Shares of D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) tumbled 5% in the night session on Friday, as investors reacted to recent company announcements and insider trading activity. The quantum computing company's stock has been under pressure following two significant events that have raised concerns among shareholders.
On November 13, D-Wave Quantum announced the redemption of all outstanding public warrants. This move, while potentially streamlining the company's capital structure, has sparked worries about potential share dilution. The redemption of warrants often leads to an increase in the number of outstanding shares, which can put downward pressure on the stock price.
Adding to investor unease, a recent insider trading report revealed that Alan Baratz, President, CEO, and Director of D-Wave Quantum, executed a series of transactions on November 11. Baratz acquired 806,288 shares through a stock option exercise and subsequently sold the same number of shares at prices ranging from $28.00 to $30.02. While such transactions are not uncommon for executives, the timing and volume of the trades have caught the attention of market participants, potentially contributing to the stock's decline.