In September, the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its first fee lower of 2025, decreasing the federal funds fee by 25 foundation factors and signaling two extra cuts earlier than the yr’s finish. This easing backdrop, mixed with doubtless tailwinds in coverage, may amplify the expansion outlook for pure-play quantum names.
On that entrance, the Trump administration is reportedly crafting an expansive quantum computing mandate, doubtlessly by way of government orders or a nationwide technique to speed up federal adoption of quantum programs and cryptographic upgrades (based on Nextgov and different sources).
For pure-play quantum names like IonQ IONQ and Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT, this confluence of financial easing and pro-quantum coverage ought to enhance investor confidence. On this atmosphere, it is smart for buyers to purchase selectively on pullbacks, preserve positions manageable and keep alert on each firm progress and coverage updates. Let’s get into extra element.
Causes to Be Bullish on IONQ
Strategic Acquisitions: IonQ is accelerating its quantum computing capabilities via acquisitions like Oxford Ionics, Lightsynq, Capella and the just lately introduced Vector Atomic (specializing in quantum sensing and atomic clock applied sciences). These strikes increase IonQ’s {hardware}, photonic interconnect, space-based programs and quantum sensing capabilities, positioning the corporate to scale to 40,000–80,000 logical qubits by 2030 whereas sustaining low unit prices and powerful mental property. This roadmap solidifies IonQ’s aggressive edge in next-generation quantum computing.
Business Purposes and Partnerships: IonQ is delivering sensible quantum benefit throughout a number of industries, together with drug discovery, AI, vitality optimization and nationwide safety. Collaborations with AstraZeneca, AWS, NVIDIA NVDA, Oak Ridge Nationwide Laboratory and a brand new MoU with the U.S. Division of Power for space-based quantum applied sciences show the corporate’s capability to generate revenues from real-world purposes, enhancing market adoption and buyer belief.
Quantum Networking, Cybersecurity and Area Integration: By its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) merchandise and partnerships with ID Quantique and Capella, IonQ is constructing a safe quantum Web for governments, monetary establishments and telecoms. Capella’s satellite tv for pc constellation extends IonQ’s quantum networking into area, offering provably safe international communications. This growth past computing opens a number of income streams for IONQ.
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What’s Driving QUBT?
Business Adoption of Quantum Programs and Photonic Chips: QUBT is gaining robust industrial traction, validating its quantum applied sciences in real-world purposes. Within the second quarter of 2025, the corporate secured orders together with a quantum photonic vibrometer for Delft College of Know-how and shipped its first industrial entangled photon supply to a analysis establishment in South Korea. Moreover, an automotive producer bought a reservoir computing system and a high 5 U.S. financial institution acquired the Quantum Cybersecurity Resolution. These wins present QUBT’s machines and photonic elements are actively deployed and fixing real-world challenges.
Skinny-Movie Lithium Niobate Photonic Chip Foundry: QUBT’s state-of-the-art thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) foundry in Tempe, AZ, grew to become absolutely operational in March 2025. It allows integration of nano-photonic chips into quantum machines, enhancing measurement, weight, energy, value, and efficiency. The power additionally gives providers to exterior prospects, creating new income streams throughout datacom, telecom, sensing and quantum computing. As manufacturing ramps up, the foundry is predicted to considerably enhance revenues within the subsequent 12–18 months.

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Challenges Stay for Each IONQ and QUBT
IONQ and QUBT each face important challenges within the quickly evolving quantum computing business. IONQ advantages from mature trapped-ion expertise and a diversified roadmap, however IONQ has a roadmap focusing on over 2 million bodily qubits and 80,000 logical qubits by 2030. This could be a main technical problem. It additionally faces monetary dangers from excessive working prices, ongoing unprofitability and integrating a number of acquisitions.
QUBT is extra speculative, counting on the profitable integration of its photonic chips into quantum machines and the commercialization of its Quantum AI and cybersecurity merchandise. Its early-stage revenues, excessive money burn and dependence on authorities and business partnerships add execution and adoption dangers.
Total, previously month, shares of IonQ have jumped 94.3%, outperforming QUBT’s 40.8% surge.

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QUBT is overly costly primarily based on its projected value/gross sales ratio for 2026.

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Which Inventory is a Higher Wager?
In conclusion, whereas each IonQ and Quantum Computing function within the high-potential quantum computing area, IonQ stands out because the extra compelling funding. With a diversified roadmap, industrial purposes, strategic acquisitions and growth into quantum networking and space-based programs, IonQ has extra tangible income alternatives.
In distinction, QUBT, though making strides in photonic chips and early industrial deployments, faces important execution and adoption dangers, a restricted income historical past and a excessive money burn. Coupled with a Zacks Rank #3 (Maintain), IonQ gives a extra balanced risk-reward profile in comparison with QUBT, which has a Zacks Rank #4 (Promote).
You’ll be able to see the whole listing of at this time’s Zacks #1 Rank (Robust Purchase) shares right here.
Quantum Computing Shares Set To Soar
Synthetic intelligence has already reshaped the funding panorama, and its convergence with quantum computing may result in essentially the most important wealth-building alternatives of our time.
At this time, you’ve got an opportunity to place your portfolio on the forefront of this technological revolution. In our pressing particular report, Past AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Energy, you may uncover the little-known shares we consider will win the quantum computing race and ship large good points to early buyers.
NVIDIA Company (NVDA) : Free Inventory Evaluation Report
Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) : Free Inventory Evaluation Report
IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) : Free Inventory Evaluation Report
This text initially printed on Zacks Funding Analysis (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the writer and don’t essentially replicate these of Nasdaq, Inc.