Quantum computing stocks: QUBT slips as Wall Street stays split — what to watch next week

Quantum computing stocks: QUBT slips as Wall Street stays split — what to watch next week

New York, Jan 11, 2026, 12:55 EST — Market closed.

Quantum Computing Inc (QUBT) shares dropped 1.8% Friday to close at $11.72, slipping alongside other U.S.-listed quantum stocks. IonQ (IONQ) lost 2.0%, Rigetti Computing (RGTI) fell 2.1%, and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) slid 4.0% in the session. Analysts remain divided on Quantum Computing, maintaining a consensus “hold” rating with an average 12-month price target of $17, according to MarketBeat. Over the past year, the stock has ranged from $4.37 to $25.84. (MarketBeat)

Markets are closed Sunday, giving traders the weekend to assess how much of the quantum trade remains momentum-driven versus actual orders. In this sector, even minor developments—a research note, a deal update, a customer demo—can quickly shift sentiment.

Quantum Computing is gearing up for a major move with its planned $110 million all-cash acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, a division of lidar specialist Luminar Technologies. The company has agreed to serve as the stalking-horse bidder, setting the opening bid in the bankruptcy auction. It expects U.S. bankruptcy court approval by late January as part of a Section 363 sale, following Luminar’s Chapter 11 filing. CEO Yuping Huang described the deal as “a meaningful step” toward scaling “practical, integrated quantum solutions.” Luminar CEO Paul Ricci added the deal brings “investment and strategic vision” to the unit. (PR Newswire)

Huang officially took the CEO role on Jan. 1, following his stint as interim chief since April 2025, the company announced. He told investors his focus would pivot from prototyping to manufacturing. Vice chairman Robert Fagenson added that the board counts on Huang’s experience to guide the company’s next chapter. (PR Newswire)

The company used CES 2026 as a stage to showcase live demos linked to financial modelling, drone route optimisation, and AI training through the event’s new Foundry showcase. “We build quantum photonics systems that work in the real world,” Huang stated in a company release before the event. (Quantumcomputinginc)

CES reported over 148,000 attendees and upwards of 4,100 exhibitors, highlighting quantum technology alongside AI as key themes as the event concluded Friday. “CES is the world’s most powerful proving ground for innovation,” said Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Technology Association. (CES)

Despite differences in technology, investors often treat the group as a single basket. IonQ focuses on ion-trap machines, Rigetti and D-Wave use superconducting systems, while Quantum Computing emphasizes photonics. Each relies on qubits—the fundamental units of quantum information—which remain delicate and error-prone.

The calendar works against them as well. If the Luminar sale stalls or invites a higher offer, Quantum Computing might have to either back off or shell out more. Investors remain unconvinced that quantum hardware and software can deliver consistent, sizable revenue. Most of these firms are still burning cash and depend on new funding, which often leads to dilution once capital markets open again.

When U.S. markets reopen Monday, all eyes will be on any court filings or company updates relating to the Luminar deal, along with early signals from CES that meetings may be converting into orders or pilot programs. For QUBT, the key upcoming event is the bankruptcy court ruling on the transaction expected at the end of January.

Stock Market Today

  • Appian valuation in flux after results as narrative fair value and DCF diverge
    January 11, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Appian (APPN) posted revenue of US$690.8 million and a net loss of US$7.3 million. The stock's path is mixed: a 1-month decline of 10.65% and a 90-day return of 18.51%, with a 1-year return near flat and a 5-year total shareholder return at a loss of 80.08%. The close at US$33.80 sits below a narrative fair value of US$41.60, implying upside if the earnings path proves durable. Analysts expect revenue growth of about 10.3% annually over the next three years. But Simply Wall St's DCF (discounted cash flow) model assigns a fair value of US$27.17, suggesting the shares are overvalued at current levels. The divergence raises the question: is the narrative too optimistic or is the cash-flow picture too cautious? Risks include competition from larger low-code peers and ongoing investments in R&D and sales.
Rare metals stocks: Ucore Rare Metals stock in focus ahead of Monday’s G7 critical minerals meeting
Previous Story

Rare metals stocks: Ucore Rare Metals stock in focus ahead of Monday’s G7 critical minerals meeting

Financial services stocks brace for CPI, big-bank earnings as XLF heads into Monday
Next Story

Financial services stocks brace for CPI, big-bank earnings as XLF heads into Monday

Go toTop