Core Investment Philosophy - Investing in the stock market requires extraordinary patience, as demonstrated by Warren Buffett's transformation of Berkshire Hathaway from a struggling textile company into a diversified holding company, resulting in a $1,000 investment in 1965 being worth over $42 million today, showcasing the power of compounding returns over time [1] Growth Companies - The lesson emphasizes that when a genuine winner is found, it is crucial to resist the urge to sell, as small growth companies can evolve into mid-cap powerhouses and eventually stable, dividend-paying large caps, creating significant wealth for patient shareholders [2] Company Highlights - **Intuitive Machines**: Dominates the lunar economy with successful Moon landings and exclusive contracts, positioned to benefit from the developing multitrillion-dollar space economy as lunar missions accelerate [5] - **Palantir Technologies**: Leverages AI to solve complex data problems for governments and Fortune 500 companies, with its Artificial Intelligence Platform driving explosive commercial growth and creating high-margin revenue streams [6] - **Rocket Lab USA**: Provides end-to-end space solutions, capturing multiple revenue streams across the space value chain, with a reliable rocket and expanding reusability program for the small satellite market [7] - **Serve Robotics**: Leads in autonomous delivery with sidewalk robots generating revenue in major cities, partnered with Uber to enhance distribution and address last-mile delivery challenges [8] - **Archer Aviation**: Pioneers electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for urban air mobility, with a $6 billion order backlog and partnerships with major operators, aiming to transform urban transportation [9] - **Joby Aviation**: Complements Archer in the eVTOL space with advanced aircraft technology and a partnership with Toyota, achieving significant regulatory milestones and operational testing [10] - **Rigetti Computing**: Develops quantum computing systems with cloud-based access, positioned at the forefront of the quantum computing race, offering exposure to a technology that could revolutionize various fields [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the first quarter of 2025 totaled approximately $39 million, compared to $27 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a significant increase [14] - Gross margin decreased to 33% from 41% in the first quarter of 2024, indicating variability at the current revenue level [14] - Net income attributable to common stockholders was approximately $17 million or $0.13 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $6.4 million in the prior year quarter [15][16] - Total assets increased to approximately $242.5 million from $153.6 million at year-end 2024 [16] - Cash and cash equivalents rose by $87.5 million to $166.4 million at quarter-end, bolstered by net proceeds of approximately $93.6 million raised through common stock offerings [17] - Total liabilities decreased to $21.7 million, down approximately $25 million compared to year-end 2024 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona completed construction in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone [8] - The company secured its fifth purchase order for foundry services from a leading Canadian research institute, indicating early validation of global demand [9] - The quantum machine business announced a collaboration with Sandoz Therapeutics for advanced research in computational chemistry and biomolecular modeling [10] - New customer orders included a quantum photonic vibrometer sold to DEF University of Technology and an immunohistological computing device sold to a major automotive manufacturer [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is addressing significant and growing market demand, particularly in data communications and telecommunications [9] - The focus on real-world applications of quantum and photonic technologies is expected to broaden adoption across academic and industrial markets [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver accessible and affordable quantum machines and photonic solutions that solve real-world problems today [7] - The strategy includes building an ecosystem that is open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial, emphasizing the importance of customer discovery and technology validation [21] - Plans for future expansion include discussions about a potential second foundry, indicating readiness for rapid growth [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong operational and financial momentum entering 2025, with a focus on advancing real-world applications and building valuable partnerships [18] - The leadership changes and strengthened capital position are aimed at boosting sales and business development to prepare for fast revenue growth [22] Other Important Information - The board has initiated a search for a new CEO to help capture substantial market opportunities [6] - The addition of Eric Schwarz to the board is expected to provide valuable expertise in financing, M&A, and corporate strategy [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any expectations of capacity constraints going in near term? Have you thought about potentially opening up another foundry? - Management acknowledged potential capacity constraints but emphasized the need to build an ecosystem and validate products with customers before scaling [21] - Discussions about a second foundry are ongoing, indicating exciting developments ahead [23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, revenues totaled approximately $39 million, up from $27 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase [14] - Gross margin decreased to 33% from 41% in Q1 2024, indicating variability at the current revenue level [14] - Operating expenses rose to $8.3 million from $6.3 million in the same quarter last year, primarily driven by employee-based expenses [15] - The company reported net income attributable to common stockholders of approximately $17 million or $0.13 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $6.4 million in the prior year quarter [15] - Total assets increased to approximately $242.5 million from $153.6 million at year-end 2024 [15] - Cash and cash equivalents rose by $87.5 million to $166.4 million at quarter-end, bolstered by net proceeds of approximately $93.6 million raised through common stock offerings [16] - Total liabilities decreased by approximately $25 million compared to year-end 2024, primarily due to a non-cash mark-to-market adjustment [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, completed construction in Q1 2025, marking a significant milestone [7] - The company secured its fifth purchase order for foundry services from a leading Canadian research institute, indicating early validation of global demand [9] - The quantum machine business announced a collaboration with Sandoz Ture Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute to support advanced research in computational chemistry [10] - New customer orders included a quantum photonic vibrometer sold to DEF University of Technology and an immunohistological computing device sold to a major automotive manufacturer [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates modest initial revenue from the foundry this year, with revenue growth expected to accelerate starting in 2026 [9] - The focus on data communications and telecommunications is expected to drive significant market demand for the company's products [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver accessible and affordable quantum machines and photonic solutions that address real-world problems today [6] - The strategy includes building an ecosystem that is open and mutually beneficial, emphasizing the importance of customer discovery and technology validation [20] - The board has initiated a search for a new CEO to help capture substantial market opportunities [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong operational and financial momentum entering 2025, with a focus on real-world applications of quantum and photonic technologies [17] - The completion of the chip foundry and a growing pipeline of customer activity positions the company well for sustainable growth [17] Other Important Information - The company strengthened its board with the addition of Eric Schwarz, who brings over 20 years of experience in financing, M&A, and corporate strategy [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any expectations of capacity constraints going in near term? Have you thought about potentially opening up another foundry? - Management acknowledged potential capacity constraints but emphasized the need to build an ecosystem and validate products with customers before scaling [20] - Plans for a second foundry were discussed, indicating exciting developments ahead [22]

Core Insights - Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) reported solid operational and financial progress in Q1 2025, completing the construction of its Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, which positions the company to meet the growing demand for thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chips [2][5] Financial Highlights - Q1 2025 revenues were approximately $39,000 with a gross margin of 33%, compared to $27,000 and a gross margin of 41% in Q1 2024 [5] - Operating expenses for Q1 2025 totaled $8.3 million, up from $6.3 million in the same period last year, primarily due to increased employee-related expenses [5] - The company reported a net income of $17.0 million, or $0.13 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $6.4 million, or $(0.08) per basic share, in Q1 2024, largely due to a $23.6 million non-cash gain from the mark-to-market valuation of the company's warrant liability [5][14] - Total assets increased to $242.5 million as of March 31, 2025, up from $153.6 million at the end of 2024, with cash and cash equivalents rising by $87.5 million to $166.4 million [5][13] - Total liabilities decreased to $21.7 million from $46.3 million at year-end 2024, primarily due to non-cash changes in the fair value of the company's warrant liability [5][13] Operational Highlights - The Quantum Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, is now operational, with five initial orders received for its foundry services [5] - QCi announced a collaboration with Sanders Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute to leverage its Dirac-3 quantum optimization machine for computational chemistry and biomolecular modeling [5] - Eric Schwartz was appointed to the Board of Directors, bringing over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and strategy to support QCi's growth initiatives [5] Strategic Partnerships and Market Engagement - QCi was awarded a subcontract valued at approximately $406,000 to support NASA's Langley Research Center, utilizing its Dirac-3 quantum computer for a project aimed at improving daytime Earth observation [6] - The company secured additional customer orders, including a Quantum Photonic Vibrometer for Delft University of Technology and an EmuCore reservoir computing device for a major automotive manufacturer, indicating growing demand for its quantum solutions [6]

Group 1: Momentum Stocks Overview - Momentum stocks are characterized by rapid upward trends compared to the market, driven by innovation, psychology, and market momentum [1] - Retail traders can capitalize on these stocks through chart reading and risk management, particularly in short-to-intermediate time frames [1] Group 2: Rigetti Computing - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) aims to build powerful quantum computers and has a current revenue of just over $1 million, projected to grow to $37.65 million next year [2] - Zacks Consensus Estimates indicate year-over-year growth of 159.30% for the next year, with current quarter estimates at $3.16 million [3] - RGTI has secured several government contracts, including one with DARPA, and is breaking out of a long base structure [3] Group 3: SoundHoundAI - SoundHoundAI (SOUN) is a leader in AI voice solutions and has a partnership with Nvidia, distinguishing it from slower-moving mega-cap tech stocks [7] Group 4: Carvana - Carvana (CVNA) was near bankruptcy in late 2022 but has since secured financing and transformed its fundamentals, with shares rising from single digits to over $300 [9][10] - The stock is currently breaking out and holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) rating [10] Group 5: Market Opportunities - The current market environment presents significant opportunities in quantum computing and AI stocks for nimble traders seeking super performance [11]

Group 1 - Rigetti Computing, Inc (NASDAQ: RGTI) is positioned in the quantum computing sector and has seen significant growth due to the industry's hype [1] - The focus is on identifying high-quality companies with a market capitalization of less than $10 billion, which presents substantial growth opportunities [1] - The ideal companies should exhibit a long-term capability for capital compounding, aiming for a compound annual growth rate that could yield tenfold returns or more [1] Group 2 - A long-term investment perspective is emphasized, suggesting that this approach may yield higher returns compared to market indices in a rapidly changing investment environment [1] - A conservative investment strategy is primarily adopted, with occasional pursuits of opportunities that present a favorable risk-reward ratio [1] - Investments are carefully considered and allocated proportionally within the portfolio to ensure overall stability [1]

Core Insights - The grand opening of Quantum Computing Inc.'s quantum photonic chip foundry in Tempe, Arizona marks a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy and aims to meet the increasing global demand for thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chips [1][2][5] Group 1: Facility and Operations - The foundry construction was completed in March 2025 and is now operational, fulfilling existing customer pre-orders and positioned to scale production capacity for datacom, telecom, advanced sensing, and quantum computing markets [3][4] - The facility is designed to provide U.S.-based manufacturing of high-performance photonic chips and to supply critical components for QCi's proprietary quantum computing machines [4] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The opening of the foundry is a cornerstone of QCi's multi-phase growth strategy, which includes scaling capacity, enhancing vertical integration, and expanding into emerging quantum computing markets [5] - The company anticipates modest initial revenue from the foundry this year, with expectations for revenue growth to accelerate starting in 2026 as more customers come online [5] Group 3: Community and Economic Impact - The foundry is expected to bring high-tech jobs and economic development to Tempe, reinforcing the city's reputation as a hub for innovation in quantum technologies and advanced manufacturing [2]

Core Insights - Many Americans believe they need at least $1.26 million to retire comfortably, but only 3.2% have saved over $1 million in retirement accounts [1][2] Group 1: IonQ - IonQ specializes in quantum computing systems and cloud-based services, utilizing qubits for data processing, which allows for faster computation compared to traditional binary bits [5] - The company measures its quantum computing power in algorithmic qubits (AQ), with its Forte system surpassing 36 AQ and the upcoming Tempo system expected to achieve 64 AQ [6] - IonQ anticipates a revenue growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 88% from $43 million to $286 million between 2024 and 2027, despite a high valuation of 27 times its projected 2027 sales [7][8] Group 2: Wolfspeed - Wolfspeed is a leading producer of silicon carbide (SiC) chips, which are essential for various applications including electric vehicles and AI servers [9] - The company faced challenges due to a cooling EV market, prioritization of AI-oriented components, and export restrictions from China, leading to a significant stock decline of nearly 98% [10][11] - Wolfspeed's stock is currently trading at 0.7 times its projected sales for fiscal 2025, presenting a potential opportunity for recovery as analysts expect a 12% CAGR in revenue from fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2027 [11] Group 3: Lumen - Lumen, formerly CenturyLink, focused on expanding its wireline networks and fiber infrastructure, but faced declining revenue from its business wireline segment [12][13] - The stock price fell below $1 due to ongoing losses and the elimination of dividends, but has since recovered to around $4 following contracts with major cloud and AI companies [14] - Lumen has $8.5 billion in active AI infrastructure contracts and is pursuing an additional $7 billion, which could revitalize its business and transform its market position [14][15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q1 2025 were $1,500,000, down from $3,100,000 in Q1 2024, indicating a significant decline [12] - Gross margins decreased to 30% in Q1 2025 from 49% in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower margins from a contract with the UK's NQCC [12] - Total operating expenses (OpEx) increased to $22,100,000 in Q1 2025 from $18,100,000 in the same period last year, driven by salary increases and higher stock compensation expenses [13] - The operating loss for Q1 2025 was $21,600,000, compared to $16,600,000 in the prior year [13] - The company recorded a net income of $42,600,000 in Q1 2025, a turnaround from a net loss of $20,800,000 in Q1 2024, largely due to favorable non-cash changes in derivative warrant and earn-out liabilities [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on advancing its utility-scale quantum computer concept through collaborations and government contracts, which are critical for future sales [4][5] - The NQCC contract is noted for having lower gross margins, but it is strategically important for the company to establish itself in the UK quantum ecosystem [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively participating in DARPA's quantum benchmarking initiative, which is crucial for advancing utility-scale quantum computing [4][27] - The interest in quantum computing remains primarily in R&D, with significant government contracts driving current sales, but commercial sales are expected to be several years away [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale up qubit counts using a chiplet approach, with plans to demonstrate over 100 qubits by the end of 2025 [16][18] - The focus is on achieving higher fidelity and faster gate speeds as part of the roadmap to utility-scale quantum computing [26][56] - The partnership with Quanta Computer is strategic, with a commitment of $250,000,000 over five years to support non-GPU hardware development [90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the NQI reauthorization bill, which is expected to provide funding for quantum computing initiatives, although delays are anticipated [20][46] - The company is still in the R&D phase of quantum computing, with expectations that significant commercial sales will not materialize for another three to five years [39][41] Other Important Information - The company has received multiple awards to advance its quantum computing technologies, including a $5,480,000 grant for chip fabrication technology development [5][67] - The integration of optical signaling is seen as a critical advancement for scaling quantum systems, with expectations for implementation in the next few years [76][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on chip tiling and timelines - Management confirmed confidence in the chiplet approach to achieve 36 qubits by mid-year and over 100 by the end of 2025, with promising data supporting this strategy [16][17] Question: Updates on the NQI Reauthorization Act - Management indicated bipartisan support for the NQI reauthorization, but noted that it has not yet passed, with funding expected to take additional time to flow after approval [20][46] Question: Details on the DARPA contract - The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is critical for achieving utility-scale quantum computing, with specific milestones related to qubit counts and fidelity required to progress to the next phase [25][26] Question: Customer interest in quantum processors - Management noted that while interest exists, the current environment is primarily R&D-focused, with significant sales unlikely until quantum advantage is achieved [39][41] Question: Optical signaling and its importance - Management highlighted the significance of optical signaling for future scalability, with a transition expected from coax to fiber optic cables in the coming years [76][80] Question: Revenue recognition from NQCC and Air Force contracts - Revenue from the NQCC opportunity is expected to be recognized over the next year, while the Air Force contract is projected to contribute approximately $1,000,000 over the upcoming year [81][82] Question: Future milestones with Quanta Computer - The partnership with Quanta is expected to evolve, with Quanta taking on more R&D responsibilities for control systems and hardware components over the next year [90][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q1 2025 were $1,500,000, down from $3,100,000 in Q1 2024, indicating a significant decline [12] - Gross margins decreased to 30% in Q1 2025 from 49% in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower margin revenues from a contract with the UK's NQCC [12] - Total operating expenses (OpEx) increased to $22,100,000 in Q1 2025 from $18,100,000 in the same period last year, driven by salary increases, new hires, and higher stock compensation expenses [13] - The operating loss for Q1 2025 was $21,600,000, compared to $16,600,000 in the prior year [13] - The company recorded a net income of $42,600,000 in Q1 2025, a turnaround from a net loss of $20,800,000 in Q1 2024, largely due to favorable non-cash changes in derivative warrant and earn-out liabilities [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on advancing its utility scale quantum computer concept, collaborating with Riverlane on quantum error correction technology [4][5] - The consortium for the AFOSR award aims to develop chip fabrication technology, with a total award of $5,480,000 [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively participating in DARPA's quantum benchmarking initiative, which is critical for advancing utility scale quantum computing [4][28] - The interest in quantum computing remains primarily in R&D, with significant government contracts driving current sales [38][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing a chiplet approach to scale qubit counts, aiming for 36 qubits by mid-2025 and over 100 qubits by the end of 2025 [16][18] - The strategy includes enhancing quantum error correction capabilities and integrating digital chip-based technology with existing systems [8][9] - The partnership with Quanta Computer is strategic, focusing on non-GPU hardware components, which will allow the company to concentrate on QPU development [91][94] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the NQI reauthorization bill, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support, although funding may take additional time to materialize [21][48] - The company anticipates that achieving quantum advantage will take at least three to five years, with current efforts focused on R&D and technology milestones [38][42] Other Important Information - The company has closed a $35,000,000 investment from Quanta Computer, which strengthens their strategic collaboration [10][90] - The company is exploring optical signaling as a future technology to improve scalability and reduce thermal load in quantum systems [78][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on chip tiling and timelines - Management confirmed confidence in the chiplet approach to achieve 36 qubits by mid-2025 and over 100 by the end of 2025, with promising data supporting this strategy [16][17] Question: Updates on the DARPA contract - The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is crucial for utility scale quantum computing, with specific milestones related to qubit count and fidelity required to progress to the next phase [26][28] Question: Revenue from DARPA phases - Phase A of the DARPA project includes a $1,000,000 award, with expectations for increased funding in subsequent phases [34] Question: Customer interest in quantum processors - Current interest remains in R&D, with significant government funding impacting the conversion of interest into orders [40][41] Question: Optical signaling and its roadmap - Optical signaling is a key element for future scalability, with expectations to transition from coax to fiber optic cables in the next three to four years [78][81] Question: NQCC revenue recognition timeframe - Revenue from the NQCC opportunity is expected to be recognized over the next year, with a similar timeline for the Air Force contract [84]