, which is a promising revenue source [8]

Group 1 - Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) has agreed to acquire ENTRUST Solutions Group for nearly $2.4 billion, with the transaction expected to close by the end of Q2 2026 [1][9]. - The acquisition will significantly expand Leidos' utility infrastructure footprint, effectively doubling its $600 million energy infrastructure engineering business and enhancing its role in grid modernization [2][9]. - The deal aligns with Leidos' NorthStar 2030 strategy, focusing on secure and resilient energy infrastructure, supported by an anticipated $1 trillion in U.S. utility investment over the next decade [3]. Group 2 - The acquisition is expected to improve Leidos' competitive positioning in a growing market, driven by rising demand for grid reliability, renewable integration, and climate resilience, supporting long-term revenue growth and earnings durability [4]. - The computer and technology sector has seen a surge in mergers and acquisitions, driven by rapid innovation and competition, allowing companies to scale operations and enhance capabilities [5][6]. - Other recent acquisitions in the sector include IonQ's agreement to acquire SkyWater Technology for nearly $1.8 billion, aimed at accelerating its quantum computing roadmap [6]. Group 3 - Leidos' stock has gained 17.3% over the past six months, contrasting with a 10.1% decline in the industry [11]. - Currently, Leidos holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [12].

Core Insights - D-Wave Quantum has reported significant advancements in its business, including a $10 million enterprise agreement with a Fortune 100 company and a $20 million sale of a quantum computer to Florida Atlantic University, totaling $30 million in new bookings for January 2026 [3][4]. Business Developments - The company has completed the acquisition of Quantum Circuits, enhancing its capabilities with revolutionary gate model technology, making it the only dual-platform quantum computing company that supports both annealing and gate approaches [4][16]. - D-Wave is establishing a new R&D center in Boca Raton, Florida, and has moved its corporate headquarters from Palo Alto, California, indicating a strategic shift to enhance its business operations [18]. Market Position - D-Wave is positioned as a leader in the quantum computing space, being the only company that provides both annealing and gate model quantum computers, which allows it to cater to a wide range of applications [14][16]. - The company is currently working with several large corporations, including a major US airline and a leading chemical company, indicating a strong demand for its quantum computing solutions [7]. Financial Performance - The stock of D-Wave has seen a significant increase, with a reported rise of over 300% in the past year, reflecting positive market sentiment and analyst support [11]. - Analysts have issued buy ratings for the stock, with targets set at $48 and $35, further indicating confidence in the company's growth potential [9]. Applications and Use Cases - The enterprise agreement with the Fortune 100 company is a two-year contract valued at $10 million, aimed at addressing complex business optimization problems across various applications, including workforce scheduling and manufacturing optimization [5][10]. - D-Wave's collaboration with Anderol and Davidson Technologies focuses on missile defense applications, showcasing the potential of quantum computing in national security [12][13].

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing and Quantum Computing represent two distinct investment opportunities in the growing quantum computing market, with Rigetti being an established player and QCi focusing on experimental chips [1]. Company Comparison - Rigetti's stock increased nearly 60% over the past year, while QCi's stock only rose by 3%, indicating Rigetti's stronger market performance [2]. - Quantum computers utilize qubits to store data, allowing for simultaneous processing of zeros and ones, which enhances data handling and task execution speed compared to classical computers [3]. - Both companies are working to overcome the limitations of quantum computing, such as size, cost, power consumption, and error rates, by developing new technologies and more accessible platforms [4]. Technology Overview - Rigetti employs superconducting loops to accelerate electrons, achieving quantum states, but these systems require cryogenic refrigeration, making them costly to operate. They have lower coherence fidelity but higher gate fidelity compared to newer technologies [5]. - QCi focuses on photonic chips that use light for data processing, which can be manufactured in conventional fabs and operate at room temperature. However, they face challenges in scaling and have lower gate fidelity in complex operations [6]. Growth and Services - Rigetti is a "full stack" quantum computing company, producing its own quantum processing units (QPUs) and offering a cloud-based quantum-computing-as-a-service platform called Forest, positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for businesses interested in quantum systems [7].

Group 1: Industry Overview - Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries with its immense computing capacity, representing a significant technological advancement [1][4] - Quantum computers utilize qubits instead of binary bits, allowing for faster computations and a broader range of data representation [5] - As of 2025, Google's Willow quantum chip completed a computation in under five minutes that would take the most powerful supercomputer trillions of years [6] Group 2: Company Profile - Rigetti Computing - Rigetti Computing is a leading manufacturer of quantum processing units (QPUs) and has seen its stock increase by 137.1% over the past five years [1] - The company's trailing-12-month (TTM) revenue was $7.5 million, indicating limited demand for its products, primarily from government labs and universities [9] - Rigetti recently received an $8.4 million purchase order for a 108-qubit quantum computer, highlighting some ongoing interest despite its financial challenges [9] - The company has incurred a TTM net loss of $351 million due to significant research and development expenditures [9]

Group 1 - Honeywell International Inc. is recognized as one of the 12 Best Dow Jones Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds [1] - JPMorgan upgraded Honeywell from Neutral to Overweight and raised its price target from $218 to $255, citing a valuation gap and a disconnect between the share price and the value of Honeywell's assets, particularly in aerospace [2] - Honeywell's majority-owned quantum computing unit, Quantinuum, plans to confidentially file draft IPO papers with US regulators, aiming to capitalize on the growing interest in quantum technology [3][4] Group 2 - Quantinuum raised approximately $600 million from investors, including Nvidia's venture capital arm, at a valuation of $10 billion, and serves notable customers such as Honeywell, Airbus, BMW Group, HSBC, and JPMorgan Chase [4] - Honeywell has restructured its business into three standalone companies focused on automation, aerospace, and advanced materials, divesting smaller units to enhance its automation segment [5] - Honeywell operates as an integrated company across various industries, supported by its Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge platform [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Honeywell reported a strong fourth quarter for 2025, with adjusted sales and adjusted EPS exceeding expectations, and orders increased by 23%, resulting in a backlog of over $37 billion [5][15] - For the full year 2025, sales increased by 7% organically, or 6% excluding the impact of the Bombardier agreement, with adjusted earnings per share rising to $9.78, up 12% year-over-year [21][30] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $5.1 billion, up 20%, representing a 14% margin [21][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace sales grew 11% organically, driven by strong demand in both commercial aftermarket and defense and space [15][22] - Building automation experienced 8% organic growth, with solutions growing by 9% and products by 8% [16] - Industrial automation saw a 1% increase in organic sales, while process solutions remained flat due to lower volumes in measurement and controls products [16][17] - Energy and sustainability solutions declined by 7%, attributed to lower petrochemical catalyst shipments [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and the Middle East led regional performance, with Europe also showing strong mid-single-digit growth [16] - Orders grew 23% organically, with significant contributions from long-cycle aerospace and energy projects [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Honeywell is focused on portfolio simplification, with the aerospace spin expected to be completed in Q3 2026, following the successful spin-off of Solstice Advanced Materials [6][9] - The company is investing in R&D to drive innovation, with a goal of achieving 6%-9% earnings growth in 2026 [6][21] - Honeywell plans to reorganize into four segments: Aerospace Technologies, Building Automation, Process Automation and Technology, and Industrial Automation, to enhance strategic focus and agility [9][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in strong organic growth driven by record backlog conversion, disciplined pricing, and new product introductions [5][6] - The company anticipates continued strength in aerospace and building automation markets, with a gradual recovery expected in process automation [22][24] - Management acknowledged challenges in the petrochemical sector but remains optimistic about long-term demand in LNG and refining [61] Other Important Information - Honeywell's investment in Quantinuum is expected to be a modest headwind to margins in 2026, with significant R&D investments aimed at maintaining leadership in quantum computing [29][56] - The company has made key leadership appointments in preparation for the aerospace spin-off, enhancing operational experience [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin progression for the total company - Management indicated that operational margins are expected to expand by 50-90 basis points, with a headwind from Quantinuum in the first quarter [42][43] Question: Aerospace margins and contract renewals - Aerospace margins are expected to improve as contract negotiations progress, with a positive long-term impact anticipated [48][50] Question: Quantinuum IPO and investment spending - Management confirmed a $100 million year-over-year increase in investment spending for Quantinuum, with ongoing efforts to prepare for a potential IPO [54][56] Question: Strength in process orders - Management noted increased capital spending in LNG and refining as a driver for order growth, while cautioning about ongoing pressure in the petrochemical sector [60][61] Question: Pricing strategy and inflation impacts - Management discussed a more mature pricing strategy in response to persistent inflation, with expected price increases of 3%-4% in 2026 [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Honeywell reported a strong fourth quarter for 2025, with adjusted sales and adjusted EPS exceeding expectations, and orders increased by 23%, resulting in a backlog of over $37 billion [5][20] - For the full year 2025, sales increased by 7% organically, or 6% excluding the Bombardier agreement, with adjusted earnings per share of $9.78, up 12% year-over-year [21][30] - Free cash flow for 2025 was $5.1 billion, up 20%, representing a 14% margin [21][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerospace sales grew 11% organically, driven by strong demand in both commercial aftermarket and defense and space [15][22] - Building automation experienced 8% organic growth, with solutions growing by 9% and products by 8% [16] - Industrial automation saw a 1% increase in organic sales, while process solutions remained flat due to lower volumes in measurement and controls products [16][17] - Energy and sustainability solutions declined by 7% due to lower petrochemical catalyst shipments [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and the Middle East led regional performance, with Europe showing strong mid-single-digit growth [16] - Orders momentum in UOP continued, with over 40% growth in refining and petrochemicals projects, supporting confidence in a gradual recovery in 2026 [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Honeywell is progressing with its portfolio simplification, expecting to complete the aerospace spin in Q3 2026, which will create three independent public companies [6][9] - The company is focusing on innovation and R&D investments, with a goal of driving organic growth through new product introductions [5][13] - Honeywell plans to reorganize into four segments: Aerospace Technologies, Building Automation, Process Automation and Technology, and Industrial Automation, to enhance operational efficiency [9][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 6%-9% earnings growth in 2026, driven by strong organic growth and productivity improvements [6][21] - The company anticipates continued strength in orders growth, price execution, and a record backlog as key drivers for 2026 [36] - Management acknowledged challenges in the petrochemical sector but remains optimistic about long-cycle order strength in LNG and refining [61] Other Important Information - Honeywell's investment in Quantinuum is expected to be a modest headwind to margins in 2026, with significant R&D investments to maintain leadership in quantum computing [29][56] - The company has made key appointments to the aerospace leadership team to ensure operational excellence post-spin [8][9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin progression for the total company - Management expects operational margins to expand 50-90 basis points, with a headwind from Quantinuum in the first quarter [42][44] Question: Aerospace margins and contract negotiations - Aerospace margins are expected to improve as contract negotiations progress, with a positive long-term impact on margin expansion [48][50] Question: Quantinuum IPO and investment spending - Management confirmed a $100 million year-over-year increase in investment spending for Quantinuum, with ongoing maturation and commercial efforts [54][55] Question: Strength in process orders - Management noted increased capital spending in LNG and refining, contributing to strong order growth, while acknowledging pressure on catalyst demand in petrochemicals [60][61] Question: Pricing strategy and inflation impacts - Management indicated that pricing strategy has evolved to address persistent inflation, with an expected average price increase of 3-4% in 2026 [66][82]

There's no denying that some quantum computing stocks have delivered amazing returns for investors during the past few years. And Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) is a standout even among some of the most impressive gains, with the stock rising more than 2,400% since January 2023. But as we all know, all that glitters is not gold. There are some very good reasons to avoid Rigetti right now, even as its stock price surges. Here are three of them. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just reve ...

Core Insights - Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology, with significant investor interest reflected in the stock prices of companies like Rigetti Computing [1] - The year 2026 may serve as a reality check for quantum computing investments, suggesting a shift in focus from newer companies to established players like IBM [2] Company Insights - Rigetti Computing is recognized for its superconducting quantum computing technology, with its Cepheus-1-108Q system expected to be the largest modular quantum computing system available by the end of Q1 2026 [4] - Rigetti's manufacturing capabilities are highlighted, as it has established the first dedicated foundry for quantum integrated circuits, positioning itself as a leader in design and fabrication [5] - Despite its potential, Rigetti faces challenges, including ongoing financial losses, with reported revenue of only $1.9 million in the latest quarter, and competition from other companies using similar superconducting technology [6] IBM Insights - IBM is a major competitor to Rigetti, boasting over 300 clients and partners, and has developed the widely used Qiskit software for quantum computing [7][8] - IBM's Quantum Nighthawk QPU, which supports 120 qubits, has already been released, while Rigetti's system launch has been delayed [8] - IBM aims to achieve quantum advantage by 2026 and has plans for a fault-tolerant 200-qubit quantum computer by 2029, with aspirations for systems supporting up to 2,000 qubits beyond 2033 [9] - Financially, IBM is well-positioned, expecting a free cash flow of around $14 billion for the full year 2025, with a cash position of $14.9 billion at the end of Q3 2025 [10] Investment Perspective - While Rigetti Computing has long-term potential, its success is contingent on its technology matching or exceeding that of competitors [11] - IBM's diversified business model allows it to remain successful even if its quantum computing investments do not yield immediate results, showcasing its adaptability in the evolving tech landscape [11] - Overall, IBM is viewed as the more strategically positioned company in the quantum computing race compared to Rigetti [12]