Feb. 20, 2026 at 4:04 PM ET5 min read

TD Cowen Downgrade Sparks Rigetti’s Stock Plunge

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

Rigetti Computing Inc. stocks have been trading down by -4.1 percent amid prevailing investor uncertainty over market developments.

Key Takeaways

  • TD Cowen downgraded Rigetti’s stock from Buy to Hold, highlighting its high valuation and need for new funding.
  • Rigetti faced exclusion from a key DARPA program, amplifying concerns about increased competition in the quantum computing space.
  • Investor sentiment shifted dramatically with Rigetti’s stock dipping over 9% following the downgrade.
  • Market analysts remain cautious, signaling challenges for Rigetti amidst its competitive hurdles.

Quick Financial Overview

Rigetti Computing has experienced a dramatic dip in its stock value, a situation closely linked to several recent developments. The company is grappling with multiple financial metrics that amplify concerns about its stability. The recent earnings report places Rigetti in a challenging spotlight, with a highlighted gross margin of 32.2%, juxtaposed against staggering negative profitability ratios. Its EBIT margin stands at a daunting -4677.3%. This paints a picture of a company struggling to make ends meet, financially. Total revenue has been clocked at about $10.79M, highlighting growth challenges in scaling their operations to profitability.

From a financial strength perspective, Rigetti boasts a high current ratio of 39.2, an indication of its short-term asset liquidity. Nevertheless, its profitability tells a different story. With a negative return on equity (ROE) at -66.81%, and a dire return on assets (ROA) of -44.33%, the current environment suggests an arduous climb to financial equilibrium. The latest financial reports also noted cash flow challenges, with negative operational cash flow summing up to $13.82M for the quarter ending in Sep 2025.

More Breaking News

These dynamics lend credence to concerns over Rigetti’s cash burn rate and its reliance on investment for its continued operations. The company’s high price to book value and leverage are clear indicators of its risky financial canvas.

Competitive Pressures Mount

Investors have reacted with notable jitters to the news that TD Cowen has issued a downgrade from Buy to Hold. This move ostensibly pressures Rigetti to recalibrate its strategic moves within a fiercely competitive space. One pivotal factor is the exclusion from the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative — a significant blow to their competitive edge and access to high-level partnerships and opportunities.

In the fast-paced race of quantum computing, every setback compounds the pressure. The Rigetti team now faces intense scrutiny over their ability to overcome the technological storm brewing from formidable competitors. This pressure is compounded by the need for fresh capital to fund their crucial 200mm fabrication plant, a necessity for advancing quantum capabilities.

It’s not just about the plunge in Rigetti’s stock by over 9% but the underlying caution that analysts feel about the firm’s path ahead. TD Cowen’s rationale highlighted the company’s premium valuation as reason enough to temper enthusiasm. For potential investors, the specter of heightened competition, coupled with the need for fresh liquidity injections, might impede short-term growth prospects.

Conclusion

Rigetti Computing finds itself at a crossroads amid looming market challenges. The downgrade by TD Cowen has not only affected its stock value but also underscored the urgency for Rigetti to reassess its competitive strategy and financial resilience. Its exclusion from a critical research program exacerbates existing concerns about its position within the quantum computing landscape. With a spotlight on its hefty valuation and financial strain, Rigetti must navigate these obstacles to stabilize its reputation and trader confidence.

To move forward, Rigetti will need more than quantum leaps; it requires strategic pivots and perhaps innovations in operational scalability. The coming months will be telling. They must prove to the market that they’re not just reacting to changes, but leading the charge with new pathways in quantum advancements. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “A consistent trading routine beats sporadic action every time. Show up daily, and you’ll start to see the patterns others miss.” The watchful eyes of traders will no doubt be locked onto their every move. It’s a race against time, complexity, and fierce competition.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

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