ZACKS·2025-12-31 21:01Industry Overview - The global quantum computing market is projected to grow from $0.8 billion in 2025 to $1.08 billion in 2026, with a CAGR of 35.2% through 2035, driven by adoption in sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing [1] - Quantum computing-related revenues could reach up to $72 billion by 2035, fueled by applications in optimization, materials science, drug discovery, and complex financial modeling [1] Investment Performance - Several pure-play quantum stocks have delivered quadruple-digit returns during 2024-2025, despite the lack of positive earnings, as revenues increased from a small base and order backlogs expanded [2] - The Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) gained 103.9% during this period, reflecting strong investor interest [2] Key Companies - IonQ (IONQ): Focuses on trapped-ion qubits, aiming for 100-256 qubit systems by 2026, and expanding commercial engagements through partnerships. Projected earnings growth of 65.8% on revenue growth of 83.3% [12][13] - IBM: Introduced the Quantum Nighthawk processor, a 120-qubit system, targeting quantum advantage by the end of 2026. Projected earnings growth of 7.5% on revenue growth of 4.9% [14][15] - NVIDIA (NVDA): Advances quantum computing through hybrid quantum-classical platforms, with a focus on integrating quantum processors with GPU systems. Projected earnings growth of 55% on revenue growth of 43.2% [16][17] Funding and Government Support - Quantum funding more than doubled year over year in 2025, with total equity funding reaching $3.77 billion in the first three quarters [7] - Global governments committed approximately $1.8 billion to quantum initiatives in 2024, with cumulative public funding expanding to $10 billion by April 2025 [8][10] Future Outlook - 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for quantum computing, with sustained capital inflows, policy support, and technical advancements converging to create conditions for significant returns for investors [11]