Quantum computing is in the early innings of development, but it’s an industry that could offer explosive returns for investors who pick the right stocks. Rigetti Computing (RGTI 0.86%) stock is up 135% over the past year at the time of writing, but that has trailed D-Wave Quantum’s (QBTS 0.23%) 237% return. Both companies are losing money. But that’s not what’s important right now. It’s not about profitability but about which company can scale the fastest over the next five years. Rigetti Computing: Struggling to Regain Revenue Momentum Rigetti primarily earns revenue by building superconducting quantum computers and integrating them into public, private, or hybrid clouds through its proprietary software network. It secured international purchase agreements and faced a delayed system release, while reporting a net loss of $18 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025. D-Wave Quantum: Seeking Stability After Volatile Revenue D-Wave generates revenue by providing global access to its quantum computing systems, open-source programming tools, and professional onboarding services through a cloud-based network. It recently acquired an industry peer and signed enterprise commercial agreements, while reporting a net loss of approximately $42 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025. Why Revenue Matters for Retail Investors Revenue is the most fundamental measure of a company’s performance. Changes over time can indicate a company’s product marketability and its ability to reach more customers. Image source: The Motley Fool. Quarterly Revenue for Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum | Quarter (Period End) | Rigetti Computing Revenue | D-Wave Quantum Revenue | |---|---|---| | Q1 2024 (March 2024) | $3.1 million | $2.5 million | | Q2 2024 (June 2024) | $3.1 million | $2.2 million | | Q3 2024 (Sept. 2024) | $2.4 million | $1.9 million | | Q4 2024 (Dec. 2024) | $2.3 million | $2.3 million