Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and RoboTaxis: Here's 1 "Magnificent Seven" Stock That Has It All

Source The Motley Fool

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be the greatest game-changing technology ever. However, some believe quantum computing will be even bigger than AI. Autonomous ride-hailing services, commonly known as "robotaxis", could bring another tectonic shift to society.

Investing in any of these hot areas could lead to tremendous gains over the next decade. But you don't necessarily have to buy multiple stocks. Here's one "Magnificent Seven" stock that has it all.

Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free »

Checking off all the boxes

Google parent Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) has pioneered AI for years. Its researchers developed transformers (the "T" in ChatGPT) that paved the way for today's large language models (LLMs).

The company remains one of the top AI leaders. Google Gemini ranks among the most powerful AI models around. Google Cloud offers a wide range of AI tools to customers. Google Search, YouTube, and Alphabet's other products use AI extensively.

While classical computers use bits (0s or 1s), quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits) that can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously. They can also be "entangled" with other qubits that are far away. These characteristics hold the potential for quantum computers to process more information much more quickly than classical computers. Google's recent introduction of its new Willow chip could be a key breakthrough in developing a useful, large-scale quantum computer.

Alphabet's Waymo unit is at the head of the pack in offering robotaxi services. Waymo already offers autonomous ride-hailing in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. It's planning to soon expand into Austin, Atlanta, and Miami.

Sure, there have been a few highly publicized glitches with Waymo's service, including an incident where one of its robotaxis drove around in circles in a parking lot repeatedly. However, the self-driving technology is usually reliable and continues to improve. Investors shouldn't dismiss the potential for Waymo to become a major growth driver for Alphabet over the next few years.

More magnificent than most

AI should serve as a key tailwind for all the Magnificent Seven stocks. Some of them could be winners in quantum computing as well, notably including Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Amazon, Nvidia, and Tesla are focusing on the robotaxi market in different ways.

But none of the other Magnificent Seven members is as much of a leader in all of these technologies as Alphabet. The company also is more magnificent than most in other important ways.

If cash is king, Alphabet sits on the throne. The tech giant's cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $93.2 billion are greater than any other Magnificent Seven company's cash stockpile. Alphabet is very well-positioned to continue investing in research and development in AI, quantum computing, and robotaxis.

Its stock is also one of the cheapest among the Magnificent Seven based on growth prospects. Only Nvidia has a lower price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio than Alphabet's PEG multiple of 1.27.

Two things to watch

Investors should keep their eyes on two things that could negatively impact Alphabet. First, a federal judge ruled in August 2024 that Google broke antitrust laws by creating an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. Google is also embroiled in antitrust litigation related to its digital advertising practices. Second, some believe that generative AI presents a huge threat (perhaps even an existential one) to Google Search.

However, Google is appealing the decision about its alleged monopoly in search. Some legal experts believe the company's case is strong and expect relatively narrow remedies rather than major changes that hurt its business.

As for the generative AI threat, Google Search already incorporates genAI with its AI Overviews. Google's advertising revenue from search continues to grow. Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated in the company's third-quarter earnings call that the new feature is increasing search usage and user satisfaction. He added, "The integration of ads within AI Overviews is also performing well, helping people connect with businesses as they search."

Perhaps these issues could become greater problems for Alphabet, but I'm optimistic that they won't. I think Alphabet's leadership in AI, quantum computing, and robotaxis make it one of the best Magnificent Seven stocks to buy right now.

Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity

Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.

On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:

  • Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $363,307!*
  • Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $45,963!*
  • Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $471,880!*

Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.

See 3 “Double Down” stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of January 6, 2025

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Keith Speights has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
XRP Price Eyes Bullish Flag Breakout That Could Put 50% Gains On The BoardDespite recent declines and volatility, a crypto analyst has declared that the XRP price is on the cusp of breaking out of a bullish flag pattern. According to the analyst, a successful breakout of
Author  NewsBTC
Yesterday 01: 22
Despite recent declines and volatility, a crypto analyst has declared that the XRP price is on the cusp of breaking out of a bullish flag pattern. According to the analyst, a successful breakout of
placeholder
Japanese Yen recovers from multi-month low against USD on stronger wage growth dataThe Japanese Yen (JPY) ticks higher against its American counterpart after government data showed this Thursday that base pay in Japan grew at the fastest pace in more than three decades.
Author  FXStreet
Yesterday 03: 49
The Japanese Yen (JPY) ticks higher against its American counterpart after government data showed this Thursday that base pay in Japan grew at the fastest pace in more than three decades.
placeholder
Ripple's XRP plunges over 4% following funding rates declineRipple's XRP declined 4% on Friday following a decline in its funding rates.
Author  FXStreet
12 hours ago
Ripple's XRP declined 4% on Friday following a decline in its funding rates.
placeholder
Nonfarm Payrolls forecast: US December job gains set to decline sharply from NovemberThe highly anticipated United States (US) Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data for December will be published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Friday at 13:30 GMT.
Author  FXStreet
8 hours ago
The highly anticipated United States (US) Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data for December will be published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Friday at 13:30 GMT.
placeholder
Top 3 Price Prediction Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple: All hints for a continuation of the correctionBitcoin (BTC) retests its key support level of $92,493; a firm close below it could continue its ongoing correction.
Author  FXStreet
8 hours ago
Bitcoin (BTC) retests its key support level of $92,493; a firm close below it could continue its ongoing correction.
goTop
quote