Quantum computers could represent the next leap forward for the tech sector. Unlike classical computers, which still store data as binary bits of zeros and ones, quantum computers can store those zeros and ones simultaneously in a quantum state as qubits. That difference enables quantum computers to crunch more data and perform specific tasks much faster than their classical counterparts, but they're also bigger, pricier, and less power-efficient. However, Fortune Business Insights expects the quantum co ...

IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) is one of the 12 tech stocks with the biggest upside potential. Despite recent stock volatility, IonQ maintains a market capitalization of $16.12 billion and strong liquidity. The company announced on January 28 that it had completed its acquisition of Skyloom Global, a US-based developer of lightwave-optics technology for secure communications. The transaction was initially disclosed in November 2025. Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of the company, described the acquisition as a k ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the potential of quantum computing as a significant investment opportunity, highlighting two companies well-positioned in this field: IonQ and Alphabet [2][3]. Group 1: IonQ - IonQ is a pure play quantum computing company, focusing exclusively on quantum technology, which presents both high potential rewards and risks [4]. - The company utilizes trapped ion technology for constructing qubits, resulting in a lower error rate and longer quantum state retention, which are critical advantages in quantum computing [5]. - IonQ currently generates some revenue through major cloud service providers but is still in the early stages of commercial growth, making it an attractive option for aggressive investors [7]. Group 2: Alphabet - Alphabet, the parent company of Google, generates substantial revenue through its search engine and Google Cloud, which has seen significant growth due to demand from AI customers [8][9]. - The company is actively developing its own quantum chip, Willow, which aims to reduce errors as more qubits are added, marking a significant advancement in quantum computing [11]. - Alphabet's established profitability combined with its investments in quantum computing presents a compelling opportunity for investors, potentially leading to significant returns [12].

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile is positioned to experience significant revenue growth, with projections indicating a 1,200% increase in sales to $57.3 million in 2025, followed by a further 311% growth to $235.6 million in 2026 [4] - The company's strategy of partnering with over 50 global mobile network providers, covering nearly 3 billion cellular subscribers, is expected to facilitate a rapid increase in revenue without the need to build a competing network [2] - AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites aim to provide 4G and 5G services using existing smartphone technology, offering a seamless transition for wireless operators and potentially revolutionizing global broadband coverage [3] Group 1: Company Overview - AST SpaceMobile's current valuation stands at $33.3 billion, which raises concerns about the potential for error in its high-growth projections [7] - The company has successfully secured partnerships with major wireless operators, which is crucial for its growth strategy [2] Group 2: Market Context - The stock market has seen substantial gains, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite increasing by 45%, 78%, and 122% respectively from the beginning of 2023 to the end of 2025 [6] - The overall market sentiment is driven by the performance of growth stocks and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing [6]

Core Viewpoint - The combined entity, D-Wave, aims to introduce quantum computers to the market by 2026 [1] Company Summary - D-Wave is focused on the development and commercialization of quantum computing technology [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rigetti Computing has experienced a significant decline in stock price, dropping 60% from its peak of $56 in October, indicating that the hype surrounding the stock may not be supported by fundamental improvements in the business [2][10]. Company Overview - Rigetti Computing is a quantum computing start-up with a current market cap of $7.8 billion and a stock price of $23.60, which has fluctuated between $5.95 and $58.15 over the past year [3]. - The company is focused on the hardware side of quantum computing, aiming to provide essential components for other enterprises to leverage this emerging technology [4][9]. Industry Context - Quantum computing is still largely theoretical, with significant advancements needed before it becomes commercially viable. Industry leaders like Alphabet and IBM estimate that practical quantum computers are still four to five years away [11]. - The potential of quantum computing lies in its ability to solve complex problems, which could lead to substantial shareholder value through applications in drug discovery, logistics, and more [4]. Financial Performance - Rigetti's third-quarter earnings report showed an 18% year-over-year revenue decline to $1.95 billion, with operating losses increasing to $20.5 billion, highlighting the challenges the company faces in covering its R&D expenses [10]. - The company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio stands at 843, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 3.4, suggesting that the stock may still be overvalued [12]. Future Outlook - The timeline for quantum computing readiness is uncertain, with Rigetti likely not advancing faster than larger competitors, which raises questions about its ability to generate shareholder value in the near term [11][13]. - The company is positioned to manufacture its own chips in the U.S., which could provide political protection and opportunities similar to those of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in traditional semiconductors [6].

Core Viewpoint - Rigetti Computing Inc. is gaining attention from analysts as a promising investment in the quantum computing sector, with varying ratings and price targets from different firms, highlighting its potential and challenges in the market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Wedbush initiated coverage of Rigetti Computing with an Outperform rating and a price target of $35, emphasizing the company's expertise in superconducting qubits and its position in the growing quantum sector [1]. - Jefferies initiated coverage with a Hold rating and a price target of $30, noting that while Rigetti can capitalize on the quantum computing cycle, execution risks and revenue concentration may limit its potential [2]. - Mizuho also initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a price target of $50, identifying Rigetti as a scalable competitor to industry leaders like IBM and Google, and highlighting its strong liquidity with approximately $450 million in cash and equivalents [3]. Group 2: Company Overview and Market Position - Rigetti Computing builds quantum computers and superconducting quantum processors across various regions, including the US, UK, Europe, and Asia, positioning itself as a key player in the international quantum computing landscape [4].

Core Viewpoint - Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT) presents an exciting investment trend in quantum computing, but it is not considered a safe investment option due to various risks involved [1] Company Overview - Quantum Computing Inc. is developing quantum computers that operate at room temperature, which may offer a more practical long-term solution compared to competitors relying on cryogenic cooling [2] - The company has a strong balance sheet with over $1.5 billion in cash and investments, providing liquidity to support its operations for the next three years [3] Financial Performance - For the third quarter of 2025, Quantum Computing Inc. reported revenue of $384,000, with total revenue over the last 12 months being less than $1 million, indicating it is still in the research phase [4] Business Strategy - The company aims to fabricate its own quantum computing hardware, currently using facilities for testing and delivering prototypes, with plans to scale production to a commercial level over the next three years [5] Risks - Execution risk is significant, as scaling production is challenging, and the company may fall behind competitors who are already advancing in production capabilities [6] - Competition risk is heightened due to the rapid developments in the quantum computing space, with established players like Intel already scaling their operations [6] - Shareholder value dilution is a concern, as the company's cash position has been bolstered by issuing new shares, leading to an increasing outstanding share count [7]

Core Insights - The integration of quantum technology into drones is essential for advancing quantum networking, computing, and sensing across various domains [1][3][4] - The company is collaborating with a pioneering drone organization to enhance fleet coordination, surveillance, and signal detection using quantum computing and sensors [5][6] Quantum Technology Applications - Quantum sensors are currently utilized in submarines for inertial navigation and on ships, while quantum networks and computers are operational on land [2] - The partnership aims to embed quantum sensors into drone platforms for improved positioning and navigation capabilities [5] Performance and Achievements - The company has achieved significant advancements in quantum computing, including a 20x performance improvement over classical computation, reducing a month of processing to just a day and a half [9][10] - The latest quantum computer, announced recently, is reported to be 260 million times more powerful than previous models, with aspirations to further reduce computation time [10] Market Position and Financials - The company has raised $3 billion between July and October, establishing credibility in the quantum sector and enhancing government and private sector engagement [12] - Despite a 47% decline in share price from its peak, the company continues to pioneer in the quantum computing field, having invented the category in 1995 [11][12]

Core Insights - IBM Corp is collaborating with Cisco Systems to develop a network of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, aiming to provide a proof-of-concept within five years and complete the project by early next decade [1] Stock Performance - IBM shares have increased by 2.9%, reaching $296.81, following the announcement of the partnership with Cisco [1] - The stock recently experienced a pullback from its record high of $324.90 on November 12, but is up 35.2% year-to-date [2] Options Trading Activity - There has been a notable increase in put trading activity for IBM, with a 10-day put/call volume ratio of 0.91, ranking higher than 90% of readings from the past year [3] - Despite the increase in put activity, call options are still more prevalent in absolute terms, indicating a mixed sentiment among options traders [3] - IBM has a Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) of 93 out of 100, suggesting that the company tends to outperform options traders' volatility expectations [3]