Core Viewpoint - Quantum computing is an emerging technology with significant potential, but current companies in the sector are facing high valuations and substantial cash burn, making them speculative investments [1][7][17]. Company Summaries - IonQ has a market cap of approximately $16 billion, with projected revenues of $106 million to $110 million in 2025, resulting in a price-to-sales ratio of 145. The company expects a loss of $206 million to $216 million for the year [1][3]. - Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum are valued at less than $10 billion each, generating only a few million dollars in revenue per quarter, indicating speculative valuations [1][3]. - IonQ reported a net loss of $1.05 billion in Q3 with revenues just under $40 million, highlighting the cash burn issue faced by these companies [8]. Industry Insights - The quantum computing sector is compared to the AI industry, which has seen companies with market caps exceeding $1 trillion. If quantum computing stocks achieve similar success, they could potentially generate significant returns for investors [2][6]. - Current conditions in the quantum computing sector are reminiscent of the space exploration industry in 2021, where initial optimism led to significant crashes [14][15]. - The commercialization of quantum computing technology is expected to take several years, with optimistic forecasts suggesting viability by 2030 [10][11]. Investment Considerations - Investors are advised to monitor quantum computing stocks carefully, as the current high valuations may not reflect future performance. Many years of optimistic results are already factored into share prices [12][13]. - Investing in a quantum computing ETF could provide exposure to the sector while mitigating risks associated with individual stocks [9]. - The potential for major returns exists, but the speculative nature of these stocks means that investors should be cautious and consider other opportunities in the meantime [17][18].

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) recognizes the need for advanced chip manufacturing capabilities to enhance quantum performance, particularly for achieving fidelities above 99.9% [1][10] - The company is exploring various strategic options, including partnerships with experienced foundries, participation in U.S. government-backed programs, and the potential development of a modern 200-300mm facility [2][10] - The need for a new fabrication facility is viewed as a strategic opportunity rather than a risk, as it could strengthen Rigetti's competitive position and improve manufacturing processes [3][4] Company Updates - Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) has successfully shipped its first commercial entangled-photon source to a research institution in South Korea, marking a significant step in its telecom C-band photonic platform rollout [5] - QCi is increasing manufacturing at its Tempe, AZ, foundry and expanding into quantum sensing and cybersecurity, transitioning from research to commercial execution [6] - D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) has launched its Advantage2 annealing system commercially, offering over 4,400 qubits and improved performance metrics, available to users in over 40 countries [7][8] Financial Performance - RGTI shares have increased by 71.6% over the past six months, contrasting with an 8.3% decline in the industry [9] - The company has a price-to-book ratio of 20.95, which is above the industry average, and carries a Value Score of F [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a projected 88.9% decline in RGTI's earnings for 2025 compared to the previous year [12]

Company Overview - Rigetti Computing, Inc. is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing, operating quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 [2] - The company serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform [2] - In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts ranging from 24 to 84 [2] - The company's 9-qubit Novera QPU was introduced in 2023, designed for high-performance, on-premises use [2] - Rigetti has developed the industry's first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems [2] - The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility [2] Upcoming Events - CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni and CFO Jeff Bertelsen will host one-on-one meetings at the 28th Annual Needham Growth Conference on January 13, 2026 [1] - Dr. Kulkarni will participate in a fireside chat during the same event [1] - Investors can view a live webcast of the event and a replay will be available for 90 days following the conclusion [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rigetti Computing has experienced a significant decline in stock price, dropping 60% from its peak of $56 in October, indicating that the hype surrounding the stock may not be supported by fundamental improvements in the business [2][10]. Company Overview - Rigetti Computing is a quantum computing start-up with a current market cap of $7.8 billion and a stock price of $23.60, which has fluctuated between $5.95 and $58.15 over the past year [3]. - The company is focused on the hardware side of quantum computing, aiming to provide essential components for other enterprises to leverage this emerging technology [4][9]. Industry Context - Quantum computing is still largely theoretical, with significant advancements needed before it becomes commercially viable. Industry leaders like Alphabet and IBM estimate that practical quantum computers are still four to five years away [11]. - The potential of quantum computing lies in its ability to solve complex problems, which could lead to substantial shareholder value through applications in drug discovery, logistics, and more [4]. Financial Performance - Rigetti's third-quarter earnings report showed an 18% year-over-year revenue decline to $1.95 billion, with operating losses increasing to $20.5 billion, highlighting the challenges the company faces in covering its R&D expenses [10]. - The company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio stands at 843, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 3.4, suggesting that the stock may still be overvalued [12]. Future Outlook - The timeline for quantum computing readiness is uncertain, with Rigetti likely not advancing faster than larger competitors, which raises questions about its ability to generate shareholder value in the near term [11][13]. - The company is positioned to manufacture its own chips in the U.S., which could provide political protection and opportunities similar to those of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in traditional semiconductors [6].

Core Insights - The quantum computing sector is rapidly evolving, with IonQ and Rigetti Computing attracting investor attention due to their distinct strategies and performances in 2025 [2][4]. IonQ Highlights - IonQ reported significant business expansion in 2025, with a sharp year-over-year increase in quarterly revenues and record technical benchmarks, including a world-record 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity [7][10]. - The company achieved a cash position of $1.5 billion, which increased to $3.5 billion after a $2 billion equity raise, providing financial strength for future investments [8][10]. - IonQ's fifth-generation Tempo system is set to ship in 2026, demonstrating a computational space 36 quadrillion times larger than leading commercial superconducting systems [7]. Rigetti Highlights - Rigetti focused on superconducting quantum hardware, delivering modular quantum systems and expanding partnerships while investing heavily in infrastructure and R&D [3][12]. - The company aims to deliver a 100+ qubit chiplet-based system by the end of 2025, with a roadmap targeting a 150+ qubit system by late 2026 and a 1,000+ qubit system by late 2027 [12][13]. - Rigetti exited the third quarter with approximately $600 million in cash and no debt, allowing for continued investment in its roadmap [13]. Financial Performance - Year-to-date, IonQ shares have risen 8.3%, while Rigetti's stock has soared 45.9% [6]. - IonQ's adjusted EBITDA loss was $48.9 million in Q3 2025, while Rigetti reported revenues of $1.9 million and an operating loss of $20.5 million in the same period [11][14]. - Estimates for IonQ's 2026 loss per share have declined to $1.74, indicating a 65.8% improvement from 2025, while Rigetti's estimates have worsened to a loss of $0.18 per share, reflecting a 74.3% improvement from 2025 [15][16]. Valuation Comparison - IonQ is trading at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 79.2X, higher than its five-year median of 76.1X, while Rigetti's P/S ratio is significantly higher at 220.28X [18]. Conclusion - IonQ is better positioned with faster commercial traction, record technical milestones, and a diversified quantum platform, supported by a strong cash balance of $3.5 billion [19]. Rigetti, while credible in its roadmap, has a smaller revenue base and is more dependent on future milestones [19].

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) has a strong balance sheet with approximately $559 million in cash, which has increased to over $600 million due to warrant exercises, allowing the company to pursue its technical roadmap without immediate equity dilution or debt [1][8] Financial Position - The liquidity position of Rigetti significantly reduces near-term financial risks and supports the development of a 100+ qubit system with 99.5% fidelity and a 150+ qubit system with 99.7% fidelity targeted for 2026 [2][8] - Operating expenses rose to about $21 million in Q3, driven by increased R&D investments, including new engineering hires and higher compensation [3][8] Strategic Goals - Rigetti is targeting a 1,000+ qubit system with 99.8% fidelity by 2027, alongside advancements in chiplet architectures and hybrid-compute initiatives [3][4] - The company emphasizes that its increased spending is a targeted investment supported by its strong liquidity position, allowing for sustained R&D intensity while maintaining financial flexibility [4] Industry Comparisons - IonQ (IONQ) is expanding its technical and commercial capabilities through acquisitions, enhancing its position in scalable systems and quantum networking [5] - Arqit Quantum (ARQQ) is focusing on quantum-safe cybersecurity, gaining credibility and early commercial uptake through partnerships [6] Market Performance - Rigetti's shares have increased by 88.7% over the last six months, contrasting with a 6.3% decline in the industry [7][10] - The company has a price-to-book ratio of 19.58, which is above the industry average, and carries a Value Score of F [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rigetti's 2025 earnings indicates an 88.9% decline from the previous year, with estimates showing a significant loss per share [12][13]

Group 1 - IonQ achieved triple-digit revenue growth and secured new financing to expand its ion trap system scale [1] - Rigetti Computing is advancing superconducting qubit technology, presenting a different commercialization path [1] - Investors are weighing the contrasting business strategies of IonQ and Rigetti Computing [1]

Group 1 - The Defiance Quantum ETF has gained 37% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500, with Rigetti Computing being a significant contributor, seeing a 46% increase in its shares [1][2]. - Quantum computing is viewed as a transformative technology with potential applications in various sectors, including clinical research, financial risk, logistics, supply chain management, and manufacturing [4][5]. - Rigetti Computing specializes in building quantum processors and computers accessible via cloud infrastructure, employing a vertically integrated model to control chip manufacturing and software design [6][7]. Group 2 - The economic value of quantum computing is projected to reach up to $2 trillion by the next decade, although currently, only a few companies are focused on its development [5]. - Rigetti's advancements in quantum technology could enable next-generation algorithms that surpass the capabilities of current GPU systems, making it crucial for the future of AI [7]. - Despite the strong momentum of Rigetti Computing's stock, there are concerns regarding its valuation sustainability, as history suggests that such rapid growth may not be maintainable [9][10].

Core Insights - Both IonQ and Rigetti Computing are significant players in the quantum computing sector, developing advanced technologies but facing substantial cash burn [1] Company Overview - IonQ utilizes a trapped-ion system for its quantum computing technology, while Rigetti employs superconducting qubits, with both targeting industries such as AI, finance, defense, cybersecurity, and manufacturing [2] - IonQ has a market capitalization of $16 billion, while Rigetti's market cap is approximately $7.4 billion [2][6] Financial Performance - IonQ's latest quarterly report showed positive results, exceeding revenue expectations and raising its full-year revenue guidance to $110 million, despite operating costs of $473 million for the first nine months of the year [4] - Rigetti reported revenue of $5.2 million for the first nine months of 2025, with operating losses of $63.4 million during the same period [7] Capital and Valuation - IonQ completed a $2 billion capital raise through new share sales, which diluted existing shareholders but was necessary for continued progress [5] - Rigetti's technology shows scalability potential, but IonQ's current valuation is considered more attractive than Rigetti's [8] Competitive Landscape - It remains uncertain which company will emerge as the leader in the quantum computing space, with IonQ being more established and having significant partnerships, while Rigetti presents a higher-risk, higher-reward investment opportunity [10]

Core Viewpoint - Rigetti Computing Inc. is gaining attention from analysts as a promising investment in the quantum computing sector, with varying ratings and price targets from different firms, highlighting its potential and challenges in the market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Wedbush initiated coverage of Rigetti Computing with an Outperform rating and a price target of $35, emphasizing the company's expertise in superconducting qubits and its position in the growing quantum sector [1]. - Jefferies initiated coverage with a Hold rating and a price target of $30, noting that while Rigetti can capitalize on the quantum computing cycle, execution risks and revenue concentration may limit its potential [2]. - Mizuho also initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a price target of $50, identifying Rigetti as a scalable competitor to industry leaders like IBM and Google, and highlighting its strong liquidity with approximately $450 million in cash and equivalents [3]. Group 2: Company Overview and Market Position - Rigetti Computing builds quantum computers and superconducting quantum processors across various regions, including the US, UK, Europe, and Asia, positioning itself as a key player in the international quantum computing landscape [4].