Why Did D-Wave Quantum Stock Skyrocket 14% Today?

Key Points

• A peer in the quantum computing field announced earlier this week that it has sold two of its quantum computers.

• The company also announced earlier this week that it had worked with police in the U.K. to successfully improve response times.

• Quantum stocks still have a valuation problem.

• These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires ›

Shares of D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) jumped on Thursday, finishing up 14%. The spike comes as the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) was flat and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) gained 0.4%.

The quantum computing stock is moving along with the rest of the quantum market after Rigetti Computing announced it sold two of its Novera quantum computing systems. The news is a big win for the company, as the combined $5.7 million value of the orders represents more than half of the company's entire top line in 2024. It was taken as a bullish sign for quantum in general, helping to lift D-Wave stock as well.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »

D-Wave's own announcement earlier this week is also driving shares higher. The company said it worked with the North Wales Police Department "to optimize placement of police vehicles for emergency response" in a joint test of its technology. D-Wave says that it was able to reduce average response times by 50%, demonstrating the "real-world potential across private and public sectors" of its technology.

Image source: Getty Images.

Remain cautious

The potential of quantum is enormous, but the technology is earlier in its development than investors believe it to be, and what I think many of these companies are hoping for. D-Wave's press release is noticeably light on critical details like how much of its "hybrid-quantum solver" is quantum and how much is classical.

D-Wave's $10 billion market cap is hard to justify, with sales last year of just $8.8 million. I would look to Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) for a better quantum play.

Where to invest $1,000 right now

When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor’s total average return is 1,063%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 191% for the S&P 500.

They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor.

See the stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of September 29, 2025

Johnny Rice has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.