A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: This Quantum Stock Looks Primed to Skyrocket
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By Keithen Drury – Mar 21, 2026 at 2:30PM ESTKey PointsIonQ is leading the way in quantum computing accuracy.The tech upstart is seeing huge growth for its technology. Quantum computing stands to become a lucrative investment field due to its massive upside potential. Some investors are looking at this field like it's their second chance of investing in Nvidia, a stock that turned a $10,000 investment a decade ago into more than $2 million today. One stock I've got my eye on is IonQ (IONQ 2.10%), which looks like the current leader in this industry. I'm bullish on its outlook, but I'm also cautious due to the unknown nature of this industry. Image source: Getty Images. Quantum computing is still being sorted out There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach in the quantum computing world. There are several ways to approach the technology, and IonQ is taking a somewhat unique approach. Its trapped ion technology is different from the superconducting technology normally used in quantum computing, but it's yielding impressive results. IonQ's accuracy score is the best in the world, and its success stems from the architecture used in the quantum computer. Clients are recognizing this success, and IonQ is generating the most revenue out of any of the quantum computing pure plays. In the fourth quarter, IonQ's revenue rose 429% year over year to $62 million. While not all of this revenue comes from system sales, it is generating some revenue from early-stage systems being used in research. Next year, IonQ expects to realize about $235 million in revenue, up from $130 million this year. That's huge growth and shows how the industry is starting to come around to the idea of utilizing quantum computing. It also shows the technology is progressing enough to be useful in research applications -- a gateway to commercial use. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(-2.10%) $-0.67Current Price$31.23Key Data PointsMarket Cap$11BDay's Range$30.50 - $32.2452wk Range$18.81 - $84.64Volume810KAvg Vol21MGross Margin-2267.11% It will take some time for the quantum computing market to develop, but by 2035, McKinsey & Company believes it will be a huge market. They estimate that the annual quantum computing market could be worth between $28 billion and $72 billion annually. That's a large market for IonQ to capture. While there may be many winners, IonQ's accurate leadership will allow it to establish a first-mover position and make it difficult to switch away from as other competitors arise. However, there is still a lot of risk here. IonQ's approach may be working out now, but there could be a roadblock, currently unknown, that prevents it from performing as well as its peers. Furthermore, quantum computing may never progress to the point where it's commercially viable. Both of these are real risks and could prevent IonQ's stock from becoming the next great tech stock. While I don't think either of those will happen, they are real risks that investors must account for here. As a result, I think IonQ investors should limit their position sizing to be around 1%. That way, if it works out, it will be a huge winner and provide real growth in a portfolio. If it fails, that 1% loss won't be a huge dent in total assets.Read NextMar 20, 2026 •By Adam SpataccoWall Street Is Wrong About This Quantum Computing StockMar 19, 2026 •By Geoffrey SeilerWant to Invest in Quantum Computing Before It Goes Mainstream?
Start With These 3 Stocks.Mar 18, 2026 •By Jack DelaneyIs It Too Late to Buy IonQ Stock After Its 198% Rally?Mar 17, 2026 •By Geoffrey Seiler2 Millionaire-Maker Technology StocksMar 15, 2026 •By Keithen DruryBetter Quantum Computing Stock: Rigetti Computing vs. IonQMar 13, 2026 •By Keithen Drury2 Millionaire-Maker Quantum Computing StocksAbout 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$31.23(-2.10%)-$0.67*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.