Rigetti vs. IBM: Which Quantum Computing Stock Has Better Prospects?

Core Insights - The article discusses the competitive landscape of quantum computing, focusing on Rigetti Computing and IBM as key players in the industry, highlighting their distinct approaches and market strategies [1][2]. Company Overview - Rigetti Computing is a startup that emphasizes cutting-edge quantum processors and scalable systems, while IBM utilizes its extensive experience to create a comprehensive quantum ecosystem that includes hardware, software, and cloud services [1][2]. - Rigetti's stock has decreased by 8.2% year-to-date, whereas IBM's stock has increased by 17.6% in the same period [3]. Valuation - IBM's price/book ratio is 8.92, which is more attractive compared to Rigetti's 19.43 [5]. Technology - Rigetti's Ankaa-3 system features 84 superconducting qubits with approximately 99.5% two-qubit gate fidelity, and it plans to launch a 36-qubit system in mid-2025, aiming to exceed 100 qubits by year-end [8]. - IBM's 133-qubit Heron processor improves upon its predecessor, and its modular architecture supports interconnecting processors like the 1,121-qubit Condor, forming the backbone of Quantum System Two [9]. Business Model - Rigetti's business model is hardware-focused, monetizing through direct system access and partnerships, targeting niche enterprise and research segments [10]. - IBM's model combines hardware, software, and services, commercializing through cloud access and consulting, with over $1 billion in cumulative quantum revenue [11]. Growth Strategies - Rigetti aims to scale its modular systems and achieve a 108-qubit system by the end of 2025, supported by a$250 million partnership [12]. - IBM's strategy focuses on achieving quantum advantage by 2026, leveraging its global infrastructure and enterprise partnerships [13]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rigetti's 2025 sales indicates an 18.63% year-over-year decline, while IBM's estimates imply a 5.5% growth [14][15]. - Rigetti's projected loss per share for 2025 is 5 cents, compared to IBM's earnings estimate of $10.95 per share [14][16]. Investment Outlook - IBM holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) with a strong Growth Score of 'A', while Rigetti has a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) but a Growth Score of 'B', indicating potential upside [16][17]. - IBM's full-stack capabilities and enterprise reach provide a more stable investment option compared to Rigetti's innovative but smaller-scale approach [17].