Latest news with #Williams
Business Insider
25 minutes ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Rigetti and IonQ: David Williams Selects the Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy
What's the next big thing? That question defines so many aspects of our world, from fashion to automobiles to high technology. It's rare that the answer is obvious, but one emerging trend is beginning to stand out: quantum computing. Once the stuff of science fiction, it's quickly becoming the next great leap in technology. Confident Investing Starts Here: Quantum computing promises to bring faster, more capable supercomputers from the drawing board to the real world – machines capable of performing multiple complex calculations simultaneously by leveraging the principles of superposition and entanglement inherent in quantum physics. The expected result: computers that can solve in minutes problems that today's most advanced machines couldn't crack in a century. According to ResearchAndMarkets, the quantum computing market was worth $1.85 billion globally last year, and is expected to hit $7.48 billion by 2030. That translates to a CAGR of nearly 29%. Unsurprisingly for a new field of computing tech, the hardware makes up the largest segment, 61%, of quantum's current market. This is the field that Benchmark's David Williams, a 5-star analyst ranked in the top 3% of Street experts, is looking at. He sees the opportunity, and he's digging into the current crop of companies to identify two top investment opportunities: Rigetti (NASDAQ:RGTI) and IonQ (NYSE:IONQ). Using the TipRanks platform, we checked out his picks and found that Williams isn't alone in his bullish stance – both stocks carry a Strong Buy consensus from Wall Street. Let's take a closer look. Rigetti Computing First on our short list today is Rigetti Computing, a Berkeley, California-based quantum hardware developer and provider. Rigetti has given itself a clear mission – to develop the hardware that will support and power quantum computing and move the supercomputer field into its next generation. The company has already developed a basic architecture, based on a dilution refrigeration system that cools the quantum computer to a mere one-hundredth of a Kelvin – far colder than even the depths of space. This system is designed to support Rigetti's quantum processor units, QPUs, the superconducting quantum integrated circuits that form the 'brain' of the quantum computer. Rigetti is intimately involved with every aspect of quantum computer design and construction, from the cooling systems to the QPUs to the quantum integrated circuits (QuICs) that provide control capabilities for the finished device. This involvement allows Rigetti to design and build quantum computers at the customer's desired scale. Recognizing that not every customer needs or wants a whole quantum computer in-house, Rigetti is also leading the way as a provider of quantum cloud services (QCS), or hybrid quantum-classical computing. The company can support ultra-low latency connectivity to link high-performance classical computing systems to its QCS. This past December, Rigetti launched its most advanced quantum computer, the Ankaa-3 system. This system can handle up to 84 qubits, the two-state quantum-mechanical bits that make quantum computing possible. More recently, Rigetti has released Novera, a smaller 9-qubit quantum computer based on the Ankaa-3's architecture. This new, smaller, QPU is designed to bring high performance to a smaller machine, and to make quantum computing accessible even in these early stages. Looking ahead, Rigetti's CEO has charted out a somewhat conservative course for new product and system development. He sees the company deploying, by the middle of this year, a 36-qubit system based on four linked 9-qubit chiplets, and believes that the company can deploy 100-plus qubits by year's end. Also this month, Rigetti released its 1Q25 financial results – and the top line came in well below expectations. Rigetti's revenue in the quarter was just $1.5 million, more than $1 million below the forecast, and the company's quarterly operating loss came to $21.6 million. Rigetti finished the quarter, on March 31, with $209.1 million in cash and other liquid assets available – but that was boosted before April was out when Quanta Computer purchased $35 million worth of the company's common stock. As of April 30, Rigetti had $237.7 million in liquid assets on hand. For Benchmark's Williams, the key point here is Rigetti's ability to keep moving forward with its technology. He sees the company's modular approach as an important benefit, and writes, 'We remain confident in RGTI's technology roadmap and its steady progress toward meeting internal fidelity goals. In our view, the company's superconducting methodology and modular architecture give it an inherent edge in solving the scalability issue faced by gate-based systems. Although RGTI projects a slower timeline for mass adoption than some peers, growing interest in QPU hardware sales offers near-term revenue potential ahead of wider quantum uptake. We are encouraged by consistent execution across every element of the technology platform, with fidelity standing as the key remaining obstacle to realizing quantum advantage.' Going forward from here, Williams believes that Rigetti has a sound foundation, adding: 'Despite the firm's cautious outlook, we believe RGTI is strategically positioned with a compelling architecture, substantial IP moat, and healthy balance sheet to support these efforts.' Overall, analysts are all in on Rigetti. The stock holds a Strong Buy consensus based on 5 unanimous ratings. With shares at $13.89 and an average price target of $15, the forecast calls for a 9% gain over the next 12 months. (See RGTI stock forecast) IonQ The second stock we'll look at is IonQ, which gets its name from the approach the company takes toward quantum computing. IonQ is developing trapped ion quantum computers, using electromagnetic fields to trap electrically charged atomic particles, ions, and to then use the stable electric states of those ions to store qubit information. The advantage of IonQ's approach lies in the nature of atomic particles – being closer to their subatomic building blocks than other material particles, atoms are described by the company as 'naturally quantum,' and more amenable to storing qubit data. IonQ was founded in 2015, and in the decade of its existence, the Maryland-based company has matured into the first publicly traded pure-play quantum computing firm. IonQ has brought its atomic approach into the real world through its commercially available quantum computers, Aria, and Forte. The flagship system, Aria, is a 25-qubit system that was designed to bring IonQ's approach to life; Forte, the company's second commercial system, expanded the capacity to 36 qubits. This combination of scientific credibility and commercial traction is fueling excitement on Wall Street. IonQ's stock is soaring ~37% today after CEO Niccolo de Masi told Barron's that the company aims to become the 'Nvidia of quantum computing.' Investors are responding positively to this vision, viewing it as a strong commitment to industry leadership. That rally isn't just based on words. In the first quarter, IonQ landed a $22 million deal to deliver its Forte Enterprise system to EPB in Chattanooga, where it will power the first commercially available quantum computing and networking hub. Looking ahead, IonQ is preparing to launch Tempo, a 64-qubit system designed to achieve quantum advantage in practical applications, marking another major step in the company's effort to make quantum computing commercially viable. On the financial side, IonQ generated $7.57 million in revenue during 1Q25, roughly flat year-over-year, and saw a quarterly net EPS loss of 14 cents. The EPS loss beat the forecast by 15 cents per share. IonQ is guiding for Q2 revenue in the range of $16 million to $18 million, and sees full-year 2025 revenue landing between $75 million and $95 million. At the midpoint, both targets are roughly aligned with Wall Street's expectations of $16.93 million for Q2 and $85.42 million for the full year. David Williams, in his coverage of IonQ, notes that the company is still at a very early stage – but that it has a high potential to beat analyst expectations. 'While IonQ is an early-stage tech company, the firm is executing well against targets and hitting key milestones ahead of schedule, giving us confidence that the progress toward the long-term roadmap will continue. We have increased conviction in the firm achieving Commercial Advantage later this year, likely solidifying the company's first mover advantage, which we believe will be a significant milestone and major catalyst to drive shares meaningfully above our price target. However, recognizing the risks, inherent challenges in timing, and lacking qualitative, industry accepted benchmarking techniques, we prefer to maintain a conservative valuation approach. We also note, the cadence of technology advances and expected reauthorization of the NQIA in addition to Quantinuum's potential IPO may provide a catalyst near-term,' Williams. While this top-rated analyst is cautious in his outlook, he believes that IonQ can deliver, as he explains, 'Despite tempered competitor forecasts for the industry not reaching sufficiently capable systems to generate commercial value until later this decade, our view is IONQ is likely nearer than the broader market is anticipating. With the strongest balance sheet among public peers and consistent execution, we remain confident in the company's roadmap and growth potential.' Williams clearly sees IonQ as a standout in the quantum space, rating the stock a Buy. Overall, the Street's take on Moderna presents something of a conundrum. The stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 4 Buys and 1 Hold. However, the $40 average price target implies shares will drop ~12% in the year ahead. It will be interesting to see if analysts make changes to their IONQ models shortly. (See ) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
UFC 316: Khaos Williams gets opponent change, faces newcomer Albert Tadevosyan
Khaos Williams was briefly without an opponent for next week's UFC 316. Williams (15-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) was originally scheduled to face Uros Medic at the pay-per-view event on June 7 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. However, Medic publicly announced his withdrawal from the fight due to a sinus infection. Luckily for Williams, things moved quickly in a search for a replacement welterweight opponent. Advertisement Stepping in for Medic will be UFC newcomer Albert Tadevosyan. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with two sources following a first report from Eurosport NL's Marcel Dorff. Williams will look to get back into the win column against an eager debutant. In his last outing, Williams suffered a submission loss against Gabriel Bonfim, halting the momentum of back-to-back victories against Rolando Bedoya and Carlston Harris. Williams has earned bonuses for all four of his UFC stoppage victories, which makes for an interesting dynamic against his new opponent, who is a proven finisher on the regional scene. Tadevosyan (13-3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will make his UFC debut on very short notice. The 33-year-old welterweight is currently on a six-fight winning streak, which consists of five first-round finishes – the other was a second-round stoppage. Eleven of Tadevosyan's professional victories have come by knockout or submission. Latest UFC 316 lineup Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley – for bantamweight title Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison – for women's bantamweight title Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix Kevin Holland vs. Vicente Luque Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van Azamat Murzakanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Serghei Spivac Albert Tadevosyan vs. Khaos Williams Wang Cong vs. Ariane da Silva Jeka Saragih vs. Joo Sang Yoo Yanal Ashmouz vs. Quillan Salkilld This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 316: Khaos Williams lands newcomer after Uros Medic withdrawl
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
QB Caleb Williams addresses book saying he wanted to avoid Chicago Bears
QB Caleb Williams addresses book saying he wanted to avoid Chicago Bears Show Caption Hide Caption Bears' Caleb Williams responds to controversial pre-draft report Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams spoke out on Wednesday about a controversial pre-draft report. Fox - 32 Chicago The Chicago Bears are back in action this week for offseason training activities (OTAs). It's the first year under new coach Ben Johnson and year two for the franchise with quarterback Caleb Williams. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft made headlines weeks ago for an excerpt from ESPN writer Seth Wickersham's upcoming book, "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback." That excerpt included information that Williams' family looked into potential ways he could circumvent the draft and avoid playing for the Bears. Williams addressed these claims in a press conference during the first day of OTAs. "For this to come out, it's been a distraction," Williams said. "All that went down, all that was said, yeah, I had a good visit at the other place, Minnesota. Kevin O'Connell, good staff and all that... but something that keeps getting lost, something that keeps... not being addressed the way it needs to be is the fact that I went on that visit first. Then after I came (to Chicago) ... I went back home, talked to my dad, and all of the things that were supposed to be these big things that everybody's been talking about recently, one, never happened in the sense of, they were all thoughts, they were all ideas." Browns QB carousel: Joe Flacco praises Shedeur Sanders, says being mentor 'not the main focus' Stefon Diggs boat: Mike Vrabel says New England Patriots 'aware of' viral video The excerpt from Wickersham's book included quotes from Williams' father, Carl, saying that "Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die," "the rookie cap is just unconstitutional" and the current NFL collective bargaining agreement is the "worst piece of s--- I've ever read. It's the worst in sports history." It detailed that the the Williams family looked into possibly having him sign with a United Football League team for a year before coming to the NFL as a free agent in 2025. Wickersham's excerpt stated that after his visit in Chicago, Williams told his father he could be a part of the franchise changing. "It was a deliberate and determined answer that I had," Williams said at OTAs. "I wanted to come here and be the guy and be a part and be a reason of why the Chicago Bears turned this thing around." Chicago started Williams' rookie season 4-2 before losing 10 straight games after their bye week. The franchise made an unprecedented move of firing a coach mid-season with Matt Eberflus let go after a loss to the Detroit Lions. 'Are you kidding me?': Terry Bradshaw slams Steelers, Aaron Rodgers for quarterback situation Williams said he loves being in Chicago and still has one main goal in mind. "The main objective of being here is to turn (things) around," he said. "That's what we're here to do. That's what they brought me here to do, that's what they brought all these guys here to do. Joe (Thuney), DJ (Moore), all these different guys. And that's why they brought Ben (Johnson) here. "It's a challenge and we look at those challenges and we don't laugh, we look at them really seriously and we go attack them to the best of our ability."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Prison heat lawsuit gets go-ahead
A federal judge has rejected a request by Florida corrections officials to dismiss a potential class-action lawsuit alleging the state has violated inmates' rights because of hot conditions at a prison in Miami-Dade County. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Wednesday issued a 30-page ruling that said inmates at Dade Correctional Institution can pursue claims under the U.S. Constitution's 8th Amendment, the Americans with Disabilities Act and a disabilities-related law known as the Rehabilitation Act. The 8th Amendment bars cruel and unusual punishment. Williams' ruling described a prison with a large number of older inmates that does not have air conditioning or adequate ventilation in dormitories or in the dining area. It also detailed heat indexes that often top 100 degrees in South Florida and said inmates are 'regularly and consistently exposed to heat indexes within the NWS (National Weather Service) danger zone during the summer months.' 'Plaintiffs further allege that the issue of excessive heat at Dade CI is exacerbated by insufficient ventilation systems,' Williams wrote. 'Plaintiffs allege that the ventilation systems in the dormitories, which were installed decades ago, have not been adequately maintained and are missing critical components, such as fans and motors.' Attorneys for three inmates filed the lawsuit in October against the state Department of Corrections, Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon and Dade Correctional Institution Warden Francisco Acosta. It seeks class-action status, though Williams has not ruled on that issue. The prison has a capacity of 1,521 inmates. The named plaintiffs are Dwayne Wilson, who was described in the lawsuit as a 66-year-old inmate with hypertension, an enlarged prostate and a burn scar over much of his body that impairs his ability to sweat; Tyrone Harris, a 54-year-old inmate who has conditions such as hypertension and asthma; and Gary Wheeler, a 65-year-old inmate who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In a December motion to dismiss the case, the state's attorneys argued, in part, that the 8th Amendment argument 'fails because the facts do not give rise to a substantial risk of serious harm to plaintiffs, nor demonstrate that Secretary Dixon or Warden Acosta has been deliberately indifferent to the conditions and risks faced by these (named) plaintiffs in particular.' 'By itself, the lack of air conditioning does not pose a substantial risk of serious harm. The deprivation required to allege an Eighth Amendment claim must be objectively 'extreme' enough to deny an inmate 'the minimal civilized measure of life's necessities.' The allegations of the complaint (the lawsuit) have not 'cleared this high bar.'' the motion said, partially quoting legal precedents. But Williams wrote that the lawsuit 'alleges a wide range of heat related injuries: heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke, and death. Plaintiffs also extensively detail how excessive heat can exacerbate underlying medical conditions, in a facility where over 50 percent of all prisoners are over the age of 50. Finally, plaintiffs allege that, since 2021, extreme heat has contributed to the deaths of at least four individuals at Dade CI.' She also said that attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote to Acosta in September 2023 'detailing concerns about the extreme heat, lack of ventilation, and the serious threat of medical harm posted to the inmates based on those conditions. The court finds that the allegations plaintiffs raise about the ongoing excessive heat issues at Dade CI easily support the plausible inference that defendants were subjectively aware of the risks of heat-related harms.' The Miami-based judge also cited a report published in 2023 by the KPMG consulting firm, which had received a state contract to develop a master plan for the Department of Corrections. 'The report concluded that most FDC (Florida Department of Corrections) dormitories, including those at Dade CI, require retrofitting to comply with current ventilation standards, and that over one-third of FDC facilities were assessed to be in 'critical' or 'poor' condition,' Williams wrote. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
Farmville Central's Williams signs to play basketball at Eastern Kentucky
FARMVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — A Farmville Central High School basketball player signed his National Letter of Intent Thursday, May 29, 2025, to play at the collegiate level. M.J. Williams will be going to Eastern Kentucky University to play for the Colonels after averaging 25 points per game in his senior year with the Jaguars. 'It's amazing. You know, it's a lot of hard work and time and everybody put into it,' Williams said. 'Not just me, my loved ones, my friends, family, everybody, coaches, teammates. We all just came together to help. This moment is really special.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
