MSFT stock is moving. See the chart and price action here. Zulfi Alam, Microsoft's corporate vice president of Quantum, told CNBC that he has confidence in this timeline during recent industry discussions. "I would not be able to say this with this much clarity last year, but this year, I can state to claim that by 2029 you will have machines that will have commercial [value], meaning that they will be doing calculations that classical machines cannot do," said Alam. According to Alam, the hybrid quantum-cl ...

Key Takeaways IonQ stock fell 28.9% in Q4 despite bold quantum networking moves and key acquisitions.IONQ expects Q4 revenues above Q3 and raised 2025 outlook to $106-$110 million.IONQ trades at a lofty 53.55 forward P/S as heavy EBITDA losses weigh on sentiment.IonQ (IONQ) is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Feb. 25, amid rapid strategic execution and expansion efforts. However, a complex geopolitical backdrop and broad-based tech selloffs have weighed on overall growth ...

Core Insights - IonQ's shares have decreased by 25.1% in early 2026, underperforming the industry average gain of approximately 11% [1] - Despite the stock decline, IonQ's strategic initiatives indicate a strong focus on expansion and technological advancement [1] Technological Advancements - IonQ achieved an AQ 64 on its fifth-generation Tempo system and a world-record 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity [2] - The integration of Oxford Ionics' electronic qubit control architecture is underway, enhancing IonQ's technological capabilities [2] Strategic Acquisitions - IonQ completed acquisitions of Oxford Ionics and Vector Atomic in Q3 2025, expanding its operations into electronic qubit control, sensing, and security [4] - The proposed $1.8 billion acquisition of SkyWater aims to vertically integrate semiconductor manufacturing, reducing design-to-fabrication cycles from nine months to two months [5] Financial Position - IonQ ended October with a pro-forma cash balance of $3.5 billion and no debt, positioning it as one of the best-capitalized pure-play quantum companies [6] - The company anticipates a 65.8% earnings growth in 2026, supported by an 83.3% revenue growth from the estimated 2025 figures [8] Earnings Estimates - For 2026, IonQ's earnings estimates show a significant improvement, with a projected growth of 65.76% compared to the previous year [9] - The current year estimate for earnings is -5.08, with a high estimate of -4.87 and a low estimate of -5.30 [9] Valuation Comparison - IonQ's forward 12-month price/sales (P/S) ratio stands at 54.76, significantly higher than the industry average of 4.8X but lower than peers like D-Wave Quantum and Rigetti Computing [10] Long-term Outlook - IonQ's strong technological progress, aggressive vertical integration strategy, and solid liquidity position contribute to a compelling long-term narrative [11] - The stock's premium valuation compared to the broader industry suggests potential near-term volatility, indicating a cautious approach for investors [11]

Quantum computers, which can process specific tasks much faster than classical computers, are still mainly used for niche research projects rather than mainstream computing applications. That's because they're much larger, pricier, and consume more power than classical computers. Yet as more companies miniaturize and improve those systems, that technology could become more widely adopted and attract a broader range of customers. One of those companies is IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), which boasts two major strengths ...

On IonQ's Nov. 5 earnings call, the narrative couldn't have been more different. CEO Niccolo de Masi reported a "transformative quarter" with record revenue of $39.9 million, representing 222% year-over-year (YoY) growth that exceeded the high end of guidance by 37%.The report also claims IonQ inflated its 2024 bookings by $54.6 million by including the maximum potential contract ceilings that Congress never actually funded. If true, that's a massive red flag suggesting the company misled investors about it ...

Industry Overview - Quantum computers represent a significant advancement in technology, utilizing qubits to store data in a quantum state, allowing for faster data processing compared to classical computers [1] - The quantum computing market is projected to grow at a 34.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by the introduction of more sophisticated and cost-efficient systems [2] Company Profiles - D-Wave Quantum accelerates electrons through superconducting loops to achieve a quantum state, offering simpler and cheaper manufacturing but higher operational costs due to the need for cryogenic refrigeration [3][4] - D-Wave specializes in quantum annealing, optimizing workflows for power efficiency, and provides quantum computing as a service via its cloud-based Leap platform [4] - IonQ uses lasers to trap ions in a quantum state, producing universal quantum computers that can address a wider range of problems, with systems including Aria, Forte, Forte Enterprise, and the upcoming Tempo [5] - IonQ's systems are costly to manufacture and maintain but do not require refrigeration, and it also offers its quantum computing capabilities as a cloud-based service [5] Financial Projections - D-Wave's revenue is expected to increase from $26 million in 2025 to $81 million by 2027, reflecting a strong growth trajectory [6] - IonQ's revenue is projected to rise from $109 million to $317 million during the same period, driven by demand for quantum computing in AI processing, business optimization, and cryptocurrency mining [6]

Core Insights - IonQ stock (IONQ) surged 65% over the last nine months, driven by strong Q3 revenue performance and increased investor confidence [2][4] Financial Performance - The stock's increase was propelled by an 85% rise in revenue and a 20% growth in its price-to-sales (P/S) multiple [4] - IonQ exceeded its Q3 revenue expectations, showcasing robust growth, although earnings per share (EPS) did not meet forecasts [9] Key Factors Contributing to Stock Movement - Transformative acquisitions, including Lightsynq and Oxford Ionics, have accelerated the qubit roadmap and enhanced trap density [3][9] - IonQ achieved a record gate fidelity of 99.99% for two-qubit gates, improving its performance and market position [9] - A significant capital raise of $2 billion was finalized in October 2025, bolstering cash reserves for expansion [9] - Strategic global partnerships, such as the establishment of Q-Alliance in Italy and collaboration with KIST for the Tempo system, have broadened market reach [9]

Core Insights - The quantum computing sector is rapidly evolving, with IonQ and Rigetti Computing attracting investor attention due to their distinct strategies and performances in 2025 [2][4]. IonQ Highlights - IonQ reported significant business expansion in 2025, with a sharp year-over-year increase in quarterly revenues and record technical benchmarks, including a world-record 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity [7][10]. - The company achieved a cash position of $1.5 billion, which increased to $3.5 billion after a $2 billion equity raise, providing financial strength for future investments [8][10]. - IonQ's fifth-generation Tempo system is set to ship in 2026, demonstrating a computational space 36 quadrillion times larger than leading commercial superconducting systems [7]. Rigetti Highlights - Rigetti focused on superconducting quantum hardware, delivering modular quantum systems and expanding partnerships while investing heavily in infrastructure and R&D [3][12]. - The company aims to deliver a 100+ qubit chiplet-based system by the end of 2025, with a roadmap targeting a 150+ qubit system by late 2026 and a 1,000+ qubit system by late 2027 [12][13]. - Rigetti exited the third quarter with approximately $600 million in cash and no debt, allowing for continued investment in its roadmap [13]. Financial Performance - Year-to-date, IonQ shares have risen 8.3%, while Rigetti's stock has soared 45.9% [6]. - IonQ's adjusted EBITDA loss was $48.9 million in Q3 2025, while Rigetti reported revenues of $1.9 million and an operating loss of $20.5 million in the same period [11][14]. - Estimates for IonQ's 2026 loss per share have declined to $1.74, indicating a 65.8% improvement from 2025, while Rigetti's estimates have worsened to a loss of $0.18 per share, reflecting a 74.3% improvement from 2025 [15][16]. Valuation Comparison - IonQ is trading at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 79.2X, higher than its five-year median of 76.1X, while Rigetti's P/S ratio is significantly higher at 220.28X [18]. Conclusion - IonQ is better positioned with faster commercial traction, record technical milestones, and a diversified quantum platform, supported by a strong cash balance of $3.5 billion [19]. Rigetti, while credible in its roadmap, has a smaller revenue base and is more dependent on future milestones [19].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential for significant growth in tech stocks, particularly in the AI sector, by 2026, with a focus on the monetization of AI technologies and the emergence of new software applications [1][2]. Group 1: Market Outlook - Analysts predict that tech stocks could rise over 20% in 2026, with large-cap stocks, specifically the "Mag Seven," expected to increase by more than 20% [2]. - Companies like Microsoft and Google are anticipated to see stock increases of 30% to 40% [2]. - An estimated $3 trillion to $4 trillion will be spent in the next 3 to 4 years, marking the beginning of a new phase in the AI trade [2]. Group 2: Stock Selection Methodology - The list of "10 Stocks That Will Go To The Moon in 2026" was curated using the Finviz stock screener, CNN, and Insider Monkey's Q3 2025 hedge fund database, focusing on stocks with more than 50% upside potential [5]. - The stocks were ranked based on the number of hedge fund holders, indicating strong institutional interest [5][6]. Group 3: Company Highlights - **BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX)**: - Analyst upside potential is 53.64% with 24 hedge fund holders [7]. - The company recently acquired CureVac N.V., enhancing its oncology and infectious disease pipeline [8]. - Interim data from a Phase 2 trial for Pumitamig showed a 72% overall response rate in triple-negative breast cancer patients, supporting advancement to a Phase 3 trial [9][10]. - **IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ)**: - Analyst upside potential is 50.58% with 30 hedge fund holders [12]. - The company expanded its agreement with QuantumBasel, resulting in a contract valued over $60 million [13]. - IonQ's sales are projected to double from 2023 to 2024, with further doubling expected in 2025, indicating strong growth potential [15].

Core Viewpoint - IonQ is positioned as a high-risk, high-reward stock with significant potential in the quantum computing sector, which is expected to be a transformative technology in the coming decade [1] Growth Catalysts - IonQ's revenue grew by 222% year-over-year in Q3, reaching $39.9 million, exceeding management's guidance by 37% [3] - The company has a strong balance sheet with $3.5 billion in pro forma cash and no debt [3] - IonQ is securing large-scale contracts and implementing a land-and-expand strategy across various sectors, including quantum computing, networking, sensing, and cybersecurity [4] Technological Milestones - The fifth-generation Tempo system has achieved an algorithmic qubit score of 64 and 99.99% two-qubit fidelity, indicating high performance in error-free computations [5] - IonQ aims to develop quantum systems with 256 physical qubits by 2026 and 10,000 physical qubits by 2027, which would enable solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computing [6] Market Outlook - Jefferies initiated coverage of IonQ with a buy rating and a target price of $100 by 2026, citing the company's unique trapped ion quantum computing architecture as a key differentiator [2] - Long-term investors who can handle short-term volatility may consider investing in IonQ now, despite the challenges in execution and maintaining investor confidence [8]