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IONQ vs QUBT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? IonQ (IONQ) vs. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- IONQ and QUBT are both pure-play quantum technology names, but they pursue different hardware and business strategies.
- IONQ recently raised full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $450–$460 million, largely reflecting its SkyWater Technology acquisition.
- QUBT delivered explosive year-over-year revenue growth from a very small base, with Q2 sales reaching roughly $5.6 million.
- Both companies remain unprofitable and carry rich valuations relative to current sales, keeping sentiment sensitive to commercialization milestones.
- Recent quantum-sector catalysts, including an IONQ error-correction advance, lifted peers across the group.
Introduction
Quantum computing has become one of the most closely watched — and most volatile — corners of the technology market. This stock comparison evaluates IONQ and QUBT, two publicly traded companies that investors often group together despite meaningful differences in their underlying businesses. IonQ focuses on trapped-ion quantum systems, while Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) emphasizes entropy-based optimization, photonics, and advanced semiconductor packaging. For traders and investors assessing relative performance and market positioning, understanding how these two names differ in scale, growth drivers, and risk profile is essential to making an informed assessment of the quantum opportunity.
IONQ Overview and Recent Performance
IONQ (IonQ, Inc.) develops trapped-ion quantum computers and has positioned itself as one of the sector's more commercially advanced players. In recent weeks, the company announced the industry's first end-to-end, real-time quantum error-correction decoder running on a single standard CPU (central processing unit), a step management described as removing a major bottleneck in fault-tolerant computing. Separately, IonQ said it would install its Superion 256 system at Nvidia's Accelerated Quantum Research Center in Boston, and it announced a multi-year collaboration with South Korea's SDT.
On the financial side, IonQ raised its 2026 revenue outlook to a range of $450 million to $460 million, roughly 60% above its prior guidance, after closing its acquisition of semiconductor foundry SkyWater Technology on July 31. Much of that increase reflects SkyWater's contribution rather than organic quantum revenue. Second-quarter revenue rose 287% year over year to about $80 million, while adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) showed a loss of roughly $120 million. Despite recent gains, the stock has traded well below its 52-week high, and its price-to-sales multiple remains elevated, reflecting continued investor debate over valuation and the pace of commercialization.
QUBT Overview and Recent Performance
QUBT (Quantum Computing Inc., or QCi) takes a differentiated approach centered on its Dirac-3 entropy-based quantum optimization machine, photonics, and a growing semiconductor manufacturing footprint. Recent market activity has been shaped by a mix of catalysts and profit-taking. The company signed a three-year framework agreement with Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar covering quantum computing, sensing, and communications, and it delivered and installed a Dirac-3 system at a global consulting firm.
Second-quarter revenue surged to roughly $5.6 million from about $61,000 a year earlier, driven largely by photonics product sales, and contract backlog reached approximately $42.5 million. QCi also completed its acquisition of NHanced Semiconductors, adding advanced packaging and U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturing capacity. However, operating expenses more than doubled, and the company posted a gross loss, underscoring the gap between rapid revenue growth and profitability. The stock has declined over the past month and quarter and remains well below recent highs, even as analyst price targets suggest considerable upside from current levels.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two names is scale and focus. IONQ is a larger, more established quantum hardware business with a deeper commercial pipeline and, following the SkyWater deal, an in-house chip manufacturing capability. QUBT is earlier in its revenue trajectory, but its diversified portfolio spanning photonics, quantum optimization, and advanced packaging offers multiple potential revenue paths rather than a single hardware platform.
Growth drivers also differ. IonQ's recent momentum has been tied to technology milestones, the SkyWater integration, and enterprise and government partnerships. Quantum Computing Inc.'s momentum has leaned on acquisitions and international agreements, though much of its value still rests on future revenue expansion from a small base. On risk, both carry elevated valuations and continued losses, but QUBT's thinner current revenue base and recent stock declines make it comparatively more sensitive to sentiment shifts, while IonQ's larger loss base and richer sales multiple introduce their own valuation pressure. Sector exposure is similar — both are highly correlated to quantum-sector news and broader risk appetite for long-duration technology assets.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor IONQ at present. IonQ offers a larger revenue base, a clearer commercial roadmap, recent technology validation, and stronger near-term momentum relative to QUBT. While Quantum Computing Inc. presents a higher-risk, potentially higher-upside profile given its diversified portfolio and substantial analyst price targets, its smaller revenue scale and recent downward drift suggest a less stable setup in the current environment. This assessment is probabilistic and grounded in current data, not a definitive prediction of future performance.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is IONQ is a Hold and QUBT is a Hold.
IONQ in downward trend: 10-day moving average moved below 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
The 10-day moving average for IONQ crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 15 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on IONQ as a result. In 71 of 81 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 88%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IONQ turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 41 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 41 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 80%.
IONQ moved below its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IONQ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 86%.
The Aroon Indicator for IONQ entered a downward trend on September 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where IONQ's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 21 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 11 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +4.87% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IONQ advanced for three days, in 233 of 273 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
IONQ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 48 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.794) is normal, around the industry mean (-7.468). P/E Ratio (-8.052) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.030). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (23.994). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (51.020) is also within normal values, averaging (51.774).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. IONQ’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. IONQ’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 98 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
QUBT in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026
QUBT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 30 of 32 cases where QUBT's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where QUBT's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 22 of 25 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 54 of 65 cases where QUBT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
Following a +6.23% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QUBT advanced for three days, in 196 of 227 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QUBT as a result. In 72 of 81 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 89%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QUBT turned negative on October 01, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 43 of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 90%.
QUBT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 01, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QUBT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 17 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 90%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QUBT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
The Aroon Indicator for QUBT entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 6 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.937) is normal, around the industry mean (-7.468). QUBT's P/E Ratio (-164.750) is considerably lower than the industry average of (-3.030). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is also within normal values, averaging (23.994). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (169.492) is also within normal values, averaging (51.774).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 82 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. QUBT’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. QUBT’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock worse than average.
QUBT | ||
|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 77 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 6 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 91 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 82 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 23 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
| IONQ | QUBT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 88% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 88% | 1 day ago 83% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 88% | 1 day ago 89% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 90% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 87% | 1 day ago 87% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 87% | 1 day ago 88% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 85% | 2 days ago 86% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 86% | 9 days ago 87% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 90% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
IONQ’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while QUBT’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- IONQ’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- QUBT’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
IONQ’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while QUBT’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IONQ’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- QUBT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
IONQ (@Computer Processing Hardware) experienced а -9.29% price change this week, while QUBT (@Computer Processing Hardware) price change was -3.65% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Computer Processing Hardware industry was -5.61%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -18.57%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.30%.
Reported Earning Dates
IONQ is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
QUBT is expected to report earnings on Nov 13, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Computer Processing Hardware (-5.61% weekly)Computer Processing Hardware industry produces central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage devices, and graphics card. Business activity and economic growth are potential drivers of this industry – if more businesses are growing or flourishing, so would their investments in computer equipment. Dell Technologies, Inc, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., NCR Corporation are key producers of computer processing hardware.
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IONQ and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IONQ has been closely correlated with RGTI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IONQ jumps, then RGTI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IONQ | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IONQ | 100% | -3.47% | ||
| RGTI - IONQ | 86% Closely correlated | -4.73% | ||
| QBTS - IONQ | 84% Closely correlated | -3.88% | ||
| UMAC - IONQ | 58% Loosely correlated | -4.18% | ||
| OSS - IONQ | 48% Loosely correlated | -4.37% | ||
| SSYS - IONQ | 44% Loosely correlated | -1.59% | ||
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QUBT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QUBT has been closely correlated with RGTI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if QUBT jumps, then RGTI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QUBT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUBT | 100% | -3.37% | ||
| RGTI - QUBT | 88% Closely correlated | -4.73% | ||
| QBTS - QUBT | 85% Closely correlated | -3.88% | ||
| UMAC - QUBT | 56% Loosely correlated | -4.18% | ||
| DPRO - QUBT | 54% Loosely correlated | -3.23% | ||
| CAN - QUBT | 48% Loosely correlated | -5.70% | ||
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