IonQ Just Launched Its Newest Quantum Computer. Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold IONQ Stock Now?

Globe and Mail

06-04-2025

The artificial intelligence (AI)-led rally of the 'Magnificent 7,' which includes Nvidia (NVDA), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOG) and Tesla (TSLA), has come to a screeching halt in 2025. Due to the onslaught of President Donald Trump's tariffs and competition from China, shares of the Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS), the most well-known ETF dedicated to the cohort, have corrected 23% on a YTD basis.
Although the growth runway for AI remains significant and intact, steering the portfolio toward a new technology gaining mainstream acceptance can be a prudent tactical move.
And this is where quantum computing comes in, which finds applications in various domains such as cryptography, drug discovery, material science, AI and machine learning, and climate modelling and sustainability, to name a few.
With consulting major McKinsey touting that quantum computing will have a $2 trillion impact by 2035, a Maryland-based company's launch of its latest quantum computer has left enthusiasts excited.
About IonQ Stock
Founded in 2015 by a team of physicists with backgrounds in quantum information science, IonQ (IONQ) specializes in developing general-purpose trapped-ion quantum computers. Its technology leverages ions (charged atomic particles) as qubits, aiming to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
Valued at a market cap of $5.2 billion, IONQ stock is down 50% on a YTD basis.
On April 1, the company announced that its freshly commissioned quantum computer, the IonQ Forte Enterprise, can now be accessed by customers globally through Amazon Web Services' managed quantum computing service as well as IonQ's own Quantum Cloud platform. Notably, the IonQ Forte Enterprise becomes the latest addition that meets Amazon's standards for commercial availability, along with IonQ Aria and the original IonQ Forte.
Commenting on the development, CEO Niccolo de Masi said, 'Today we are celebrating global accessibility of IonQ Forte Enterprise – our flagship quantum computer. IonQ's goal is to get our quantum technologies into the hands of developers so they can build and develop new commercial applications to solve some of today's most complex problems.'
However, will this be enough to stem the slide in the company's share price? Moreover, what is IonQ doing that may give it an edge in the battle of quantum computing? Let's have a closer look.
Improving Financials
IonQ is not profitable, and its losses widened in 2024. Yet things seem to be on the right track for the long term.
For starters, the company saw a remarkable 95% yearly jump in revenues to $43.1 million in 2024, exceeding the high end of the previously announced guidance range of $38.5 million to $42.5 million. Although this was accompanied by a substantial widening of net losses to $331.6 million from $157.8 million in the year-ago period, bookings for the full year came in at $95.6 million, which denoted yearly growth of 46.9%.
In terms of liquidity, IonQ is in a comfortable position with a cash and equivalents balance at the end of the year at $340.3 million, much higher than its short-term debt levels of just $3.4 million.
Notably, the company also remains optimistic about its revenue growth trajectory in 2025 as well, guiding for a range of between $75 million and $95 million, the midpoint of which will denote a 97.2% yearly rise in revenues.
Strategic Drivers
IonQ's trajectory suggests considerable promise, underpinned not only by recent encouraging financial signals, but also by its distinct technological edge and evolving strategic initiatives. At the heart of its computing architecture is the use of trapped ytterbium atoms — a choice that enables reliable, high-fidelity quantum operations in room-temperature environments, setting it apart from other hardware approaches in the field.
The company's extensive intellectual property, supported by a solid portfolio of patents and a growing list of government contracts, serves as a meaningful differentiator within the increasingly competitive quantum computing space. Recognizing the need to diversify beyond its current reliance on the Department of Defense, IonQ has taken steps to broaden its market reach, notably by targeting cybersecurity and quantum networking applications — segments that may prove vital to long-term sustainability and relevance.
As part of its technological roadmap, IonQ has publicly committed to achieving an Algorithmic Qubit (AQ) benchmark of 64 by the end of 2025 — a target that, if met, would represent a marked leap in computational capability over its present systems. In parallel, the company is working to establish itself as a trusted entry point for organizations and governments exploring quantum solutions, leveraging the capabilities of its recently acquired ID Quantique business. The acquisition, valued at $250 million in an all-stock transaction, brings with it a valuable cache of nearly 300 patents and a base of 60 active commercial and government clients, significantly strengthening IonQ's positioning in quantum-secure communication.
Growth is also expected to be propelled by external collaborations, with the partnership between IonQ and simulation software provider Ansys standing out as a particularly impactful development. This alliance could open doors to integrated quantum-classical workflows, potentially enhancing the reach and utility of IonQ's offerings.
Taken together, IonQ is making a concerted push to shape the future of quantum infrastructure, aiming to embed its systems at the core of both computation and connectivity. Should it succeed, the company may carve out a foundational role in the quantum economy, with its platforms becoming indispensable to a wide array of advanced applications.
Analyst Opinion
Considering this, analysts remain cautiously optimistic about IonQ, attributing to it an overall rating of 'Moderate Buy' with a mean target price of $42.17, which denotes an upside potential of more than 100% from current levels. Out of six analysts covering the stock, three have a 'Strong Buy' rating, one has a 'Moderate Buy' rating, and two have a 'Hold' rating.