Rigetti Computing Shares Hit 52-Week Low Amid Sector-Wide Selloff

Rigetti US76655K1034

A sharp downturn in technology stocks has sent shares of quantum computing firm Rigetti Computing to a new annual low. The broader sector's weakness, triggered by a significant drop in Microsoft's valuation, has overshadowed company-specific developments, leaving investors to question whether upcoming product launches can reverse the negative momentum.

The immediate catalyst for the decline was a widespread sell-off across the technology landscape. Microsoft shares plummeted 10% on Thursday, marking their most severe single-day loss since 2020. This event sent shockwaves through the Nasdaq Composite, disproportionately affecting growth-oriented equities like those in the quantum computing space.

In this environment, Rigetti's stock fell 8.46% on Friday, closing at $18.17. This price matches its precise 52-week low. The downward pressure was not isolated; competitors including IonQ and D-Wave saw comparable losses, highlighting the sector-wide nature of the correction rather than issues specific to any single company.

Consolidation and Analyst Views in Quantum Computing

Despite recent share price volatility, fundamental activity within the quantum computing industry continues. Earlier in the week, competitor IonQ garnered attention with its announcement to acquire SkyWater Technology for approximately $1.8 billion. This move points to an ongoing market consolidation and a trend toward vertical integration among key players.

Analyst coverage remains active. Wedbush analysts group Rigetti with D-Wave and IonQ as the core "quantum triad" of significant industry players. In a more recent and optimistic assessment, B. Riley upgraded its rating on Rigetti shares from "Neutral" to "Buy" on January 22, citing near-term commercial progress.

Operational Timeline and Financial Metrics in Focus

Investor attention is now turning to Rigetti's execution of its technology roadmap. A critical milestone is the planned general availability of its new 108-qubit system, the "Cepheus-1-108Q" processor, by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The successful launch of this system is viewed as a pivotal step in rebuilding investor confidence.

The next major date for financial insight is March 4, 2026, when the company is scheduled to report its full-year 2025 results. These figures will need to demonstrate how technological advancements are translating into financial performance. For context, Rigetti's last reported quarterly revenue stood at $1.9 million.