While the anticipated initial public offering of Anthropic gathers investor interest, attention should also be directed towards established public companies with potential for growth. Six stocks worth watching include IonQ, Archer Aviation, AST SpaceMobile, SoundHound AI, D-Wave Quantum, and Redwire.

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IonQ, valued at approximately $12.5 billion, must demonstrate that quantum computing can achieve commercial viability for its market cap to reach $25 billion by 2028. Investors should monitor the conversion of its $485 million in remaining performance obligations into revenue, with about half expected within a year. IonQ currently has $2.1 billion in cash and short-term investments, providing around four years of financial runway. However, risks of dilution are present following its recent $2 billion equity offering.

Archer Aviation, with a current market cap of $3.1 billion, aims to transform travel with its electric air taxis. To potentially double its valuation, the company must secure regulatory certification for its aircraft, begin production, and launch commercially. Archer's financial position includes $1.6 billion in cash, estimating about two and a half years of runway. However, lingering risks include possible delays in commercialization and R&D costs surpassing funding.

AST SpaceMobile seeks to establish satellite broadband connectivity to smartphones. To achieve a market cap increase from $15.8 billion to over $32 billion, it will need to deploy its satellite network and secure carrier agreements. Currently, AST has $2.3 billion in cash, equating to approximately one year of operational runway, with significant dilution risks as the network is developed.

SoundHound AI focuses on voice artificial intelligence solutions. For its market cap to rise from $2.1 billion to more than $4 billion, it must acquire additional enterprise clients. Revenue is on the rise through its OASYS platform, making success more attainable. The company possesses $202.8 million in cash, ensuring more than a year and a half of operating runway, although dilution risk remains a concern.

D-Wave is engaged in making quantum computing more accessible for commercial applications. It must achieve broader adoption to double its market cap from $4.5 billion to $9 billion by 2028. Key metrics to observe include its recurring cloud-access revenue, which increased from $1.2 million to $1.9 million year-over-year. D-Wave's cash and securities total approximately $546.2 million, providing nearly four years of financial runway, alongside risks of dilution.

Redwire looks to capitalize on increasing demand for space and defense technology. To grow its market cap from $2.1 billion to over $4 billion, it will need to effectively convert its $542.1 million backlog into revenue. With $557.7 million in cash and equivalents, Redwire has over eight years of runway based on current spending. However, execution risks and dilution concerns persist as it seeks to expand.

Ultimately, while all six companies have distinct pathways to growth, Redwire and SoundHound are perceived as having the most attainable prospects by 2028. Archer Aviation and AST SpaceMobile may present higher risks, and IonQ and D-Wave could take longer to deliver returns as quantum computing technology continues to evolve.