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Should You Buy, Hold, Or Sell IONQ Stock Ahead of Q4 Earnings?
ZACKS· 2026-02-18 20:01
Core Insights - IonQ (IONQ) is set to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on February 25, facing challenges from geopolitical factors and a tech selloff, leading to a 28.9% stock decline in Q4 2025 despite strategic advancements in quantum networking and acquisitions [1][8] Financial Performance - IonQ reported earnings beats in only one of the last four quarters, with an average negative surprise of 343.53% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q4 EPS remains at a loss of 48 cents per share, indicating a 48.4% improvement from the previous year's loss [5] - Q4 revenue is estimated at $40.3 million, reflecting a 244.2% year-over-year growth [5] - For the full year 2025, IonQ is expected to see a 151.8% revenue increase, but the loss per share is projected to widen to $5.08 from $1.56 a year ago [6] Revenue Outlook - IonQ's Q3 2025 revenues were $39.9 million, up 222% year-over-year, and Q4 revenues are expected to exceed Q3 levels, breaking previous seasonal trends [7][9] - The full-year 2025 revenue outlook has been raised to between $106 million and $110 million [8] Strategic Developments - IonQ has made significant strides as a full-stack quantum platform provider, including the acquisition of Oxford Ionics and the achievement of a record 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity [9] - The company raised $2 billion in October, enhancing its liquidity to approximately $3.5 billion, which strengthens its financial position [9] Investment and Expenses - IonQ's Q3 operating expenses were $208.7 million, with R&D costs at $66.3 million, leading to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $48.9 million [10] - The full-year EBITDA guidance remains a loss of $206 million to $216 million, indicating ongoing heavy investment [10] Market Position and Sentiment - Despite operational progress and raised revenue guidance, IonQ's stock has faced pressure due to broader market volatility in high-growth tech stocks [11] - The stock currently trades at a high forward price-to-sales ratio of 53.55, significantly above the industry average of 4.8, raising concerns about potential pullbacks if results disappoint [16]