(Ticker: QBTS)
YTD Gain: +66% | 12-Month Gain: +1,200% | Sector: Quantum Tech
The Rise of a Quantum Underdog
You might not fully understand quantum annealing, but you don’t need a PhD to know D-Wave is on a heater. Up over 1,200% in the last year, D-Wave Quantum has become one of the wildest rides in tech—and for good reason.
What Makes D-Wave Different
Unlike giants like Google and IBM that are building gate-based quantum systems aimed at general-purpose computing, D-Wave has taken a different route: quantum annealing. This method, while limited in scope, is already solving real-world optimization problems in logistics, energy, and materials science. Their Advantage 2 system isn’t a science fair project—it’s already deployed with commercial clients. That gives D-Wave something most quantum players don’t have: actual revenue.
Revenue Progress and Global Moves
Speaking of which, Q1 2025 earnings brought modest growth, with revenue sitting around $22 million. That may not sound like much in Big Tech terms, but it’s tangible progress. More importantly, the company didn’t expand its operating losses drastically, which had been a major concern in past quarters. The firm also announced a strategic partnership with Yonsei University in South Korea, signaling its ambition to go global. That kind of geographic expansion—especially into Asia—adds credibility and momentum.
Quantum Hype and Retail Momentum
Investor hype around quantum is also ramping up. Reports from firms like Morgan Stanley and McKinsey have cast quantum computing as the next frontier, predicting that companies positioned well now could benefit enormously in the decade ahead. For D-Wave, this narrative has translated into a groundswell of retail investor enthusiasm and a rapid appreciation in its stock price.
The Risky Bits
But let’s not sugarcoat it: D-Wave remains a high-risk play. The company is still bleeding money, with annual operating losses nearing $71 million. And its removal from the Russell 2500 index didn’t help institutional confidence. Liquidity remains an issue, and the company’s path to profitability is anything but clear.
Final Thoughts
Still, D-Wave stands out for being both a leader in quantum annealing and a rare public company in this sector. If you’re into early-stage moonshots with a splash of science fiction, QBTS might be worth a closer look. Just know what you’re signing up for.
Retail verdict: It’s risky. It’s weird. It’s kind of awesome. Just don’t bet the rent money.
Marc has been involved in the Stock Market Media Industry for the last +5 years. After obtaining a college degree in engineering in France, he moved to Canada, where he created Money,eh?, a personal finance website.
