Key Takeaways Northrop Grumman is expanding its quantum role via investments and research ties, including a $12.5M pledge.NET is advancing post-quantum security with cryptography support in Zero Trust, protecting over 35% traffic.ARQQ launched Encryption Intelligence and landed pilot and multi-year telecom deals.The recently announced $1.8 billion acquisition of SkyWater Technology by IonQ (IONQ) marks a strategic inflection point in the evolution of the quantum computing industry. By bringing a U.S. semico ...

LONDON, Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arqit (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW), a global leader in quantum-safe encryption, today announced the full commercial launch of Encryption Intelligence (EI), a product that delivers a complete cryptographic inventory, alongside continuous discovery and risk prioritisation to help enterprises plan and execute migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) efficiently and with minimal disruption. Migration to quantum-safe encryption will be the biggest IT transformation of the c ...

Group 1 - Arqit Quantum Inc. (ARQQ) is part of the Computer and Technology sector, which includes 613 stocks and holds a Zacks Sector Rank of 1, indicating strong performance relative to peers [2] - The Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and revisions, with ARQQ currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reflecting a positive earnings outlook as the consensus estimate for full-year earnings has increased by 9.5% over the past three months [3] - Year-to-date, ARQQ has returned 27.4%, outperforming the average return of 27.1% for the Computer and Technology sector [4] Group 2 - Arqit Quantum Inc. is categorized under the Internet - Software industry, which consists of 174 companies and ranks 58 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with ARQQ performing better than the industry's average gain of 7.9% this year [5] - In contrast, Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. belongs to the Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry, which has a lower rank of 91 and has increased by 34.3% year to date [6] - Both Arqit Quantum Inc. and Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. are showing solid performance, suggesting that they are worth monitoring for investors interested in Computer and Technology stocks [6]

Core Insights - Major cybersecurity agencies are warning about the exfiltration and storage of sensitive government data through "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, prompting federal agencies to enhance their digital infrastructure [1] - The post-quantum cryptography market is projected to reach $17.69 billion by 2034, growing at an annual rate of 41.47%, driven by government mandates for crypto-agile solutions [2] Cybersecurity Developments - QSE - Quantum Secure Encryption Corp. has entered the Indonesian market through a strategic partnership with NUSA Networks and Porta Nusa, aiming to expand its quantum-secure data protection solutions across various sectors [3][4] - NUSA Networks has a strong track record in Indonesia, having completed over 150 major projects and recognized for its cybersecurity expertise [4] - QSE's recent product launches include qREK, a Software Development Kit for generating quantum-resilient encryption keys, and QSE-Chat, a quantum-secure mobile messaging app for enterprise clients [6] Market Opportunities - The global Single Sign-On (SSO) market is expected to exceed $6 billion by 2032, indicating a growing demand for integrated security solutions [8] - QSE secured C$2.8 million in expansion capital from institutional investors, positioning itself for growth in the cybersecurity sector [8] Strategic Partnerships - Booz Allen Hamilton has secured a $99 million contract with the U.S. Navy to enhance wireless networks for government-operated ships, utilizing advanced technologies including Low Earth Orbit satellites and 5G [9][10] - IonQ has deployed Slovakia's first national quantum communication network, contributing to the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure initiative [11][12] - Leidos has partnered with CargoSeer to improve customs and border protection through AI-enhanced inspection solutions [13][14] - Arqit Quantum Inc. demonstrated quantum-resilient data transmission in Greece, showcasing the integration of quantum-safe encryption into existing optical networks [15][16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Arqit Quantum (ARQQ) has been consistently viewed negatively, with a year-to-date decline of over 23% despite the initial hype surrounding the company [1] Company Analysis - The company has faced a significant pullback in its stock price, indicating potential challenges in maintaining investor confidence [1] - The focus on momentum in the technology sector suggests that the company may struggle to regain traction amidst market volatility [1] Industry Context - The technology landscape is currently influenced by various factors, including the AI boom and historical market events such as the dot-com bubble and the credit default crisis of 2008, which may impact investor sentiment towards companies like Arqit [1]

Core Insights - Arqit Quantum Inc. is focused on quantum-safe encryption technology, essential for protecting data from future quantum computing threats [1] Financial Performance - For the earnings report on December 9, 2025, Arqit reported an EPS of -$0.92, matching estimates, with revenue of $470,000, also in line with expectations [1][5] - Anticipated revenue for fiscal year 2026 is projected to be approximately $1.2 million, driven by seven contracts, including multi-year agreements with telecom operators and various organizations [2][5] Valuation Metrics - The company has a negative P/E ratio of approximately -15.64, indicating a lack of profitability [3] - The price-to-sales ratio is extremely high at about 1,320, suggesting a significant premium paid by investors for each dollar of sales [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio stands at roughly 1,250, reflecting a high valuation relative to sales [3] Financial Health - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is negative at approximately -17.85, indicating financial challenges [4] - The debt-to-equity ratio is low at 0.052, suggesting minimal debt compared to equity [4] - The current ratio is 2.45, indicating that Arqit has more than twice the current assets needed to cover its current liabilities, a positive sign of liquidity [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company generated $530,000 in revenue, an increase from $293,000 in fiscal year 2024, primarily due to the commencement of a multi-year contract in the Middle East [17] - Revenue in the second half of fiscal year 2025 was $463,000, significantly higher than the first half's $67,000, indicating a positive revenue trajectory [18] - The company ended fiscal year 2025 with $1.2 million in contractual revenue expected to be recognized in fiscal year 2026 [15][18] - Administrative expenses for fiscal year 2025 were $34.7 million, up from $25.4 million in fiscal year 2024, mainly due to a reduction in foreign exchange gains and increased operational costs [19][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Arqit SKA Platform as a Service and Arqit Network Secure products totaled $476,000 in fiscal year 2025 [18] - Professional services and maintenance revenue was $54,000 for the period, compared to $102,000 in fiscal year 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen increased activity with prospective customers, signing 12 demonstration and test engagements in the first two months of fiscal year 2026, indicating a strong market migration towards post-quantum cybersecurity [6] - The market is experiencing a shift from awareness of quantum threats to action, with organizations increasingly recognizing the need to upgrade their cryptographic posture [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on broadening its product and service offerings, including the acquisition of Amplify's encryption intelligence product to enhance customer engagement [3][7] - Collaborations with Intel and Sparkle aim to expand product solutions into confidential computing and quantum-secure communications [4][9] - The company is targeting the telecom and defense sectors for growth, having secured contracts with major players like Sparkle and RHD Telecom [11][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes fiscal year 2025 represents a trough year for revenue, with expectations of building upon the momentum into fiscal year 2026 [15] - The company is optimistic about the increasing demand for quantum-safe solutions and its position in the market to capture this demand [15][23] Other Important Information - The company has a cash and cash equivalents balance of $36.9 million as of September 30, 2025 [21] - The company has 91 employees as of September 30, 2025, compared to 82 the previous year, indicating growth in operational capacity [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the higher level of demonstrations and activity recently? - Management noted that significant news flow on quantum advancements and regulatory pressures are driving organizations to take action regarding their cryptographic posture [26][27] Question: What does the sales cycle look like for Encryption Intelligence compared to legacy products? - Management indicated that the sales cycle for Encryption Intelligence is shorter, with telco operators showing interest in using the tool on an ongoing basis [30][31] Question: Are there additional acquisition opportunities similar to the Amplify purchase? - Management expressed interest in acquiring companies that align with data sovereignty and confidential computing, particularly those lacking deep intellectual property in quantum-safe technologies [32][33] Question: Should we anticipate any change in operating expenses for fiscal 2026? - The CFO confirmed plans to maintain current operating expense levels, targeting a maximum cash spend of $2.5 million per month [35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company generated $530,000 in revenue, an increase from $293,000 in fiscal year 2024, primarily due to the commencement of a multi-year contract in the Middle East [17][18] - The first half of fiscal 2025 revenue was $67,000, while the second half saw a significant increase to $463,000, driven by new contracts [18] - Administrative expenses for fiscal year 2025 were $34.7 million, up from $25.4 million in fiscal year 2024, mainly due to reduced foreign exchange gains and increased operational costs [19][20] - The operating loss for the period was $38.5 million compared to a loss of $26.9 million in fiscal year 2024, attributed to higher administrative expenses and an exceptional item related to a class action lawsuit [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Arqit SKA Platform as a service and Arqit Network Secure products totaled $476,000 for fiscal year 2025, compared to $191,000 in fiscal year 2024 [18][19] - Professional services and maintenance revenue was $54,000 for the period, down from $102,000 in fiscal year 2024 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen increased activity with prospective customers, signing 12 demonstration and test engagements in the first two months of fiscal year 2026, indicating a strong market migration towards post-quantum cybersecurity [6][16] - The company is experiencing momentum in customer engagements, particularly in the telecom and defense sectors, with significant contract wins [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to broaden its product and service offerings, including the acquisition of Amplify's encryption intelligence product to enhance customer engagement in post-quantum cryptography [3][8] - Collaborations with Intel and Sparkle are expected to expand product solutions to include confidential computing and quantum-secure communications [4][10] - The focus remains on building momentum in key markets, particularly telecom and defense, while addressing the increasing need for enhanced cryptography [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes fiscal 2025 represents a trough year for revenue, with expectations of growth in fiscal year 2026 driven by increasing market demand for quantum-safe solutions [16][22] - The company is optimistic about its position in the marketplace, anticipating that organizations will begin their migration journey towards post-quantum encryption [16][22] Other Important Information - The company ended fiscal year 2025 with $1.2 million in executed contracts that could be recognized in fiscal year 2026, indicating a positive revenue trajectory [16][18] - The company has a cash and cash equivalents balance of $36.9 million as of September 30, 2025 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the higher level of demonstrations and activity recently? - Management noted that significant news flow on quantum advancements has increased awareness and urgency among organizations to address quantum threats [24][25] Question: What does the sales cycle look like for Encryption Intelligence compared to legacy products? - The sales cycle for Encryption Intelligence is shorter, with organizations eager to use the tool for ongoing assessments of their cryptographic landscape [27][28] Question: Are there additional acquisition opportunities similar to the recent asset purchase? - Management is exploring tuck-in opportunities related to data sovereignty and confidential computing, which align with the company's strategic focus [30] Question: What is the competitive landscape like for post-quantum security? - Management acknowledged increased competition from traditional security vendors but emphasized the company's unique position and extensive experience in the field [32][33] Question: What industries are showing interest in the company's solutions? - The company is seeing interest from regulated industries, critical infrastructure sectors, and organizations rich in intellectual property, particularly in financial services and life sciences [35][36]

Revenue Performance - Reported revenue for fiscal year 2025 was $530,000, with $463,000 generated in the second half compared to $67,000 in the first half[3] - The company has executed contracts expected to generate approximately $1.2 million in revenue for fiscal year 2026[3] Customer Engagement - Arqit signed 12 demonstration and test licenses with prospective customers in the two months following the fiscal year end, indicating increased customer engagement[3] Cost Management - Operating costs averaged $2.5 million per month for the fiscal year, maintaining cost discipline[3] - The company ended the fiscal year with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $36.9 million[3] Strategic Focus - The strategic focus for 2026 includes significant engagement with five new OEM vendors and robust activity in government and defense sectors[4] - The company aims to replicate successful product offerings with telecom network operators, building on existing relationships[4] Product Development - Arqit acquired Ampliphae's product portfolio, enhancing its encryption risk advisory and AI analytics capabilities[3] - The Encryption Intelligence risk-analysis tools provide a compelling solution for organizations transitioning to quantum-secure cryptographic postures[4] - Arqit is developing opportunities in confidential computing and data sovereignty markets, collaborating with Intel for quantum-safe encryption[4]

Financial Performance - Arqit generated revenue from its principal business operations in cybersecurity services starting in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, but continues to incur net losses consistent with its strategy [241]. - For the year ended September 30, 2025, Arqit reported a net cash used in operating activities of $29.553 million, with a net loss of $35.343 million and adjustments for non-cash items of $5.604 million [249]. - Arqit reported a net cash generated from financing activities of $47.134 million for the year ended September 30, 2025, primarily from share issuances [252]. Capital Raising - The company raised approximately $37.180 million by issuing 1,959,420 shares under its ATM Program in the year ended September 30, 2025 [243]. - In February 2023, Arqit completed a registered direct offering generating proceeds of approximately $20.0 million from the sale of 400,000 ordinary shares and warrants [244]. Cash Flow - Cash flows from investing activities improved to a net cash inflow of $0.683 million for the year ended September 30, 2025, compared to outflows in previous years [251]. Risk Management - Arqit is exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily with respect to British pounds sterling and Euro, and manages this risk by holding bank accounts in multiple currencies [237]. - The company has no significant concentration of credit risk, as it places surplus cash with banks based on a minimum credit rating of A3/A- [235]. Research and Development - The company had no research costs reflected in the statement of comprehensive income for the periods ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023, as the research phase was deemed complete in 2018 [254]. Accounting and Valuation - As of September 30, 2025, the carrying amount of capitalized development costs was $2,112 million, an increase from $1,939 million at September 30, 2024, and a decrease from $3,414 million at September 30, 2023 [259]. - The fair value of share-based compensation is determined using the Black Scholes valuation model, with adjustments based on actual forfeitures during the vesting period [260][261]. - Arqit uses a Binomial Option Pricing Model for estimating the fair value of warrants, with assumptions disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements [258]. - Deferred tax assets are assessed based on the likelihood of generating sufficient taxable earnings in future periods, impacting the realization of net deferred tax assets recorded at the reporting date [262]. Regulatory Compliance - Arqit is in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on reduced reporting requirements under the JOBS Act, which may exempt it from certain obligations until September 3, 2026 [240].