Is This $8 Billion Quantum Computing Stock Too Cheap to Ignore Now?

By Keithen Drury – Jan 19, 2026 at 6:28AM ESTKey PointsRigetti Computing is using the same technology approach as the legacy tech players.The quantum computing specialist has enough cash to survive for a few years. But the ultimate direction this new field takes in the years ahead remains highly uncertain.NASDAQ: RGTIRigetti ComputingMarket Cap$8.5BToday's Changeangle-down(3.72%) $0.92Current Price$25.62Price as of January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM ETRigetti Computing is down more than 50% from its all-time high.Quantum computing stocks can go in and out of style in the market. The primary reason why they don't have any staying power right now is that quantum computing technology isn't expected to have a significant effect on industry until about 2030. Quantum computing stocks are equivalent to biotech stocks that are going through clinical trials. They could generate a ton of money someday, but as of now, they're unprofitable and burning cash. If the market has gotten too bearish on a quantum computing stock, it may be for three reasons. First, the broader industry could be viewed poorly by the market. Second, the company could be struggling in the race to achieve viable quantum computing technology. Or third, an individual stock has sold off too much due to investors losing patience. If a stock is in the third camp, it may be worth buying as the stock could be too cheap to ignore. One of the more popular quantum computing pure-play stocks is Rigetti Computing (RGTI +3.72%). Rigetti is an $8 billion company by market cap, although it's over 50% off its all-time high. Is this a buying opportunity for the stock? Or is there a good reason why Rigetti is down so much? Image source: Getty Images. Rigetti Computing is pursuing the same technology as tech giants Quantum computing is an interesting technology because there are a few different approaches companies can take. Rigetti chose the most common approach, known as superconducting. Currently, superconducting isn't the most accurate quantum computing technique, but it does have the best processing speeds. This is more of a long-term play in the quantum computing realm. While an alternative approach, like trapped ion (the technology IonQ is using), provides superior accuracy, it lags in the speed department. If superconducting computers catch up in the accuracy realm, then they will become the go-to option due to their superior processing speeds. ExpandNASDAQ: RGTIRigetti ComputingToday's Change(3.72%) $0.92Current Price$25.62Key Data PointsMarket Cap$8.5BDay's Range$24.56 - $26.1852wk Range$6.86 - $58.15Volume34MAvg Vol48MGross Margin-6849.48% Rigetti isn't alone in choosing this technology. It's the most common technique, and Rigetti is going up against some stiff competition. Alphabet, Microsoft, and International Business Machines are all deploying superconducting technology, so Rigetti has its work cut out for it.Advertisement The biggest issue with Rigetti is that it doesn't have a ton of resources to compete in a resource-intensive industry. In the third quarter, its revenue amounted to $1.9 million, and it posted a $21 million operating loss. Rigetti has about $600 million in the bank, so it has enough cash to survive for a while. However, those numbers are mere rounding errors on its competitors' balance sheets, and if quantum computing becomes an industry where whoever has the biggest wallet wins (similar to how artificial intelligence is playing out), then Rigetti could be in for a huge challenge. So, is Rigetti still worth buying at today's cheap price tag? Rigetti isn't as attractive as some options While the entire quantum computing pure-play industry is down from its all-time highs, Rigetti is one of the biggest losers. Yet, this may be a premature reaction to some of its challenges. Still, if I'm investing in this sector, I want to invest in some of the leaders with the biggest pocketbooks (like Microsoft or Alphabet) or in a company that's pursuing an alternative technology, like IonQ. RGTI data by YCharts Nobody has any idea who the winner will be or what technology will look like five years from now, so spreading your bets across companies of different sizes and computing techniques is a smart move. Rigetti Computing doesn't fit into this mold, so I'm not a huge fan of owning it. If you're looking to create a large basket of quantum computing stocks, several quantum ETFs give exposure to the big tech companies involved in the space, alongside some of the smaller pure plays as well. Rigetti is fighting an uphill battle. While it could still prevail in the coming years, the odds are against it. As a result, I think there are better quantum computing investments out there.Read NextJan 17, 2026 •By Rick OrfordIs Wall Street Underestimating Rigetti's Long-Term Potential?Jan 12, 2026 •By Keithen DruryWill Rigetti Computing Stock Make You a Millionaire?Jan 8, 2026 •By Leo SunDown 54%, Should You Buy the Dip in Rigetti Computing (RGTI) Stock?Jan 8, 2026 •By Bram BerkowitzStock-Split Watch: Is Rigetti Computing Next?Jan 8, 2026 •By Trevor JennewinePrediction: 3 Popular Stocks Will Crash in 2026 When This Stock Market Bubble Bursts (Hint: Not Artificial Intelligence)Jan 7, 2026 •By David Jagielski, CPACan Rigetti Computing Stock Turn a $10,000 Investment Into $1 Million?About the AuthorKeithen Drury is a contributing Motley Fool technology analyst covering AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and SaaS stocks. In addition to The Motley Fool, Keithen is a mechanical engineer and has held roles at Honeywell and smaller industrial companies like Brand Hydraulics and Lincoln Industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Dordt University.TMFTripleOptionStocks MentionedRigetti ComputingNASDAQ: RGTI$25.62 (+0.04%) $+0.92*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.Advertisement