AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) stock has surged approximately 800% in the past 100 days due to several significant developments and strategic agreements.

 

A key driver behind this massive increase is the company's partnership with AT&T. This agreement aims to create a space-based broadband network that will provide cellular connectivity directly to standard mobile phones, a groundbreaking achievement in the telecommunications sector. This collaboration has been in progress since 2018, but it was solidified recently with a definitive agreement extending through 2030​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​​ (AT&T Newsroom)​.

Several factors contributed to the stock's dramatic rise:

1. Successful Testing and Milestones: AST SpaceMobile has achieved several critical milestones, including the first voice, text, and video calls made via satellite using everyday smartphones. These accomplishments have demonstrated the feasibility and potential of their technology, boosting investor confidence​ (AT&T Newsroom)​.

2. Upcoming Satellite Launches: The company plans to launch its first five commercial satellites into low Earth orbit this summer. These satellites will enable the commercial service that has been anticipated and tested in previous phases​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​.

3. Increased Trading Volume: Following these announcements, there was a substantial increase in trading volume. For example, on the day the AT&T agreement was announced, trading volume exceeded 36 million shares, compared to an average of 3.2 million shares, reflecting heightened investor interest​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​​ (Barchart.com)​.

Long-Term Prospects: The long-term prospects for AST SpaceMobile appear promising but come with significant risks:

• Potential Market Leadership: If successful, AST SpaceMobile could become a leader in providing global cellular connectivity, addressing connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas. This would position the company at the forefront of a potentially lucrative market​ (AT&T Newsroom)​.

• Strategic Partnerships: Continued collaborations with major telecommunications companies like AT&T enhance the company’s credibility and market reach, potentially leading to further commercial agreements and expansions​ (markets.businessinsider.com)​​ (AT&T Newsroom)​.

• High Risk: Despite the potential, AST SpaceMobile's business model involves substantial risks, including high capital expenditures, technological challenges, regulatory hurdles, and the need for further financing to scale operations. The success of their satellite launches and the ability to maintain and expand partnerships are critical for long-term sustainability​ (Barchart.com)​.

In summary, AST SpaceMobile's recent stock surge is driven by strategic partnerships, successful technological demonstrations, and upcoming satellite launches. While the company shows strong potential for growth and market disruption, it also faces significant risks that could impact its long-term success.

IONQ and Dwave quantum technologies could well be a drawing card for much larger companies to consider buying, Here's why!

 D-Wave Systems is a company known for its quantum computing technology. If it were to be bought out by a larger company, potential acquirers could include:

1. Tech Giants: Companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon have already invested heavily in quantum computing research and development. Acquiring D-Wave could provide them with additional expertise, technology, and intellectual property to advance their quantum computing efforts further.

2. Traditional Tech Companies: Companies outside of the tech giants might also be interested in quantum computing capabilities. This could include companies like Intel, NVIDIA, or even Apple, which may see potential applications for quantum computing in their respective industries or want to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

3. Defense Contractors: Given the potential national security implications of quantum computing, defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, or Northrop Grumman could see value in acquiring D-Wave's technology to bolster their own capabilities in areas like cryptography and cybersecurity.

4. Financial Institutions: Banks and financial institutions are interested in quantum computing for its potential to revolutionize areas like portfolio optimization, risk management, and algorithmic trading. Companies like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, or Bloomberg LP could view acquiring D-Wave as a strategic move to gain a competitive edge in the financial services industry.

5. Telecommunications Companies: Quantum computing has implications for secure communication and network optimization, which could be of interest to telecommunications companies like Verizon, AT&T, or Huawei.

6. Energy Companies: Companies in the energy sector, such as ExxonMobil, BP, or Shell, might see potential applications for quantum computing in areas like materials science, optimization of energy production and distribution, and climate modeling.

7. Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies: Quantum computing has the potential to accelerate drug discovery, molecular modeling, and genomics research. Therefore, companies like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, or Novartis might be interested in acquiring D-Wave to leverage its technology for advancing healthcare innovation.

These are just some examples, and the interest of specific companies would depend on their strategic priorities, existing capabilities, and the perceived value of D-Wave's technology in advancing their business objectives.

Given the unique capabilities of D-Wave in quantum annealing and the potential to address specific types of problems efficiently, any of these companies could see value in an acquisition. However, companies like Amazon and Nvidia might have particularly strong synergies given their respective focuses on cloud-based services and optimization in AI and machine learning contexts.(ChatGPT)

IONQ, like D-Wave Systems, is a prominent player in the field of quantum computing. If it were to be acquired by a larger company, the potential suitors might be similar but could also differ based on the specific strengths and focus areas of IONQ. Here are some potential acquirers for IONQ:

1. Tech Giants: Companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon, which are already heavily invested in quantum computing, could see value in acquiring IONQ to strengthen their technology portfolio and talent pool. IONQ's expertise in trapped-ion quantum computing could complement existing efforts in areas like superconducting qubits or quantum algorithms.

2. Traditional Tech Companies: Similar to D-Wave, companies like Intel, NVIDIA, or Apple might be interested in acquiring IONQ to bolster their quantum computing capabilities or to diversify their technology offerings.

3. Defense Contractors: Given the potential applications of quantum computing in areas like cryptography and secure communication, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, or Northrop Grumman might view acquiring IONQ as a strategic move to enhance their capabilities in this domain.

4. Financial Institutions: Banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions are exploring quantum computing for its potential to optimize portfolio management, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. Companies like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, or Citadel Securities could be interested in acquiring IONQ to gain a competitive advantage in the financial services industry.

5. Telecommunications Companies: Quantum computing could have implications for secure communication and network optimization, making it potentially attractive to telecommunications companies like Verizon, AT&T, or Huawei.

6. Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies: Quantum computing holds promise for accelerating drug discovery, molecular modeling, and genomics research. Therefore, companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, or Novartis, might consider acquiring IONQ to leverage its technology for advancing healthcare innovation.

7. Energy Companies: Quantum computing could also be valuable for energy companies in areas like materials science, optimization of energy production and distribution, and climate modeling. Therefore, companies like ExxonMobil, BP, or Shell might see potential in acquiring IONQ.

Based on these factors, Intel might have the most technical alignment with IonQ's trapped-ion approach, given its experience with silicon-based technologies that require atomic-level precision and control, similar in rigor and scale to what's needed for trapped-ion quantum computing. However, any of these companies could potentially benefit from acquiring IonQ if they aim to diversify their quantum technology portfolios or enhance their existing services.

Again, the interest of specific companies would depend on various factors including their strategic priorities, existing capabilities, and the perceived value of IONQ's technology in advancing their business objectives.

Discl: we own shares in both IONQ and Dwave Quantum (QBTS)

Note: It's plausible that Rigetti might also be considered a takeover target if there's consolidation in the quantum computing space. Rigetti has been known for its innovative approaches to quantum computing hardware, and its technology might be attractive to larger companies looking to strengthen their position in the market. However, whether it's a viable target would depend on various factors including its current market position, technological advancements, financial health, and strategic fit with potential acquirers.

What exactly is, "Blind" Quantum Computing, what are it's benefits, who will use the technology and who is leading the charge?