Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) is one of the High-Flying Stocks to Buy Right Now. On January 22, B. Riley analyst Craig Ellis upgraded the company’s stock to “Buy” from “Neutral” with an unchanged price objective of $35. While the firm noted the stock’s valuation for this upgrade, it appreciates Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI)’s near-term commercial trajectory. Also, after India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) order, the firm now has a much clearer visibility into estima ...

Group 1: Quantum Computing Industry Overview - Quantum computing stocks represent publicly traded companies involved in the development, manufacturing, or provision of software, components, services, or materials for quantum computing technologies, offering potential long-term commercial upside but with high technical uncertainty and volatility due to significant R&D spending [2] - The stocks to watch in the quantum computing sector include D-Wave Quantum, IonQ, and Quantum Computing, which have shown the highest dollar trading volume recently [2] Group 2: D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) - D-Wave Quantum Inc. specializes in quantum computing systems, software, and services, offering products such as the Advantage fifth-generation quantum computer, Ocean open-source tools, and Leap cloud-based services for real-time access to quantum computing resources [3] Group 3: IonQ (IONQ) - IonQ, Inc. focuses on developing general-purpose quantum computing systems and provides access to its quantum computers through cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Marketplace [4] Group 4: Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) - Quantum Computing Inc. is an integrated photonics company that offers affordable quantum machines, including portable low-power quantum computers, quantum random number generators, and quantum authentication solutions that enhance cybersecurity by integrating with existing telecom infrastructure [5]

Core Insights - Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative force across various industries, particularly in finance and digital banking, with IBM leading the charge in its development and application [1][4][9] Quantum Computing Fundamentals - Unlike traditional computers that use binary bits, quantum systems utilize qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition, and are interconnected through entanglement [2] - Quantum computing enables faster and more accurate calculations for complex problems, marking the current phase as the "era of quantum utility" where practical applications are being realized [3] IBM's Roadmap and Milestones - IBM is focused on achieving "quantum advantage," where quantum computers will consistently outperform classical systems on real-world tasks, with key milestones including the Nighthawk and Loon processors aimed at increasing qubit counts and stability [4] - A significant breakthrough is expected with the Starling processor in 2029, which will provide fault-tolerant quantum computing through advanced error correction [5] Data Security Concerns - Future quantum computers pose a risk to data security by potentially decrypting information that classical systems deem unbreakable, necessitating the implementation of "quantum-safe algorithms" to protect sensitive data [6] Applications in Various Industries - Quantum computing has vast potential applications, particularly in finance for optimizing tasks like pricing derivatives and managing portfolios, as well as in materials science for accelerating discoveries in drug design and battery technology [7] - The integration of quantum computing with artificial intelligence could lead to innovations in risk management and industrial processes, emphasizing the need for tailored roadmaps for organizations [8] Call to Action - Stakeholders are urged to invest in education, infrastructure, and security measures to leverage quantum computing's capabilities, as the era of quantum utility presents opportunities for early adopters to gain a competitive edge [9][10]

Core Insights - Quantum computing is rapidly gaining popularity as an investment opportunity, with significant share price increases for companies like IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave, which have seen gains of 89%, 1,500%, and 1,800% respectively over the past year [1][2] Industry Overview - The potential economic value of quantum computing is estimated to reach $850 billion by 2040, driven by applications in drug discovery, climate science, new materials development, and AI refinement [2] Challenges in Quantum Computing - High error rates in quantum computing remain a significant hurdle, necessitating further advancements to make the technology transformative [5][6] - Collaboration between traditional supercomputers and quantum computers is seen as a potential solution to reduce error rates while leveraging the strengths of both technologies [6][7] - Current quantum computing systems, including those from major players like Alphabet, are not yet ready for widespread practical applications, indicating that the technology is still in its early stages [8]

Core Insights - Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various industries, but achieving practical, reliable, and cost-effective solutions is still years away [2][5][6] - Rigetti Computing, a quantum computing startup, has seen its stock price increase by approximately 2,000% over the past year, but it has recently experienced a significant decline of about 44% from its peak [4][11] - The company currently has weak fundamentals, with revenue of only $1.8 million against operating costs of $20.4 million, indicating a substantial cash burn [7][11] Industry Overview - Analysts predict that commercially viable quantum computing may not be realized until 2040 or later, despite optimistic forecasts from major tech companies like Alphabet [1][5] - The technology is still considered speculative and uncertain, with significant challenges related to its underlying physics that contribute to high error rates [2][6] - Quantum computing could create trillions of dollars in shareholder value if successfully developed, impacting fields such as drug discovery, cryptography, and materials science [2] Company Analysis: Rigetti Computing - Rigetti's operational results are concerning, as it is in a "pre-growth" phase with an addressable market that has not fully materialized [8][11] - The company went public through a reverse merger with a SPAC, which typically carries higher risks compared to traditional IPOs [9][10] - Despite its current challenges, Rigetti is positioned as an early mover in the quantum computing space by developing its own quantum chips and processors, warranting attention from investors [12]

Core Insights - AMD and IBM experienced significant stock price increases following the news that IBM can run a key quantum computing error-correcting algorithm on AMD's affordable chips [1][6] - IBM's research paper, set to be released, highlights the capability of running these algorithms in real time on AMD's field programmable gate array semiconductors [2] Company Performance - AMD shares have more than doubled since the beginning of the year and rose nearly 7% in mid-afternoon trading on the reported news [3] - IBM's stock surged over 7%, contributing to a year-to-date gain of approximately 40%, making it the second-largest gainer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 2025 [3] - Shares of Micron, which supplies memory solutions for AMD and Nvidia chips, increased by 5% on the same day [3] Significance of the News - For IBM, this development marks a step towards making quantum computers more commercially viable and reliable [4] - For AMD, it demonstrates the growing importance of affordable and flexible chips in advanced research, enhancing the company's position in next-generation computing [4] - Jay Gambetta from IBM research emphasized the significance of the implementation being ten times faster than required [4] Quantum Computing Context - Quantum computers utilize qubits to solve problems at speeds thousands of times faster than traditional computers, but qubits are susceptible to errors that can overwhelm quantum chips [5] - IBM aims to construct a quantum computer named Starling by 2029, with the algorithm work completed a year ahead of schedule [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of U.S. quantum computing firms experienced significant increases in premarket trading due to reports of the Trump administration negotiating equity stakes in these companies in exchange for federal funding, similar to a previous deal with Intel [1][2]. Company Developments - At least three quantum computing firms, IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum, are in discussions to provide equity to the Commerce Department for funding awards [2][4]. - Quantum Computing and Atom Computing are also considering similar arrangements [2]. - In premarket trading, IonQ's shares rose nearly 8% to $59.76, Rigetti Computing's shares surged 8.3% to $39, D-Wave Quantum's shares increased by 12.3% to $30.64, and Quantum Computing's shares were up by 9.21% [2][3]. Funding and Equity Structure - The federal funding awards for these companies are intended for "promising technology companies," with each company potentially receiving at least $10 million [4]. - The specifics regarding the amount of equity each company must relinquish and the structure of the deal remain unclear, particularly in comparison to the government's stake in Intel, which does not include board representation [4]. Industry Context - Quantum computing is recognized as a significant advancement in computing technology, with capabilities far exceeding those of current supercomputers. Google recently claimed its Willow quantum chip performed a complex physics simulation 13,000 times faster than existing supercomputers [6]. - Other major players in the quantum computing space, such as Microsoft and IBM, have also reported substantial progress, although practical deployment of quantum computers is still considered years away [6].

Core Insights - The Trump administration is increasing efforts to secure US supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors by converting federal grants into equity stakes, aiming to reduce reliance on China [2][4] - US quantum computing firms saw a surge in shares after reports of potential equity stakes from the government, with companies like IONQ, Rigetti, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing experiencing increases between 12% and 14% [4] - The Defiance Quantum ETF, which tracks quantum computing and machine learning companies, rose by 2.6%, building on a 32% gain for the year [4] Company Developments - Microsoft introduced a new chip in February, claiming that practical quantum computing is "years, not decades" away [3] - IBM announced plans to develop a practical quantum computer by 2029 [3] - The US Commerce Department clarified that it is "not currently negotiating with any of the companies" regarding equity stakes [1][4] Industry Trends - Quantum computers utilize quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that classical computers would take thousands of years to address, although current quantum systems are not yet faster than classical computers due to error correction demands [2][4] - The shift from traditional subsidies to direct ownership in companies like Lithium Americas, MP Materials, and Intel reflects a broader strategy to enhance domestic supply chains [2][4]

Core Insights - Honeywell International Inc. is recognized as one of the best quantum computing stocks to buy and hold for five years, reflecting its strong position in the evolving defense and space industry [1] - The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Commercialization announced an expansion of the Quantum-in-Space Collaboration, which includes Honeywell, focusing on quantum-secured communications and quantum sensing [2] - Honeywell raised approximately $600 million in equity capital for Quantinuum, valuing it at $10 billion, to support advancements in quantum computing at scale [3] - Madison Investments highlighted Honeywell as a high-quality relative yield investment in the industrial sector, emphasizing its leading positions across various markets and sustainable competitive advantages [4] Company Overview - Honeywell operates in multiple sectors: Aerospace (40% of revenues), Industrial Automation (26%), Building Automation (17%), and Safety and Productivity Solutions (17%) [4] - The company embeds its products into customer operations, generating long-term recurring revenue from aftermarket products and services [4] - Honeywell's competitive advantages include scale, high customer switching costs, intangible assets, and a long history of innovation [4] Industry Context - The defense and space industry is rapidly evolving, with a focus on security and resiliency, which aligns with Honeywell's strategic initiatives in quantum technology [1][2] - The collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy aims to leverage Honeywell's expertise in satellite communications and onboard quantum computing [2]

Core Insights - IBM's shares have reached two-month highs following a successful trial with HSBC, demonstrating that quantum computing can enhance bond trading efficiency by 34% [1] - HSBC's head of quantum technologies expressed confidence in the potential of quantum computing in financial services, indicating a significant breakthrough for IBM [1] Company Performance - IBM has recently outperformed the XLK Tech ETF after a volatile period, although its long-term performance remains less favorable compared to the broader market [3] - Despite recent positive developments, IBM has been characterized as a laggard in the tech sector, particularly in the context of the current AI boom [4] Quantum Computing Developments - The successful test of algorithmic trading on a quantum computer marks a significant milestone for IBM, showcasing the practical application of quantum technology in finance [2][5] - Quantum computers operate differently from traditional computers, allowing them to analyze multiple probabilities simultaneously, which could revolutionize trading strategies [4][5] Market Activity - IBM's stock experienced a notable price increase, reaching a high point of 281, with key support levels identified at 265 and 260 [10][11] - The trading volume for IBM options was approximately 100,000 contracts, with a significant majority (80.2%) favoring call options, indicating bullish sentiment [13] Future Projections - The expected price range for IBM's stock by the October 17th expiration is projected to be around 6.3%, with lower and upper bounds closely aligning with previous trading levels [14] - Notable trades included a closing trade involving a vertical call spread, suggesting strategic positioning by traders [15]