IonQ Just Raised 2026 Revenue Guidance. This Quantum Computing Pure-Play Looks Like a Brilliant Buy Now.
Key Points
A recent acquisition boosted IonQ's full-year revenue expectations.
IonQ has technology that makes it a strong contender in the quantum computing race.
While investors may be focused on artificial intelligence (AI) right now, there is another technology close to launching that could turn many industries on their heads: quantum computing. Quantum computing is coming quicker than most realize, and leaders around the industry have accelerated the commercial availability timeline from 2030 to 2029. That's only a few years away, and investors must be prepared for its arrival.
There are several ways to invest in quantum computing, but one of the most promising with major upside potential is IonQ (NYSE: IONQ). IonQ is one of my top picks in this space, and it recently boosted guidance for 2026. I think it's a brilliant buy right now, and investors should take advantage of it while it's still off its all-time highs.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Image source: The Motley Fool.
IonQ is becoming an all-in-one investment
IonQ is shaping up to be one of the biggest winners of the upcoming quantum computing arms race. While several legacy companies are competing in quantum computing, the overall benefit to their financials is relatively limited. So, while a company like Alphabet may develop a winning quantum computing solution, the effect it will have on it from an investment perspective may be relatively minor. On the flip side, a small company like IonQ has a ton to gain from becoming a quantum computing winner.
It's shaping up to be that way, as IonQ is taking steps to become an all-in-one quantum computing company. Recently, it closed an acquisition of SkyWater, which will allow IonQ to design and manufacture its chips in-house. That's a huge boost for IonQ, as it gives it access to the manufacturing capabilities it will need when it comes time to take its products to full commercial scale.
As a result, IonQ boosted its 2026 revenue expectations to between $450 billion and $460 billion. The guidance it gave during Q2 2026 was between $280 million and $290 million, so this is no small boost.
I think it further underscores how impressive a business IonQ is becoming, and with it leading the way in terms of quantum computing accuracy, it's in the driver's seat to become one of the best quantum computing investment options available. With the stock down over 50% from its all-time high, it makes for a great quantum computing investment right now.
Keithen Drury has positions in Alphabet and IonQ. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.