This Is When IBM's CEO Says Quantum Computing Could Start to Have a "Measurable Impact" on Its Bottom Line

Quantum computing has been an area of tech that growth investors have been targeting in recent years. In 2024, shares of Rigetti Computing soared more than 1,400%. While the enthusiasm has cooled of late given the long-term question marks and uncertainty around the business, quantum computing can have a significant and profound impact on the tech sector as a whole. But rather than investing in a small, risky stock such as Rigetti, a safer option to consider may be a big behemoth such as International Business Machines (IBM +0.86%). It's investing heavily in quantum computing, and it anticipates it'll start having a noticeable impact on its business in the not-too-distant future. Image source: Getty Images. Quantum computing is a huge opportunity for IBM Quantum computers can solve complex problems significantly faster than current computers can. And with artificial intelligence creating a surge in demand for compute power, quantum computers may come online at a pivotal time for the tech sector. IBM is a leading tech company that's been investing heavily in quantum computing, and its CEO Arvind Krishna believes that it won't be too much longer before investors start to see a payoff. "I think that in 2028 or 2029, you'll see it have a measurable impact on our top line and bottom line," Krishna forecasted in a recent interview on CNBC. He believes the growth opportunities in the space could be tremendous. "By the end of the 2030s, we are now pretty convinced this is a trillion dollars of value." For IBM investors, it's welcome news after the stock's struggles this year. It has fallen 19% thus far in 2026, with the market being unimpressed with its growth and recent results. While quantum computing may not turn things around for IBM this year, there is hope that down the road it may be a game changer for the business. ExpandNYSE: IBMInternational Business MachinesToday's Change(0.86%) $2.02Current Price$237.61Key Data PointsMarket Cap$224BMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.Day's Range$234.13 - $240.7452wk Range$199.19 - $332.46Volume2MAvg Vol11.3MGross Margin57.56%Dividend Yield2.84% Is IBM's stock a bargain buy right now? When the market panics and overreacts, it can create some great buying opportunities for long-term investors. That may have happened when IBM's stock crashed a month ago after releasing preliminary numbers that were well short of expectations. While it has been rising since then, it's still down significantly this year. Trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of 21, it's a reasonably priced stock given that the S&P 500 averages an earnings multiple of 26. IBM is still a top tech stock to own, and with tremendous long-term opportunities related to quantum computing, now, while its valuation remains low, could be an ideal time to buy it.Read NextAug 3, 2026 •By Daniel SparksIBM Has Fallen 33% From Its High and Yields 3%. Here's What That Dividend Actually Costs the Company.Aug 1, 2026 •By Robert IzquierdoAlphabet vs. IBM: What Diverging Revenue Trends Tell Investors About These Artificial Intelligence CompaniesJul 30, 2026 •By Parkev Tatevosian, CFAIBM Stock: A Generational Buying Opportunity?Jul 30, 2026 •By Frank BassCan You Invest in BMC Software Pre-IPO? Here's What You Need to KnowJul 25, 2026 •By Motley Fool YouTubeIBM Stock Just Suffered a Rare One-Day Plunge. Is This a Temporary Stumble or a New Risk for Investors?Jul 25, 2026 •By Robert IzquierdoFigma vs. IBM: What Revenue Growth Trends Tell Investors About the Young Software Design Company and the Veteran Artificial Intelligence Tech GiantAbout the AuthorDavid Jagielski, CPA, has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering healthcare, consumer staples, consumer discretionary, and technology stocks since 2017. David has more than 10 years of experience in finance roles across businesses of different sizes and sectors. He holds a Certified Public Accountant designation in Canada.TMFdjagielskiStocks MentionedInternational Business MachinesNYSE: IBM$237.27(+0.71%)+$1.68Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest PickGet Access---% Avg ReturnRigetti ComputingNASDAQ: RGTI$17.85(-0.53%)-$0.09*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.