Can IBM's Latest Quantum System Boost Illinois' Innovation Future? Zacks Equity Research Mon, November 9, 2026 at 8:09 AM EST 3 min read IBM +0.44% ABBV +0.09% MSFT +2.64% GOOGL +3.46% Explore stocks on Coinbase Trading disclosure Trading disclosure The above button links to Coinbase. Yahoo Finance is not a broker-dealer or investment adviser and does not offer securities or cryptocurrencies for sale or facilitate trading. Coinbase pays us for certain activity generated through this link. Prices displayed are informational.
International Business Machines Corporation IBM has reached a major milestone in its quantum computing expansion by unveiling its first quantum computer in Illinois. The IBM Quantum System Two, powered by the company's Quantum Nighthawk processor, is now operational at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago, hosted by the University of Chicago.The IBM Quantum System Two will initially give researchers, businesses and academic institutions across Illinois access to advanced quantum computing capabilities. It will eventually relocate to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), where it will serve as the anchor system of the National Quantum Algorithm Center. Through this deployment, the company aims to accelerate the development of scalable quantum algorithms and explore applications across industries.The company is working with Deloitte, AbbVie, EPRI, Fermilab, Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on research in drug discovery, molecular simulation, power-grid optimization and high-energy physics. It is also supporting workforce development through its planned FutureNow Chicago center at IQMP, in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. The center is expected to create 750 jobs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, quantum computing and other emerging technology fields.The project marks an important step in IBM's efforts to expand its quantum computing infrastructure. The initiative further strengthens the company's collaboration with Illinois' research and business communities while supporting the growth of its quantum technology ecosystem.
IBM faces competition from Microsoft Corporation MSFT and Alphabet Inc. GOOGL. Microsoft is focusing on building more stable and efficient quantum computing systems through advances in qubit technology. Its research aims to address complex challenges in chemistry and materials science. Microsoft is exploring partnerships to accelerate the development of practical quantum computing solutions.Alphabet is advancing quantum computing through its Google Quantum AI research division, focusing on improving processor performance and minimizing errors. The company is exploring quantum computing applications in advanced computing, simulations and optimization. Alphabet's research efforts include developing new computing approaches that could expand the capabilities of quantum systems.
IBM shares have lost 20.7% over the past year against the industry's growth of 61.1%.
From a valuation standpoint, IBM trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.18, above the industry average of 3.12.
Earnings estimates for 2026 have increased 0.5% to $12.41 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2027 have increased 0.2% to $13.24.
IBM currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
