Stocks to buy

Quantum Computing Pioneers: 3 Stocks to Watch

Investing in top quantum computing stocks is increasingly capturing the market’s attention as this revolutionary technology advances. These companies, at the vanguard of research and development, are unlocking significant growth opportunities as quantum computing matures.

According to Future Market Insights, the global quantum computing market is projected to be valued at an impressive $784 million in 2023. Even more striking, market revenue is expected to skyrocket to an astonishing $6.5 billion by 2033. And with that, a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.5% between 2023 and 2033 is expected. This surge underscores the sector’s potential and the growing investor interest in quantum computing.

Despite being predominantly in the research and development phase, quantum computing is evolving rapidly. It is becoming more affordable and accessible, thanks to cloud computing advancements. Indeed, the demand for enhanced computing power is growing with the expansion of the digital economy and artificial intelligence. So, these are the three quantum computing stalwarts to watch for stellar investment returns.

IonQ (IONQ)

A concept image of a processor representing quantum computing. IONQ Stock

Source: Amin Van / Shutterstock.com

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) emerges as a standout in the quantum computing sector and a top choice for investors focused on this cutting-edge sector. The company’s robust engineering team and strategic partnership with Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) underscores its promising potential. This collaboration is instrumental in boosting both IonQ’s computing capabilities and its expanding user base.

Moreover, the company’s collaboration extends to working with Zapata AI, renowned for its quantum-powered generative AI solutions. Supported by DARPA funding, IonQ and Zapata are developing new quantum benchmarking tools. Truly, it’s a testament to their pioneering spirit in the quantum field.

Financially, IonQ’s prowess is evident in its recent earnings report. The third quarter saw revenues hitting $6.1 million, a whopping 122% surge year over year (YOY), surpassing market expectations by $1.1 million. Additionally, their quarter bookings reached $26.3 million, contributing to a hefty $58.4 million year to date (YTD). Also, IonQ is cumulatively amassing $100 million in bookings since 2021. Hence, this trajectory cements IonQ’s solid market position and bright prospects.

Microsoft (MSFT)

microsoft stock

Source: Peteri / Shutterstock.com

For investors eyeing the quantum computing space, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) emerges as a compelling option, stretching its influence across various tech sectors. The tech behemoth is carving a unique path in quantum computing, notably with its Q# development kit. This toolkit provides a virtual sandbox for developers. Further, it enables experimentation with quantum systems in both commercial and research settings before actual deployment.

Moreover, Microsoft’s quantum strategy sets it apart, opting for a research-intensive route, unlike peers such as IonQ. This approach, while demanding more time and resources, underlines the company’s commitment to pioneering in this field. In the first quarter of 2024, Microsoft reported robust financials. It outperformed expectations with earnings per share of $2.99 and revenues of $56.52 billion, indicating a 12.76% increase YOY.

Furthermore, with quantum computing set to enhance AI’s capabilities, Microsoft emerges as a stable and promising investment. Its approach to quantum computing, coupled with strong financial performance, positions it as a less risky yet innovative choice in the evolving quantum landscape.

Nvidia (NVDA)

NVIDIA company logo on smartphone against background of red stock chart. Business crisis, collapse of trading and investment, bankruptcy, falling value concept. NVDA stock

Source: Sergio Photone / Shutterstock.com

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) stands out as a frontrunner in advanced semiconductor designs, with its graphics processing units (GPUs) revolutionizing next-gen technologies. These GPUs are central to Nvidia’s role in developing quantum computers, maintaining its dominance in intricate circuitry design. The company’s expertise in AI and machine learning further bolsters its tech position.

Moreover, innovation at Nvidia extends to cuQuantum, a software development kit designed to bolster quantum computing efforts. This move exemplifies Nvidia’s strategy to repurpose its GPU software for quantum computing advancements. Additionally, the early 2023 launch of DGX Quantum, which combines top-tier GPUs with Quantum Machines’ hardware, underscores Nvidia’s commitment to advancing quantum computing research. It promises wide-ranging applications from enhancing jet engine efficiency to accelerating drug development.

Furthermore, the company’s third-quarter 2024 results showcased a record-breaking $18.12 billion in revenue, marking a significant milestone. This robust financial performance offers investors both stability and promising growth potential, reinforcing Nvidia’s status as a key player in the evolving tech landscape.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor’s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.

Newsletter