In this article, we will discuss: 10 Best Performing Quantum Computing Stocks So Far in 2026.
On April 28, McKinsey Quantum Technology Monitor 2026 report stated that quantum computing has reached a commercial tipping point, with over 300 companies adopting the technology and creating a multibillion-dollar market. According to McKinsey, firms are transitioning from pilots to embedded applications, with early adopters putting quantum into entire operations. The firm revealed that quantum computing companies produced more than $1 billion in revenue in 2025, with a projected rise to $4.4 billion by 2028. It said that quantum computing could make $1.3 trillion to $2.7 trillion in economic value by 2035. One-third of companies invested over $10 million in quantum projects in 2025, with 7% spending more than $50 million.
McKinsey also disclosed that private investment in quantum startups is expected to reach $12.6 billion in 2025, a 6.3 times growth from 2024, with computing firms taking up 90%. It also stated that 72% of adoption occurs in privately owned businesses, while Europe is leading the progress. The firm stated that hybrid systems that combine classical and quantum computing are gaining popularity.
With that said, here are the 10 Best Performing Quantum Computing Stocks So Far in 2026.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Methodology:
We began with a pool of 20 stocks from the Quantum Computing Stocks and identified those that have delivered positive returns in 2026 so far. We then picked the top 10 stocks with the highest Year-to-Date return as of May 19. We have limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of their year-to-date performance.
Note: The stocks listed in our article are not pure-play quantum computing stocks, but indirect beneficiaries. These stocks are well-positioned to gain from the broader quantum computing boom.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT)
Year-to-date return as of May 19: 51.34%
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) is among the Best Performing Stocks.
On May 14, Reuters reported that Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) outlook for Q3 revenue and profit is above projections because of strong artificial intelligence and data center demand.
The company sees revenue coming in at about $8.95 billion plus or minus $500 million, beating LSEG expectations of $8.09 billion. On the earnings side, the firm expects adjusted EPS of $3.36, above the $2.88 estimates. It reported Q2 revenue of $7.91 billion, going beyond the $7.65 billion projections.
Chief Executive Gary Dickerson said “rising demand” and “increasing long term visibility” are helping “multi-year revenue and profit growth.”
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) also forecasts above 30% surge in semiconductor equipment and more than 50% growth in packaging revenue for 2026. CFO Brice Hill said the firm has raised build plans, inventory, and logistics capacity to meet demand.
Morningstar analyst William Kerwin said the outlook shows a “strengthening” artificial intelligence-driven investment cycle in wafer fabrication equipment.
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) is a firm that provides materials engineering solutions used in semiconductor manufacturing. Its segments include Semiconductor Systems and Applied Global Services.
9. Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI)
Year-to-date return as of May 19: 51.35%
On May 20, Reuters reported that Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) forecast Q3 revenue above estimates, showing growing artificial intelligence infrastructure demand.
The company guided to roughly $3.9 billion, plus or minus $100 million, above LSEG predictions of $3.62 billion, while expecting adjusted EPS of $3.30, plus or minus $0.15, ahead of $3.00 estimates, Reuters said. The second quarter was solid with revenue exceeding $3.62 billion, beating $3.51 billion projections, and adjusted EPS reaching $3.09, topping $2.90.
CFO Richard Puccio said the firm saw “growing demand” and “record bookings” across industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
Alongside the outlook, on the same day, Reuters reported that Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) said it will acquire Empower Semiconductor for about $1.5 billion in cash to expand its AI-focused power portfolio. Empower CEO Tim Phillips claimed the firm handles “the hardest problem in AI power delivery.”
Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) is a semiconductor business that brings together analog, digital, and software technologies into engineering solutions.
