SA Asks: Is now the time to buy quantum stocks? If so, which ones?

Many of the top quantum computing stocks have been trading near their 52-week lows in recent weeks.

We asked Seeking Alpha analysts Julia Ostian and Yiannis Zourmpanos if now was the time to buy quantum stocks and, if so, which ones.

Julia Ostian: Quantum stocks usually move together with the defense sector, so with both trading near their lows, now could be a good time to look at quantum for those who understand the risks, which are great. These are cash-burning companies that could suffer from another rate hike or the November elections.

One of the interesting possibilities right now is Quantinuum (QNT), which IPO'd not so long ago and trades at its lowest point ever. I also like Rigetti (RGTI) as a speculative play that could rally once the sentiment turns.

I rate IonQ (IONQ) a Hold, so I could think about buying it, although I find it riskier after the SkyWater acquisition, and I wouldn't be buying D-Wave (QBTS) right now.

For those who don't want to pick companies one by one, the Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) gives exposure to the whole space, which could benefit if we see news about higher government spending on defense or a rotation away from AI after the elections.

Yiannis Zourmpanos: I think the quantum selloff is creating opportunities, but I would not buy the sector indiscriminately. My preference is Infleqtion (INFQ), where sensing, government contracts, and early computing revenues provide a commercialization bridge while its quantum computing platform develops.

I also see IonQ (IONQ) as one of the stronger names in the group, but across INFQ, IONQ, Rigetti (RGTI), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), valuation and execution still matter enormously. At current levels, I would favor selective accumulation rather than treating the pullback as a sector-wide buying signal.