Key Points
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) and Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) are two of the more prominent publicly traded stocks in the field of quantum computing.
What do they do?
Without wading too deep into the weeds of quantum computing, the main difference between the two companies is that IonQ uses a trapped-ion system, whereas Rigetti uses superconducting qubits. What’s important is the real-life applications of these technologies and their commercial viability. Both companies are targeting similar industries, spanning from AI to finance to defense to cybersecurity to manufacturing.
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How their financials compare
IonQ’s latest quarterly report was largely positive. The company beat revenue expectations and increased its full-year revenue guidance to as much as $110 million. IonQ’s operating costs still overshadow its revenue, however. Operating costs and expenses through the first nine months of the year were $473 million.
IonQ also completed a $2 billion capital raise through the sale of new shares, which diluted existing shareholders. While this program was necessary to raise the funds to keep IonQ’s progress moving forward, dilution is always concerning for long-term investors.
Rigetti Computing is a far smaller company than IonQ with a market cap around $8.4 billion. The company reported revenue of just $5.2 million through the first nine months of 2025. Much like IonQ, its operating losses significantly outpaced revenue, coming in at $63.4 million for the first nine months of the year.
Rigetti’s technology is promising, and its semiconductor business has real scalability potential. The company’s price-to-sales ratio reflects that future hope. At this time, IonQ’s valuation is more attractive than Rigetti’s.
RGTI PS Ratio data by YCharts
Who will be the winner?
It’s still too early to predict who will be the “winner” or if there will be only one. At this juncture, IonQ is more established and has significant partnerships to leverage. If you’re looking for an even higher-risk, higher-reward investment, though, Rigetti could be the stock of the future.
Should you buy stock in Rigetti Computing right now?
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Catie Hogan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
