IONQ vs. QBTS: Which Quantum Stock Has More Upside Potential in June?

After a difficult start to 2026, shares of IonQ IONQ and D-Wave Quantum QBTS have staged a stunning rebound since April 1, with IONQ soaring 128.9% and QBTS rallying 103.1%, far outperforming the S&P 500’s 14.4% gain. While global macroeconomic concerns persist, the sharp turnaround has been fueled by improving investors' confidence around accelerating commercial traction, rising bookings, expanding quantum AI and optimization use cases, major system-sale momentum and strong technology road maps outlined by both companies.With quantum stocks back in favor, it is time for investors to assess whether this momentum can extend through June or if it is time to lock in profits. Let’s find out.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchIONQ’s Technology Road Map Drive OptimismIn the first quarter, IonQ recorded revenue growth of 755% year over year and raised its full-year revenue guidance to $260-$270 million from its previous outlook of $225-$245 million. The company expanded its remaining performance obligations to $470 million. IONQ registered strong demand for its Tempo systems, early traction for its upcoming 256-qubit platform and growing adoption across pharmaceuticals, logistics, cybersecurity and quantum networking applications. Major partnerships, expanding global deployments and the SkyWater Technology acquisition (completed in May), aimed at scaling manufacturing capabilities, are other driving factors.Still, the risks are significant. IonQ remains unprofitable, spending aggressively on R&D and expansion while facing execution risks tied to scaling fault-tolerant quantum systems and turning backlog into consistent revenue.D-Wave's Bookings Surge Fuels Bullish Sentiment for the Near TermIn the first quarter, D-Wave reported bookings growth of nearly 2,000% year over year, while its remaining performance obligations surged 563%. The company is benefiting from growing demand for annealing quantum systems, increasing enterprise adoption and expectations for two to three system sales annually, up from its earlier outlook of one system sale per year. Investor optimism further improved after the company’s acquisition of Quantum Circuits, which expanded D-Wave into gate-model quantum computing alongside its established annealing business.Still, risks remain. Revenue recognition timing for large system deals could continue creating quarterly volatility, while elevated operating expenses and execution risks tied to scaling both annealing and gate-model platforms remain key concerns.2026 EstimatesIONQ: The company is expected to record earnings growth of 42.9% in 2026 on revenue growth of 101.9%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchQBTS: The company is expected to record earnings growth of 72.1% in 2026 on revenue growth of 63.3%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchShort Term Price Target Favors QBTS Over IONQIONQ: Based on short-term price targets offered by 11 analysts, the average price target of $69.95 represents an increase of 9.92% from the last closing price.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchQBTS: Based on short-term price targets offered by 13 analysts, the average price target for D-Wave of $36.38 represents an increase of 30.77% from the last closing price of $27.82.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWhich Stock Offers Higher Upside Potential for June?While both quantum stocks have delivered massive gains since April, D-Wave Quantum appears better positioned for near-term upside in June 2026. QBTS currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), supported by bookings growth, rising enterprise adoption and stronger short-term analyst price targets.Meanwhile, IonQ currently holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Despite strong long-term growth potential, the stock’s massive rally, elevated valuation and ongoing execution risks could limit additional upside in June. Investors may consider retaining QBTS shares for now, while booking some profits in IONQ after its sharp run-up since April.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is HereThe AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.See Stocks Now >>This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks