Quantum computing is an early-stage technology that carries risks but also offers great long-term rewards for investors who get in early. This technology promises to accelerate computing power, potentially leading to significant scientific breakthroughs, but over time, the use cases could be numerous.
McKinsey estimates the quantum computing market could be valued at $1 trillion or more in the next decade. Here are two stocks that could benefit from this growth.
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IonQ
IonQ (IONQ 1.63%) is one of the best pure-play stocks to buy in the quantum computing market. It has been investing in this technology for over 20 years. The company says its Tempo computing system offers a computational space that is 36 quadrillion times larger than competitors, but the most telling sign of its potential is its revenue growth.
It is focused on commercializing its quantum computers through cloud partners and other enterprise agreements. It's still early, but so far it is seeing significant progress, with revenue growing 222% year over year in the third quarter. The consensus estimate has revenue reaching $192 million in the current fiscal year before increasing to $316 million next year.
NYSE: IONQ
Key Data Points
IonQ has the benefit of growing off a small base to deliver explosive returns to investors, but this also comes with risks. The relatively low amount of revenue underscores the technology's early-stage nature and the need for patience. This is a volatile stock, currently down 58% from its recent peak amid a broad sell-off in tech stocks.
It's also expensive, trading at a sales multiple of 109. Investors will need to watch for steady technical progress in developing its quantum computing systems, including reducing error rates and addressing security concerns. This will be crucial to enable widespread commercial adoption. If IonQ can execute and continue to grow revenue at high rates, it has the makings of a rewarding investment. IonQ's $12 billion market cap is still relatively low given the technology's long-term potential.
Nvidia
Quantum development is compute-intensive and still relies on traditional processing and software. Researchers need this to run quantum simulations and prototypes. This requires tremendous resources, providing an opportunity for Nvidia (NVDA 1.28%).
NASDAQ: NVDA
Key Data Points
Nvidia is a leading supplier of graphics processing units (GPUs) for artificial intelligence and other use cases. The company sees quantum computing as another market to expand its leadership in GPUs. For example, Nvidia's NVQLink high-speed interconnect links GPUs to specialized quantum chips, enabling accelerated computing for quantum systems.
Nvidia is not just a chip company; it also offers high-value solutions across industries. IonQ is using Nvidia's CUDA-Q software to make quantum computing easier to use for enterprises. These high-value solutions are why Nvidia generated $99 billion in net income on $187 billion in revenue over the trailing 12 months.
The best thing about investing in Nvidia is the attractive valuation. The stock trades at 24 times this year's earnings estimate, making it a solid complementary holding to counterbalance IonQ's high valuation. If quantum computing takes off in the next 10 years, Nvidia is positioned to benefit.
