Rigetti(US:RGTI)2025-05-12 22:02Financial 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 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 Q1 2024, 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 having lower gross margins, but it is strategically important for the company to establish itself in the UK quantum ecosystem [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is actively participating in DARPA's quantum benchmarking initiative, which is crucial for advancing utility-scale quantum computing [4][27] - The interest in quantum computing remains primarily in R&D, with significant government contracts driving current sales, but commercial sales are expected to be several years away [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale up qubit counts using a chiplet approach, with plans to demonstrate over 100 qubits by the end of 2025 [16][18] - The focus is on achieving higher fidelity and faster gate speeds as part of the roadmap to utility-scale quantum computing [26][56] - The partnership with Quanta Computer is strategic, with a commitment of $250,000,000 over five years to support non-GPU hardware development [90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the NQI reauthorization bill, which is expected to provide funding for quantum computing initiatives, although delays are anticipated [20][46] - The company is still in the R&D phase of quantum computing, with expectations that significant commercial sales will not materialize for another three to five years [39][41] Other Important Information - The company has received multiple awards to advance its quantum computing technologies, including a $5,480,000 grant for chip fabrication technology development [5][67] - The integration of optical signaling is seen as a critical advancement for scaling quantum systems, with expectations for implementation in the next few years [76][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on chip tiling and timelines - Management confirmed confidence in the chiplet approach to achieve 36 qubits by mid-year and over 100 by the end of 2025, with promising data supporting this strategy [16][17] Question: Updates on the NQI Reauthorization Act - Management indicated bipartisan support for the NQI reauthorization, but noted that it has not yet passed, with funding expected to take additional time to flow after approval [20][46] Question: Details on the DARPA contract - The DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is critical for achieving utility-scale quantum computing, with specific milestones related to qubit counts and fidelity required to progress to the next phase [25][26] Question: Customer interest in quantum processors - Management noted that while interest exists, the current environment is primarily R&D-focused, with significant sales unlikely until quantum advantage is achieved [39][41] Question: Optical signaling and its importance - Management highlighted the significance of optical signaling for future scalability, with a transition expected from coax to fiber optic cables in the coming years [76][80] Question: Revenue recognition from NQCC and Air Force contracts - Revenue from the NQCC opportunity is expected to be recognized over the next year, while the Air Force contract is projected to contribute approximately $1,000,000 over the upcoming year [81][82] Question: Future milestones with Quanta Computer - The partnership with Quanta is expected to evolve, with Quanta taking on more R&D responsibilities for control systems and hardware components over the next year [90][93]