These 4 Quantum Computing Pure-Play Stocks Can Soar Up to 264% in 2026, According to Select Wall Street Analysts

Core Insights - Wall Street analysts are projecting significant upside for quantum computing stocks, with some estimates suggesting gains of up to 264% by 2026, despite concerns about the realism of these targets [3][5][6] Group 1: Market Performance - Over the past year, quantum computing stocks such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. have seen substantial gains, with Rigetti's peak increase reaching nearly 5,400% [2] - As of December 2, IonQ's stock closed below $47, while Rigetti's and D-Wave's stocks closed at levels that suggest potential increases of 113% and 114% respectively [4][5] Group 2: Analyst Projections - Analysts from B. Riley Securities and Needham have set price targets for IonQ and Rigetti at $100 and $51 respectively, indicating significant upside potential based on their current prices [4] - Ascendiant analyst Edward Woo has the most optimistic projection for Quantum Computing Inc., forecasting a 264% increase to $40 per share [5] Group 3: Industry Potential - The Boston Consulting Group estimates that quantum computing could generate up to $850 billion in global economic value by 2040, highlighting its long-term potential [6] - The technology is expected to take time to mature, similar to past innovations like the internet, which required years for businesses to fully leverage [8] Group 4: Financial Concerns - All four quantum computing companies are currently unprofitable and experiencing significant cash burn, raising concerns about their financial sustainability [10][15] - The price-to-sales (P/S) ratios for these companies are alarmingly high, with IonQ at 146 and Quantum Computing Inc. at nearly 2,900, indicating potential overvaluation and a bubble risk [12] Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The emergence of large tech companies, referred to as the "Magnificent Seven," poses a threat to the market share of smaller quantum computing firms, as these companies have the resources to develop their own quantum technologies [14][15]