Some quantum stocks pulled back from all-time highs this week as investors rotated out of speculative names and into more defensive positions. Other quantum names maintained the upward momentum as the sector remained in the spotlight. QBTS stock is climbing. See the real-time chart here. Here's a look at the latest news in the quantum computing sector. Read Next: Cipher Mining Grabs $1.1 Billion for Expansion—Zero Interest, All Growth Power Bullish Coverage Analysts from BofA Securities and B. Riley updated ...

Core Insights - Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to transform various industries, presenting unique investment opportunities in companies like Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) aiming to establish a trillion-dollar market [1] Company Strategies - Rigetti is focused on superconducting qubits and a modular chiplet architecture, striving for universal, gate-based quantum machines, while D-Wave specializes in quantum annealing, targeting optimization problems for enterprise clients [2][7] - Rigetti's recent advancements include the Cepheus-1-36Q system, which has improved two-qubit error rates and achieved a median gate fidelity of approximately 99.5% [5][6] - D-Wave's Advantage2 system emphasizes higher qubit counts and improved performance, with a focus on immediate enterprise adoption and practical applications [8][12] Financial Performance - RGTI shares have increased by 110.3% year-to-date, while QBTS shares have surged by 213.5% [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RGTI's 2025 sales indicates a year-over-year decline of 19.65%, with a projected loss per share of 9 cents [14] - Conversely, QBTS is expected to see a year-over-year sales growth of 181.5% for 2025, with a projected loss per share of 24 cents [17] Market Positioning - Rigetti relies heavily on government contracts for revenue, recently securing a $5.8 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory [9] - D-Wave focuses on enterprise adoption, implementing pilot programs across various industries, which provides more immediate revenue visibility [10] - Rigetti's roadmap includes plans for a 100+ qubit system by the end of 2025 and a $250 million partnership with Quanta Computer to scale production [11] Investment Considerations - Rigetti holds a stronger growth and momentum profile, with a Growth Score of 'C' and a Momentum Score of 'A', while D-Wave has a Growth Score of 'F' and a Momentum Score of 'D' [21] - Both companies currently carry a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating that investors may want to wait for clearer catalysts before making investment decisions [21][22]

Group 1 - IBM stock increased by 1.6% after Morgan Stanley labeled it the "clear leader" in quantum computing [1] - HSBC successfully utilized IBM's quantum processor in a trial to optimize bond trading, marking a significant milestone in the financial services sector [3][4] - The use of IBM's quantum chip resulted in a 34% improvement in bond price predictions for HSBC, enhancing their trading efficiency [4][7] Group 2 - Improved accuracy in bond price predictions is expected to lead to higher profits for HSBC, which is beneficial for both HSBC and IBM [5] - The development signifies a promising future for quantum computing in financial services, suggesting that profitability for quantum stocks may be closer than anticipated [5]

Core Insights - Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT) experienced a stock price increase of over 13% in early trading, later stabilizing at a 2% gain [1][3] Group 1: Stock Offering and Demand - QCi announced a $500 million stock offering for private investors, which was oversubscribed, indicating high demand [3] - The average price for the shares sold in the offering was $18.61, while the current trading price exceeds $21 [3] Group 2: Stock Dilution and Financial Health - The stock offering resulted in the issuance of 26.9 million new shares, increasing the total share count from 186.8 million to 213.7 million, leading to a 14.4% dilution for existing shareholders [4] - Despite the dilution, QCi's cash reserves have increased to $850 million, which is expected to sustain the company for years, even with a projected cash burn of $17 million next year [5][6] Group 3: Analyst Sentiment - Current analysts do not predict profitability for QCi in the foreseeable future [5] - The Motley Fool Stock Advisor has identified ten other stocks as better investment opportunities than Quantum Computing [7]

Group 1 - D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE:QBTS) has seen a significant stock increase of 230% for the year, reaching a 52-week high, but it may take time for the business to truly take off [1] - The company provides quantum computing systems, software, and cloud services, including the Advantage line of computers, Ocean developer tools, and the Leap platform with hybrid solvers [1] - Positive developments in the quantum computing sector, such as IONQ's Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Energy, could potentially benefit D-Wave and other companies in the industry [1] Group 2 - Despite the potential of D-Wave Quantum as an investment, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [1]

Group 1 - IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) is recognized for its development of quantum computers and networks, providing access through major cloud platforms and its own service [2] - The stock has increased by 77% this year, indicating aggressive market performance despite ongoing financial losses [1] - Jim Cramer has expressed a cautious view on IonQ, labeling it as "too speculative" and highlighting its significant financial losses [2] Group 2 - Comparatively, certain AI stocks are perceived to offer greater upside potential with less downside risk than IonQ [2] - D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) received a bullish recommendation, resulting in a 13.78% stock price increase [2]

Core Insights - Honeywell International Inc. is focusing on high-growth sectors and has made significant developments in September 2025 [1] - The company raised $600 million for its quantum computing subsidiary, Quantinuum, which is valued at $10 billion pre-money [2] - Honeywell is also proceeding with the spin-off of its Solstice Advanced Materials business as part of a broader restructuring strategy [3] Financial Performance - Despite a modest stock dip over the past month, Honeywell has achieved a 47.4% gain over the past five years [4] - Analysts project an annual revenue growth of around 4.6%, driven by expansion into LNG, data centers, and industrial automation [4] - Operational efficiencies and share buybacks are expected to support long-term earnings growth [4]

Market Performance - The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones have reached all-time highs in 2025, with gains of approximately 12.5%, 16.1%, and 8.4% respectively as of September 25, 2025 [1] - Historically, the fourth quarter has been the best for the stock market, with the Dow Jones, S&P, and Nasdaq posting gains of 4.3%, 3.6%, and 4.7% respectively over the past three decades [2] Economic Indicators - The U.S. economy grew at a robust 3.8% pace in Q2 2025, driven by stronger consumer spending, marking an upward revision from a previously reported 3.3% growth [3] - Consumer spending rose by 2.5% in Q2 2025, significantly up from 0.6% in Q1, indicating a strong consumer spending pattern heading into the holiday season [4][5] Investment Trends - Significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) continue, with NVIDIA announcing plans for investments worth up to $100 billion in OpenAI and a $5 billion investment in Intel [6][7] - The AI sector is expected to drive Wall Street performance in the coming months due to ongoing mega-deals [7] Earnings Outlook - The overall trend for S&P 500 earnings estimates remains positive, with Q3 2025 earnings expected to rise by 5.2% year-over-year, supported by a 6.0% increase in revenues [9] Sector Analysis - Small-cap stocks are gaining momentum due to Fed rate cut hopes and a positive GDP outlook, making the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) a favorable investment [12] - The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is positioned well due to anticipated increases in long-term yields and favorable earnings revisions [13] - The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) is expected to benefit from the holiday season, with retail sales projected to increase by 2.9% to 3.4% in 2025 [14] - The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is gaining momentum due to the AI boom and expected higher heating demand in winter months [15]

BREAKING: Dow Futures Rise With Fed Inflation Data Due Take a Trial Today Get instant access to exclusive stock lists, expert market analysis and powerful tools with 2 months of IBD Digital for only $20! IBD Videos Get market updates, educational videos, webinars, and stock analysis. Get Started Despite slipping this week, small-cap stocks are outperforming in the third quarter, making some analysts believe the long-scorned asset class is finally catching up with the rest of the market. The outperformance, ...

Core Insights - The convergence of quantum computing and defense sectors presents a unique investment opportunity, particularly with companies like IonQ expanding their presence in defense through contracts and acquisitions [2][12] Company Overview - IonQ specializes in quantum computing, utilizing trapped ions for data processing, which allows for smaller and more scalable systems compared to traditional electron-based quantum computers [6][7] - The company currently offers three quantum systems: Aria, Forte, and Forte Enterprise, with plans to launch a fourth system, Tempo, by the end of the year [8] Financial Projections - Analysts predict IonQ's revenue will increase from $43 million in 2024 to $315 million by 2027, marking a more than sevenfold surge, although the company is not expected to achieve profitability soon [9] Defense Sector Expansion - IonQ has secured three significant defense contracts, including a $54.5 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, a $21.1 million project for secure quantum networking, and a $5.7 million contract for a new networked quantum computing system [10][13] - The company has also acquired Oxford Ionics for $1.08 billion and is in the process of acquiring Vector Atomic, which has over $200 million in defense-related contracts [10] Strategic Developments - IonQ launched a new division, IonQ Federal, to manage its defense contracts, aiming to enhance resources for government customers and strengthen national security through quantum computing solutions [11]