A source of information and resource for small investors - "Patience is a Super Power" - "The Money is in the waiting"

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Which Quantum computing companies are now providing customers today with quantum solutions?

 




The most widely used quantum computing systems by customers today are primarily provided by IBM, D-Wave, and Amazon's AWS Braket.

  1. IBM's Quantum Systems: IBM's Qiskit platform is a leading quantum computing software stack used globally by enterprises, research institutions, and universities. It supports a variety of quantum computing activities and provides a robust framework for building, optimizing, and executing quantum circuits. IBM's quantum hardware and Qiskit software have been extensively adopted, making IBM one of the top providers in the quantum computing space​ (IBM Newsroom)​.

  2. D-Wave's Quantum Systems: D-Wave is known for its annealing quantum computers and has recently introduced the Advantage2 prototype with over 1,200 qubits. D-Wave's Leap quantum cloud service allows real-time access to its quantum processing units and hybrid solvers, which have been heavily utilized by customers for solving complex optimization problems​ (D-Wave Systems)​​ (The Quantum Insider)​.

  3. Amazon's AWS Braket: AWS Braket is a fully managed quantum computing service that offers access to various quantum computers from different providers, including D-Wave, IonQ, and Rigetti. It provides a flexible platform for users to develop and test quantum algorithms using a pay-as-you-go model. AWS Braket's accessibility and support for multiple quantum hardware backends make it a popular choice for quantum computing customers​ (The Quantum Insider)​.

Each of these platforms offers unique capabilities and is tailored to different types of quantum computing applications, contributing to their widespread use among customers.

IONQ, a prominent player in the quantum computing field, is known for its innovative trapped ion technology, which boasts long coherence times and high qubit fidelity. However, IONQ is not mentioned here (except as a supplier to Amazon Braket) primarily because the company's technology and market penetration are still evolving compared to established giants like IBM, D-Wave, and Amazon's AWS Braket. 

While IONQ has made significant strides in advancing quantum computing capabilities and achieving technical milestones, it is still in the early stages of widespread commercial adoption and scaling its systems to meet broader market demands​ (The Quantum Insider)​​ (The Quantum Insider)​.

Artificial Intelligence combined with Quantum computing will change society, business and technology in ways we cannot envision yet!





Tuesday, July 30, 2024

There are reasons why IONQ is considered a leader in developing and deploying Quantum computing technology!

IONQ's QPU chip

 IonQ's financial and technical positions are indicative of its growth and potential in the quantum computing space. Here’s a detailed look:

Financial Position

  1. Revenue and Growth: IonQ reported $7.6 million in revenue for Q1 2024, marking a 77% year-over-year increase. They have projected revenue between $37 million and $41 million for the entire year 2024, with anticipated bookings up to $95 million​ (IonQ Investors)​​ (HPCwire)​.

  2. Operating Expenses and Losses: The company incurred significant costs, with operating expenses totaling $60.5 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to substantial investments in research and development ($32.4 million) and general administrative costs ($14 million). This led to a net loss of approximately $52.9 million​ (IonQ Investors)​.

  3. Cash Position: As of Q1 2024, IonQ had a robust cash position with $434.4 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, providing a strong financial cushion to support ongoing and future operations​ (HPCwire)​.

Technical Position

  1. Technological Advancements: IonQ continues to lead in the quantum computing domain with its latest generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, which boasts 36 algorithmic qubits. This positions IonQ to handle increasingly complex computational tasks​ (IonQ Investors)​​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  2. Strategic Partnerships: IonQ’s inclusion in Amazon’s Braket Direct program is a significant milestone, providing broader access to its quantum computing capabilities through AWS. This partnership is expected to enhance IonQ’s market presence and drive revenue growth​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  3. Recognition and Milestones: The company’s advancements have been recognized by prominent listings such as Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. These accolades underscore IonQ's innovation and growth trajectory​ (IonQ Investors)​.

Expectations for August 7th Report

Given IonQ's recent performance and strategic initiatives, the upcoming financial report on August 7, 2024, is likely to focus on:

  • Continued revenue growth, possibly exceeding the $7.6 million reported in Q1.
  • Updates on new partnerships and expanded use cases for their quantum computers.
  • Further details on their financial outlook for the remainder of 2024, including potential revisions to their revenue and bookings guidance.
  • Progress on technological advancements and any new milestones achieved with their quantum computing systems.

Overall, IonQ is positioned for significant growth, driven by its technological innovations and strategic partnerships. Investors and stakeholders will be keenly watching the August 7th report for updates on these fronts​ (IonQ Investors)​​ (IonQ Investors)​​ (HPCwire)​​ (InvestorPlace)​.

IonQ's "trapped ion" quantum computing technology is considered to be at the forefront of quantum technology. Several factors contribute to its leading position:

  1. Precision and Stability: Trapped ion systems use individual ions suspended in electromagnetic fields, which are manipulated using laser pulses. This method provides highly precise control over quantum states and offers long coherence times, which are essential for effective quantum computations​ (IonQ Investors)​​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  2. High-Performance Systems: IonQ's latest system, the IonQ Forte, features 36 algorithmic qubits, which represent one of the highest qubit counts for commercially available quantum computers. This allows IonQ to tackle more complex computational problems compared to many other quantum systems​ (IonQ Investors)​.

  3. Industry Recognition and Partnerships: IonQ has been recognized for its technological advancements by being included in Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech list and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. Furthermore, its integration with Amazon's Braket Direct program significantly enhances its accessibility and usage in real-world applications​ (IonQ Investors)​​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  4. Competitive Edge in Quantum Computing: IonQ's technology is often highlighted for its scalability and reliability. The trapped ion approach is considered more scalable compared to other methods like superconducting qubits, which are used by companies such as IBM and Google​ (HPCwire)​​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  5. Academic and Research Collaborations: IonQ has established collaborations with various academic and research institutions, contributing to ongoing advancements in quantum computing. These partnerships help in refining their technology and expanding its applications​ (HPCwire)​​ (InvestorPlace)​.

Overall, IonQ’s trapped ion technology is not only at the forefront of quantum computing due to its technical specifications and performance but also because of its strategic collaborations and industry recognition. 

This positions IonQ as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

update: Aug 6th 2024 

IONQ will design a first of it's kind, multi-node, blind, quantum computing system for ARLIS!

This contract extends IONQ's work with the U.S. Federal Government on quantum initiatives and technical advancements!

Quantum computing technology will advance Ai tech exponentially in the coming years, and in fact, "exponentially" may be too small a word!

As the Quantum age takes shape, the emergence of quantum computing and its capabilities may disrupt various industries. Avoiding these could save an investor a lot of money!


As Ai and Blockchain merge, we thought we would explore opportunities in that mix. Here is the result!

 


Here are the top 5 cryptocurrency coins that combine the technologies of blockchain and AI as of 2024:

  1. Fetch.ai (FET): Fetch.ai focuses on creating a decentralized digital economy with autonomous software agents performing tasks on behalf of individuals and organizations. These agents use AI to provide various services like automated trading and optimizing supply chains​ (Web3 & Blockchain Training)​​ (Blockonomi)​.

  2. The Graph (GRT): The Graph is a decentralized indexing protocol that uses blockchain to collect and organize data, making it accessible for decentralized applications (DApps). It employs AI to enhance data querying and retrieval, improving the efficiency of data access across different blockchain networks​ (ZebPay)​​ (Web3 & Blockchain Training)​.

  3. SingularityNET (AGIX): SingularityNET provides a decentralized platform for AI services, allowing developers to share and monetize AI technologies. It leverages blockchain for secure transactions and integrates multiple AI services to solve complex problems collaboratively​ (Web3 & Blockchain Training)​​ (Blockonomi)​.

  4. Ocean Protocol (OCEAN): Ocean Protocol is a decentralized data exchange protocol aimed at democratizing data access. It uses AI to manage and process data securely and efficiently, facilitating data sharing and monetization while ensuring privacy​ (Web3 & Blockchain Training)​​ (coin bureau)​.

  5. Render (RNDR): Render is a distributed GPU network based on the Ethereum blockchain, designed to provide high-end 3D graphics and animation rendering services. It combines blockchain for secure transactions and AI to distribute rendering tasks across the network, making it more accessible and cost-effective for creators​ (ZebPay)​​ (Blockonomi)​.

These projects illustrate the powerful combination of blockchain and AI, driving innovations across various sectors from data management to decentralized economies.


As of July 2024, the top cryptocurrency that combines blockchain and AI technologies among Fetch.ai, The Graph, SingularityNET, Ocean Protocol, and Render is:

the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI)

This new token results from the recent merger of Fetch.ai (FET), SingularityNET (AGIX), and Ocean Protocol (OCEAN).

The merger aimed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, creating a significant market presence with a combined estimated value of $7.5 billion. The conversion rates were set to allow token holders to swap their existing tokens into ASI, with Fetch.ai tokens converting at a 1:1 ratio, and both SingularityNET and Ocean Protocol tokens converting at approximately 0.433 ASI per token​ (Fetch.ai Platform)​​ (CoinMarketCap)​​ (Binance)​.

This consolidation positions the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance as a leading entity in the AI and blockchain space, leveraging the strengths of all three original projects to drive forward innovations in decentralized AI technology.

Editors note: we have no positions in any of these coins at this writing!

Quantum computing technology will advance Ai tech exponentially in the coming years, and in fact, "exponentially" may be too small a word!

Monday, July 29, 2024

In Quantum Computing as in other new technologies, early partnerships usually benefit first movers, and Dwave Quantum just signed another partner!

 




While D-Wave Quantum recently expanded its partnership with Zapata AI to integrate quantum computing and generative AI solutions, aiming to accelerate the development of these technologies, additionally, D-Wave is deploying its second US-based Advantage™ quantum computer at Davidson Technologies' new global headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. 

This system will support sensitive applications in national security and provide broader access to quantum computing for government agencies and other customers via the Leap™ quantum cloud service​ (D-Wave Systems)​.

  1. Partnerships and Deployments: Recent partnerships and deployments, such as the Advantage quantum computer at Davidson Technologies, demonstrate growth and application in critical sectors like national security.
  2. Market Position: D-Wave is a pioneer in quantum computing, offering both annealing and gate-model quantum computers.

Cons:

  1. Financial Health: Quantum computing is a nascent industry, and companies often face significant R&D costs and operational challenges.
  2. Market Volatility: Stocks in emerging tech sectors can be highly volatile.

How D-Wave Benefits:

  1. Enhanced Market Presence: The deployment of a second U.S.-based Advantage system strengthens D-Wave's market presence in the United States, especially within the defense sector.

  2. Revenue and Customer Base Growth: By offering quantum computing capabilities to Davidson Technologies' government and commercial customers, D-Wave can expand its customer base and revenue streams.

  3. National Security Applications: The collaboration emphasizes D-Wave's commitment to national security, potentially opening doors for further governmental contracts and applications.

  4. Technology Validation: Being chosen to provide technology for sensitive applications helps validate the robustness and reliability of D-Wave’s quantum systems, boosting its reputation.

  5. Innovation and Development: The partnership promotes innovation and development in quantum computing applications, which can lead to new technological advancements and solutions.

The partnership between D-Wave and Davidson Technologies involves deploying a second U.S.-based Advantage™ quantum computer at Davidson's new headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. This system will be accessible to D-Wave customers via the Leap™ quantum cloud service initially and later may be dedicated to sensitive applications. 

This collaboration aims to advance quantum computing adoption, particularly in national security, providing Davidson's government customers with direct access to quantum technology, enhancing their ability to address critical defense challenges​ (D-Wave Systems)​.

Summary

The partnership with Davidson Technologies enables D-Wave to expand its quantum computing applications in national security, grow its customer base, and strengthen its market presence in the U.S. This collaboration underscores the company's role in addressing critical defense challenges through advanced technology solutions.

In contrast, the partnership with Zapata AI centers around integrating D-Wave's quantum computing technology with Zapata's quantum software platform, Orquestra®, to enhance generative AI and quantum machine learning solutions. This collaboration is more about software and algorithm development, targeting broader commercial applications rather than specific government or defense uses.

Reasons why IONQ is leading the quantum computing race, the burgeoning QCAAS market and the Quantum Ai race!

Summary of Key Differences:

  • Davidson Technologies Partnership:

    • Focus: Deployment of hardware (Advantage™ quantum computer)
    • Sector: National security and defense
    • Objective: Provide secure, sensitive computing capabilities
  • Zapata AI Partnership:

    • Focus: Integration of quantum computing with AI software (Orquestra® platform)
    • Sector: Commercial applications
    • Objective: Enhance generative AI and quantum machine learning solutions

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Here are five future technology stocks trading near their all time lows. Are they buying opportunities? Only time will tell!

 


To provide an informed perspective on these stocks (STEM, DNA, PLUG, EDIT, AEVA), let's analyze each company based on their technology innovation, market position, and merger possibilities.

1. STEM, Inc. (STEM)

  • Technology Innovation: STEM focuses on energy storage solutions and AI-driven energy management. Their Athena platform is a leader in smart energy storage and optimization.
  • Market Position: With increasing global emphasis on renewable energy and grid stability, STEM is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
  • Merger Possibilities: STEM could be an attractive acquisition target for larger energy companies looking to enhance their smart grid and energy storage capabilities.

2. Ginkgo Bioworks (DNA)


Technology Innovation: Ginkgo Bioworks is a leader in synthetic biology, offering cell programming services across various industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial biotechnology.

  • Market Position: As a pioneer in synthetic biology, Ginkgo has a strong position, with partnerships and collaborations enhancing its market reach.
  • Merger Possibilities: Ginkgo's technology platform makes it a potential target for large pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies aiming to integrate advanced synthetic biology capabilities.

3. Plug Power Inc. (PLUG)

  • Technology Innovation: Plug Power specializes in hydrogen fuel cell solutions, which are critical for the future of clean energy and decarbonization efforts, particularly in transportation and industrial applications.
  • Market Position: Plug Power is a market leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology and has significant partnerships, including those with major automotive and logistics companies.
  • Merger Possibilities: Given the global push towards green hydrogen, Plug Power could be a strategic acquisition for energy giants or automotive companies aiming to bolster their clean energy portfolios.

4. Editas Medicine, Inc. (EDIT)

  • Technology Innovation: Editas Medicine is a prominent player in gene editing, leveraging CRISPR technology to develop therapies for genetic diseases.
  • Market Position: Editas holds a strong intellectual property portfolio and is advancing several clinical programs, positioning itself well in the competitive gene-editing landscape.
  • Merger Possibilities: The biopharmaceutical industry is ripe for consolidation, and Editas could attract interest from larger pharmaceutical companies seeking to expand their gene therapy pipelines.

5. Aeva Technologies, Inc. (AEVA)

  • Technology Innovation: Aeva develops next-generation sensing technology, including 4D LiDAR, which is crucial for autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
  • Market Position: Aeva's innovative technology and strategic partnerships with automotive OEMs position it well in the burgeoning autonomous vehicle market.
  • Merger Possibilities: Aeva could be an attractive acquisition target for automotive giants or technology companies looking to strengthen their autonomous driving capabilities.

Investment Expectations

  • Technology Innovation: All these companies are leaders or strong contenders in their respective fields, driven by cutting-edge technology.
  • Market Position: Each company has a unique market position that leverages their technological strengths, with strong growth potential in their industries.
  • Merger Possibilities: The potential for mergers and acquisitions is significant, given their innovative technologies and strategic importance to larger players in their sectors.

Conclusion

Investing in these stocks could be promising, given their strong technological foundations and market positions. However, it's essential to consider the volatility and inherent risks associated with high-tech and biotech companies. Diversifying investments and staying informed about industry trends and company developments will be crucial for managing risk and maximizing potential returns.

Among the companies mentioned, here are the ones currently trading near their all-time lows:

1. Ginkgo Bioworks (DNA)

  • Current Price: Approximately $0.30
  • Historical Context: This price is significantly close to its 52-week low of $0.26, indicating it is trading near its all-time low levels​ (MarketBeat)​.

2. Editas Medicine (EDIT)

  • Current Price: Approximately $5.65
  • Historical Context: Editas has seen substantial declines, and its current trading price is near its all-time lows, reflecting a significant drop from previous higher levels​ (Stock Analysis)​.

3. Aeva Technologies (AEVA)

  • Current Price: Approximately $3.66
  • Historical Context: Aeva's current price is close to its all-time lows, especially considering the company's recent performance and stock price history​ (Stock Analysis)​.

Analysis and Expectations

  • DNA (Ginkgo Bioworks): Trading near its all-time low suggests potential for significant upside if the company can leverage its synthetic biology platform for commercial success and partnerships.

  • EDIT (Editas Medicine): Being near its all-time low could present a buying opportunity, especially if their gene-editing therapies progress successfully through clinical trials.




  • AEVA (Aeva Technologies): Close to all-time low, reflecting market skepticism, but their 4D LiDAR technology could be a game-changer if autonomous driving and ADAS markets grow.


Given the current trading levels, investing in these stocks could be seen as high-risk, high-reward.

These low prices might be appealing for long-term investors who believe in the underlying technologies and market positions of these companies. However, it's crucial to stay informed about ongoing developments and market conditions that could affect these stocks.

Discl: we are long four of these stocks!

Related Articles:

Here are ten small-cap, publicly traded companies that are incorporating cutting-edge AI technology into healthcare!


Saturday, July 27, 2024

Avoiding some investments can be a real boon to your portfolio. Here is a list of the top ten "Stocks to avoid" right now according to stock analysts!

 


Based on recent market analyses, here are some stocks that experts recommend avoiding at all costs due to significant risks and challenges:

  1. GameStop (GME): Once a retail investor favorite, GameStop has struggled with its transition to e-commerce and faces significant leadership challenges. Analysts predict a bleak future for the company due to its failure to adapt to digital market trends and ongoing operational difficulties​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  2. Lucid Group (LCID): Despite high aspirations in the EV market, Lucid Group has struggled to meet vehicle delivery targets and faces significant financial challenges. Its reliance on raising additional capital and inability to compete effectively with established players like Tesla make it a risky investment​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  3. Peloton Interactive (PTON): Peloton has seen a sharp decline in demand post-pandemic. The company's high valuation during its peak has not been sustained, and it is now facing inventory issues and decreasing consumer interest​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  4. Moderna (MRNA): With the decline in COVID-19 vaccine sales, Moderna has struggled to maintain its revenue and profitability. The company faces significant challenges in developing other mRNA-based therapies, and insider selling indicates a lack of confidence in its future prospects​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  5. Carvana (CVNA): The online used car retailer is facing a challenging environment for used car sales. Its valuation does not align well with its fundamentals, and decreasing short interest suggests limited future short squeeze opportunities​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  6. CrowdStrike (CRWD): Despite being a leader in cloud-delivered endpoint protection, CrowdStrike has faced significant challenges, including a technical glitch causing a global IT outage. Its high valuation compared to industry peers raises concerns about its future performance​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​.

  7. Fortinet (FTNT): Fortinet has seen declining sales of its firewall products and faces significant competition. Its stock has underperformed relative to peers, and its revenue growth has slowed considerably, making it a risky investment​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​.

  8. CyberArk (CYBR): CyberArk is experiencing intense competition and market saturation. Its high stock valuation and competition from larger players like Microsoft pose significant risks​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​.

  9. Sears Holdings (SHLDQ): Sears has been in a prolonged decline, with multiple store closures and ongoing financial struggles. The company has faced significant challenges in adapting to the modern retail environment and continues to operate under bankruptcy conditions​ (InvestorPlace)​.

  10. J.C. Penney (JCPNQ): Similar to Sears, J.C. Penney has faced long-term financial difficulties and has been unable to adapt to the changing retail landscape. The company's ongoing struggles with debt and store closures make it a highly risky investment​ (InvestorPlace)​.

These stocks are considered high-risk due to various factors such as financial instability, inability to adapt to market changes, and intense competition. Investors are advised to avoid these stocks to safeguard their investments.

Investor bias is a problem for many! How to avoid investor bias!


Investor bias is a problem for many when evaluating whether or not to invest! Here are some ways to avoid confirmation and investment biases

 




Investors can use several strategies to avoid the tendency to interpret ambiguous information in ways that fit their preexisting beliefs or biases when evaluating an investment or stock. Here are some effective methods:

Strategies to Avoid Interpretation Bias in Investment

  1. Awareness of Cognitive Biases:

    • Confirmation Bias: Be aware of the tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms your preconceptions.
    • Anchoring Bias: Avoid relying too heavily on the first piece of information you receive (the "anchor") when making decisions.
  2. Diversification of Information Sources:

    • Multiple Sources: Gather information from a variety of sources, including financial news, analyst reports, and independent research.
    • Contrarian Perspectives: Actively seek out and consider viewpoints that challenge your current beliefs.
  3. Critical Thinking and Skepticism:

    • Question Assumptions: Regularly question your assumptions and the validity of the information you receive.
    • Evaluate Evidence: Focus on hard data and empirical evidence rather than opinions or speculation.
  4. Quantitative Analysis:

    • Financial Metrics: Use financial metrics and ratios (e.g., P/E ratio, ROI, ROE) to objectively evaluate a company's performance.
    • Historical Data: Analyze historical performance data to identify trends and patterns.
  5. Structured Evaluation Frameworks:

    • SWOT Analysis: Use SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to systematically evaluate the investment.
    • Investment Checklists: Create a checklist of criteria that an investment must meet before you consider it, ensuring you evaluate all relevant factors.
  6. Diversification of Portfolio:

    • Avoid Overconcentration: Diversify your investments to reduce risk and avoid the impact of bias toward a single stock or sector.
    • Risk Management: Use strategies like asset allocation and rebalancing to manage risk.
  7. Professional Advice:

    • Consult Financial Advisors: Seek advice from financial advisors or investment professionals who can provide an objective perspective.
    • Follow Analyst Consensus: Consider the consensus recommendations from multiple analysts to get a balanced view.
  8. Regular Review and Reflection:

    • Periodic Review: Regularly review your investment decisions and their outcomes to learn from past mistakes and successes.
    • Bias Reflection: Reflect on any biases that may have influenced past decisions and consider how to mitigate them in the future.

Practical Example

Consider an investor evaluating a tech stock with mixed reviews. Here’s how to apply these strategies:

  1. Gather Diverse Information:

    • Read reports from multiple analysts, including both bullish and bearish perspectives.
    • Look at financial news, company press releases, and independent research.
  2. Perform Quantitative Analysis:

    • Examine key financial metrics like revenue growth, profit margins, and debt levels.
    • Analyze historical performance and compare it with industry peers.
  3. Use Structured Evaluation:

    • Conduct a SWOT analysis to understand the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
    • Apply an investment checklist to ensure all critical factors are considered.
  4. Consult Professionals:

    • Discuss the investment with a financial advisor who can provide an objective opinion.
    • Review analyst consensus to see the broader market sentiment.
  5. Reflect and Review:

    • Periodically review the stock's performance and your investment thesis.
    • Reflect on any biases that may have influenced your decision and how you can avoid them in the future.

By systematically applying these strategies, an investor can reduce the influence of personal and cultural biases, leading to more rational and informed investment decisions.