QBTS or IONQ: Which Quantum Computing Stock Will Lead in 2026?

As 2026 approaches, D-Wave Quantum Inc. QBTS and IonQ IONQ present distinct investment narratives in the burgeoning quantum computing sector.In 2025, D-Wave’s official disclosures show strong commercial momentum, including robust third-quarter results with revenue and gross profit more than doubling year over year and cash balances hitting record highs, alongside product and business expansions such as hybrid quantum technology showcases and new U.S. government-focused business units.IonQ, on the other hand, reported gains through strategic partnerships and deployments, such as finalizing delivery of its 100-qubit Tempo system to South Korea’s KISTI and expanding long-term collaborations in Europe, reinforcing global market penetration.QBTS stock has surged 227.6% year to date, far outpacing IONQ’s 19.2% gain, the broader Internet-Software industry’s10.4% rise, the Computer and Technology sector’s 27.7% rally and the S&P 500’s 20% increase, reflecting divergent investor sentiment ahead of 2026 due to differences in near-term commercial execution.Let’s find out how things are shaping up for 2026.QBTS: IONQ: YTD Stock PerformancesImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchCase for QBTSCommercial Scaling of Advantage2 and Hybrid Quantum Apps: QBTS enters 2026 with commercially deployed, production-grade systems. The Advantage2 system is already operational for enterprise and government users, including Davidson Technologies (U.S. defense), Julich Supercomputing Center, and a €10 million European installation scheduled to contribute revenues starting in 2026.Real-world proofs-of-concept with BASF, Japan Tobacco, North Wales Police, airlines, banks and semiconductor foundries demonstrate measurable performance gains over classical computing, supporting customer expansion, system sales and recurring QCaaS revenues. Management emphasized a strong pipeline with larger average deal sizes and over $100 million in annual QCaaS revenue capacity, positioning 2026 as a monetization year rather than pure R&D.Financial Strength and Path Toward Profitability: QBTS closed the third quarter of 2025 with over $836 million in cash, minimal near-term financing risk, and improving gross margins, driven by high-margin system sales and upgrades. Unlike peers reliant on government R&D funding, QBTS’s three-pillar revenue model (QCaaS, professional services, system sales) supports operating leverage as utilization rises. Management explicitly stated a focus on becoming the first independent public quantum company to achieve sustained profitability.Stumbling Block for QBTSDespite its momentum, QBTS faces constraints that could temper growth in 2026. Revenue gains in 2025 were highly concentrated, driven largely by the Julich system sale and upgrades, creating execution risk if follow-on system deals are delayed. Management also noted that larger enterprise transactions take longer to close, which may result in uneven bookings and revenue timing. While gross margins improved meaningfully, adjusted EBITDA losses widened due to higher operating expenses, suggesting profitability is not yet secured despite a strong cash position. Additionally, QCaaS revenues remain early-stage, with many customers still in proof-of-concept phases rather than full production deployments.Case for IONQNext-Generation Systems, Quantum Advantage: IonQ enters 2026 with clear momentum from Tempo, its fifth-generation system, which achieved AQ 64, 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity and is scheduled to ship in 2026. IonQ has already demonstrated measurable quantum advantage in areas such as computational engineering (Ansys) and drug discovery with NVIDIA NVDA, Amazon AMZN and AstraZeneca AZN, where quantum workloads compressed weeks of classical computation into hours. These milestones support higher-value customer contracts and strengthen IonQ’s ability to translate technical advancement into revenue growth.Platform Expansion, Government Engagement, Financial Capacity: IonQ’s performance in 2026 is also likely to be driven by its transformation into a full quantum platform company, spanning quantum computing, networking, sensing and cybersecurity. Acquisitions of Oxford Ionics and Vector Atomic expand IonQ’s addressable market and enable participation in large, multi-year government and infrastructure programs, including defense and secure communications initiatives. The launch of IonQ Federal, growing international exposure and over $3.5 billion in cash with no debt provide substantial capacity to invest aggressively in R&D, talent and scaling, supporting sustained growth even as operating losses persist.Factors That May Temper Growth in 2026 for IONQDespite its momentum, IonQ faces risks that could moderate growth in 2026. Although revenues surged in 2025, the company continues to report large operating and EBITDA losses as it prioritizes heavy investment in R&D, talent and platform expansion, with management indicating that profitability is not imminent. Key growth catalysts, including Tempo system shipments, major government programs and integration of Oxford Ionics and Vector Atomic, are still in scaling phases, adding execution risk. Moreover, significant equity raises, while strengthening the balance sheet, have led to shareholder dilution, which may limit per-share growth even if top-line momentum continues into 2026.2026 EstimatesQBTS: The company is expected to record earnings growth of 7% in 2026 on revenue growth of 61.1%. Based on short-term price targets offered by 14 analysts, QBTS’ average price target represents an increase of 32.9% from the last closing price of $29.1.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchIONQ: The company is expected to record earnings growth of 65.8% in 2026 on revenue growth of 83.3%. Based on short-term price targets offered by 12 analysts, IONQ’s average price target represents an increase of 46.9% from the last closing price of $51.4.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWhich Stock Offers Higher Upside Potential for 2026?While both D-Wave and IonQ currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the latter appears positioned for stronger long-term upside. Its 2025 results showcased 222% revenue growth, the successful development of its Tempo system with AQ 64 and 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, and a fortified $3.5 billion cash position, providing ample firepower for continued R&D, talent acquisition and scaling. Meanwhile, QBTS has shown solid revenue growth and improving efficiency, but its near-term upside is more dependent on system sales execution. Overall, for investors looking at longer-horizon technology leadership, IonQ’s platform breadth and technical dominance make it a more compelling growth story in 2026.  You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Zacks Naming Top 10 Stocks for 2026Want to be tipped off early to our 10 top picks for the entirety of 2026? History suggests their performance could be sensational.From 2012 (when our Director of Research Sheraz Mian assumed responsibility for the portfolio) through November, 2025, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,530.8%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +570.3%.Now Sheraz is combing through 4,400 companies to handpick the best 10 tickers to buy and hold in 2026. Don’t miss your chance to get in on these stocks when they’re released on January 5. Be First to New Top 10 Stocks >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report IonQ, Inc. (IONQ): Free Stock Analysis Report D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks