IONQ Inc vs Palo Alto Networks Inc — how do they compare? IONQ Inc trades at $45.1 (market cap $17.60B), while Palo Alto Networks Inc trades at $387.3 (market cap $312.80B). The key difference: Palo Alto Networks Inc is far larger — about 17.8× IONQ Inc's market cap, and Palo Alto Networks Inc is trading nearer its 52-week high, IONQ Inc nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IONQ | PANW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $17.60B | $312.80B |
Sector | Technology | Technology |
52-Week High | $82.09 | $385.04 |
52-Week Low | $26.59 | $141.67 |
Enterprise Value | $15.53B | $311.76B |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IONQ trades at $44.82, up 5.38% with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The quantum computing company reported explosive 287% revenue growth in Q2 2026 to $80.1 million and raised its full-year outlook, though it remains deeply unprofitable with a -553% net margin. Recent catalysts include a $28 million DARPA contract extension and strong analyst sentiment with a $73.33 consensus price target representing 64% upside potential.
While IONQ demonstrates exceptional revenue momentum and technological leadership in quantum computing, investors face substantial risk from persistent losses, high cash burn, and valuation multiples exceeding 60x sales. The stock offers significant growth potential but requires tolerance for volatility and a long-term horizon given the nascent stage of quantum commercialization.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) trades at $386.64, up 0.42% today, nearing its 52-week high with strong bullish technical signals. Recent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $0.85 versus $0.793 expected, and robust revenue growth to $9.22B in 2025 highlight fundamental strength. Positive sentiment is driven by AI cybersecurity demand, as noted in recent news, though valuation ratios like P/E of 333.74 remain elevated.
Outlook is optimistic due to cybersecurity tailwinds and AI innovation, but risks include high valuation, integration costs from acquisitions, and regulatory scrutiny, such as China's cybersecurity review. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with a $344.94 price target, suggesting potential downside from current levels amid growth execution risks.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
IonQ is a leader in quantum computing, developing world-class quantum systems. Its technology aims to solve complex problems across finance, healthcare, and materials science that are beyond classical computers.
Read more on IONQ →Palo Alto Networks is a pure-play cybersecurity vendor that sells security appliances, subscriptions, and support into enterprises, government entities, and service providers. The company's product portfolio includes firewall appliances, virtual firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity analytics. The Santa Clara, California, firm was established in 2005 and sells its products worldwide.
Read more on PANW →