Quantum computing may seem like a distant technology, but it is becoming more and more realistic. This could be the next great tech investing race, one that could lead to huge returns for investors who get in first.
One of the best stocks to buy in this sector is IonQ (NYSE: IONQ)which just posted incredible quarterly results. But is it worth buying now? Or should investors be patient?
Will artificial intelligence create the world’s first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on a little-known company that has been described as an “essential monopoly” that provides critical technology that both Nvidia and Intel need. continue”
Commercially viable quantum computing is not currently available. The reality is that today’s quantum computers still make too many mistakes to make them useful in many areas. However, they are improving rapidly, and there are several industries looking to conduct advanced research in quantum aspects to be able to take maximum advantage of the technology when it becomes available.
These early-model quantum computers and research contracts provide IonQ with the capital to continue running the company and pushing the limits of what’s possible in quantum computing. In the fourth quarter, its revenue grew 429% year over year to nearly $62 million. During the quarter, it announced the sale of a 100-qubit system and the expansion of a four-year partnership. It also announced the acquisition of SkyWater Technology to enhance its manufacturing capabilities for mass-producing quantum computing equipment.
IonQ is the clear leader in the pure market segment of quantum computing, and its performance demonstrates this. In 2026, the company expects to achieve revenue of $235 million. That’s pretty high revenue for a company that’s still trying to improve its technology before it can be widely deployed.
Still, there are plenty of risks with IonQ. Big tech companies with nearly unlimited resources are competing in the quantum realm, and IonQ’s approach to quantum computing may not succeed. Nonetheless, I think the current results provide enough evidence to give us more confidence in the success of the IonQ solution.
McKinsey & Company believes that the annual quantum computing market could be worth as much as $72 billion by 2035. This is a huge opportunity, and IonQ is one of the popular companies capturing a large share of this market.
I think this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity because quantum computing will unlock new capabilities previously thought impossible. Because IonQ stock carries higher risk, I would not recommend investing more than 1% of your portfolio value here. If IonQ fails, that 1% positioning won’t have much of an impact on your portfolio. But if IonQ soars, a small amount of money can still deliver life-changing returns.
Before buying IonQ stock, consider the following factors:
this Motley Fool Stock Advisor The analytics team has just identified what they believe is 10 Best Stocks Investors can buy now… and IonQ isn’t one of them. The 10 stocks selected could generate huge returns in the coming years.
consider when Netflix This list was created on December 17, 2004… If you invested $1,000 when we recommended, You will have $530,233!* or when NVIDIA This list was created on April 15, 2005… If you invested $1,000 when we recommended, You will have $1,119,682!*
Now, it’s worth noting stock advisor Total average return is 955% — outperformed the market compared to the S&P 500’s 191%. Don’t miss the latest top 10 list, available via stock advisorand join an investment community built by individual investors for individual investors.
See 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returned on March 10, 2026.
Keithen Drury works at IonQ. The Motley Fool has an interest in and recommends IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity: Is IonQ the top quantum computing stock to buy right now? Originally posted by The Motley Fool