Why Rigetti Computing Stock Soared 45.2% Last Year and Has Kept Gaining in 2026

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing's stock experienced significant gains in 2025, rising 45.2%, outperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite [1] Stock Performance - Despite a volatile trading environment, Rigetti's stock closed 2025 with substantial gains, significantly exceeding the broader market indices [1] - The stock initially faced a sell-off due to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's comments on quantum computing commercialization but rebounded later in the year [2] Key Partnerships and Contracts - A major valuation boost occurred in September 2025 when Rigetti signed a three-year contract worth $5.8 million with the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop quantum networking technologies in collaboration with QphoX [4] - Another surge in stock price followed the announcement of a collaboration with Nvidia to support the NVQLink platform, integrating AI supercomputers with quantum technology [5] Recent Trends and Analyst Coverage - Rigetti's stock continued to rise in early 2026, gaining 15.7%, outperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite [6] - Rosenblatt initiated coverage on Rigetti with a buy rating and set a one-year price target of $40 per share, indicating a potential upside of 56% based on the company's strengths in qubit scaling and partnerships [7]