So, What's new at IONQ?

 IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, has recently achieved several significant milestones:​arxiv.org+18Wikipedia+18Barron's+18

• Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: In February 2025, IonQ announced the acquisition of a majority stake in ID Quantique, a Swiss firm specializing in quantum-safe encryption. Concurrently, they entered a strategic partnership with SK Telecom, South Korea's largest wireless telecom operator. These moves aim to bolster IonQ's position in quantum networking and security. ​Barron's

• Financial Performance: IonQ reported fourth-quarter 2024 revenue of $11.7 million, contributing to a full-year revenue of $43.1 million—a 95% increase compared to the previous year. Despite this growth, the company recorded a net loss of $220 million for the quarter, with cash reserves decreasing to $363.8 million. ​IonQ+4Barron's+4Kiplinger.com+4

• Leadership Changes: Niccolo de Masi was appointed as the new CEO and president, succeeding Peter Chapman, who transitioned to the role of executive chairman. De Masi, a physicist by training, previously led the special purpose acquisition company that facilitated IonQ's public listing in 2021. ​Barron's+1Wikipedia+1

• Technological Advancements: IonQ continues to make strides in quantum computing technology. In September 2024, the company achieved a two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.9% using barium-based qubits. They aim to reach 99.999% fidelity by the end of 2025, enhancing the performance and reliability of their quantum systems. ​Reddit+1Kiplinger.com+1

• Stock Market Activity: Following a period of stock price decline, IonQ director Bill Scannell purchased approximately $2 million worth of shares on March 12, 2025, indicating insider confidence in the company's future prospects. ​Barron's

These developments underscore IonQ's commitment to advancing quantum computing technology and expanding its market presence.​

Recent News on IonQ's Financial Performance and Market Activity

Barron's

IonQ -A Director Just Made a Big Buy of Shares.

8 days ago

Investor's Business Daily

IonQ Chair: Don't Short Nvidia Because Of Quantum Computing

8 days ago

In November 2024, IonQ demonstrated an end-to-end application workflow that combined the capabilities of its IonQ Forte quantum system with NVIDIA's CUDA-Q platform. This integration focused on molecular electronic structure calculations, showcasing potential applications in fields like drug discovery and chemistry. By leveraging NVIDIA's A100 Tensor Core GPUs alongside IonQ's quantum processors, the workflow exemplified how quantum processing units (QPUs) can collaborate with classical accelerated computing resources to solve complex problems more efficiently. ​Yahoo Finance+2IoT World Today+2SDXCentral+2Quantum Computing Report+1IoT World Today+1

NVIDIA's CUDA-Q is an open-source platform designed to streamline hybrid quantum-classical computing by enabling seamless integration and programming of QPUs, GPUs, and CPUs within a single system. This collaboration underscores IonQ's commitment to advancing practical quantum applications by combining quantum hardware with AI supercomputing resources. ​Reddit+5NVIDIA Developer+5IoT World Today+5IoT World Today

Furthermore, at NVIDIA's annual developer conference in March 2025, IonQ's Executive Chair joined a panel discussion with NVIDIA's CEO to explore the integration of quantum computing with classical systems, highlighting the ongoing partnership and shared vision for the future of computing. ​IonQ

IONQ is a first mover in Quantum advancement and commercialization

​IonQ is a prominent player in the global quantum computing landscape, recognized for its innovative approach and contributions to the field. The company specializes in trapped-ion quantum computing, utilizing individual atoms as qubits, which offers advantages such as long coherence times and high-fidelity operations. This positions IonQ alongside major tech companies like IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon in the pursuit of advancing quantum technologies. ​Technology Magazine+1SpinQ+1BlueQubit

In terms of commercialization, IonQ has demonstrated significant progress.

The company reported a 95% increase in annual revenue for 2024, reaching $43.1 million. This growth reflects IonQ's expanding influence and the growing interest in quantum computing solutions. ​

IonQ's technological advancements are also noteworthy. 

The company achieved a two-qubit gate fidelity exceeding 99.9% on its barium-based quantum systems, a critical milestone for developing practical, enterprise-grade quantum computers. ​PR Distribution & Investor Relations

Furthermore, IonQ's strategic partnerships and collaborations have enhanced its position in the quantum computing ecosystem. The company has integrated its quantum hardware with platforms like NVIDIA's CUDA-Q, facilitating hybrid quantum-classical computing workflows. Additionally, IonQ's presence in College Park, Maryland, contributes to the area's emergence as a significant hub for quantum research and development. ​Business Insider

Overall, IonQ's combination of technical innovation, commercial growth, and strategic alliances underscores its influential role in the global advancement and commercialization of quantum computing.

Update Apr 2 2025

Shares of IonQ climbed after the company said its flagship quantum computer is officially available to customers globally through a partnership with Amazon Web Services.

The stock rose 5% to $23.11 on Tuesday. Shares have gained 132% over the past 12 months.

IonQ said its Forte Enterprise computer is now accessible via Amazon Braket, a managed quantum computing service from AWS. The service has a high bar for commercial availability, and also hosts IonQ's Aria and Forte quantum computers, the company said.

Forte Enterprise is also available on the IonQ Quantum Cloud, the company said.

The computer offers #AQ36 performance for enterprise customers to develop applications in life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and other industries, the company said. (Dow Jones)

Quantum Computing Leadership: Here is a "Deep Dive" look at IONQ 10 years after it was founded in 2015

Did we just witness the first actual building blocks of a future Quantum Internet as IONQ acquires ID Quantique?

Google's advancements in all three of the most prolific new technologies, it's large online footprint, cash position and financials are compelling!

 

Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) has recently experienced a pullback in its stock price, presenting a potential opportunity for investors. As of March 27, 2025, GOOG is trading at $166.51, down from its 52-week high of $208.70 reached on February 4, 2025.​Key Metrics

---

Open166.84

Day Range165.58 - 167.94

52 Week Range148.20 - 208.70

Volume6.4M

Alphabet's strategic investments in emerging technologies underscore its commitment to innovation and diversification:​

• Waymo:
  
  Alphabet's autonomous driving subsidiary has expanded its robotaxi services to cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, managing over 150,000 weekly trips. ​AP News

• Artificial Intelligence (AI):
  
  The company continues to advance its AI capabilities, with the Gemini 2.0 model and custom AI chips like Trillium enhancing its competitive edge. ​Financial Times+1Barron's+1

• Quantum Computing:
  
  Alphabet unveiled its quantum computing chip, Willow, capable of performing complex calculations in minutes that would take classical computers an impractical amount of time. ​Apple Podcasts+3en.wikipedia.org+3Financial Times+3

These initiatives position Alphabet at the forefront of technological innovation, potentially driving long-term growth. However, it's essential to consider factors such as market volatility, regulatory challenges, and the competitive landscape. Consulting with a financial advisor is recommended to ensure alignment with your investment goals and risk tolerance.​

​Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), the parent company of Google, stands as a global leader in technology, offering a diverse portfolio that spans search, advertising, cloud computing, and cutting-edge innovations in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. This report provides an in-depth analysis of Alphabet's ventures in these key areas, alongside a comprehensive overview of its current business operations, financial performance, strategic partnerships, client base, institutional investors, cash position, and competitive landscape.​

1. Technological Innovations

a. Waymo (Autonomous Vehicles):

Waymo now serves over 150,000 driverless rides every single week!

Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving subsidiary, has made significant strides in the self-driving car industry. In October 2024, Waymo secured a $5.6 billion funding round led by Alphabet, with participation from investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity, and Tiger Global. This capital infusion aims to expand Waymo's robotaxi services beyond existing markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix to new cities including Austin and Atlanta. As of late 2024, Waymo's autonomous vehicles were completing approximately 150,000 trips per week, reflecting rapid growth in user adoption. ​Investor's Business Daily+2The Verge+2Axios+2Investor's Business Daily

b. Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Alphabet continues to advance its AI capabilities, notably through the development of the Gemini 2.0 model. Announced in December 2024, Gemini 2.0 offers enhanced performance with swift response times. Complementary projects like Project Mariner, an AI agent assisting users with real-time tasks, and Jules, a coding assistant, further demonstrate Alphabet's commitment to integrating AI across its product offerings. ​Barron's

c. Quantum Computing:

In December 2024, Alphabet unveiled "Willow," a quantum computing chip capable of solving complex problems in under five minutes—a task that would take current supercomputers an impractical amount of time. This breakthrough positions Alphabet at the forefront of quantum computing, with potential applications in fields such as drug discovery, fusion energy, and battery design. ​New York Post

2. Current Business Operations and Financial Performance

Alphabet's business model is predominantly driven by advertising revenue, supplemented by its growing cloud computing services and hardware sales.
In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Alphabet reported total revenues of $282.8 billion, marking a 12% year-over-year increase. Net income for the same period was $100.1 billion, with diluted earnings per share of $8.04. The company's robust financial performance underscores its ability to monetize its diverse product ecosystem effectively. ​DEV Community

3. Strategic Partnerships and Client Base

Alphabet maintains a vast network of partnerships across various industries:​

• Waymo Collaborations: Waymo has partnered with Uber to integrate its autonomous vehicles into the Uber app in select cities, enhancing the accessibility of its robotaxi services. ​The Verge

• Cloud Computing Clients: Google Cloud serves a diverse clientele, ranging from startups to large enterprises, offering AI-driven solutions, infrastructure, and productivity tools. Notable clients include major corporations across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail.​InsiderFinance Wire+1DEV Community+1

4. Institutional Investors and Cash Position

As of January 28, 2025, Alphabet had 5.833 million shares of Class A stock outstanding, 860 million shares of Class B stock, and 5.497 million shares of Class C stock. The company's stock ownership is concentrated, with co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin beneficially owning approximately 52.1% of the voting power. Alphabet's strong cash position, bolstered by substantial cash reserves, provides flexibility for strategic investments and cushioning against market volatility. ​Alphabet Investor RelationsTrendSpider

5. Competitive Landscape

Alphabet operates in a highly competitive environment:​

• Advertising: Competitors include Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) and emerging social media platforms vying for digital advertising market share.​

• Cloud Computing:

  
  
  Google Cloud competes with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, both of which hold significant market shares in the cloud infrastructure sector.​

• AI and Quantum Computing: In AI, Alphabet faces competition from companies like OpenAI and Microsoft. In quantum computing, rivals include IBM and emerging startups dedicated to advancing quantum technologies.​

6. Conclusion

Alphabet Inc.'s strategic investments in autonomous vehicles, AI, and quantum computing position it as a leader in technological innovation. Its robust financial performance, strategic partnerships, and strong cash reserves underscore its resilience and capacity for sustained growth. However, investors should remain cognizant of the competitive pressures and regulatory challenges inherent in the technology sector.

Ed Note:

We began "inching" into GOOG stock this week!​

Investor's Business Daily

Google Flexes Its Tech Muscles With Quantum Computing Chip, Waymo

The Verge

Waymo raised $5.6 billion to spread robotaxis to more cities

New York Post

Google's quantum computing breakthrough

UiPath will be a big winner in the Ai race going forward, says Deep Research (ChatGPT)

UiPath (PATH) is among the next three big AI winners because it's in a unique position at the intersection of AI and automation—one of the highest-growth areas in enterprise tech. Here's why UiPath stands out:

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🧠 1. Combining AI + Automation (RPA)

UiPath isn’t just an automation tool anymore—it's now embedding generative AI and LLMs deeply into its platform. Think of it as the "brains + hands" of the enterprise:

• Hands: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – bots that handle repetitive tasks.

• Brains: Generative AI copilots that can make decisions, understand documents, and even hold conversations.

UiPath is turning traditional workflows into autonomous systems, something most enterprises urgently want to achieve.

---

🌍 2. Real-World Adoption & Use Cases

UiPath is already deeply embedded in thousands of major enterprises across industries like finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing.

• Companies are using it for:

  • Invoice and document processing.

  • HR onboarding/offboarding.

  • Compliance workflows.

  • Customer support automation.

And now with generative AI, they’re scaling these use cases 10x faster and smarter.

---

🤝 3. Strategic Partnerships

UiPath is working directly with OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google Cloud to supercharge its platform with LLMs.

• Example: Integration with Azure OpenAI lets companies add GPT to workflows without having to build anything from scratch.

• It’s also working with AWS Bedrock and Google’s Vertex AI.

---

📈 4. Strong Growth Metrics

Even in a tough macro environment, UiPath is growing steadily:

• Over $1.3B in ARR.

• Solid gross margins (~85%+).

• Moving toward profitability and strong free cash flow.

• Enterprise renewal rates remain high.

---

🔮 5. Positioned for AI-Led Digital Transformation

As companies look to cut costs and boost productivity via AI, UiPath is one of the few platforms that:

• Can plug into legacy systems (SAP, Oracle, mainframes).

• Offers low-code/no-code automation tools.

• Gives companies a tangible ROI within months.

---

TL;DR:

UiPath isn’t trying to compete with OpenAI—it’s helping enterprises actually use OpenAI-like tools in their everyday systems. That’s a huge opportunity, and why it's quietly becoming a giant in AI-driven transformation.

USA Presidential elections have a real impact on stock markets. So, How can one position oneself in the first year?

If we use the election cycle as a guide, especially for U.S. presidential elections, there are some historical patterns investors often pay attention to:

• Post-election years (like 2025) often bring policy shifts (stimulus, deregulation, defense spending, etc.) that affect certain sectors.

• The first year of a presidency often includes new government programs, spending packages, and regulatory changes—this can mean big moves for companies exposed to government contracts or regulation.

So, if we go by history and themes that often play well in post-election years, here are a few sectors and example companies to watch for potential gains in 2025:

---

⚙️ 1. Defense & Aerospace

New administrations (regardless of party) often increase defense budgets or reallocate them. Global tensions also drive this.

• Lockheed Martin (LMT)

• Northrop Grumman (NOC)

• Palantir Technologies (PLTR) – also benefits from defense + AI + government contracting.

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🏗️ 2. Infrastructure & Clean Energy

If a new or returning president pushes for infrastructure investment or green energy, watch for this boost.

• Caterpillar (CAT) – infrastructure and construction machinery.

• NextEra Energy (NEE) – strong in renewables.

• Quanta Services (PWR) – electric grid, renewables infrastructure.

• Tesla (TSLA) – if EV incentives ramp up again.

---

🏥 3. Healthcare & Biotech

Healthcare reform efforts and FDA funding shifts can heavily impact drug and medtech companies.

• UnitedHealth Group (UNH) – strong during regulatory changes.

• Eli Lilly (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO) – if focus returns to obesity and diabetes solutions.

• 10X Genomics (TXG), Twist Bioscience (TWST) – if genomics and biotech innovation get funding support.

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🧠 4. Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity

Governments are investing in AI infrastructure and cybersecurity regardless of party lines.

• NVIDIA (NVDA) – chips powering AI.

• SentinelOne (S) or CrowdStrike (CRWD) – cyber defense.

• C3.ai (AI) – close to government contracts + enterprise AI.

---

💻 5. Semiconductors & Reshoring

Both parties push for U.S. manufacturing and chip independence.

• Intel (INTC) – heavy government backing for fabs.

• AMD (AMD) and Broadcom (AVGO) – tied to infrastructure and AI buildout.

---

🏦 6. Financials

Rising interest rates and policy changes may impact banks and fintechs.

• JPMorgan Chase (JPM) – strong during rising rate environments.

• Charles Schwab (SCHW) – benefits from investor optimism and capital flows.

---

🧱 Bonus: "Made in America" Manufacturing Push

If the next administration continues or accelerates reshoring, you might look at:

• Eaton (ETN) – power management.

• Generac (GNRC) – tied to grid resilience and climate-driven demand.

• Enphase Energy (ENPH) – if solar incentives return.

---

if we go purely by the Presidential Election Cycle Theory, without regard to who's elected or what policies are implemented, the stock picks would shift slightly. Here's how it breaks down:

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🔄 Presidential Election Cycle Theory (based on 100 years of market data)

• Year 1 (Post-election, like 2025):

  • Historically the weakest year for markets, as new policies are introduced and uncertainty is high.

  • However, select sectors still do well, especially those tied to defensive industries and government spending.

---

📈 Sectors That Have Historically Done Well in Year 1 (like 2025)

1. Defense & Aerospace

   • Government spending is rarely cut here, and often increases in a new administration.

   • 📌 Picks: Lockheed Martin (LMT), Raytheon (RTX), Northrop Grumman (NOC)

2. Consumer Staples

   • Investors tend to get more defensive in Year 1, favoring essentials over risk.

   • 📌 Picks: Procter & Gamble (PG), Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP)

3. Utilities

   • Steady cash flow, dividends, and regulation-protected businesses tend to outperform early in a presidential cycle.

   • 📌 Picks: NextEra Energy (NEE), Duke Energy (DUK)

4. Healthcare

   • Historically does well early in the cycle due to defensive nature and consistent demand.

   • 📌 Picks: UnitedHealth Group (UNH), AbbVie (ABBV), Pfizer (PFE)

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🧠 Less Emphasis on Risk-On Plays (at least early in Year 1)

High-growth sectors like tech, small caps, and speculative AI or biotech often lag in Year 1 of a presidency, unless there's a clear macro tailwind or stimulus policy. So under the pure cycle method, you might de-emphasize:

• NVIDIA (NVDA)

• Tesla (TSLA)

• ARK-style innovation stocks

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⏳ When Would Those Growth Stocks Shine Again?

Historically, Year 3 of a presidential cycle (i.e., 2027) is the best year for markets — that’s when risk-on names historically shine again, thanks to:

• Stimulus before re-election campaigns

• Low volatility

• Business-friendly environments

---

Summary of 2025 Sector Tilt (Based on 100-Year Cycle Alone):

Sector	Reason	Example Stocks
Defense	New spending priorities, safe in all climates	LMT, RTX, NOC
Consumer Staples	Defensive, reliable earnings	PG, KO, PEP
Utilities	High dividends, stable cash flow	NEE, DUK
Healthcare	Consistent demand, defensive	UNH, ABBV, PFE

---

Let’s blend the Presidential Election Cycle theory with the reality of today’s innovation drivers: AI, quantum computing, and healthcare.

🧠 The Strategy:

• Use the Year 1 (2025) cycle pattern as the foundation (defensives and government-aligned picks).

• Overlay that with 2025’s megatrends — AI, quantum computing, and healthcare innovation.

• Choose balanced exposure: stability + growth + innovation, weighted accordingly.

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📊 Hypothetical 2025 Portfolio (Balanced & Thematic)

Category	Weight	Stock Picks	Rationale
Defense & Government AI	20%	Lockheed Martin (LMT) Palantir Technologies (PLTR)	Defense always gets funding in Year 1. PLTR has deep AI + Gov roots.
Consumer Staples	10%	Procter & Gamble (PG) PepsiCo (PEP)	Safe haven during economic/policy transitions.
Utilities (Green Tilt)	10%	NextEra Energy (NEE) Brookfield Renewable (BEP)	Stable dividends + clean energy upside.
Healthcare (Core)	20%	UnitedHealth (UNH) Eli Lilly (LLY)	Defensive and growth. LLY also has GLP-1 tailwind.
Healthcare (Innovative)	10%	10X Genomics (TXG) Twist Bioscience (TWST)	Genomics and synthetic biology play to long-term innovation.
AI Infrastructure (Stable)	10%	Microsoft (MSFT) NVIDIA (NVDA)	MSFT for enterprise AI/cloud, NVDA for infrastructure. Both resilient even in choppy years.
AI + Quantum Pure Plays	10%	C3.ai (AI) IonQ (IONQ)	Riskier growth, but aligned with megatrend of the decade.
Cash or Short-term Bonds	10%	BIL (Treasury ETF) or cash equivalent	Preserves dry powder for volatility and rotation into growth later in the cycle.

---

🧩 Optional Tilt Ideas (if you want more flavor)

• Swap PEP for Costco (COST) if you want retail exposure.

• Add AbbVie (ABBV) if you want more dividend-friendly healthcare.

• Add Honeywell (HON) for a hybrid industrial + quantum exposure.

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🎯 Portfolio Themes Summary:

• Cycle-aware: Defensive posture in Year 1.

• Future-aware: Allocated to the sectors leading the next wave (AI, quantum, genomics).

• Balanced: Risk is spread across stability (utilities/staples), income (healthcare/defense), and innovation (AI/quantum/genomics).

Now let’s bolt on a “high-risk / high-reward” satellite portfolio that complements your core 2025 cycle-aware + future-tech portfolio.

🎯 Purpose of Satellite Portfolio:

• Capture explosive upside potential from early-stage or volatile innovators.

• Lean into speculative AI, quantum, biotech, and frontier tech bets.

• Accept that some may not perform in Year 1 of the cycle, but could 10x+ in later years.

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🚀 Speculative Satellite Portfolio (10-15% of Total Portfolio)

Stock / Ticker	Sector	Rationale
C3.ai (AI)	AI Enterprise	Early mover in AI platforms, volatile but visionary — Gov + private AI.
IonQ (IONQ)	Quantum Tech	One of the few pure-play quantum stocks, backed by AWS/Microsoft.
Recursion Pharma (RXRX)	AI + Drug Discovery	Backed by NVIDIA + using AI to map biology and accelerate pharma pipelines.
Annovis Bio (ANVS)	Alzheimer’s Biotech	Small-cap biotech chasing a huge unmet need — big swing on clinical data.
Symbotic (SYM)	Robotics/AI	AI-powered warehouse robotics, backed by Walmart and SoftBank.
ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG)	Biotech/Genomics	Access to early-stage genomics, CRISPR, and longevity companies.
BrainChip Holdings (BRCHF)	Neuromorphic AI	Super speculative — building chips modeled after the human brain.
Zapata AI (ZPTA)	Quantum-AI	Recent SPAC; combining generative AI with quantum optimization. Very high-risk.

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⚠️ Notes:

• These stocks/companies are more volatile and often not profitable.

• Some may be thinly traded or prone to sharp corrections on news.

• Meant to be a smaller piece (10-15%) of your total exposure — think moonshots.

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🔧 Allocation Suggestion (If you allocate 15%)

Ticker	Allocation %
AI	2%
IONQ	2%
RXRX	2%
ANVS	2%
SYM	2%
ARKG	2%
BRCHF	1.5%
ZPTA	1.5%

---

ED Note:

This is not investment advice, nor am I an investment advisor. The foregoing is a report created wholly using "Deep Research" Ai using public information from 100 years of Presidential elections. It should be noted, however, that many of Wall Streets elite often refer to the "Election Cycle" metric.

Risk Level	Catalyst to Watch	Entry Price Target ($)	Stop-Loss Level ($)
High	New enterprise AI contracts, earnings growth	27.0	20.0
High	Government contracts, quantum computing adoption	10.0	7.0
High	Partnerships with pharma, AI platform development	7.0	5.0