Quantum Computing Deepens Quantum Capabilities With Strategic M&A Push

Wednesday, Mar 11, 2026 11:01 am ET2min read
QUBT--
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Quantum Computing Inc.QUBT-- (QUBT) acquired NuCrypt and Luminar Semiconductor to expand quantum/photonics capabilities and build a vertically integrated platform.

- The $115M deals strengthen QCi's IP in secure communications, scalable manufacturing, and aerospace/defense markets while boosting revenue outlook.

- Peer IonQIONQ-- acquired Seed and SkyWater to create a vertically integrated quantum platform, while RigettiRGTI-- formed partnerships for quantum networking research.

- QUBTQUBT-- shares rose 60.7% YoY vs. industry decline, but trade at 60.27x forward P/S vs. 4.00x industry median, reflecting high valuation risks.

- Quantum computing's rapid commercialization by hyperscalers like MicrosoftMSFT-- and GoogleGOOGL-- highlights its potential to outpace AI in technological disruption.

Quantum Computing Inc., or “QCi” QUBT, recently strengthened its quantum technology and photonics capabilities through strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding commercialization opportunities and building a vertically integrated platform. QCi recently acquired NuCrypt, LLC, a quantum communications technology company, in a transaction valued at $5 million, establishing quantum communications as a key commercialization vertical within its broader strategy.

NuCrypt’s patent portfolio spans quantum optics, RF-photonics and photonic signal processing, further adding to QCi’s intellectual property position and expanding its technology depth in secure communications and advanced computing applications. Through the integration of QCi’s thin-film lithium niobate technology, the combined company is expected to further advance NuCrypt’s product portfolio by reducing device footprint, improving robustness, enhancing performance and improving the path toward scalable, high-volume manufacturing.

In addition, QCi completed the acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Luminar Technologies, Inc., in an all-cash transaction valued at $110 million. This acquisition represents a major milestone in QCi’s effort to build a vertically integrated, product-driven photonics and quantum technology platform, supporting its long-term strategic roadmap while strengthening the revenue outlook. Luminar Semiconductor will continue operating as a wholly owned subsidiary, maintaining its established commercial relationships in aerospace, defense and industrial markets.

These transactions provide near-term revenue visibility and create a strategic foundation for QCi to expand its technology offerings into these established sectors over time.

Peer Update

In 2025, IonQ IONQ signed a definitive agreement to acquire Seed Innovations, enhancing its capabilities in machine learning, advanced software architecture and cloud migration. In the same month, IonQ also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SkyWater Technology for $35.00 per share in a cash-and-stock transaction. The combination will create the first vertically integrated quantum platform company, uniting IonQ’s proprietary technology with SkyWater’s onshore R&D and manufacturing capabilities.

Rigetti Computing RGTI made no major acquisitions in 2025 but announced several notable partnerships and contracts. The company was awarded a three-year, $5.8 million contract from AFRL to advance superconducting quantum networking. Rigetti will be collaborating with QphoX on the project, a Dutch quantum technology startup developing leading frequency conversion systems for quantum applications. Also, it signed a memorandum of understanding with C-DAC, India’s premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Rigetti was also involved in the collaboration with MSU to advance quantum computing research and innovation.

QUBT's Price Performance

In the past year, QUBT’s shares have gained 60.7% against the industry’s 1.2% decline. The S&P 500 composite has grown 25.2% in the same period.

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Expensive Valuation

QUBT currently trades at a forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) of 60.27X compared with the industry median of 4.00X.

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QUBT Stock Estimate Trend

Over the past 30 days, its loss per share estimate for 2025 has increased to 25 cents from 18 cents.

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QUBT currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains

Quantum Computing is the next technological revolution, and it could be even more advanced than AI.

While some believed the technology was years away, it is already present and moving fast. Large hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and even Meta and Tesla, are scrambling to integrate quantum computing into their infrastructure.

Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook reveals 7 carefully selected stocks poised to dominate the quantum computing landscape in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.

Kevin was among the early experts who recognized NVIDIA's enormous potential back in 2016. Now, he has keyed in on what could be "the next big thing" in quantum computing supremacy. Today, you have a rare chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this opportunity.

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Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT): Free Stock Analysis Report

IonQ, Inc. (IONQ): Free Stock Analysis Report

Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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