Quantum computing is set to be the next big growth level for cloud computing. Tuning into conference calls during earnings season is a smart idea. You never know when a CEO of a major company is going to mention another business or progress in an innovative field. Microsoft's (MSFT 0.22%) CEO Satya Nadella recently gave some commentary regarding quantum computing, and it could have huge ramifications for companies involved in the field, like IonQ (IONQ 3.41%). Microsoft believes quantum computing will be a ...

Core Insights - IonQ's second quarter of 2025 represents a significant turning point, with plans to reach 800 logical qubits by 2027 and 80,000 by 2030 through strategic acquisitions [1][7] - The combination of Oxford's ion trap-on-a-chip design and Lightsynq's photonic interconnects allows for modular scaling to potentially tens of millions of qubits at significantly lower costs compared to competitors [2] - IonQ is the only company currently offering commercial-scale quantum entanglement capabilities, bolstered by acquisitions that enhance its global communications security [3][5] Financial Position - IonQ secured $1 billion from a single institutional investor, raising its pro forma liquidity to $1.6 billion, making it the most well-capitalized pure-play quantum provider [6][9] - Research and development spending increased by 231% year over year in the second quarter, enabling faster technology integration and application development [8] Market Position and Growth - IonQ's revenues grew by 82% in the second quarter, surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimates by 22%, positioning it favorably against competitors like D-Wave Quantum [10] - The company is expanding its global presence through partnerships in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., enhancing its influence in shaping industry standards [9] Competitive Landscape - IonQ's trapped-ion systems and quantum networking capabilities are unmatched in the industry, outpacing competitors like Rigetti [11] - Despite a high forward price/sales ratio of 92.76, IonQ's rapid revenue growth and strategic roadmap in quantum technologies indicate a strong long-term outlook [18][19]

Core Insights - The focus of the latest wave of artificial intelligence is shifting from chip and semiconductor companies to the processing power and emerging technologies generated by AI, particularly quantum computing [1] - Amazon's acquisition of a $36.7 million equity stake in IonQ indicates a significant interest in quantum computing and its integration with cloud computing services [4][5] - Institutional interest in IonQ has increased, with a 34.9% boost in holdings from the Bank of New York Mellon, reflecting confidence in the company's future potential [8] Company Overview - IonQ's stock is currently trading at $41.06, with a 52-week range between $6.54 and $54.74, and a price target set at $45.00 [2] - The stock is seen as having an upside potential, trading at only 70% of its 52-week high, suggesting a gap that could be filled in the coming months [7] Market Reactions - There has been a 4.2% decline in IonQ's short interest, indicating growing investor confidence in the company's growth prospects in quantum computing [9] - The 12-month stock price forecast for IonQ is $45.00, representing an 11.33% upside based on 11 analyst ratings, with a high forecast of $70.00 [10][12] Analyst Insights - Kevin Garrigan from Rosenblatt Securities has initiated coverage on IonQ with a Buy rating and a valuation of $70 per share, suggesting a 75% upside potential from current prices [12] - The optimism surrounding IonQ is expected to grow as more market participants recognize the strategic choice made by Amazon [13]

Core Insights - IonQ reported a net loss of $0.70 per share in Q2 2025, which was significantly wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.13 and also larger than the previous year's loss of $0.18 [1][9] - Revenues for the second quarter reached $20.69 million, representing an 81.8% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.59%, as well as surpassing the top end of the company's prior guidance by 15% [1][9] Financial Performance - IonQ's adjusted EBITDA loss for Q2 was $36.5 million, compared to a loss of $23.7 million in the same period last year, driven by a 231.2% increase in R&D costs to $103.4 million and a 77.2% rise in sales and marketing costs to $10.9 million [3][4] - General and administrative costs surged 268.6% to $48.1 million, primarily due to increased professional services and payroll-related expenses [4] Cash Position and Capital Raise - As of June 30, IonQ had cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaling $656.8 million, and in July, the company raised $1 billion in an equity offering at a 25% premium, resulting in a pro forma cash balance of $1.6 billion as of July 9, 2025 [5][9] Revenue Guidance - For the full year 2025, IonQ now expects revenues in the range of $82 million to $100 million, up from the previous guidance of $75 million to $95 million, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate currently at $85 million [6] - Expected revenues for Q3 are projected to be between $25 million and $29 million, with the consensus mark at $24.7 million [6] Adjusted EBITDA Outlook - IonQ previously projected an adjusted EBITDA loss of $162 million for the full year 2025, but with the acquisition of Oxford Ionics, the company anticipates that costs may increase, potentially widening the adjusted EBITDA loss to $211 million [7] Strategic Developments - IonQ completed significant capital raises and expanded its global footprint through partnerships, including collaborations with Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and a world-first partnership with AstraZeneca, AWS, and NVIDIA [8][10] - The company also made progress in its quantum networking acquisitions and is on track to achieve its AQ 64 application performance benchmark [10]

Core Viewpoint - Defiance ETFs has launched the Defiance 2X Daily Long Pure Quantum ETF (Ticker: QPUX), which aims to provide investors with 2X daily leveraged exposure to a selected group of quantum computing companies, highlighting the potential of this transformative technology sector [1][4]. Company Overview - Defiance ETFs, founded in 2018, specializes in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs, positioning itself as a leader in ETF innovation [5]. ETF Structure and Strategy - QPUX seeks to deliver daily investment results of 200% of the daily performance of its equal-weighted Target Portfolio, which includes IONQ, Inc. (IONQ), Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI), D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS), and Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) [2][16]. - The portfolio is rebalanced daily to maintain equal weighting among the four companies [2][16]. - The ETF utilizes derivatives, including swaps and listed options, to achieve its leveraged exposure [3][17]. Industry Context - Quantum computing leverages advanced phenomena like superposition and entanglement, enabling faster and more efficient information processing compared to classical computing [4]. - The companies within QPUX's portfolio are focused on developing quantum hardware, software, and related technologies, positioning them to benefit from advancements in the industry [4].

分组1 - IonQ reported a quarterly loss of $0.7 per share, significantly worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.13, representing an earnings surprise of -438.46% [1] - The company posted revenues of $20.69 million for the quarter ended June 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.59%, and showing a year-over-year increase from $11.38 million [2] - IonQ has surpassed consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters, indicating a positive trend in revenue performance [2] 分组2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.16 on revenues of $24.68 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.60 on revenues of $85 million [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Computer - Integrated Systems is in the top 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable industry outlook [8] - The stock has added about 0.6% since the beginning of the year, underperforming compared to the S&P 500's gain of 7.1% [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $20.7 million for Q2 2025, exceeding the high end of guidance by 15% [36] - Adjusted EBITDA loss for Q2 2025 was $36.5 million, compared to a loss of $23.7 million in the prior year [37] - Total operating costs for Q2 2025 were $181.3 million, up 201% from $60.3 million in the prior year [37] - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $177.5 million, compared to a net loss of $37.6 million in the prior year [38] - Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of June 30, 2025, were $656.8 million, with a pro forma cash balance of $1.6 billion after a $1 billion capital raise [40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is diversifying its revenue streams with Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum Networking efforts, although the majority of revenue still comes from quantum computing [45][47] - Significant projects for existing customers contributed to the revenue beat, indicating a mix of quantum computing and networking [46][47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japan's AIST to advance quantum computing and was named the primary quantum partner by South Korea's KISTI Institute [10] - A $22 million deal was announced to build the first commercial quantum computing and networking hub in the U.S. with EPB [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve 800 logical qubits by 2027 and 80,000 logical qubits by 2030, supported by acquisitions and technological advancements [13][15] - The integration of acquisitions like LightSync and OXTRONIX is expected to enhance the company's quantum computing roadmap [13] - The company is focused on building a quantum internet and enhancing cybersecurity through quantum networking solutions [19][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum and potential, highlighting the strong balance sheet and ability to invest in growth [9][27] - The company anticipates an increase in adjusted EBITDA loss for the full year 2025 due to continued investments and integration costs [41] - Management emphasized the importance of talent acquisition and integration to drive future success [20][26] Other Important Information - The company completed the largest capital raise from a single institution in the quantum industry, growing its net cash position by $1 billion [9] - The company has a strong patent portfolio with over a thousand patents and patents pending, ensuring competitive advantages [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue generation from non-quantum computing efforts - Management indicated that the revenue beat was primarily due to projects that included both quantum computing and networking components [46][47] Question: Progress on the DARPA quantum benchmarking program - Management expressed confidence in the combined strength of IonQ and the announced acquisition, indicating strong prospects for future phases of the program [49] Question: Encryption capabilities at 80,000 logical qubits - Management highlighted the low cost of achieving a high number of logical qubits compared to competitors, with significant application potential in various fields [56] Question: Integration of multiple acquisitions - Management noted their experience in acquisitions and emphasized cultural fit and mutual curiosity among teams, which aids in successful integration [63] Question: Return of Chris Monroe and its implications - Management viewed Monroe's return as a strong vote of confidence in the company's strategy and talent pool, highlighting the collective expertise now within the organization [72][74] Question: LIGHT Sync's operational requirements - Management clarified that LIGHT Sync technology requires cryogenic temperatures for optimal performance, but ongoing developments aim to improve this aspect [79][80] Question: Ranking of company priorities - Management stated that all aspects of the business are equally important, focusing on both quantum computing and networking to maintain a competitive edge [85] Question: Operational expenditure trends post-acquisitions - Management indicated that while they will be cautious with spending, the accelerated roadmap will lead to long-term savings [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $20.7 million for Q2 2025, exceeding the high end of guidance by 15% [34] - Adjusted EBITDA loss for Q2 2025 was $36.5 million, compared to a loss of $23.7 million in the prior year period [35] - Total operating costs for Q2 2025 were $181.3 million, up 201% from $60.3 million in the prior year [35] - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $177.5 million, compared to a net loss of $37.6 million in the prior year [37] - Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of June 30, 2025, were $656.8 million, with a pro forma cash balance of $1.6 billion after a $1 billion capital raise [39][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is diversifying revenue streams with Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum Networking efforts, although the majority of revenue still comes from quantum computing [45][47] - Significant projects include a $22 million deal to build a commercial quantum computing and networking hub in the U.S. [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed an MOU with Japan's AIST to advance quantum computing and was named the primary quantum partner by South Korea's KISTI Institute [8] - The partnership with the U.S. government continues, with selection by DARPA to help inform quantum industry standards [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to extend its leadership in quantum computing and networking, with a roadmap targeting 800 logical qubits by 2027 and 80,000 logical qubits by 2030 [11] - Recent acquisitions, including LightSync and OXTRONIX, are expected to enhance the company's quantum computing capabilities [11][12] - The company is focused on integrating quantum computing and networking solutions, with a vision for a quantum internet [16][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum and potential, highlighting the strong balance sheet and ability to invest in growth [7][24] - The company anticipates an increase in adjusted EBITDA loss for the full year 2025 due to continued investments and integration costs [40] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in attracting top talent, including world record holders in quantum technology [19][21] - The company is focused on delivering practical quantum advantages in various applications, including drug development and energy optimization [9][57] Q&A Session Summary Question: Revenue diversification and non-quantum computing revenue - Management noted that the revenue beat was primarily due to two projects for existing customers, which included both quantum computing and networking components [46][47] Question: Progress on the DARPA quantum benchmarking program and acquisition of Oxford IONIQs - Management expressed confidence in the combined strengths of IonQ and Oxford IONIQs, indicating strong prospects for future phases of development [48][49] Question: Encryption capabilities with 80,000 logical qubits - Management highlighted the company's leading roadmap and the potential for significant advancements in encryption and optimization problems with increased qubit capacity [55][56] Question: Integration of multiple acquisitions - Management emphasized their experience in acquisitions and the cultural fit among the teams, indicating that integration is progressing well [62][66] Question: Return of Chris Monroe and talent acquisition - Management viewed the return of Chris Monroe as a strong vote of confidence in the company's strategy and highlighted the influx of world-class talent [70][72] Question: LIGHT Sync technology and integration plans - Management confirmed that LIGHT Sync technology requires cryogenic temperatures and that integration plans are in place to combine different technology stacks [78][81] Question: Ranking of company progress and excitement - Management expressed enthusiasm for the overall progress across both quantum computing and networking, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a leading technical roadmap [85][86] Question: Operational expenditure trends and profitability - Management indicated that the focus is on accelerating the roadmap and customer satisfaction, with careful spending to ensure long-term savings [90][91]

Market Opportunity & Financial Performance - The quantum computing and networking market is projected to create up to $880 billion in economic value by 2040[8] - IonQ anticipates FY25 revenue between $82 million and $100 million[12] - The company's cash, cash equivalents, and investments balance was $697 million as of March 31, 2025[12] Technology & Roadmap - IonQ is targeting 2 million qubits and 80,000 logical qubits by 2030[10] - The company plans to release a 100-qubit system in 2025[10] - IonQ's error correction overhead is exceedingly low at 13:1[10] Expansion & Acquisitions - IonQ has been expanding its global footprint across 5 countries[10] - The company intends to acquire Oxford Ionics, with the agreement signed in June 2025[12] - IonQ acquired a majority stake in ID Quantique in April 2025[14] Applications & Partnerships - Quantum machine learning applications are expected to impact most industries[9] - Ansys simulation times improved by up to 12% using IonQ's quantum solution[58] - AstraZeneca simulations achieved 20x faster time-to-solution using IonQ's quantum solution[59]

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Unaudited Financial Statements](index=6&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Unaudited%20Financial%20Statements) IonQ's unaudited financial statements reveal significant asset and equity growth driven by acquisitions and financing, alongside a substantial increase in net loss from operating expenses Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (as of June 30, 2025 vs. Dec 31, 2024) | Account | June 30, 2025 (in millions) | December 31, 2024 (in millions) | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Assets** | **$1,346.6** | **$508.4** | **+165%** | | Cash and cash equivalents | $140.1 | $54.4 | +157% | | Goodwill | $370.7 | $9.9 | +3643% | | Intangible assets, net | $143.2 | $29.5 | +386% | | **Total Liabilities** | **$168.2** | **$124.5** | **+35%** | | **Total Stockholders' Equity** | **$1,178.4** | **$383.9** | **+207%** | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Highlights | Metric (in millions, except EPS) | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Revenue** | **$20.7** | **$11.4** | **$28.3** | **$19.0** | | Loss from operations | $(160.6) | $(48.9) | $(236.3) | $(101.8) | | **Net loss attributable to IonQ, Inc.** | **$(176.8)** | **$(37.6)** | **$(209.1)** | **$(77.2)** | | Net loss per share (basic and diluted) | $(0.70) | $(0.18) | $(0.87) | $(0.37) | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Highlights (Six Months Ended June 30) | Cash Flow Activity (in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash used in operating activities | $(85.6) | $(47.0) | | Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | $(201.0) | $51.8 | | Net cash provided by financing activities | $372.9 | $1.3 | [Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=12&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Detailed notes to the financial statements highlight the significant impact of three 2025 acquisitions on goodwill and intangible assets, dramatic increases in stock-based compensation, and a subsequent $980 million equity offering and Capella Space acquisition - During 2025, the Company completed three acquisitions for a total consideration of approximately **$466.3 million**: ID Quantique SA (~**$118.9 million**), Lightsynq Technologies Inc. (~**$306.8 million**), and a market intelligence business (~**$40.6 million**). These acquisitions significantly increased goodwill and intangible assets[114](index=114&type=chunk)[116](index=116&type=chunk)[121](index=121&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2025, the company has approximately **$122.3 million** in remaining performance obligations, with about **50%** expected to be recognized as revenue within the next twelve months[151](index=151&type=chunk) Stock-Based Compensation Expense (in millions) | Expense Category | Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 | Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Research and development | $76.2 | $11.6 | $93.6 | $23.9 | | General and administrative | $15.5 | $5.9 | $26.0 | $11.8 | | **Total (net of capitalized)** | **$99.2** | **$21.0** | **$132.4** | **$43.0** | - In July 2025, the company completed an equity offering, raising aggregate proceeds of **$980.0 million**, net of issuance costs. On July 11, 2025, the company also completed the acquisition of Capella Space Corporation[177](index=177&type=chunk)[178](index=178&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=35&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management's discussion highlights strong Q2 2025 revenue growth driven by hardware and acquisitions, significantly offset by escalating operating expenses, resulting in a wider net loss, despite robust liquidity bolstered by a recent equity offering [Business and Technical Highlights](index=35&type=section&id=Business%20and%20Technical%20Highlights) The company achieved significant progress through strategic collaborations, including partnerships with KISTI and AIST, a **$22 million** deal with EPB, and key acquisitions of Oxford Ionics and Capella, funded by a **$1.0 billion** equity offering - Secured a landmark **$22 million** deal with utility leader EPB to create America's first commercial quantum hub[189](index=189&type=chunk) - Announced an agreement to acquire Oxford Ionics, aiming for **10,000 physical qubits by 2027**, and completed the acquisition of Capella to facilitate a space-based QKD network[189](index=189&type=chunk) - Completed a **$1.0 billion** equity offering, strengthening the balance sheet to approximately **$1.6 billion** in pro-forma cash[189](index=189&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=38&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Operations analysis reveals strong Q2 2025 revenue growth to **$20.7 million**, significantly offset by escalating R&D and G&A expenses, primarily due to stock-based compensation and acquisition costs, resulting in a widened net loss of **$176.8 million** Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 (in millions) | Item | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | $ Change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | $20.7 | $11.4 | $9.3 | 82% | | Research and development | $103.4 | $31.2 | $72.2 | 231% | | General and administrative | $48.1 | $13.1 | $35.1 | 269% | - The increase in R&D expense for Q2 2025 was primarily driven by a **$70.7 million** increase in payroll-related expenses, which included a **$64.7 million** increase in stock-based compensation from new equity grants and acquisition-related awards[207](index=207&type=chunk) - The increase in G&A expense for Q2 2025 was primarily driven by a **$14.7 million** increase in payroll-related expenses (including **$9.7 million** in stock-based compensation) and a **$19.6 million** increase in professional service fees, including **$14.1 million** in transaction costs[210](index=210&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=43&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) IonQ maintained a strong liquidity position with **$656.8 million** in cash and investments as of June 30, 2025, further bolstered by a subsequent **$980 million** equity offering, expected to cover future capital needs despite ongoing net losses and cash usage in operations - As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of **$656.8 million**[227](index=227&type=chunk) - In July 2025, the company completed an equity offering to raise additional capital, with net proceeds of approximately **$980.0 million**[177](index=177&type=chunk)[227](index=227&type=chunk) - For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash provided by financing activities was **$372.9 million**, primarily from the 2025 ATM Offering Program which raised **$358.3 million** net[148](index=148&type=chunk)[237](index=237&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=45&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) No material changes in market risk exposures have occurred since December 31, 2024, with primary risks remaining related to interest rate fluctuations and credit concentration - No material changes related to market risks have occurred since December 31, 2024. The company remains exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and credit concentration[245](index=245&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=45&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2025, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting during the quarter - Management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that as of June 30, 2025, the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective[247](index=247&type=chunk) - There were no changes during the quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting[248](index=248&type=chunk) PART II—OTHER INFORMATION [Legal Proceedings](index=46&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) A securities class action lawsuit (Leacock v. IonQ, Inc. et al.) was dismissed with prejudice by the District Court of Maryland, upheld on appeal, and is now closed after the Supreme Court appeal deadline passed - The securities class action lawsuit (Leacock v. IonQ, Inc. et al.) has been fully resolved in the company's favor. The Fourth Circuit upheld the trial court's dismissal with prejudice, and the deadline for further appeal has lapsed, closing the case[144](index=144&type=chunk)[251](index=251&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=46&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) This section outlines substantial investment risks for IonQ, including its early-stage status, history of losses, significant technological hurdles, intense competition, supply chain vulnerabilities, reliance on key personnel and IP, and financial risks like stock price volatility [Risks Related to Financial Condition and Status as an Early-Stage Company](index=48&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20Our%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Status%20as%20an%20Early-Stage%20Company) This subsection details financial risks from IonQ's limited operating history, including ongoing significant operating losses of **$160.6 million** in Q2 2025, challenges in scaling and managing growth, and potential limitations on utilizing **$224.2 million** in net operating loss carryforwards - The company is an early-stage company with a limited operating history, making future results difficult to forecast. It has a history of operating losses, with a loss from operations of **$160.6 million** in Q2 2025, and expects to incur continuing losses[258](index=258&type=chunk)[260](index=260&type=chunk) - The company faces challenges in scaling its business and manufacturing processes for quantum computers, which have never been produced at a commercial scale[263](index=263&type=chunk)[264](index=264&type=chunk) - As of December 31, 2024, the company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately **$224.2 million**, the use of which may be limited by ownership changes under Section 382 of the Code[282](index=282&type=chunk)[283](index=283&type=chunk) [Risks Related to Business and Industry](index=52&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20Our%20Business%20and%20Industry) This subsection highlights IonQ's significant technical and market risks, including challenges in producing a scalable quantum computer, intense competition from major tech companies and state-sponsored programs, and dependence on the nascent quantum market and cloud provider relationships - The company has not yet produced a scalable quantum computer and faces significant R&D challenges, including improving gate fidelity, error correction, and developing photonic interconnects to scale beyond single-core operation[286](index=286&type=chunk)[289](index=289&type=chunk) - The quantum computing industry is highly competitive, with rivals including large tech companies (Amazon, Google, IBM), other public and private firms, and state-sponsored programs in China, Russia, and Europe[301](index=301&type=chunk)[302](index=302&type=chunk) - The business is dependent on its relationship with cloud providers (AWS, Microsoft, Google), who are also competitors and could use their market position to disadvantage IonQ[299](index=299&type=chunk) [Risks Related to Intellectual Property](index=71&type=section&id=Risks%20Related%20to%20our%20Intellectual%20Property) This subsection emphasizes IonQ's critical reliance on licensed intellectual property, particularly foundational patents from the University of Maryland and Duke University, alongside risks of patent infringement claims, and U.S. government rights over certain in-licensed IP - The company is heavily reliant on an exclusive license agreement with the University of Maryland and Duke University for foundational patents. Termination of this agreement would significantly harm the business[409](index=409&type=chunk)[410](index=410&type=chunk) - The company faces risks of patent infringement claims that could be costly, result in injunctions, and require redesigning products or obtaining expensive licenses[420](index=420&type=chunk) - Certain in-licensed intellectual property was developed with U.S. government funding, subjecting it to federal regulations, including potential "march-in" rights for the government and a requirement for products to be substantially manufactured in the U.S[424](index=424&type=chunk) [Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=80&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) The company reported no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period - None[456](index=456&type=chunk) [Defaults Upon Senior Securities](index=80&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Defaults%20Upon%20Senior%20Securities) The company reported no defaults upon senior securities - None[457](index=457&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=80&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) This item is not applicable to the company - Not applicable[458](index=458&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=80&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Other%20Information) This section discloses that Director Robert Cardillo amended a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement on June 13, 2025, for the potential sale of **20,211 shares** - On June 13, 2025, Director Robert Cardillo amended a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan for the potential sale of **20,211 shares**[459](index=459&type=chunk)