Rigetti(US:RGTI)2025-05-12 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q1 2025 were $1,500,000, down from $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 margins from a contract with the UK's NQCC [12] - Total operating expenses (OpEx) increased to $22,100,000 in Q1 2025 from $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 $21,600,000, compared to $16,600,000 in the prior year [13] - The company recorded a net income of $42,600,000 in Q1 2025, a turnaround from a net loss of $20,800,000 in the previous year, 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 through collaborations and government contracts, which are critical for future sales [4][5] - The NQCC contract is noted for its lower gross margin profile, impacting overall profitability [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has been awarded multiple contracts, including a $1,000,000 award from DARPA for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, which is seen as strategically important despite its relatively small monetary value [34] - Interest in quantum computing remains primarily in R&D, with significant reliance on government contracts and academic research funding [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to demonstrate a chiplet approach to scale qubit counts, targeting over 100 qubits by the end of 2025 [16][19] - The strategy includes collaborations with various institutions to enhance quantum error correction capabilities and improve chip fabrication technology [5][6] - The company is optimistic about the NQI reauthorization, which is expected to provide funding for quantum computing initiatives, although delays in passing the bill are noted [22][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the chiplet approach as a means to scale up qubit counts, emphasizing its importance for the entire industry [19] - The company is optimistic about the future of quantum computing, although it acknowledges that achieving quantum advantage is still several years away [39] - Management highlighted the strategic importance of government contracts and collaborations in driving future growth [41][42] Other Important Information - The company has closed a $35,000,000 investment from Quanta Computer, which is expected to strengthen their partnership and reduce R&D costs in non-QPU hardware areas [10][96] - The company is exploring optical signaling as a future technology to improve scalability and reduce thermal load in quantum computing systems [80][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on chip tiling to reach 36 qubits - Management confirmed that the chiplet approach is critical for scaling qubit counts and expressed confidence in achieving the target by mid-year [16][19] Question: Updates on NQI Reauthorization Act - Management noted bipartisan support for the NQI reauthorization but indicated that it has not yet passed, with funding expected to take additional time to flow [21][50] Question: Details on the DARPA contract - The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is crucial for developing utility scale quantum computing, with specific milestones related to qubit fidelity and gate speed [27][90] Question: Customer interest in acquiring processors - Management stated that interest remains high, but funding issues are currently hindering conversion to orders [41][42] Question: Timeframe for the 36 qubit QPU upgrade - Management indicated that the upgrade could occur in the second half of the year, depending on the demonstration of the chiplet approach [51][54] Question: Importance of optical signaling - Management emphasized the significance of optical signaling for future scalability and the transition from coax to fiber optic cables [80][84] Question: Revenue recognition from NQCC and Air Force contracts - Management expects revenue from the NQCC contract to be recognized over the next year, with the Air Force contract contributing approximately $1,000,000 over its three-year term [87]