IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) Stock Now Rated “Moderate Buy” by Sell-Side Brokerages

IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) has been given an average rating of “Moderate Buy” by the fifteen analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and ten have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $63.33.

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on IONQ shares. Rosenblatt Securities reissued a “buy” rating and set a $100.00 price target on shares of IonQ in a research report on Tuesday, October 13th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on IonQ from $49.00 to $43.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 15th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an “overweight” rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of IonQ in a research note on Wednesday, September 9th. Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of IonQ in a report on Monday, September 28th. They set a “buy” rating and a $60.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, B. Riley Financial reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of IonQ in a report on Wednesday, September 9th.

Key IonQ News

Here are the key news stories impacting IonQ this week:

• Positive Sentiment: IonQ’s proposed $2 billion capital raise was described as a “tremendous vote of confidence,” giving the company additional resources to pursue quantum computing, networking, cybersecurity, sensing and chip manufacturing. The financing could accelerate expansion, although it also creates dilution concerns. IonQ Sinks 15% in a Week on $2 Billion Raise
• Positive Sentiment: IonQ continues to post rapid revenue growth from a small base, while its shares trade near a 52-week low. Some investors view that disconnect as an attractive entry point ahead of the next quarterly report. IonQ Hasn’t Looked More Intriguing in a Long Time
• Positive Sentiment: Native Qrisp support allows developers to program IonQ quantum systems using open-source, high-level tools rather than relying exclusively on IonQ’s proprietary software. The integration may broaden developer adoption and strengthen IonQ’s links with European quantum initiatives. IonQ Gets Native Open Source Programming Support
• Neutral Sentiment: IonQ’s work with Nu Quantum in an Innovate UK quantum-technology showcase and its prior DARPA HARQ contract reinforce its government and industry visibility, but the articles provide limited new financial information. Nu Quantum and IonQ in Innovate UK Showcase
• Negative Sentiment: Critics point to IonQ’s continuing cash burn, lack of profitability and projected full-year loss. The Elisity acquisition, SkyWater-related expansion and $2 billion equity offering could increase execution risk and dilute existing shareholders. IonQ’s Bold Expansion Could Leave Shareholders Paying the Price
• Negative Sentiment: Some analysts argue that rapid revenue growth has not yet translated into sustainable earnings, making the stock difficult to justify for risk-averse investors. Reports of insider selling across the quantum-computing sector add another overhang. Why I Wouldn’t Buy IonQ Stock

IonQ Price Performance

Shares of NYSE IONQ opened at $32.37 on Thursday. The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $39.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $44.95. IonQ has a 12-month low of $25.89 and a 12-month high of $73.65.

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 5th. The company reported ($0.33) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.56) by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $80.05 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $66.47 million. IonQ had a negative return on equity of 22.29% and a negative net margin of 553.27%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 286.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.70) earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that IonQ will post -2.96 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at IonQ

In other news, insider John Raymond sold 2,407 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.21, for a total transaction of $89,564.47. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 77,741 shares in the company, valued at $2,892,742.61. The trade was a 3.00% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.55% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On IonQ

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of IONQ. Archer Investment Corp bought a new position in IonQ during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in IonQ by 216.5% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 959 shares of the company’s stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares during the last quarter. PeakShares LLC bought a new stake in IonQ during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. EFG International AG bought a new stake in IonQ during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, MWA Asset Management purchased a new position in shares of IonQ in the first quarter valued at about $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 41.42% of the company’s stock.

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc (NYSE: IONQ) is a quantum computing company that develops full-stack quantum computing systems and related software. Its technology is based on trapped-ion quantum computing, which uses electrically charged atoms as qubits and is designed to support highly accurate quantum operations.

The company provides access to its quantum computers through cloud platforms and direct enterprise and research engagements. Its offerings include quantum computing hardware, cloud-based access, software tools, and professional services intended to help organizations explore applications in areas such as optimization, chemistry, materials science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.