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Rigetti Earnings: Revenue Plummets While EPS Surges

Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) faced a significant revenue drop of 52%, yet posted a surprising net profit and EPS that beat expectations. The stark contrasts in its financial performance raise concerns about future profitability amidst increasing competition.

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AI Rating:   6

Financial Performance Overview: Rigetti Computing's latest earnings report reveals a mixed picture of its financial health. While the company's revenue plummeted by 52% year over year to $1.47 million—falling short of expectations—their net profit surged to $42.6 million due mainly to a one-time noncash gain from the revaluation of liabilities. The Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $0.13 exceeded consensus estimates significantly, which reflects some strong points hidden within a broader decline.

This somewhat confusing financial performance emphasizes a critical aspect of Rigetti's operating environment. The drastic decline in revenue indicates a weakening market position, particularly due to challenges in securing larger contracts and facing stiff competition from established players like IBM and Alphabet. Investors must note that the net profit relies heavily on nonrecurring income sources, meaning sustainability is in question.

Revenue Growth Potential: Analysts project Rigetti's revenue to increase by 30% in 2025 and then soar by 140% to $33.6 million in 2026. However, this hinges on their ability to stabilize milestone payments and secure new business deals that have proven sporadic so far.

Valuation Concerns: Rigetti trades with a market capitalization of $3.32 billion and a staggering valuation of 237 times this year's sales, coupled with 99 times their projected sales for the next fiscal year. Such high multiples can dampen investor enthusiasm as they reflect an expectation for intensified future growth, which may be challenging to realize under present conditions.

Professional Investor Sentiment: Overall, professional investors would likely score Rigetti's EPS at an 8, due to its significant outperformance against expectations. Conversely, its disappointing revenue drop would score it a 4, indicating serious concerns. This dichotomy points to volatility as investors reassess the company’s potential.