Full Breakdown
Quantum Computing Stocks Gain Momentum Amid Government Support and Corporate Partnerships
7/23/2026, 11:17:52 AM
Quantinuum-SoftBank White Paper Signals Industry Shift
Quantinuum (QNT) and SoftBank Group Corp. (SFTBY) released the white paper Quantum Computing Frontiers, shifting focus from hardware milestones to practical applications in telecommunications, finance, materials science and cybersecurity. It highlights hybrid quantum-classical computing as the most viable path for enterprise adoption and outlines a roadmap for use cases such as quantum chemistry and graph analytics.
Government Funding Landscape
Governments view quantum technologies as strategic assets alongside AI and semiconductors. In the United States, a $2 billion package for quantum manufacturing and infrastructure has been announced, with policy measures aimed at accelerating commercialization and strengthening the domestic supply chain. The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment through multi-year funding, while other European and Asian nations continue to expand national programs.
Leading Quantum Stocks: D-Wave and Rigetti
D-Wave Quantum (QBTS)
- Transferred its stock listing to the Nasdaq Global Market to broaden institutional visibility.
- Named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Quantum Computing 2026 Vendor Assessment.
- First-quarter bookings totaled $33 million.
- Analysts set an average price target of $38.31, a 129 % increase from the last close, and assigned a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Rigetti Computing (RGTI)
- Signed a letter of intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce for a potential award of up to $100 million over three years.
- Ended Q1 2026 with $569 million in cash and investments, remaining debt-free.
- Its 108-qubit Cepheus-1 system is now in commercial rollout.
- Analysts gave an average price target of $31.00, a 117.5 % rise from the last close, and assigned a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Financial Health and Market Outlook
Both companies have strong liquidity that supports continued R&D without frequent capital raises. Rigetti’s price-to-book ratio of 8.12 exceeds the industry average, and its Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 71.9 % earnings improvement for 2026 versus the prior year. Despite these strengths, Rigetti’s shares have fallen 35.7 % YTD, underperforming the sector’s decline of 6.7 %.
Investment Perspective: Signals vs. Substance
Analysts note that government contracts indicate national-security interest but do not guarantee stock performance. The CHIPS Act stimulus moved quantum-related prices for only about three weeks, and smaller awards “barely register” on Wall Street. Investors are advised to prioritize companies showing technical progress and credible commercialization pathways over those highlighted solely by headline-making funding announcements.
Summary
The Quantinuum-SoftBank white paper, expanding government investment, and solid corporate balance sheets sharpen the investment narrative for quantum computing firms. D-Wave’s market-making moves and Rigetti’s cash-rich, debt-free position make them leading candidates for long-term growth, though analysts stress that performance will ultimately hinge on tangible technological breakthroughs and market adoption rather than the size of government awards alone.
