If You'd Invested $500 in D-Wave Quantum Stock 1 Year Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today
Key Points
D-Wave Quantum is up nearly 2,000% over the past year.
It demonstrates that you don't need to put much into risky investments to potentially make a large return.
- 10 stocks we like better than D-Wave Quantum ›
Early-stage technology companies tend to be high-risk, high-reward investments. D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) is an example of the reward opportunities when you invest in one of these companies before they explode higher.
The quantum computing stock has gained 1,920% over the one-year period ending Nov. 7. If you'd invested $500 in D-Wave a year ago, you'd now have $10,100. It's an impressive return -- and it highlights an important point about putting your money in risky stocks.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
You don't need to bet big
Pure-play quantum computing stocks like D-Wave were unsure propositions a year ago and still are today, although the industry seems to be gaining steam. In D-Wave's case, revenue grew 100% year over year in the third quarter of 2025, but only to $3.7 million. It trades at a hefty 339 times trailing sales, and it reported a net loss of $140 million last quarter.
There's a much greater risk of losing money with this type of company than with more established tech players, like Nvidia or Microsoft. If you're planning to invest in D-Wave, or any other tech company that hasn't reached profitability yet, the safest choice is to start small. For example, you could start by making it no more than 1% of your investment portfolio.
If your investment doesn't work out, you haven't lost much. And if it takes off, you can still make a healthy profit. After all, D-Wave has turned $500 into $10,100.
Even with its recent growth, D-Wave is still in the category of high-risk investments. It's arguably riskier than it was a year ago -- with its current valuation, future growth is largely priced in. I wouldn't overcommit to it, but a small position could pay off if quantum computing lives up to the hype.
Should you invest $1,000 in D-Wave Quantum right now?
Before you buy stock in D-Wave Quantum, consider this:
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*Stock Advisor returns as of November 3, 2025
Lyle Daly has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Microsoft and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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