D-Wave shares drop 36%: Is a comeback in the cards?

D-Wave Quantum Inc. shares tumbled 36.13% today, closing at $6.10 after shedding $3.45 during the session. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s skepticism about quantum computing’s near-term practical utility—stating it might still be 15 to 20 years away—triggered a sharp sell-off across the sector.

D-Wave’s significant decline was among the most pronounced, reflecting shaken confidence in quantum technology’s immediate commercial potential.

Once a darling of speculative trading, D-Wave’s stock had surged nearly 1000% year-to-date before today’s sharp correction. Despite some bright spots like a 41% year-over-year growth in its quantum computing as a service revenue in Q3 2024, broader financial metrics painted a bleaker picture. Total revenue fell 27% to $1.9 million in the same quarter, fueling investor skepticism about its growth trajectory. Adding to the pressure, concerns about ongoing financial losses and the risk of share dilution further weighed on sentiment. CEO Alan Baratz countered Nvidia’s remarks, emphasizing the current utility of D-Wave’s quantum technology, but the damage to investor confidence was evident.

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Investors should weigh today’s sharp decline as a signal of broader volatility in quantum computing stocks. While D-Wave is trading above its 200-day moving average, the sell-off highlights fragility in speculative gains driven by lofty expectations. If you’re considering adding D-Wave to your portfolio, caution is advised. Look for stabilization and clearer profitability signals before diving in.

That said, quantum computing remains an exciting long-term bet. But with conflicting views from industry leaders and ongoing financial challenges, patience is your best strategy. Keep a close eye on D-Wave’s next earnings report for indications of sustained growth in its service revenue, which could bolster its long-term case.

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Featured image credit: D-Wave Quantum