Rigetti(RGTI)2025-05-12 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q1 2025 were 3,100,000 in Q1 2024, indicating a significant decline [12] - Gross margins decreased to 30% in Q1 2025 from 49% in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower margin revenues from a contract with the UK's NQCC [12] - Total operating expenses (OpEx) increased to 18,100,000 in the same period last year, driven by salary increases, new hires, and higher stock compensation expenses [13] - The operating loss for Q1 2025 was 16,600,000 in the prior year [13] - The company recorded a net income of 20,800,000 in Q1 2024, largely due to favorable non-cash changes in derivative warrant and earn-out liabilities [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on advancing its utility scale quantum computer concept, collaborating with Riverlane on quantum error correction technology [4][5] - The consortium for the AFOSR award aims to develop chip fabrication technology, with a total award of 5,480,000 [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively participating in DARPA's quantum benchmarking initiative, which is critical for advancing utility scale quantum computing [4][28] - The interest in quantum computing remains primarily in R&D, with significant government contracts driving current sales [38][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing a chiplet approach to scale qubit counts, aiming for 36 qubits by mid-2025 and over 100 qubits by the end of 2025 [16][18] - The strategy includes enhancing quantum error correction capabilities and integrating digital chip-based technology with existing systems [8][9] - The partnership with Quanta Computer is strategic, focusing on non-GPU hardware components, which will allow the company to concentrate on QPU development [91][94] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the NQI reauthorization bill, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support, although funding may take additional time to materialize [21][48] - The company anticipates that achieving quantum advantage will take at least three to five years, with current efforts focused on R&D and technology milestones [38][42] Other Important Information - The company has closed a 35,000,000 investment from Quanta Computer, which strengthens their strategic collaboration [10][90] - The company is exploring optical signaling as a future technology to improve scalability and reduce thermal load in quantum systems [78][81] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on chip tiling and timelines - Management confirmed confidence in the chiplet approach to achieve 36 qubits by mid-2025 and over 100 by the end of 2025, with promising data supporting this strategy [16][17] Question: Updates on the DARPA contract - The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is crucial for utility scale quantum computing, with specific milestones related to qubit count and fidelity required to progress to the next phase [26][28] Question: Revenue from DARPA phases - Phase A of the DARPA project includes a $1,000,000 award, with expectations for increased funding in subsequent phases [34] Question: Customer interest in quantum processors - Current interest remains in R&D, with significant government funding impacting the conversion of interest into orders [40][41] Question: Optical signaling and its roadmap - Optical signaling is a key element for future scalability, with expectations to transition from coax to fiber optic cables in the next three to four years [78][81] Question: NQCC revenue recognition timeframe - Revenue from the NQCC opportunity is expected to be recognized over the next year, with a similar timeline for the Air Force contract [84]