Golden Discs of Tomorrow: Why This Quantum Computing Stock Could Shine in 2026

When it comes to quantum computing investments, 2025 delivered mixed fortunes. While the broader quantum sector celebrated impressive gains—with IonQ gaining 17% and D-Wave surging over 400%—one notable player failed to capture the wave of optimism. Quantum Computing stock lagged significantly, delivering just a 5% return as the golden discs of success eluded its grasp in the previous year. Yet beneath the surface, conditions are aligning that could reshape this narrative entirely in 2026.

The Tale of Two Markets: While Peers Collected Gains, Quantum Computing Stumbled

The contrast couldn’t be starker. Rigetti Computing soared 75%, D-Wave Quantum simply skyrocketed with gains exceeding 400%, and IonQ beat the S&P 500. Yet Quantum Computing, despite operating in the same industry with comparable technological ambitions, moved in the opposite direction relative to broader market trends.

The company’s mission is compelling: build quantum machines that operate at room temperature and low power consumption. Unlike competitors requiring expensive cryogenic cooling systems to function, Quantum Computing pursues an approach that could democratize access to quantum technology. The engineering challenge, however, has proven daunting. Since recording its first revenue in 2022—a mere $136,000—the company has advanced only incrementally, currently generating sub-$1 million in annual sales.

The financial picture is equally sobering. Operating losses reached approximately $68 million over the trailing twelve months. But here’s the stabilizing factor: Quantum Computing commands $555 million in cash reserves, effectively providing a 17-year financial runway at current burn rates. Bankruptcy risk? Minimal. Slow progress? Undeniable.

From Modest Beginnings to Exponential Growth: The Sales Trajectory That Changes Everything

What makes 2026 potentially transformative is the acceleration beginning to materialize. Through the first nine months of 2025, Quantum Computing grew revenues 55% year-over-year. Analysts tracked by S&P Global Market Intelligence project this growth will reach 100% once full-year results arrive.

But the real story lies ahead. Projections suggest 2026 revenue could exceed $2.8 million, representing growth surpassing 200%. More strikingly, 2027 forecasts point to quintupling revenues to approximately $15 million. This isn’t yet profitability territory—analysts don’t expect the company to turn profitable before 2029—but it represents the kind of sales momentum that captures investor attention and redirects capital flows.

When Momentum Meets Opportunity: The Golden Discs of 2026

Two catalysts could trigger a dramatic repricing of Quantum Computing stock. First, current sentiment toward the company remains decidedly pessimistic. The pessimism has bred opportunity: 48.6 million of the company’s 224.1 million outstanding shares are currently sold short. That represents roughly 21.7% of the float.

If Quantum Computing delivers Q4 earnings in March that align with analyst expectations, and if growth projections for 2026-2027 gain traction, momentum traders could initiate significant buying. This would create the conditions for a short squeeze—a dynamic where forced short-covering accelerates share price appreciation. Such movements can propel stocks with positive momentum far beyond what fundamental valuation alone would justify, at least temporarily.

The golden discs of investment success often go to those who time pivotal moments correctly. For Quantum Computing stock, that moment may arrive in the coming months.

Weighing the Wager: Is This the Right Quantum Computing Play?

Before committing capital, consider this caveat: The Motley Fool’s Stock Advisor team identifies what they believe are the ten best stock picks for investors today, and Quantum Computing did not make that exclusive list. The analyst team’s track record speaks volumes—investors who acted on past recommendations at Netflix (gaining $464,439 on a $1,000 initial investment) and Nvidia (realizing $1,150,455 on the same base) witnessed extraordinary returns.

The analytical consensus surrounding Quantum Computing remains cautious. Should 2026 unfold as projected, with sales doubling again and momentum building, this sentiment could shift dramatically. Yet predicting such inflection points carries genuine risk. The jury remains out on whether this quantum computing outfit will ultimately capture its deserved golden discs of value creation—or whether competitive forces and execution challenges will prevent it from becoming a true wealth generator.

The prudent path: Watch closely when March earnings arrive. Monitor whether analyst projections hold. Consider the risk/reward carefully before deploying capital—particularly if you’re a short-seller in this name.