Transaction strengthens QCi's technology roadmap and advances QCi toward becoming a vertically integrated, domestic provider of photonics and quantum platforms HOBOKEN, N.J., Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Computing Inc. ("QCi" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: QUBT), an innovative, quantum optics and integrated photonics technology company, today announced the completion of acquiring Luminar Semiconductor, Inc. ("LSI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Luminar Technologies, Inc. ("Luminar") (Nasdaq: LAZR), i ...

Company Overview - Quantum Computing (QCi) has experienced significant stock volatility since its uplisting to the Nasdaq on July 15, 2021, starting at $6.60 per share and dropping to a low of $0.42 by July 1, 2024, before rebounding to around $12 [1][2] - QCi's photonic quantum chips, which utilize light for data processing and are manufactured in conventional chip fabs, differentiate themselves from other quantum chips that require cryogenic refrigeration [3] Technology and Market Position - Theoretically, QCi's chips are expected to be cheaper, more scalable, and require less maintenance compared to traditional electron- and ion-driven systems, but they currently produce more errors and are more expensive to manufacture in small batches [4] - Despite opening its first foundry and beginning chip deliveries, QCi primarily generates revenue from professional services and its cloud-based Dirac-3 platform rather than chip sales [5] Financial Performance and Valuation - Analysts project QCi will generate only $2.8 million in revenue for 2026, while its market cap stands at $2.69 billion, resulting in a valuation of 960 times the revenue estimate, which may limit upside potential and attract short sellers [6] - As of the end of 2025, nearly 22% of QCi's outstanding shares were shorted, with expectations that this ratio could increase as the company faces challenges in scaling its chipmaking business [7] Comparison with Competitors - IBM is highlighted as a more stable investment in the quantum computing sector, having expanded its quantum business over the past decade and offering a healthy dividend, contrasting with QCi's volatile stock and overvaluation [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Quantum Computing Inc. (QCI) has experienced significant volatility since its Nasdaq debut, with a notable recovery in stock price followed by a steep pullback, raising questions about its valuation and future prospects [1][2][4]. Company Overview - QCI transitioned from a thinly traded OTC stock to a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq Capital Market on July 15, 2021, opening at $6.60 per share and hitting an all-time low of $0.42 on July 1, 2024 [1]. - The stock reached a record high of $25.68 on December 18, 2024, driven by positive developments in the quantum computing market [2]. Financial Performance - A $1,000 investment at QCI's all-time low would have grown to $61,143 at its peak, but has since decreased to approximately $35,700 as the stock currently trades around $15 [4]. - In the first half of 2025, QCI generated only $100,000 in revenue while incurring a net loss of $19.5 million, with full-year projections estimating $400,000 in revenue and a net loss of $39.2 million [9]. - QCI ended its latest quarter with $349 million in cash, largely due to a $188 million private placement of common stock, indicating potential dilution for investors as the company continues to incur losses [9][10]. Technology and Competitive Landscape - QCI focuses on developing photonic chips that utilize photons for quantum information storage, contrasting with competitors like IonQ and Rigetti, which use ions and electrons [6][7]. - Photonic chips offer advantages such as functioning at room temperature and easier manufacturing processes, but QCI's technology is still years away from generating significant revenue [8][12]. - Despite being an early mover in the photonics-driven quantum race, QCI faces competition from companies like Xanadu and PsiQuantum and must address technical challenges related to photon absorption and scattering [12][13]. Valuation Concerns - Analysts project QCI's revenue to quadruple to $1.85 million by 2026, but the company is currently valued at an enterprise value of $2.4 billion, equating to nearly 1,300 times its projected sales for that year, indicating a potentially overvalued status [11].

Core Insights - Quantum computing companies are positioned to benefit from the growth of the AI market due to their ability to process data faster and more efficiently than traditional computers [2][3] - Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) and IonQ are two notable players in the quantum computing space, with QCi's stock increasing by nearly 2,280% and IonQ's by over 510% in the past year [3] Company Comparisons - QCi focuses on developing photonic chips that operate at room temperature and are produced using conventional chip manufacturing processes, while IonQ produces trapped ion chips and builds its own quantum systems [7][8] - QCi's business model is still in its early stages, with projected revenue of $400,000 in 2025 and expected growth to $1.85 billion by 2027, despite a net loss of $39 million in 2025 [10][11] - IonQ's revenue is expected to grow from $43 million in 2024 to $315 million by 2027, although it will face increasing net losses from $332 million to $552 million during the same period [12] Future Projections - IonQ aims to significantly increase its quantum computing power, projecting algorithmic qubits (AQ) to rise from 64-100 AQ in 2025 to 2 million AQ by 2030 [13] - IonQ's integration of Nvidia's CUDA platform into its quantum systems is expected to enhance its capabilities for AI applications [14] Investment Considerations - QCi's stock is currently valued at over 1,300 times its projected revenue for 2027, making it a high-risk investment, while IonQ is valued at just over 40 times its estimated sales for the same year, presenting a more reasonable investment opportunity [15]

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) is differentiating itself in the quantum computing sector by providing pulse-level access to its quantum processing units, allowing developers enhanced control over qubit manipulation beyond standard gate-level commands [1][8] - This capability is particularly beneficial for researchers and developers focused on advanced quantum algorithms, enabling customization of gates, error correction, and optimization techniques [1] - Rigetti's Quantum Cloud Services platform integrates this deep-level access, facilitating a seamless transition between high-level coding and low-level pulse programming, which is advantageous for government labs, universities, and R&D teams [2] Peer Updates - Arqit Quantum Inc. (ARQQ) has joined the Oracle Defense Ecosystem, enhancing its market presence and validating its SKA Platform for defense applications [3] - Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) has raised $200 million in a private placement, increasing its cash reserves to over $350 million to support its photonic chip foundry in Tempe, AZ, which has begun shipping components [4] Financial Performance - RGTI shares have declined by 11.5% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry's growth of 16.1% [7] - The company has a high price-to-book ratio of 18.94, exceeding the industry average, and carries a Value Score of F [9][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rigetti's 2025 earnings suggests a substantial year-over-year increase of 86.1% [10]