Analyst Optimism Sparks Surge for Quantum Computing Leader IonQ

Shares of quantum computing specialist IonQ entered the holiday week on a powerful upswing. The notable buying pressure observed on Monday was fueled by a concentrated wave of positive analyst commentary, which assigned the stock substantial upside potential. Beyond Wall Street sentiment, concrete operational progress and lucrative European contract wins are providing fundamental support for the current rally.

Beyond financial projections, IonQ is delivering tangible business developments that bolster the bullish case. Investors have responded favorably to the recently expanded agreement with QuantumBasel. This deal, valued at over $60 million, is viewed as a significant revenue driver and a validation of the technology's commercial applicability. Furthermore, a new collaboration with the Slovak Academy of Sciences to establish a national quantum communications network strengthens the company's foothold in the European market.

Wall Street Eyes a Potential Double

A coordinated push from major financial institutions drove trading volume significantly above average levels. Investment bank Jefferies stands out, initiating coverage on IonQ with a "Buy" rating and setting a price target of $100. From current levels, this implies the stock could nearly double in value.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying IonQ?

This view received support from analysts at Mizuho and Wedbush, who also recommend purchasing the shares with price targets of $90 and $60, respectively. This broad institutional endorsement validates the company's technological roadmap for many investors, contributing to the stock closing Monday's session at $45.80.

Valuation Reflects High-Growth Expectations

The recent advance is part of a broader year-end sector rotation toward risk-on assets, a trend that also benefited competitors like D-Wave Quantum. Nevertheless, valuation remains a topic of debate. With a market capitalization in the tens of billions, the stock is pricing in substantial future growth. While revenues have recently shown triple-digit percentage growth, IonQ continues to report net losses, including a per-share loss of $3.58 in the last reporting period. The investor thesis is primarily anchored in the company's robust order backlog and long-term scaling prospects.

Attention now shifts to the execution of its growth strategy. Analysts at S&P Global Market Intelligence do not anticipate profitability until near the end of the decade but project the company's revenue could leap to over $1.5 billion by that time. In the near term, investors may watch the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2026, which is seen as the next potential catalyst for the broader quantum computing industry.