Should You Sell Nvidia Stock for Quantum Computing Stocks? A Look at Nvidia vs IonQ

The question of whether to sell Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ NVDA) stock and shift into a pure-play quantum computing company is gaining traction as both sectors command investor attention. Nvidia remains a dominant force in artificial-intelligence (AI) infrastructure, backed by strong demand for its GPUs and ambitious forecasts.

At the same time, the quantum computing segment, represented by companies like IonQ, Inc., is emerging from the laboratory and prompting speculation about next-generation hardware.

For investors, the core trade-off is between owning a mature, high-performing tech firm and taking a position in a speculative quantum company with higher risk and potentially higher upside. This article examines why Nvidia still looks compelling and then profiles the “supercharged” quantum stock to help clarify the decision.

Why Nvidia still looks compelling

Nvidia continues to lead the AI chip market with a substantial ecosystem advantage. Its GPUs power data-centres for cloud providers and enterprise applications, creating a near-monopoly in many high-performance AI workloads. Analysts remain bullish: one recent report projected that Nvidia could deliver more than $4 trillion in market value and described it as having “a potential 78% upside” based on a $320 price target.

Moreover, the company’s recent financial results support its strength. According to a recent Motley Fool article, Nvidia’s current market cap stood at some $4.5 trillion, underscoring its scale and leadership. The firm’s path to growth is reinforced by its AI-hardware dominance, scale, and strategic partnerships.

There are risks. Valuation is elevated, and a pullback in AI spending or a disruption in the semiconductor supply chain could weigh on the stock. For example, some analysts suggest a drop to around $100 could occur if expectations become decoupled from results.rd Despite these risks, for investors seeking exposure to AI infrastructure rather than speculative technology bets, Nvidia remains a compelling choice.

The ‘supercharged’ quantum stock

The quantum computing field is moving from theory toward application and the public markets are taking notice. According to one sector overview, publicly listed quantum‐hardware companies are increasingly being grouped into “pure plays,” software/algorithm vendors, and larger tech firms with quantum exposure. Among the pure-play quantum stocks, IonQ stands out as a key contender.

IonQ is a Maryland-based company focused on trapped-ion quantum computers. In June 2025 it announced the acquisition of UK-based Oxford Ionics in a deal valued at about $1.07 billion (primarily in IonQ stock). The deal gives IonQ access to Oxford Ionics’ chip-based ion-trap technology and strengthens its hold on the quantum hardware roadmap. The acquisition follows several others and forms part of IonQ’s growth strategy in the quantum space.

On the commercial front, IonQ has also reported collaborations with major cloud and enterprise players. One announcement described work with industry partners that reduced simulation time for a chemical reaction by 20×, using a quantum system accessible via cloud. These kinds of partnerships signal quantum computing moving toward real-world workloads.

From an investor perspective, quantum companies remain high risk. Many are unprofitable, subject to long development timelines, and their business models are still evolving. A recent article pointed out that while quantum stock valuations have surged, many firms remain pre-profit and cash‐ run is a key concern. For IonQ, the upside is tied to execution of its acquisition strategy, scaling of hardware, and successful commercialization.

The quantum space is attracting strong interest: for example, a TECHi article listed IonQ among quantum computing stocks set to “take-off” in 2025, alongside larger firms like IBM and Alphabet Inc.. That said, a word of caution is warranted. Another recent piece flagged that quantum stocks saw broad declines this week, likely due to investor profit-taking and heightened volatility across the sector.

Side-by-side: risk & valuation

When comparing Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) and IonQ Inc. (IONQ) investors face different profiles in terms of risk, valuation and timeline.

Risk

Nvidia’s key risks include escalating competition, such as from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and custom chips developed by cloud providers, and geopolitical exposure, especially export restrictions to China. IonQ’s risks are substantially higher: the company remains unprofitable, commercial quantum computing is still nascent, and recent commentary warns that quantum computing stocks may be “on another planet” in terms of valuation. 

Valuation

Nvidia trades at elevated multiples, though some analysts still see upside. For example, one report shows only modest upside from current targets despite bullish sentiment. By contrast, IonQ’s forward price/sales ratio is extremely high (over 140×) even relative to peers.

Verdict: sell, hold, or buy

For many investors the question is whether to sell Nvidia and pivot into IonQ. The most prudent stance may be to hold Nvidia and treat IonQ as a small-satellite speculative allocation, rather than trading one for the other wholesale.

If the core portfolio goal is stable exposure to generative-AI infrastructure today, Nvidia remains a strong choice. However, if an investor accepts high risk, long time horizon and the possibility of a bust, a modest position in IonQ may be appropriate.

In practical terms: maintain or incrementally add to Nvidia if it fits the portfolio, but cap any IonQ exposure at a small percentage (for example single-digit of equities) given its speculative nature. Trigger points for reconsidering either include: a major quantum commercial contract or IonQ turning profitable; or Nvidia missing growth targets or facing serious market share erosion.