Why IonQ Stock Surged Today

Source The Motley Fool

Key Points

  • Acquisitions are expanding IonQ's technological capabilities.

  • Management also highlighted the company's impressive organic growth.

  • 10 stocks we like better than IonQ ›

Shares of IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) leaped on Thursday after the quantum services supplier issued a revenue forecast that exceeded investors' expectations.

By the close of trading, IonQ's stock price was up over 21%.

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A quantum computer.

Image source: Getty Images.

Staggering sales growth

IonQ's fourth-quarter revenue soared 429% year over year to $61.9 million.

"I am pleased to share that IonQ has once again significantly outperformed our revenue guidance range, exceeding the midpoint by 55% for the fourth quarter," CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a press release.

IonQ bills itself as the world's first full-stack quantum platform company, with expertise across quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security.

The tech pioneer has used a series of acquisitions to bolster its capabilities. In January, IonQ struck a deal to acquire leading quantum chip foundry SkyWater Technology to strengthen its U.S. supply chain.

The company's growth investments, however, are weighing on its profitability. IonQ's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) declined to negative $67.4 million from negative $31.3 million in the prior-year quarter.

Still, IonQ is well funded, with $3.3 billion in cash reserves and investments as of Dec. 31.

An upbeat forecast

Looking ahead to 2026, IonQ guided for full-year revenue of $225 million to $245 million. That topped Wall Street's expectations of roughly $190 million.

"Importantly, our 2025 results included nearly 80% year-over-year organic growth, and in our 2026 guidance, we expect organic growth to be even higher," chief financial officer Inder Singh said.

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Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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