Why IonQ Stock Rocketed 11.6% Higher in September

Powering through the latter part of summer, shares of quantum computing specialist IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) climbed 7.9% in August. And that was merely the beginning. The stock maintained its upward trajectory last month as both the company reported two positive developments and an analyst shared an auspicious outlook.

According to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, IonQ shares rose 11.6% in September.

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Several catalysts helped catapult this quantum computing stock higher

On Sept. 8, IonQ introduced its sixth-generation quantum computing platform: Superion 256. Lauding the merits of the Superion 256, Niccolo de Masi, IonQ's chairman and CEO, commented: "Superion 256 is the first quantum computer platform designed to be built by the hundreds rather than one at a time. Every generation that follows will be designed, fabricated, and packaged similarly – creating unique upgradeability in our Superion platform."

While the Superion 256 is now available for order, the company anticipates customer deliveries beginning in 2027. The new platform is already attracting customer interest, as the company reported pre-selling its first Superion 256 system in the first quarter of 2026.

Later in the month, IonQ reported taking a significant step toward developing practical, fault-tolerant quantum computers by successfully testing the quantum computing industry's first end-to-end real-time quantum error-correction decoder, which runs on a single standard off-the-shelf central processing unit.

Towards the end of the month, IonQ shares shot higher after Bank of America initiated coverage of the stock. Rating it a buy, Bank of America assigned a $60 price target. According to Thefly.com, Bank of America based its outlook on the recognition that IonQ is the leading pure-play quantum computing company by revenue and on the company's success in expanding into other niches of the quantum computing industry, including quantum networking, security, sensing, space, and foundry services.

Based on IonQ's closing price of $45.48 the previous day, Bank of America's price target implies 32% upside.

Is it too late to load up on IonQ stock?

While IonQ stock rose in both August and September, it'd be a gross miscalculation to conclude that it can't continue to soar higher. Aside from the fact that shares are down more than 47% from their 52-week high, there's plenty of reason to think that IonQ stock can continue to rise in both 2026 and through 2030.

Of course, there are still risks associated with an IonQ investment, so those who are looking to reduce their risk exposure may prefer a quantum computing exchange-traded fund (ETF) that includes IonQ stock among its holdings.

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Scott Levine 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.