Why Is Rigetti Computing Stock Sinking Monday?

Company Overview - Rigetti Computing Inc. shares experienced a decline after B. Riley Securities analyst Craig Ellis downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral, despite raising the price forecast from $35 to $42 [1] - The stock pullback followed a rally driven by speculation regarding potential equity stakes from the U.S. Commerce Department in key quantum computing firms, including Rigetti, aimed at enhancing national security [1][2] Recent Developments - The U.S. Commerce Department clarified that it was not engaged in active discussions regarding equity stakes, which had initially sparked optimism for government support in the quantum computing sector [2] - Rigetti announced approximately $21 million in new contracts, including a £3.5 million U.K. consortium project and a ~$5.8 million agreement with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, indicating progress towards a system with over 1,000 qubits [4] Market Sentiment - Investor sentiment weakened following reports of potential new U.S. export restrictions on advanced technologies, contributing to the decline in Rigetti shares [4] - Analysts are anticipating Rigetti's upcoming third-quarter earnings, expecting a loss of 4 cents per share on $2.26 million in revenue, slightly below the previous quarter's $2.38 million [5] - As of the latest trading, RGTI shares were down 10.26% to $39.73 [5]