$IONQ

3 Quantum Computing Stocks With the Most Upside in August

IONQ reported record Q2 revenue of $80M and raised 2026 guidance to $285M. RGTI has the highest analyst upside at 81%. D-Wave's bookings surged to $36M, and AT&T's integration reduced processing time. All three companies are pre-profit and highly valued, with government policy tailwinds. IONQ, RGTI, and D-Wave have shown significant stock price movements and analyst interest.

Original reporting
Published Aug 21, 2026, 3:41 PM UTC
Analysis
alphai AI DeskAI-generated
Added to alphai Aug 21, 2026, 4:50 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
alphai summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
3 Quantum Computing Stocks With the Most Upside in August — source image
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$IONQBullishMed
01

Why it matters

Earnings beats and raised guidance provide fresh catalysts, while upcoming investor events (IonQ Investor Day) could further influence pricing.

02

Market read

First‑hand earnings and guidance disclosures for three micro‑cap quantum stocks create actionable trading ideas and sector‑wide momentum.

03

What to watch

Dilution risk from potential CHIPS Act securities issuance and reliance on future commercial adoption.

Relevance 7/10Novelty 7/10Timing: post‑market August 17, 2026

Background

The article reviews Q2 earnings and guidance for three pure‑play quantum‑computing companies, highlighting revenue growth, government funding prospects, and commercial partnerships.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$IONQBullishHigh confidence
Context

IonQ reported record Q2 revenue of $80M and raised full-year 2026 guidance to $285M, driving a 34.7% price rise.

Expected impact

Potential further rally toward $67 target if guidance holds.

Evidence & confidence

Strong top-line growth and guidance increase investor optimism.

$RGTIBullishMedium confidence
Context

Rigetti posted Q2 revenue of $5.14M, signed a LOI for up to $100M CHIPS Act funding, and its stock closed at $18.67 with 81% implied upside.

Expected impact

Shares may test the $28.8 target if funding materializes.

Evidence & confidence

LOI is non‑binding; upside depends on final contract terms.

$QBTSBullishMedium confidence
Context

D‑Wave reported Q2 revenue of $3.08M, bookings of $35.5M and highlighted AT&T integration cutting processing time to 15 seconds.

Expected impact

Stock could move toward $35 target if bookings convert to revenue.

Evidence & confidence

Revenue miss offsets strong bookings; upside hinges on conversion.

Market effects

Quantum‑computing sector gains visibility from government funding and corporate partnerships.

U.S. tech investors may reallocate capital toward quantum plays.

International interest in quantum hardware could boost related supply chains.

Counterpoint

High beta and negative cash flow make these stocks vulnerable to a risk‑off environment.

Key entities

  • IonQ

    Quantum‑computing firm reporting record Q2 revenue and raised guidance.

  • Rigetti Computing

    Quantum‑computing firm with LOI for CHIPS Act funding.

  • D‑Wave Quantum

    Quantum‑annealing company with strong bookings and AT&T partnership.

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Quantum computing stocks Rigetti Computing (RGTI), IonQ (IONQ), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) have seen recent gains due to government policy tailwinds. Rigetti, with a $28.81 price target, has 81.4% upside potential. IonQ, up 34.68% in a month, has 68.19% upside. D-Wave, with 19.7% upside, focuses on commercial traction. All three are pre-profit and speculative.

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Rigetti's Expanding Commercial Base Strengthens Growth Prospects

Rigetti Computing (RGTI) reported Q2 2026 results, highlighting growth in commercial demand for its quantum systems, with two 9-qubit systems sold to commercial customers. The company expects revenue from an $8.4M order in Q4 and a collaboration with HPE for 2027. RGTI's shares are down 15.1% YTD, trading at a P/B ratio of 11.69. Analysts expect a 71.9% earnings improvement for 2026.