RGTI Stock Down Despite Q2 Earnings Top Estimates, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing (RGTI) reported a second-quarter 2025 adjusted loss per share of 5 cents, an improvement from the 7 cents loss per share in the same quarter last year, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.7% [1][7] - The company's total revenues were $1.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 41.6% and missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.7% [4][7] - Rigetti launched its Cepheus-1-36Q, the largest multi-chip quantum computer, which features a median two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.5%, significantly improving upon its predecessor [6][9] Revenue and Financial Performance - The revenue decline was attributed to the expiration of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative and the pending reauthorization in Congress, with future growth dependent on the renewal of this initiative and sales to government entities [5] - Gross profit fell 71.6% year over year to $0.6 million, with gross margin contracting 3310 basis points to 31.4% due to revenue mix and pricing variability in development contracts [10] - Operating expenses increased, with selling, general and administrative expenses rising 11.6% to $6.9 million and research and development expenses increasing 13.9% to $13.5 million, leading to an operating loss of $19.9 million compared to $16.1 million in the prior-year quarter [11] Financial Position - At the end of the second quarter, Rigetti had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $425.7 million, up from $209.1 million at the end of the first quarter, with no debts on its balance sheet [12] - Cumulative net cash used in operating activities was $29.8 million, compared to $26.7 million a year ago [12] Technology Developments - The Cepheus-1-36Q incorporates proprietary architecture that enhances chip uniformity and reduces manufacturing complexity, with plans for a 100+ qubit chiplet-based system by the end of 2025 [9][14] - The advancements in two-qubit gates and intermodule coupler design are expected to further improve performance [9]