Astera Labs Tops IonQ for 2026 Buy Call as 93% Q1 Sales Growth Outruns Quantum Losses
Updated
Updated · The Motley Fool · Jul 29
Astera Labs Tops IonQ for 2026 Buy Call as 93% Q1 Sales Growth Outruns Quantum Losses
1 articles · Updated · The Motley Fool · Jul 29
Summary
Astera Labs was favored over IonQ for a 2026 investment pick, with its AI data-center connectivity business posting Q1 revenue growth of 93% to $308.4 million and operating income rising to $61.8 million.
That momentum builds on fiscal 2025 revenue of $852.5 million, up 115.1%, plus net income of $219.1 million, no debt and positive free cash flow of $281.8 million.
IonQ showed faster top-line expansion but weaker economics: Q1 revenue hit a record $64.7 million, up 755%, while its operating loss widened to $271.5 million from $75.7 million.
For fiscal 2025, IonQ generated $130.0 million in revenue, up 201.9%, but lost $510.4 million and burned $299.6 million in free cash flow as it funded R&D and acquisitions.
The comparison ultimately turned on risk and valuation: Astera trades at 56.8 times sales versus IonQ at 97.3, even as IonQ still faces quantum-scaling hurdles and dependence on external capital.