Rigetti Computing Stock Downgraded. Why This Analyst Prefers D-Wave Quantum and IonQ. - Barron's

An analyst downgraded Rigetti Computing’s stock in November 2025, citing weaker financial performance and slower progress in quantum hardware development compared to peers. The downgrade reflects concerns over Rigetti’s ability to scale its superconducting qubit technology amid intensifying competition in the quantum computing sector. D-Wave Quantum and IonQ were highlighted as preferred alternatives, with D-Wave’s quantum annealing systems gaining traction in optimization problems and IonQ’s trapped-ion approach showing promise in error correction. The analyst emphasized IonQ’s stronger commercial partnerships and D-Wave’s established customer base as key differentiators in the evolving quantum market. Rigetti’s challenges underscore broader industry shifts, where investors increasingly favor companies with clearer paths to near-term revenue and scalable quantum solutions.