"Patience is a Super Power" - "The Money is in the waiting"
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts

Saturday, September 20, 2025

"Infleqtion Quantum" The SPAC is back, and, I believe this one could be quite lucrative as this pioneer of Quantum Sensing Technology goes public!!

 


Here’s a retail-friendly investment/business snapshot of Infleqtion 

(going public via Churchill Capital Corp X – “CCCX”)

plus a quick peer check vs IONQ, D-Wave (QBTS), and Rigetti (RGTI).

Churchill Capital Corp X (CCCX)
$12.17
+$0.82(+7.29%)September 19

Infleqtion (ticker to be: INFQ after merger) — Retail Cheat Sheet

What Infleqtion is

Neutral-atom “full-stack” quantum company that sells precision sensors (clocks, RF, inertial/GPS-denied nav) and quantum computing systems, with software to tie it together. The SPAC deal values Infleqtion at ~$1.8B pre-money and aims to list as INFQ after closing. Reuters+1

Why now (deal basics & cash)

  • Transaction: Infleqtion to merge with CCCX; post-close ticker expected: INFQ (Nasdaq). Shareholder vote + SEC clearance required. SEC

  • Proceeds: “> $540M expected gross proceeds” (includes ~$416M trust, >$125M PIPE). Actual cash depends on redemptions. PIPE backers cited include Maverick Capital and Morgan Stanley’s Counterpoint Global (plus others). Yahoo Finance+2The Quantum Insider+2

  • Use of funds: accelerate product roadmap, manufacturing scale-up, and go-to-market. The Quantum Insider

Commercial traction (what’s real today)

  • Revenue (TTM to Jun 30, 2025): ~$29M; 2025E booked & awarded business ~ $50M; identified pipeline > $300M (company figures; prelim/unaudited). Quantum Computing Report+1

  • Customers/partners called out: NASA, U.S. DoD, U.K. government, and NVIDIA among others. Nasdaq+1

  • Tech milestones (company-stated): neutral-atom platform with record qubit arrays, high two-qubit fidelities, early logical-qubit demos; sensors already shipped in volume (hundreds). The Quantum Insider

Institutional & transaction parties (high level)

  • PIPE investors (named in press/PR): Maverick Capital, Counterpoint Global (Morgan Stanley), plus Glynn Capital, BOKA Capital, LCP Quantum (per deal comms). The Quantum Insider

  • Advisors: Citi (capital markets advisor/PIPE placement), J.P. Morgan (advisor/PIPE), BTIG; multiple law firms. The Quantum Insider


How Infleqtion stacks up vs public quantum peers

CompanyCore tech & focusWhere $ comes from nowRecent scale markers
Infleqtion (INFQ, post-deal)Neutral atoms; sensing (clocks/RF/inertial) + computingGovernment/defense + enterprise; sells hardware & systems; softwareTTM rev ~$29M; booked/awarded ~$50M 2025E (company est.) Quantum Computing Report+1
IonQ (IONQ)Trapped-ion quantum computingCloud QPU access, services, systemsLarger public market cap today; raised significant capital; pure computing focus. (See investor deck comps.) Churchill Capital X Corp
D-Wave (QBTS)Quantum annealing (optimization), moving toward “advantage2”Cloud/hybrid annealing services; enterprise pilotsSmaller revenue base than Infleqtion per deck comps; meaningful enterprise logos. Churchill Capital X Corp
Rigetti (RGTI)Superconducting gate-modelCloud access, government R&D, systemsSimilar early-stage commercialization; comps show lower LTM revenue. Churchill Capital X Corp

Deck comparison slide shows Infleqtion LTM revenue ~$29M vs IONQ $52M, D-Wave $22M, Rigetti $8M as of 6/30/25 (company/FactSet notes; prelim and subject to change). Churchill Capital X Corp

Live trading context (today): IONQ ~$70, QBTS ~$27, RGTI ~$29, CCCX ~$12 (can be volatile around deal milestones). (Prices from the market feed above.)


Simple thesis (retail version)

Bull case (what could go right):

  • Quantum sensing has nearer-term use (GPS-denied nav, timing, RF) -> revenue earlier than pure computing. Government/defense demand is a strong tailwind. Nasdaq

  • Platform leverage: one neutral-atom “core” to serve both sensing + computing -> diversified revenue and cross-learning. The Quantum Insider

  • Capitalized via SPAC + PIPE to scale production and delivery. Yahoo Finance

Bear case (key risks):

  • De-SPAC risk: redemptions/dilution; post-merger selling pressure common in SPACs. SEC

  • Execution/SWaP-C: shrinking lab systems into rugged, cost-effective field units is hard; procurement cycles can be long. (Industry analyses flag manufacturability & adoption hurdles.) datacenterdynamics.com

  • Competition & valuation volatility across quantum names.


How to invest (plain English)

  1. Before the merger closes: buying CCCX common gives you exposure. If the deal closes and you do not redeem, your CCCX shares become INFQ automatically at closing. There will be a shareholder vote and a redemption window disclosed in the SEC S-4/proxy. SEC

  2. At/after conversion: ticker should switch to INFQ; trading can be volatile in the first weeks. SEC

  3. Position sizing (retail rule-of-thumb): treat as early-stage growth—size modestly (e.g., 0.5–2% of portfolio per name), add on execution catalysts (new contracts/shipments) rather than price spikes.

  4. Catalysts to watch: SEC S-4 effectiveness, shareholder vote, redemption results, first major shipment(s) of sensors/nav systems, new defense/space awards, computing milestones (logical-qubit progress). SEC+1


Bottom line (my take)

If you want nearer-term quantum exposure tilted to sensing + dual-track computing, Infleqtion offers a differentiated approach and real (if early) revenues vs peers. The risk is high (it’s still deep-tech + SPAC dynamics), but the setup is credible: named government customers, growing bookings, and fresh capital. For a diversified retail portfolio, a starter position held through the conversion—with eyes on redemption levels and first post-close execution—makes sense if you accept volatility and a multi-year horizon. Quantum Computing Report+2Yahoo Finance+2



Ed Note: How are we investing in Infleqtion?

We bought shares of CCCX @ $10.70 and plan to hold them through the conversion process.  

If, after conversion, there is a drop in share price of INFQ, we will be adding to our small position.(1.5%)

Sources & references

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Kraken Robotics in a great position to help supply NATO navies with their sub sea technology - July Update!

 


Did Desjardin just Release the Kraken? - Kraken Robotics Investment and Business Report (June 2025)

Kraken Robotics’ recent momentum as a growing business and investment opportunity, now including these strategic dimensions:


💰 1. C$100 Million Bought-Deal Financing

  • What’s new: Kraken announced a bought‑deal public offering in June 2025—raising roughly C$100 million with a 15% over-allotment.

  • Why it’s positive:

    • Bolsters liquidity, enabling aggressive expansions or debt reduction.

    • Supports continued investment in acquisitions and manufacturing scale-up.


🧪 2. Acquisition of 3D at Depth (Closed April 2025)


🏭 3. Nova Scotia Subsea Battery Facility

  • What happened: Plans for a high-energy SeaPower™ battery plant in Halifax slated for late 2025 krakenrobotics.com+2krakenrobotics.com+2krakenrobotics.com+2.

  • Why it matters:

    • Strategic location: Halifax—Canada East Coast Navy HQ and major NATO port—offers logistical and defense synergies.

    • Defense reach: Perfect staging for contracts, including those with NATO navies. Infrastructure and proven naval partnerships are already in place.


📈 4. Robust Q1 2025 Results & Backlog

  • What happened: Q1 revenue was C$16.1 M with 62.7% gross margin, C$58 M in cash (up sharply YOY), and C$94.6 M in working capital.

  • Why it’s positive:

    • Confirms improved profitability, operational efficiency, and a strong cushion for growth.


🧭 5. Growing Bookings & Service Expansion

  • What happened: Since Q4 2024, Kraken received ~$45 M in subsea battery orders and ~$3 M in sonar bookings.


  • Why it matters:

    • Reflects sustained demand in defense and offshore energy sectors.

    • Validates product-market fit across diverse offerings.


🎯 6. Defense & NATO Engagement

  • What happened: Ongoing contracts include $50 M+ for Royal Canadian Navy mine hunting systems in Halifax and past contracts with NATO navies (Australia and UK).


  • Why it’s important:

    • Halifax facility aligns geographically with Kraken’s East Coast naval customers.

    • Strengthens NATO interoperability and trust amid global naval tensions.


✅ 7. Comprehensive Subsea Ecosystem & Diversification

  • What’s evolving: Kraken now offers sonar (KATFISH™), LiDAR (SeaVision + 3D at Depth), subsea batteries (SeaPower™), and RaaS.


  • Pipeline inspection through Kraken Seapower
  • Why it’s smart:

    • Reduced reliance on a single revenue stream.

    • Offers integrated solutions for underwater defense and infrastructure clients.


📊 Summary Table

StrengthDetails
Financial PowerC$100M financing + C$58M cash = strong investment capability
North American ReachU.S. operations via 3D at Depth + Halifax manufacturing
Defense EcosystemHalifax ties to RCN and NATO; major contracts secured
Tech PortfolioIntegrated sensors + power + service delivery
Proven DemandOrder backlog and major contracts affirm market traction

🎯 Why This Update Matters for Investors

  • Global Expansion: A U.S. footprint hedges geopolitical trade risks, unlocking access to American contracts.

  • Strategic NATO Positioning: Halifax location and facility align with allied naval operations, reinforcing defense supply chain credentials.

  • Integrated Tech Stance: Offers deep-tech defense clients everything from data to power, buoyed by recurring service demand.

  • Financial Firepower: Strong capital reserves enable execution of strategy without dilution or debt stress.


In combining financial strength, geographic diversification (Canada + U.S.), purpose-built naval infrastructure, and a full-stack subsea solution, Kraken Robotics has elevated its status to more than a sensor company—it’s now a strategically aligned defense-tech enabler with actual commercial momentum. These developments make it a more compelling long-term investment.

Here’s a deeper look into Kraken Robotics (PNG/KRKNF) covering contract timelines, valuation considerations, and the competitive landscape:


📅 Contract Timelines & Execution

  • Royal Canadian Navy Remote Mine hunting & Disposal System (RMDS)

    • Awarded: December 2022, with formal kickoff in January 2023.

    • Acquisition phase: 24 months, through end-2024, followed by a 5‑year integrated logistics support (ILS) program ($40 M acquisition + $10 M ILS) .

    • Operational readiness: RMDS installations expected fully operational in 2025 .

  • KATFISH Sonar System for Royal Danish Navy

    • Integration began in 2023, achieving full operational capability in early 2024.

    • Sustenance contract spans 7 years with potential extensions up to 21 years .

  • NATO Vessels Upgrade Contract

    • Roughly US $9 M follow-on deal secured in late 2022 for additional KATFISH units, tentacle winches, and autonomous launch-recovery systems (ALARS) .



📈 Valuation Snapshot & Market Outlook

  • Analyst price targets: Average 12% upside to CA $3.40 (range CA $3.28–$3.68) over the next 12 months .

  • Intrinsic value vs market price:

    • Simply Wall St: Fair value ~CA $3.28, placing current price ~7% below fair value .

  • Key metrics:

    • Trailing P/E around 38× (Yahoo Finance), forward P/E not yet meaningful .

    • P/E ~42× vs industry avg. ~31× (Simply Wall St) .

    • EV/EBITDA ~28× vs sector avg. ~18× .

  • Growth: Earnings projected ~8% annually; last year saw ~136% growth .


🏆 Competitive Positioning

Strengths:

  • Integrated solution platform: Combines advanced sonar (KATFISH™, AquaPix™), subsea LiDAR (SeaVision + 3D at Depth), batteries (SeaPower™), AUVs, and RaaS—enhancing defensibility.

  • Long-term contracts:

    • Danish results show FOC achieved and a multi-year sustainment contract .

    • Canadian RMDS creates 7+ years of recurring revenue .

  • Global adoption: 

  • Deployed across the U.S., U.K., Australia, Denmark, Poland—plus mounting interest from NATO .

Risks:

  • High valuation relative to peers: Premium multiples imply investor expectations for continued growth.

  • Execution risk: Meeting ambitious contract delivery timelines across multiple large-scale programs.

  • Geopolitical dependency: Much revenue tied to defense budgets, which can be cyclical.


🧭 Investment Implications

MetricInsight
Cash flow & marginsLarge multi-year contracts with sustainment provide stable, predictable revenue.
Geographic diversificationU.S. and NATO footprint hedges trade/tension risks; Halifax location aligns with naval operations.
Valuation debateDisagreement between growth-based models (Simply Wall St) and DCF-based (Alpha Spread); current price sits between fair-value estimates.
Catalysts
  • RMDS ramp in 2025

  • Further U.S./EU contracts via 3D at Depth presence

  • Continued deployment of KATFISH on NATO-MCM vessels |

Conclusion: Kraken’s strategic positioning, recurring revenue pipelines, and expanding global engagement present a compelling growth narrative. However, execution reliability and valuation premiums warrant careful monitoring—especially given its ~40× P/E.


Here’s a refined look at how NATO’s new 5% GDP defense‑spending pledge bolsters Kraken Robotics’ strategic positioning—and why it matters:


🌐 NATO’s 5% Defense Commitment


📣 What This Means for Kraken Robotics

  1. Boost in Core Defence Procurement

    • With NATO countries winding up core defense budgets, there's greater emphasis and funding available for equipment like sonar systems (e.g. KATFISH™), underwater LiDAR, power systems, and autonomous platforms—all in Kraken’s portfolio.

  2. Infrastructure Spending Tailwinds

    • The additional 1.5% of GDP aimed at dual-use infrastructure—ports, bridges, cyber, and shipyards—aligns perfectly with Kraken’s Halifax battery plant and its sensor systems used for marine infrastructure monitoring and readiness.

  3. Special Defense Focus on Canada & Allies

    • Canada (currently ~1.3% GDP on defense) is expected to scale up significantly. Kraken’s Halifax facility—on the East Coast naval hub at a major NATO port—is primed to capture more contracts as defense budgets grow.

  4. Leverage European/NATO Industrial Expansion

    • As NATO boosts its defense-industrial base under this plan, Kraken stands to benefit from increased R&D and procurement contracts across the alliance, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.


📈 Strategic & Investment Implications for Kraken

AxisPositive Impact
Revenue GrowthLarger NATO defense budgets widen pipeline opportunities for sonar, LiDAR, batteries, AUV deployments, and sustainment contracts.
Geographic & Industrial PushKraken's U.S. and Canadian build-out is well‑aligned with NATO’s spending surge, increasing its positioning as a key supplier.
Valuation UpsideGiven Kraken’s high multiples (P/E ~40×), securing new, credible NATO contracts supports earnings growth and validates premium valuation.
Execution RiskWhile budget increases help, Kraken must still deliver projects on-time and scale its capabilities to meet heightened demand.

🧭 Bottom Line

NATO’s 5% GDP commitment is a paradigm shift in defense spending—a ramp-up that directly plays to Kraken Robotics’ strengths:

  • Its full-stack subsea offerings — sonar, LiDAR, batteries, AUV deployment — become increasingly relevant.

  • Its Halifax and U.S. footprint aligns with infrastructure investments and defense-alliances.

  • With large-scale defense budgets unlocking in the coming decade, Kraken is uniquely positioned to capitalize.


Related NATO defense‑spending news