2 Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in February - fool.com
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By Leo Sun – Feb 4, 2026 at 1:05PM ESTKey PointsD-Wave uses its quantum systems to help companies optimize their workflows.IonQ could shrink quantum computers with its trapped-ion chips.Both companies could grow much larger as the quantum market expands.We’re bullish on these 10 stocks ›NYSE: QBTSD-Wave QuantumMarket Cap$8.0BToday's Changeangle-down(-10.70%) $2.29Current Price$19.11Price as of February 4, 2026 at 1:59 PM ETD-Wave Quantum and IonQ could be excellent plays on the nascent market.Quantum computers could represent the next leap forward for the tech sector. Unlike classical computers, which still store data as binary bits of zeros and ones, quantum computers can store those zeros and ones simultaneously in a quantum state as qubits. That difference enables quantum computers to crunch more data and perform specific tasks much faster than their classical counterparts, but they're also bigger, pricier, and less power-efficient. However, Fortune Business Insights expects the quantum computing market to expand at a 34.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2032 as companies roll out more sophisticated, cost-efficient systems. Let's examine two of those companies -- D-Wave Quantum (QBTS 10.70%) and IonQ (IONQ 10.89%) -- and see why they might be worth buying in February. Image source: Getty Images. What do D-Wave and IonQ do? D-Wave accelerates electrons in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions through superconducting loops to achieve a quantum state. These electron-powered systems are simpler and cheaper to manufacture than other types, but they can be expensive to operate and maintain because they require cryogenic refrigeration. D-Wave's systems are designed explicitly for quantum annealing, a process that helps organizations optimize their workflows by identifying the ones which consume the least power. It also designs its own QPUs and Advantage quantum systems, and provides quantum computing as a service through its cloud-based Leap platform. ExpandNYSE: QBTSD-Wave QuantumToday's Change(-10.70%) $-2.29Current Price$19.11Key Data PointsMarket Cap$8.0BDay's Range$18.79 - $21.3352wk Range$4.45 - $46.75Volume629KAvg Vol36MGross Margin82.82% IonQ traps ions with delicate lasers to put them into a quantum state. Its systems are expensive to manufacture and require ongoing maintenance, but they don't need any refrigeration. Unlike D-Wave's optimization-oriented systems, IonQ builds universal quantum computers capable of tackling a broader range of problems. It produces four systems: its older Aria system, its flagship Forte system, its data center-oriented Forte Enterprise system, and its upcoming Tempo system. It also provides its quantum computing power as a cloud-based service. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-10.89%) $-4.19Current Price$34.28Key Data PointsMarket Cap$14BDay's Range$33.65 - $38.5252wk Range$17.88 - $84.64Volume1.2MAvg Vol21MGross Margin-747.41% Why are D-Wave and IonQ promising investments? From 2025 to 2027, analysts expect D-Wave's revenue to surge from $26 million to $81 million, while IonQ's revenue is expected to soar from $109 million to $317 million. That expansion should be driven by the growing interest in quantum computing systems for processing AI tasks, optimizing businesses and supply chains, and even mining cryptocurrencies. D-Wave and IonQ already trade at 98x and 43x their projected 2027 sales, respectively. Those valuations are frothy, but both companies could have plenty of room to grow over the next few decades as the quantum market expands. Both stocks will remain volatile for the foreseeable future, but if you're looking for a speculative play to lock up for a few years, these two early movers in the quantum market deserve a closer look.Read NextFeb 4, 2026 •By John BromelsIs D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) Stock a Buy Now?Feb 2, 2026 •By Chris NeigerDown 38%, Should You Buy the Dip on D-Wave Quantum?Feb 1, 2026 •By Will EbiefungWhere Will D-Wave Quantum Stock Be in 5 Years?Jan 28, 2026 •By Justin PopeHere's Why I Wouldn't Touch D-Wave Quantum With a 10-Foot PoleJan 27, 2026 •By Catie HoganIs D-Wave Quantum Stock Going To $0?Jan 25, 2026 •By Scott LevineWhy Shares of D-Wave Quantum Soared 211.3% in 2025 and Can Fly Higher in 2026About the AuthorLeo Sun is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst who has worked with the company since 2013, covering technology, consumer goods, industrial, and financial sectors. He became a self-made millionaire by age 40 through long-term investing, crediting lessons from Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch. Leo is a regular guest on CNBC Asia providing stock analysis on Chinese technology companies, including Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba. He previously wrote for InvestorGuide and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin.TMFSunLionX@TMFSunLionStocks MentionedD-Wave QuantumNYSE: QBTS$19.11 (0.11%) $2.29IonQNYSE: IONQ$34.28 (0.11%) $4.19*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.