IonQ Stock Plunges as Nvidia CEO Dims Quantum Computing Hopes

IonQ (IONQ), a leading player in the quantum computing sector, has seen its stock price plummet today, down 38.3% as of 2:38 p.m. ET, following comments made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Huang's remarks on the outlook for quantum computing have dampened investor enthusiasm for the sector, leading to a significant sell-off in IonQ shares and other quantum computing stocks.

Huang, who is widely respected in the tech industry, suggested that commercially viable quantum computers are likely much further away than many investors had hoped. He estimated that it could take between 15 to 30 years for very useful quantum computers to emerge, which is longer than some industry experts and investors had previously anticipated. This statement poured cold water on the optimistic timeline that had been driving the rally in quantum stocks at the end of 2024.

IonQ's stock price decline today comes after a significant rally in the company's shares, which had risen by approximately 133% over the last year. The company now has a market capitalization of $6 billion and is valued at approximately 72 times this year's expected sales. With such a growth-dependent and speculative valuation, it is not surprising that the company's share price has tumbled in response to Huang's more cautious outlook on the timeline for commercially viable quantum computers.



IonQ's CEO, Peter Chapman, has attempted to reassure investors by stating that the company believes it will be profitable with sales approaching $1 billion by 2030. However, this optimistic outlook has not been enough to stem the sell-off in the company's shares. Investors appear to be more focused on the uncertainty surrounding the commercialization timeline for quantum computing technology.

The delayed timeline for quantum computing could have significant long-term implications for IonQ and the broader industry. The company's high operational costs and stock-based compensation expenses may become more challenging to manage if the timeline for commercialization is extended. Additionally, IonQ's path to profitability may be further delayed, raising concerns about its financial sustainability in the long term.



In conclusion, IonQ's stock price has plummeted today following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's comments on the outlook for quantum computing. The delayed timeline for commercially viable quantum computers has raised concerns about the company's valuation, financial sustainability, and long-term prospects. Investors will be closely watching the developments in the quantum computing sector as they reassess their expectations for IonQ and other companies in the space.