IonQ Just Raised 2026 Revenue Guidance. This Quantum Computing Pure-Play Looks Like a Brilliant Buy Now.

While investors may be focused on artificial intelligence (AI) right now, there is another technology close to launching that could turn many industries on their heads: quantum computing. Quantum computing is coming quicker than most realize, and leaders around the industry have accelerated the commercial availability timeline from 2030 to 2029. That's only a few years away, and investors must be prepared for its arrival. There are several ways to invest in quantum computing, but one of the most promising with major upside potential is IonQ (IONQ +3.53%). IonQ is one of my top picks in this space, and it recently boosted guidance for 2026. I think it's a brilliant buy right now, and investors should take advantage of it while it's still off its all-time highs. Image source: The Motley Fool. IonQ is becoming an all-in-one investment IonQ is shaping up to be one of the biggest winners of the upcoming quantum computing arms race. While several legacy companies are competing in quantum computing, the overall benefit to their financials is relatively limited. So, while a company like Alphabet may develop a winning quantum computing solution, the effect it will have on it from an investment perspective may be relatively minor. On the flip side, a small company like IonQ has a ton to gain from becoming a quantum computing winner. It's shaping up to be that way, as IonQ is taking steps to become an all-in-one quantum computing company. Recently, it closed an acquisition of SkyWater, which will allow IonQ to design and manufacture its chips in-house. That's a huge boost for IonQ, as it gives it access to the manufacturing capabilities it will need when it comes time to take its products to full commercial scale. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQPremium FeatureMoneyball Superscore63/100Today's Change(3.53%) $1.38Current Price$40.51Key Data PointsMarket Cap$16BMarket 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$39.83 - $40.9352wk Range$25.89 - $84.64Volume14.3MAvg Vol20.4MGross Margin-3317.96% As a result, IonQ boosted its 2026 revenue expectations to between $450 billion and $460 billion. The guidance it gave during Q2 2026 was between $280 million and $290 million, so this is no small boost. I think it further underscores how impressive a business IonQ is becoming, and with it leading the way in terms of quantum computing accuracy, it's in the driver's seat to become one of the best quantum computing investment options available. With the stock down over 50% from its all-time high, it makes for a great quantum computing investment right now.Read NextSep 21, 2026 •By Adam SpataccoMeet the Quantum Computing Stock Growing Faster Than NvidiaSep 20, 2026 •By Chris Neiger3 Things You Need to Know Before Buying IonQ StockSep 18, 2026 •By Will EbiefungHere's What $1,000 Invested in IonQ Stock Could Be Worth by 2030Sep 17, 2026 •By Rich SmithWhy IonQ Stock Popped TodaySep 17, 2026 •By Geoffrey SeilerIf the Pace of AI Is Slowed, Investors Can Turn to Quantum Computing. 4 Quantum Stocks to Buy Now.Sep 16, 2026 •By Robert IzquierdoIonQ CEO Sells Over 16,000 Shares Worth Nearly $600,000 After the Company Raised Its Full-Year Sales OutlookAbout 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$40.51(+3.53%)+$1.38Motley 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.