Quantum Computing Is Up 26% Today: Is It Outperforming Other Quantum Stocks Like D-Wave, IonQ, and Rigetti?
Quantum Computing (QUBT) shares surged 26% to $12.81 after reporting Q1 2026 earnings, with revenue up 5,951% year-over-year due to acquisitions and strategic pivots, outperforming peers like IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave in short-term trading. While QUBT has underperformed year-to-date, its recent spike reflects strong institutional activity and a focus on photonic quantum computing, contrasting with competitors using trapped-ion or superconducting qubits.
Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) saw its stock price jump 26% to $12.81 in early trading on Tuesday, following the release of its Q1 2026 earnings report after market close on May 11. The surge marks a standout performance compared to peers, with IonQ (IONQ) flat at $57, Rigetti Computing (RGTI) up 1% to $20.75, and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) down 5% to $22.80. The earnings report highlighted a dramatic revenue increase of 5,951% year-over-year, reaching $3.69 million, driven by acquisitions including Luminar Semiconductor for $110 million in February and NuCrypt for $5 million in March. CEO Yuping Huang emphasized operational progress and a strategic shift toward integrated photonics manufacturing. The company’s backlog stood at $16 million as of March 31, with $257.7 million in cash reserves, supported by the commercial launch of the Dirac-3 system and expansion into photonics and edge AI hardware. Year-to-date performance tells a different story: IonQ leads with a 27% gain, while QUBT remains flat at -1%, with Rigetti and D-Wave down 7% and 8%, respectively. However, over the past month, all four stocks have rallied, with IonQ up 98%, D-Wave up 69%, QUBT up 44%, and Rigetti up 40%, reflecting sector-wide momentum following recent earnings reports. Each company focuses on distinct quantum computing technologies: QUBT on photonic quantum computing, D-Wave on quantum annealing, IonQ on trapped-ion qubits, and Rigetti on superconducting qubits. High short interest in QUBT, combined with institutional buying—including a coordinated purchase of 110,615 shares by directors in April—has fueled speculation of a short squeeze. Analyst sentiment remains neutral, with QUBT scoring 54.36 and D-Wave at 55.18. Investors will watch whether QUBT’s gains hold through the close and if it can close the year-to-date gap with IonQ. The next key catalyst for the sector is D-Wave’s Investor Day on June 1 at the NYSE, as all four companies face execution risks and volatile short-term movements.
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