The quantum computing sector is getting attention as new tech breakthroughs excite investors and drive growth. Amid this buzz, stocks like Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and IonQ (IONQ) have posted impressive gains. Over the last 12 months, RGTI stock has soared by over 3,000%, while IONQ has gained 277%. But after their strong performance, the key question is whether these quantum stocks still have room to run or if it’s time for investors to take profits.
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Most recently, quantum stocks surged after media reports stated that the U.S. government was considering taking equity stakes in these firms in exchange for federal funding. However, the Trump administration later denied any plans to acquire stakes in quantum computing companies. Looking ahead, both stocks are rated as Strong Buy by analysts and present high-risk, high-reward opportunities for investors. Let’s dive into the details.
Is RGTI a Good Long-Term Investment?
Rigetti Computing makes superconducting quantum computers to power the next generation of technology. While an early leader in the field, its products are still in the early stages of commercial use.
Nonetheless, Rigetti stands out in the quantum space by building all its hardware and software in-house. The company owns its fabrication facility, created its own programming language Quil, and offers a cloud platform for businesses to rent quantum computing power. By controlling the full supply chain, Rigetti can release updates faster than competitors. Its latest Cepheus-1-36Q is the largest multi-chip quantum computer in the industry, achieving 99.5% fidelity.
On the downside, Rigetti’s financial performance has been challenging. In Q2, revenues dropped 41.6% year-over-year, and the net loss was $39.7 million. Still, the company remains financially strong, holding $571.6 million in cash with no debt as of June 30, 2025.
Rigetti Stock Price Forecast
On Wall Street, Benchmark’s five-star analyst David Williams is very bullish on RGTI stock, expecting it to rise more than 38% from current levels. Interestingly, among the six analysts tracked by TipRanks who cover the stock, Williams is the only one with a price target above the current price, even though all six have Buy ratings.
Williams believes that as long as the quantum industry keeps making real technical and business progress, the sector should stay strong, even during wider market ups and downs.
Overall, Wall Street analysts have rated the stock as a Strong Buy. Taken together, Rigetti’s stock forecast of $30.25 implies a downside of over 25% from the current level.
Is IonQ a Good Stock to Buy?
IonQ develops trapped-ion quantum computers, a technology known for high accuracy. This week, the company announced a major milestone, reaching 99.99% two-qubit fidelity. This marked the best performance reported in the quantum industry so far. This level of accuracy means fewer errors, allowing the systems to handle more complex tasks with fewer physical qubits.
Simply put, higher fidelity helps IonQ move faster toward practical, scalable quantum computing. The company says this breakthrough will support its next-generation 256-qubit machines expected in 2026. Unlike earlier laser-controlled systems, the new machines use electronic control, enabling them to be built with standard chip-making processes. That could lead to easier manufacturing, better stability, and lower costs as IonQ scales up.
For investors, the message is clear: IonQ is not only innovating but also gaining ground quickly in the race for quantum dominance.
What Is the Price Target for IonQ?
Unlike RGTI, IONQ has bullish price targets from multiple analysts. Earlier this month, five-star B. Riley Securities analyst Craig Ellis reiterated his Buy rating on the stock, forecasting more than 60% upside from current levels. Ellis highlighted that IonQ is leading the industry in revenue growth, delivering three consecutive years of 100% year-over-year gains. He also believes the company is on track to exceed $1 billion in revenue by 2030.
Overall, six out of eight analysts currently covering IONQ stock have issued Buy recommendations. Meanwhile, the average IonQ share price target of $64.57 suggests a 4% upside from current levels.
Conclusion
Quantum computing is still in its early innings, and both Rigetti and IonQ stand to benefit from long-term industry growth. While recent rallies may cool in the near term, strong innovation, growing commercial interest, and government support suggest the quantum story is far from over. For long-term investors willing to take some risk, it may still be a good time to jump in.