Quantum Computing: Stocks to Buy (Before Your Roomba Gets Smarter)

Okay, let’s talk quantum computing. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Like, your refrigerator will start judging your life choices? Maybe. But also, it’s potentially a big deal for investors. Everyone’s obsessed with AI right now – and for good reason, it’s basically taking over our lives one algorithm at a time. Quantum computing is the “next big thing” that everyone says is coming, but honestly, it feels like waiting for the hoverboards they promised us in the ’80s. Still, I’ve been looking at a few companies that are playing in this space, and I think they’re worth a look, especially if you’re the type who likes to bet on things that might happen… eventually.

My picks? Alphabet (GOOG 0.80%) (GOOGL 0.80%), Microsoft (MSFT +0.77%), and Nvidia (NVDA 0.29%). These aren’t pure-play quantum stocks, which, let’s be real, are mostly vaporware at this point. These are companies that are actually making money while simultaneously poking around in the quantum realm. It’s like having a sensible minivan and a jetpack. You know, just in case.

Alphabet

Alphabet, or Google, is throwing a lot of money at quantum computing. Like, “buying a small country” kind of money. They’re trying to build their own in-house solution, which is always a gamble. It’s like deciding to bake your own bread instead of just going to the store. It could be amazing, but it also might result in a burnt mess. The biggest problem with quantum computing is accuracy. These things are so sensitive, a rogue dust bunny could throw off the whole calculation. But Google recently announced they achieved “quantum advantage,” meaning their quantum computer solved a problem faster than a traditional supercomputer. The problem? It was a very specific problem, and the application is… MRI technology. So, basically, slightly faster cat scans. Still, progress is progress. And when you have as much money as Alphabet, you can afford to fail spectacularly… multiple times.

Look, even if Google’s quantum dreams turn into a quantum nightmare, they’re still dominating the AI space. So, it’s a pretty safe bet. It’s like buying a really nice umbrella. You might not need it every day, but you’ll be glad you have it when the heavens open.

Microsoft

Microsoft is in a similar boat. Unlimited resources, a willingness to experiment, and a deep-seated fear of being left behind. They’re also trying to build their own quantum computers, which, let’s be honest, is mostly about not having to pay Nvidia a fortune for computing power. It’s the corporate equivalent of learning to change your own oil. It’s empowering, but also potentially messy. Apparently, Microsoft’s quantum tinkering has even led to the discovery of a new state of matter. Which is cool, I guess. It’s like accidentally inventing a new flavor of yogurt. Unexpected, but potentially delicious. And, like Alphabet, even if the quantum thing doesn’t pan out, Microsoft is still the king of office productivity and cloud computing. They’re basically the beige cardigan of the tech world: reliable, comfortable, and surprisingly powerful.

Nvidia

Now, Nvidia is the interesting one. They’re not building a quantum computer, per se. They’re selling the really powerful computers that run the quantum computers. It’s like being the guy who sells the picks and shovels during the gold rush. You don’t have to get your hands dirty, but you still get rich. Nvidia believes the future of computing is hybrid: quantum and traditional working together. It’s like a really complicated team-up movie. They’ve created something called NVLink, which allows quantum computers to plug into the existing computing infrastructure. It’s like building a bridge between two worlds. It’s a smart move. If they’re right, they’ll be selling the best of both worlds. But if quantum computers start to replace traditional ones, they could be left holding the bag. It’s a risk, but it’s a calculated one. And honestly, they’re so dominant in the GPU market, they can probably afford to be wrong… at least for a little while.

So, there you have it. Three companies that are playing in the quantum space, with varying degrees of success. Are they guaranteed to make you rich? Of course not. But they’re interesting companies, with solid fundamentals, and a willingness to take risks. And in the world of investing, that’s about as good as it gets. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go worry about something else.

2026-01-19 01:32

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Microsoft

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