If I Could Only Buy 1 Quantum Computing Stock, This Would Be It - The Motley Fool

Quantum computing may seem like a science fiction technology, but it's coming quicker than most realize. While the previous projection for useful quantum computing technology was 2030, several companies have accelerated their timeline to 2029. With that in mind, investors need to pay attention to this industry, as it could have significant impacts in the tech sector. One of my favorite companies in this space is IonQ (IONQ +1.44%), and if I were limited to one quantum computing company, I think I'd invest in it. While it may be a high-risk pick, the upside is immense, and some of the other competitors may not feel the impact as greatly as IonQ will. Image source: Getty Images. IonQ is in a great position to capture early market share The quantum computing space is full of potent competitors. Legacy companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and International Business Machines are all competing and have a ton of resources to pour into developing useful quantum computing technology. However, if they achieve this goal, the impact on their overall financial picture will likely be somewhat minimal, making them poor quantum computing investments in terms of maximum upside. Instead, I'm focusing on IonQ, which is a pure-play quantum computing investment that must make a viable quantum computing product to avoid going bankrupt. That's a stark reality, but it's one that investors in this space must grapple with. The best comparison is a biotech company. Many of these stocks go bust, but the ones that work out make investors a small fortune. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQPremium FeatureMoneyball Superscore63/100Today's Change(1.44%) $0.53Current Price$37.37Key Data PointsMarket Cap$15BMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.Day's Range$36.33 - $37.9452wk Range$25.89 - $84.64Volume10.2MAvg Vol21MGross Margin-3317.96% I think IonQ is in a great position to capture a decent chunk of the initial quantum computing market based on how it's directing its technology. Many quantum computing companies are using the superconducting technique, which processes computations quickly, but doesn't have the best accuracy. IonQ is taking the opposite approach and pioneering a technique known as trapped-ion quantum computing, which provides more accurate results, but at a slower speed. With accuracy being the primary reason why quantum computing isn't available now, this is a major advantage for IonQ. IonQ is also seeing huge revenue growth, with revenue rising 287% year over year. Some of that growth is from acquisitions that IonQ made, but management also projects 100% organic growth for the year, indicating that there is still plenty of growth in IonQ's core business. IonQ is becoming the largest pure-play quantum computing business, and I think that makes it a horse worth backing. I think IonQ will find success, making it a stock worth buying today. While it still has a decent chance of failure, I'm OK with a small chunk of my portfolio not panning out in exchange for the potential of a massive winner.Read NextSep 10, 2026 •By Rick OrfordIonQ's DARPA Program Could Soar -- Here's Why It MattersSep 10, 2026 •By Rick OrfordWhat It Would Take for IonQ Stock to Reach $100Sep 9, 2026 •By Anders Bylund7 Best Quantum Computing Stocks for 2026 and How to InvestSep 9, 2026 •By Bram Berkowitz3 Quantum Computing Stocks Have Issued a $63 Million Warning This Year That Wall Street Cannot IgnoreSep 8, 2026 •By Daniel SparksIonQ Just Raised Its 2026 Revenue Outlook by About 60%. Most of the Raise Isn't Quantum Computing.Sep 8, 2026 •By Parkev Tatevosian, CFAShould You Buy IonQ Stock Instead of Rigetti Computing Stock?About the AuthorKeithen Drury is a contributing Motley Fool technology analyst covering AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and SaaS stocks. In addition to The Motley Fool, Keithen is a mechanical engineer and has held roles at Honeywell and smaller industrial companies like Brand Hydraulics and Lincoln Industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Dordt University.TMFTripleOptionStocks MentionedIonQNYSE: IONQ$37.47(+1.71%)+$0.63Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest PickGet Access---% Avg Return*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.