New York, Jan 16, 2026, 12:49 (EST) — Regular session
Quantum Computing Inc (QUBT.O) shares climbed roughly 5.6% on Friday, pushing the price up to $12.86 and flirting with an intraday peak of $13.18. Trading volume hit around 12.5 million shares by midday.
This shift highlights just how fast momentum can swing back to small, headline-grabbing quantum stocks, where research notes and deal announcements often overshadow everyday fundamentals. For traders, it’s a stark reminder: liquidity can disappear in an instant when the tape flips.
Interest has surged around the broader quantum sector following Honeywell’s announcement this week. Its majority-owned quantum arm, Quantinuum, is preparing a confidential draft filing for a potential U.S. IPO. (Honeywell)
Rosenblatt’s John McPeake kicked off coverage with a Buy rating and a $22 target, citing several routes for the company to monetize its photonics and quantum-adjacent tech. “A lot of ways to win and plenty of cash to get there,” McPeake noted in a recent report. (Finviz)
Shares of other quantum names climbed as well: IonQ Inc (IONQ.N) jumped roughly 6.5%, Rigetti Computing (RGTI.O) edged up close to 3.3%, and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS.N) increased by around 2.4%.
Quantum Computing, known as a quantum optics and integrated photonics player, announced earlier this week it’s the “stalking horse” bidder for Luminar Technologies’ remaining LiDAR assets. The role sets the starting price in the bankruptcy auction. “Being selected as the stalking horse bidder reflects our conviction in the strategic fit of these assets,” CEO Yuping Huang said. (Quantum Computing Inc.)
But the stock’s sensitivity swings both ways. A stumble in deal momentum, a stronger rival bid, or changing risk appetite can take a toll. Most pure-play quantum firms are still early-stage, juggling uneven revenue and heavy expenses.
Quantum Computing disclosed in a filing that it has inked a purchase agreement to acquire select Luminar assets for $22 million in cash. The deal remains subject to higher bids and approval from the bankruptcy court. The agreement allows termination if the transaction isn’t wrapped up by March 31, 2026, though it can be extended automatically to April 30 under certain conditions. With U.S. markets closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, attention now turns to any court schedule updates and filings when trading resumes Tuesday.
