Analysts Rally Behind IonQ Amid Short-Seller Scrutiny

Prominent Wall Street firms have come out in strong support of IonQ, providing a counter-narrative to a recent critical short-seller report. This show of confidence follows a period of pressure on the quantum computing company's share price earlier in the week.

In a clear rebuttal to the negative thesis, Rosenblatt Securities reiterated its Buy rating on IonQ shares on Tuesday, affirming a price target of $100. Cantor Fitzgerald similarly stood by its Overweight recommendation. Both research houses emphasized that their positive long-term outlook for the company remains unchanged despite the allegations.

The supportive analyst commentary arrives after Wolfpack Research published a report questioning IonQ's prospects. The short-seller's primary claims centered on an alleged over-reliance on contracts with the Pentagon, which it suggested could face elimination in the 2026 budget. Wolfpack also took aim at the company's acquisition strategy, singling out the planned deal with SkyWater Technology for particular criticism.

Strategic Vision or Risky Move?

Far from being a liability, proponents of IonQ view the SkyWater transaction as a pivotal strategic maneuver. Announced on January 26, 2026, the $1.8 billion acquisition is designed to vertically integrate the company. The deal is anticipated to close in either the second or third quarter of 2026.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying IonQ?

Key points highlighted by bullish investors include:

• A fundamental shift from a research-focused entity to a manufacturer with its own supply chain.
• A third-quarter 2025 revenue surge exceeding 200%, reaching $39.9 million.
• Accelerating commercial adoption of its technology beyond government-funded projects.

Upcoming Earnings to Provide Clarity

The ongoing debate is likely to gain crucial context on February 25, 2026, when IonQ is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results after the market closes.

The investment community will be scrutinizing the report for detailed updates on the status of the contested government contracts and for progress on integrating two other acquisitions, Oxford Ionics and Vector Atomic. Until this data is made public, the stock is expected to remain sensitive to headlines from both supporters and detractors.