Popular quantum computing stocks Rigetti, IonQ, and D-Wave could face a reckoning next year.The S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.54%) dropped 5% from its high in early November as elevated valuations raised concerns about a stock market bubble, particularly among technology companies involved with artificial intelligence (AI).Admittedly, the entire stock market is expensive by historical standards, meaning AI has probably created a bubble to some extent. However, the size of the bubble is debatable. AI could have a truly ...

Core Insights - Quantum computing is gaining significant attention due to its potential to solve complex problems that classical systems cannot handle, presenting a unique investment opportunity in a future trillion-dollar industry [1] Company Approaches - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) is advancing a gate-based superconducting architecture aimed at universality and scalability, recently launching a 36-qubit system with a median two-qubit gate fidelity of approximately 99.5% [5][12] - D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) focuses on quantum annealing and hybrid solvers for immediate deployment in optimization problems, providing a near-term value proposition for industries [6][13] Price Performance - RGTI shares have increased by 67.5% year-to-date, while QBTS stock has surged by 166.7% in the same period [3] Business Models - RGTI's revenue is primarily derived from government contracts and research collaborations, leading to unpredictable revenue flows [8] - QBTS is pursuing a diversified revenue model that includes hardware sales and enterprise engagements, indicating a shift towards a more stable revenue base [9] Recent Financials - RGTI reported revenues of approximately $1.9 million, down from $2.4 million year-over-year, with elevated operating expenses of around $21 million [10] - QBTS experienced a strong quarterly performance with revenues doubling to $3.7 million and a significant increase in cash reserves to $836.2 million [11] Future Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RGTI's 2025 sales indicates a year-over-year decline of 23.82%, with a projected loss per share of 68 cents [15] - In contrast, QBTS's 2025 sales are expected to grow by 188.6%, with a projected loss per share of 23 cents [18] Investment Considerations - RGTI is positioned for long-term scalability with its gate-based systems, while QBTS offers immediate commercial activity and momentum [23] - The choice between RGTI and QBTS depends on investor preference for near-term traction versus long-term potential in quantum computing [14][23]

Core Insights - Palantir Technologies experienced a significant decline in stock value, dropping 16% in November 2023, marking its worst month since August 2023, primarily due to investor concerns over AI stock valuations [1][2][5] - Despite strong third-quarter earnings and revenue, with a second consecutive quarter of $1 billion revenue, valuation fears led to a selloff post-earnings [2][3] - Notable investor Michael Burry has taken a short position against Palantir, contributing to negative sentiment around the stock [3][4] Financial Performance - Palantir reported third-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, achieving $1 billion in revenue for the second straight quarter [2] - The company's stock is currently trading at 233 times forward earnings, significantly higher than competitors like Nvidia and Alphabet, which trade at approximately 38 times and 30 times, respectively [6] Market Sentiment - Analysts from Jefferies and RBC Capital Markets expressed concerns over Palantir's "extreme" valuation and "increasingly concentrated growth profile," suggesting better risk-reward opportunities in other AI stocks like Microsoft and Snowflake [3] - The broader AI sector faced a selloff in November, with Nvidia down over 12% and Microsoft and Amazon each dropping about 5% [5] Strategic Developments - Despite the stock decline, Palantir secured new contracts, including a multi-year agreement with PwC to enhance AI adoption in the U.K. and a deal with FTAI for aircraft engine maintenance [4] - CEO Alex Karp defended the company's valuation and criticized Burry's actions as "market manipulation," asserting that Palantir is providing investment opportunities previously limited to top venture capitalists [4][7]

GMO warns that AI stocks are exhibiting the classic signs of being in a bubble. The firm sees parallels to the dot-com bubble, citing high valuations and speculation. Instead of AI, the firm likes developed market value stocks and non-US small-cap value. Jeremy Grantham's GMO has periodically warned of an AI bubble for years now, even while most market onlookers remained bullish. Now, as fears of overexuberance begin to grip the broader market, the famed asset management firm is reiterating its bear ...

Core Insights - Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various fields by solving complex problems much faster than classical supercomputers [3] - Despite its promise, quantum technology faces significant challenges such as scalability, high error rates, and extreme cooling requirements, delaying practical applications [4] - Recent comments from Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai suggest a pivotal moment for quantum computing, likening its current stage to artificial intelligence five years ago [6] Company Performance - IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, and Rigetti Computing have experienced substantial stock price increases over the past two years, with IonQ up over 284%, D-Wave surging more than 2,600%, and Rigetti gaining several thousand percent [4] - However, all three companies have seen their stock prices decline sharply from their all-time highs, with losses of 35% or more [5] Future Outlook - Pichai indicated that the quantum computing field is entering a "noisy intermediate-scale quantum era," with ongoing advancements despite existing errors [7] - He anticipates that within five years, quantum machines will demonstrate clear advantages over classical computers in real-world applications [7] - While fully functional, error-corrected quantum computers are still a decade away, Alphabet is committed to investing billions in research to drive long-term breakthroughs [8]

We've heard so much about the GPU Chip's A. I. needs, which have catapulted in video to the top of the leaderboard.But what about quantum computing. How are they different. And who's making them.Jerry Chow of IBM gave us a tour at the Thomas J. Watson Center in Yorktown, New York. So this is our IBM Quantum System two, which is the most recent one. Most recent one.It is also a infrastructure that is built with modularity and scalability in mind built for data centers. Right. So the way to think about it is ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the potential bubble in quantum computing stocks, highlighting that while the technology is promising, it is still years away from significant practical applications [1][10][17] Industry Overview - Quantum computing is expected to create substantial economic value, estimated between $450 billion to $850 billion by 2040, indicating a wide range of potential beneficiaries [3] - The early-stage commercialization of quantum computing has generated investor excitement, with major companies like Amazon and Microsoft providing access to quantum computing services [5][12] Company Performance - Quantum computing stocks such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. have seen significant price increases, with some stocks rallying by as much as 829% over the past year [2][6] - Projected sales growth for these companies from 2025 to 2027 includes IonQ increasing from $108 million to $315 million, Rigetti from $8 million to $48 million, D-Wave from $25 million to $74 million, and Quantum Computing Inc. from $1 million to $10 million [7][6] Market Dynamics - The article suggests that the quantum computing bubble may burst in 2026, as historical trends indicate that investor expectations often exceed the actual adoption and utility of new technologies [8][9] - The first-mover advantage of current quantum computing companies is at risk due to competition from major tech firms like Alphabet and Microsoft, which are also investing heavily in quantum technologies [13][14] Valuation Concerns - Current valuations of quantum computing stocks suggest a high probability of a bubble, with price-to-sales ratios for these companies projected to exceed historical peaks associated with previous technology bubbles [16]

Core Viewpoint - IonQ has engaged in a significant acquisition strategy, spending $2.5 billion over the past year, but the effectiveness and revenue contributions of these acquisitions are under scrutiny [4][5][14]. Acquisition Strategy - IonQ has acquired several companies, including Oxford Ionics, Capella Space, id Quantique, Lightsynq, and Qubitekk, with the aim of enhancing its product roadmap [4][5][12]. - The rationale behind these acquisitions varies, with some aimed at gaining technology expertise or customer bases rather than immediate revenue generation [13][14]. Financial Performance - Over the last 12 months, IonQ has generated $80 million in revenue, with growth attributed partly to its acquisition strategy [7]. - The revenue contributions from recent acquisitions have been limited, with only Capella Space and id Quantique reporting $9.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively [10][11]. Funding of Acquisitions - IonQ has primarily funded its acquisitions through stock issuance rather than cash, raising concerns about shareholder dilution [16][17]. - The total cash spent on acquisitions is only $80.4 million, indicating a reliance on stock to finance the majority of the $2.5 billion spent [16][17]. Market Reaction - Despite the significant spending on acquisitions, there is skepticism regarding the long-term benefits and the potential for further dilution of shares, which could impact investor sentiment [20][21].

Core Insights - Quantum stocks are gaining investor interest in 2025, particularly D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) and Quantum Computing, Inc. (QUBT), with D-Wave focusing on commercial quantum annealing systems and QUBT pursuing photonics-driven initiatives [1] D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) - D-Wave is experiencing rapid commercial adoption, highlighted by a €10 million contract for an Advantage2 system in Italy and deployments supporting U.S. defense work [2] - The customer base has expanded to over 100 revenue-generating clients, including major firms like BASF and SkyWater, demonstrating practical outcomes such as significant reductions in scheduling and emergency response times [3] - D-Wave's management emphasizes its production-ready quantum solutions, which are driving bookings and revenue momentum, distinguishing it from competitors still focused on research [4] - Financially, D-Wave's revenues doubled year-over-year to $3.7 million, with a GAAP gross margin of 71.4% and a cash balance of $836.2 million, up from $29.3 million the previous year [5][6] - Despite strong revenue growth, D-Wave reported a net loss of $140.8 million in the third quarter, primarily due to high operating costs and non-cash warrant charges [7] Quantum Computing, Inc. (QUBT) - QUBT's growth is driven by a strengthened balance sheet, raising over $1.5 billion in 2025, which supports its engineering and manufacturing plans [8][9] - The company is seeing increasing commercial momentum, with revenues growing to $384,000 in the third quarter, driven by R&D contracts and initial cloud access revenues [10] - However, QUBT faces challenges with rapidly rising operating expenses, which nearly doubled to $10.5 million in the third quarter, potentially widening operating losses if revenue growth does not keep pace [11] Performance Comparison - Over the past six months, D-Wave's shares have increased by 27.7%, outperforming QUBT's decline of 10.4% and the S&P 500's rally of 17.8% [12] - Analysts suggest a significant upside for both companies, with QBTS's average price target indicating a potential increase of 64.7% and QUBT's suggesting a 104% increase from their last closing prices [14][16] Conclusion - D-Wave is positioned as a stronger long-term investment opportunity due to its validated commercial progress and extensive customer base, while QUBT remains an early-stage player with substantial capital but still developing its commercialization path [18]

Core Insights - Alphabet Inc CEO Sundar Pichai indicated that the company's quantum program is at a pivotal moment, likening its potential to where AI was five years ago, suggesting significant advancements in the next five years [1][2] - Pichai emphasized that quantum computing represents a foundational leap in technology, with the potential to better simulate and understand nature, thus unlocking societal benefits [2] - The statement from Pichai provides a timeline for the commercialization of quantum technology, which could lead to increased investor interest and accumulation of quantum stocks before the market fully recognizes their potential [3][5] Quantum Industry Overview - The quantum computing sector is experiencing a resurgence, with Pichai's comments reigniting interest among traders who have been monitoring the space while AI has dominated headlines [2] - Publicly traded quantum companies have shown volatility, with some investors viewing current market conditions as opportunities for asymmetric setups [4] - Major players in the quantum space include IonQ Inc, D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing Inc, Quantum Computing Inc, Honeywell International Inc, and IBM, each with unique approaches and market positions [7]