Why IonQ Stock Plummeted 24.9% in March

By Scott Levine – Apr 6, 2026 at 5:00AM ESTKey PointsIonQ reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 financial results in late February.Investors shifted away from growth stocks like IonQ after the conflict in Iran began.Several analysts cut their price targets on IonQ stock.The new year hasn't been very kind to IonQ (IONQ +5.52%) stock. After dipping nearly 11% and 4% in January and February, respectively, shares of the quantum computing powerhouse tumbled even more last month. According to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, shares of IonQ dropped 24.9% in March. In addition to the market's shift away from growth stocks since the conflict in Iran began in late February, IonQ's stock performance can be traced to several analysts who have lowered their price targets over the past few weeks. Image source: Getty Images. IonQ's strong financial results couldn't overshadow these two factors IonQ had some momentum moving into March. The company reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 financial results on Feb. 25 after the market closed, including 429% year-over-year revenue growth, and shares closed nearly 22% higher the following day. ExpandNYSE: IONQIonQToday's Change(5.52%) $1.53Current Price$29.32Key Data PointsMarket Cap$11BDay's Range$26.75 - $29.4852wk Range$18.81 - $84.64Volume1.5KAvg Vol21MGross Margin-2267.11% But the company's impressive financial results didn't impress everyone. The widespread action among analysts to lower IonQ's price targets represented another major catalyst for the quantum computing stock's decline. While the analysts revealed their lower price targets in the last days of trading in February, the effects rippled through the following weeks. Some of the more bearish takes on IonQ stock came from DA Davidson, which cut its price target to $35 from $55, and JPMorgan Chase, which slashed its price target to $42 from $47. Besides lower price targets, the U.S. government's decision to commence military operations in Iran gave investors more reason to press the sell button on IonQ stock. With the start of the military action and repeated indications that a resolution to the conflict was nowhere in sight, investors shifted their focus away from growth stocks, moving toward more conservative investment options to help them endure market volatility. The question quantum computing investors are asking themselves right now Since IonQ shares are down about 35% as of this writing, investors are likely wondering whether now's the time to pivot away from IonQ stock. It's a valid question, but the fact is that if you had been bullish on IonQ stock's prospects before March, there's no reason to be less bullish now. Sure, it can be unsettling to see analysts cut their price targets on one of your holdings. Still, it's times like these to remember that the company's strong financial results are more material to an IonQ investment than analysts' opinions. The company is growing revenue and demonstrating the commercial viability of its quantum computing business. For exposure to the nascent industry, IonQ is one of the most promising quantum computing stocks to consider.Read NextApr 2, 2026 •By Parkev Tatevosian, CFAIs IonQ Stock a Generational Buying Opportunity, or a Falling Knife to Avoid?Mar 30, 2026 •By Jack CaporalThe AI Stocks Hedge Funds Love the MostMar 29, 2026 •By Keithen Drury1 Unstoppable Quantum Computing Stock to Buy Before It Soars 200%, According to 1 Wall Street AnalystMar 29, 2026 •By Keithen DruryPrediction: These 2 Quantum Computing Stocks Will Soar Over the Next 5 YearsMar 27, 2026 •By Sean WilliamsQuantum Computing Stocks IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum Have Created Shockwaves With This $930 Million Warning to Wall StreetMar 25, 2026 •By Geoffrey Seiler2 Tech Stocks Most Investors Haven't Heard of That Could Go ParabolicAbout the AuthorScott Levine is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering energy, industrials, technology, and materials. He is also a high school English teacher and a small business owner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Binghamton University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Adelphi University, and an advanced certificate in school building leadership from CUNY Queens College. A crossword puzzle enthusiast, he has solved more than 3,100 New York Times puzzles with a 97% solve rate.TMFProudMonkeyX@TMFProudMonkeyStocks MentionedIonQNYSE: IONQ$29.33(+5.52%)+$1.54JPMorgan ChaseNYSE: JPM$293.11(-0.26%)-$0.77*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.