Rigetti’s UK quantum expansion draws fresh attention to the stock

Rigetti Computing (RGTI) is back in focus after outlining plans to invest up to US$100 million in the United Kingdom to install a quantum computer targeting more than 1,000 qubits.

The UK expansion headlines arrive after a mixed run in the stock, with a 14.53% 1 month share price return sitting against a 31.86% year to date share price decline, while the 1 year total shareholder return of 75.93% points to strong longer term momentum.

If this quantum build out has you thinking about where else breakthroughs might show up first, it could be worth scanning 26 quantum computing stocks

With Rigetti’s shares sitting well below the average analyst price target and recent returns sending mixed signals, you now have to ask: is this quantum story on sale, or is the market already pricing in future growth?

Most Popular Narrative: 34.4% Undervalued

With Rigetti shares at $16.08 and the narrative fair value at $24.50, the story centers on a sizeable gap between price and what the narrative suggests.

The trajectory of quantum computing, particularly in the context of Rigetti Computing and the Quantum Benchmark Testing System (QBTS), could witness significant shifts. Trump's emphasis on "America First" policies might lead to increased funding for public private partnerships and The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s R&D works in critical technologies, including quantum computing, as part of national security and technological supremacy initiatives.

According to LongTermer, this valuation leans heavily on rapid revenue expansion, a future profit margin inflection and a premium earnings multiple. It may be useful to understand which assumptions carry the most weight in that price gap.

Result: Fair Value of $24.50 (UNDERVALUED)

However, this hinges on major assumptions, including Rigetti eventually reaching a 14.59% profit margin and investors accepting a future P/E of about 32x.

Another View: Pricing looks stretched on book value

While the user narrative suggests Rigetti is undervalued at a fair value of $24.50, the market is placing a rich price on its balance sheet. The current P/B of 9.8x sits well above both the peer average of 5.8x and the US Semiconductor industry average of 5.3x.

That kind of gap can sometimes reflect enthusiasm for future potential, but it also raises the risk that any disappointment in progress or funding could hit the share price harder than expected. The key question is whether you think Rigetti’s future business justifies paying such a premium today, or if patience makes more sense here.

Next Steps

Curious whether the mix of optimism and concern in this story matches your own read of the numbers? Take a closer look at the data, then weigh up the 1 key reward and 4 important warning signs.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.