Forget Quantum Computing Stock: Buy This Dividend‑Paying Quantum Pioneer, And Never Sell

Company Overview - Quantum Computing (QCi) has experienced significant stock volatility since its uplisting to the Nasdaq on July 15, 2021, starting at $6.60 per share and dropping to a low of $0.42 by July 1, 2024, before rebounding to around $12 [1][2] - QCi's photonic quantum chips, which utilize light for data processing and are manufactured in conventional chip fabs, differentiate themselves from other quantum chips that require cryogenic refrigeration [3] Technology and Market Position - Theoretically, QCi's chips are expected to be cheaper, more scalable, and require less maintenance compared to traditional electron- and ion-driven systems, but they currently produce more errors and are more expensive to manufacture in small batches [4] - Despite opening its first foundry and beginning chip deliveries, QCi primarily generates revenue from professional services and its cloud-based Dirac-3 platform rather than chip sales [5] Financial Performance and Valuation - Analysts project QCi will generate only $2.8 million in revenue for 2026, while its market cap stands at $2.69 billion, resulting in a valuation of 960 times the revenue estimate, which may limit upside potential and attract short sellers [6] - As of the end of 2025, nearly 22% of QCi's outstanding shares were shorted, with expectations that this ratio could increase as the company faces challenges in scaling its chipmaking business [7] Comparison with Competitors - IBM is highlighted as a more stable investment in the quantum computing sector, having expanded its quantum business over the past decade and offering a healthy dividend, contrasting with QCi's volatile stock and overvaluation [8][9]