Building an industry from the ground up is no easy task, particularly when it depends on technology still in its early stages. That is the challenge facing IonQ (NYSE:IONQ), which is pursuing a distinctive trapped-ion approach to quantum computing. Unlike rivals relying on superconducting methods, IonQ is charting a different course – one that, if proven, could offer two key benefits: reduced costs and improved accuracy.
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That potential isn’t lost on Wall Street. Needham’s Quinn Bolton, an analyst ranked amongst the top 1% of Street stock experts, recently attended IonQ’s 2025 Analyst Day and came away impressed.
“IONQ is emerging as one of the industry’s most likely leaders due to its technology roadmap, deep management bench and well capitalized balance sheet,” explains the 5-star analyst.
Bolton notes that the company has confirmed its plans to build a system with 2,000,000 physical qubits and 80,000 logical qubits by 2030. IonQ also spoke of its upcoming #AQ 64 system, Tempo, which will possess a computational space 36 quadrillion times larger than IBM’s Heron quantum computer. In addition, IonQ has achieved the highest 2Q gate fidelity at 99.97%, and predicts it will eventually reach 99.99%.
“We believe IONQ has the most aggressive technology roadmap in the industry,” emphasizes Bolton.
Further distinguishing IonQ for the better, the analyst notes that the company is the only one in the industry that combines quantum computing, quantum networking, and quantum security “under one roof.” With plenty of interest from both the private sector and government to push this technology forward – Bolton points out that the U.S. Department of War has predicted “cryptographically relevant” quantum computers could be a reality in the coming years – those companies who lead the charge will reap the benefits. He’s confident IonQ will be among them.
“IonQ is a top candidate in the space and will benefit from the growing influx of capital and attention to the quantum industry,” sums up Bolton, who assigns IONQ shares a Buy rating and raises his price target from $60 to a Street-high $80, implying ~40% upside from current levels. (To watch Bolton’s track record, click here)
Most of the Wall Street analysts covering IONQ are positive as well. With 6 Buys and 3 Holds, IONQ carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating. That said, its 12-month average price target of $59.22 implies ~5% downside from current levels, reflecting the stock’s strong run-up. (See IONQ stock forecast)
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.