2 Top Stocks in Quantum Computing and Robotics That Could Soar in 2026

Shares of early movers in the highly speculative quantum computing sector, D-Wave Quantum and Rigetti Computing, have surged by 3,700% and 5,700% respectively over the past year, driven by investor optimism for the technology as the 'next big thing' after AI. While D-Wave reported a 42% Q2 revenue increase to $3.1 million with nascent commercial applications and Rigetti secured $5.7 million in future purchase orders, both companies face significant fundamental challenges, including substantial Q2 operating losses ($26.5 million for D-Wave, $19.9 million for Rigetti) and high valuations, indicating profitability remains distant and the industry's commercial viability is highly uncertain.

Analysis

The quantum computing sector is attracting significant investor interest as a potential successor to the AI hype cycle, with early movers D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI) experiencing substantial stock rallies. QBTS shares surged over 3,700% and RGTI shares jumped 5,700% in the last 12 months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 18% return, driven by optimism for the technology's long-term potential.

D-Wave Quantum reported a 42% year-over-year revenue increase to $3.1 million in Q2, driven by quantum annealing device sales and early commercial applications in logistics and drug discovery. Conversely, Rigetti Computing's Q2 revenue declined 42% to $1.8 million, though it secured $5.7 million in future purchase orders for quantum systems. Both companies, however, face severe fundamental challenges, including substantial Q2 operating losses of $26.5 million for D-Wave and $19.9 million for Rigetti, indicating profitability remains distant.

D-Wave Quantum trades at an extremely high price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 336, reflecting significant market speculation. The article highlights that quantum computing remains a highly speculative industry, with an uncertain timeline for widespread commercial viability, ranging from years to decades. Both companies are characterized by extreme cash burn and overvaluation relative to their low sales figures.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should exercise extreme caution due to the highly speculative nature, significant cash burn, and distant profitability of quantum computing companies like D-Wave and Rigetti.
• Consider waiting for a substantial pullback in share prices before initiating long-term positions, given the current high valuations, such as QBTS's 336 P/S multiple.
• Any investment in these stocks should constitute a small, diversified position within a broader portfolio, acknowledging the potential for extreme volatility and choppy performance.