Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ)
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D-Wave Quantum Plunges 49% in 3 Months: Time to Sell as Losses Widen?
ZACKS· 2026-03-19 19:01
Company Performance - D-Wave Quantum Inc. shares have declined by 48.8% over the past three months, significantly underperforming the broader Internet-Software industry's 15.2% dip, the technology sector's 3.3% decline, and the S&P 500's 2.3% fall, indicating both macro and company-specific pressures [1][8] - Despite reporting a 179% revenue growth in 2025, the company faces challenges with a 22% drop in bookings, widening adjusted EBITDA losses of approximately $71.8 million, and ongoing heavy cash burn, suggesting a long path to profitability [3][5][8] - The company entered 2026 with uneven revenue performance, relying heavily on a few large deals, which limits near-term financial visibility due to delayed revenue recognition [5][8] Industry Context - The quantum computing sector is currently in the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) Phase, where systems are not yet widely practical or commercially scalable, with significant adoption expected to be years away, likely closer to 2030 [6] - Increased competition from major players like IBM and rising global investments are accelerating both the pace and cost of innovation, creating a challenging environment for D-Wave Quantum in 2026 [7] Growth Prospects - D-Wave Quantum has secured over $30 million in new deals, including a $20 million system sale and a $10 million enterprise QCaaS agreement, indicating promising growth prospects driven by rising commercial adoption [10] - The recent $550 million acquisition of Quantum Circuits is expected to strengthen the company's dual-platform strategy, enhancing the development of gate-model systems alongside its established annealing business [10] Market Sentiment - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for D-Wave's 2026 loss is projected at 35 cents per share, indicating a 25% decline year over year, reflecting market skepticism [9] - Despite the potential for upside, the near-term risk-reward for D-Wave Quantum appears unfavorable due to weakening bookings trends and rising losses, compounded by macro headwinds and intense competition [14]