IonQ, the most acquisitive company among quantum computing stocks, on Friday touted its strategy at an analyst day. IonQ stock surged on the news.
During its acquisition spree, IonQ has expanded from quantum compute into building quantum key distribution (QKD) networks, eyeing U.S. government business and cybersecurity. In the June quarter, IonQ closed acquisitions of Lightsynq and Capella and announced the purchase of Oxford Ionics for over $1 billion. In other deals, IonQ purchased ID Quantique and Qubitekk.
On Friday, IonQ said the UK Investment Security Unit had cleared its acquisition of Oxford Ionics.
"We're the best capitalized company in this sector, and we believe that that capitalization allows us to drive growth," Chief Executive Niccolo de Masi said at the analyst day in New York.
Microsoft, IBM Quantum Laggards?
He downplayed competition from IBM, Microsoft and other tech giants. "We have a five-year lead on our technical roadmap over any competitor," de Masi said.
"In the 2030s, we already have a plan on how we're going to build data center-scale quantum computers, and how we'll be able to continue driving growth, not just to 80,000 larger qubits, but beyond," he added.
De Masi added that IonQ aims to emulate the success of Nvidia in artificial intelligence in the quantum computing market. He noted that Nvidia made a key acquisition with Mellanox in 2019.
Also, IonQ has been able to add talent and quantum expertise by retaining key executives after acquisitions, de Masi said. "These fine folks are not only driving technical acceleration for us, but are also driving commercialization advantages," de Masi said.
Referring to the Oxford Ionics, he said IonQ could be part of an announcement when President Trump visits the U.K. soon.
In morning trades on the stock market today, IonQ stock surged 18.2% to close at 55.61. With the advance, it broke out of a 16-week consolidation pattern at a buy point of 48.94, according to IBD MarketSurge charts. In intraday trading, IonQ stock notched an all-time high of 56.07.
Trapped-Ion Quantum Technology
Quantum computing works on a subatomic level and uses exotic technologies, like supercold superconductor chips. Further, quantum computing's ultimate benefit is that it aims to solve problems too complex for today's classical computers, such as simulating chemical reactions.
IonQ builds its quantum systems around trapped-ion technology, which is one of the leading approaches in quantum computing.
For the June quarter, IonQ reported a bigger-than-expected loss of 70 cents a share on an adjusted basis, vs. a loss of 18 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue climbed 82% to $20.7 million, including acquisitions. Analysts had forecast a loss of 29 cents a share using generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, with revenue of $17.2 million.
For the September quarter, IonQ forecast revenue of $27 million vs. estimates of $25.5 million.
In August, IonQ named de Masi as chairman of the board of directors after Peter Chapman stepped down. Also, a company cofounder, Chris Monroe, returned as chief scientific advisor.
Meanwhile, quantum computing stocks have been volatile in 2025 amid controversy involving Nvidia, which cast doubt over how soon commercially viable quantum technology will be available. Nvidia, though, has now stepped up investments in quantum startups.
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IonQ Stock: Technical Ratings
In 2025, quantum computing stocks, including IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, Quantum Computing and Rigetti Computing, have been volatile.
As of the market open on Friday, D-Wave stock had gained 96% year to date, while IonQ stock was up 12%. Rigetti stock has advanced 9%, while Quantum Computing stock is down 4%.
IonQ stock holds an IBD Composite Rating of 67 out of a best-possible 99, according to IBD Stock Checkup. IBD's Composite Rating combines five separate proprietary ratings into one easy-to-use rating. The best growth stocks have a Composite Rating of 90 or better.
Meanwhile, IonQ stock holds an Accumulation/Distribution Rating of A-minus. That indicates buying in the stock by institutional investors.
Follow Reinhardt Krause on X, formerly Twitter, @reinhardtk_tech for updates on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
