Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MS) has revealed a new position in IonQ (IONQ). According to a recent SEC filing, the firm now owns about 18.4 million shares, which equals roughly 7% of the company’s stock. The disclosure reflects holdings as of June 30 and includes shares held across funds for pensions and other clients.
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This move adds another big name to IonQ’s investor list. Earlier this month, Amazon (AMZN) reported ownership of about 854,207 shares, valued at $36.7 million at that time. Together, these positions show that interest in quantum computing is spreading among big financial and tech players, suggesting confidence in its long-term potential. Meanwhile, IonQ shares climbed 7% on Friday’s trading session.
IonQ Expands Its Tech Roadmap
IonQ has been a key name in this space since it went public in 2021. The company builds quantum systems that use charged atoms, or ions, controlled by lasers in an electromagnetic state. This design is known for strong precision, but it is also hard to scale. IonQ’s current machines, called Forte and Forte Enterprise, offer up to 36 algorithmic qubits, which serve as the core of quantum processing. These systems are marketed for research and early business trials in areas such as optimization and simulation.
Looking forward, IonQ plans to launch a new platform called Tempo. This product aims to push performance well beyond the current 36-qubit mark and closer to what experts call utility scale. That level would allow machines to handle more complex work than today’s top supercomputers. Tempo is part of a long-term strategy to expand quantum use in logistics, materials, and machine learning.
At the same time, IonQ has strengthened its intellectual property portfolio. The firm now controls more than 1,000 patents and applications in quantum hardware and networking. Recent patents include designs for secure long-distance quantum links and new methods for aligning optical parts in quantum devices. These steps show a focus on building a foundation for future growth. Institutional support from firms like Morgan Stanley can add credibility and liquidity as IonQ works toward these goals.
Is IonQ Stock a Buy?
IonQ boasts an optimistic view on The Street with a Moderate Buy consensus. This is based on seven analysts’ ratings, five of whom are Buy. The average IONQ stock price target stands at $49.57, implying a 24.61% upside from the current price.
The company still faces technical and cost hurdles, and broad adoption could take years. However, the presence of major investors signals growing attention to a field that many expect to impact science and industry over time.