SCHEDULE 13G: BlackRock Discloses 5.3% Passive Stake in Quantum Computing Firm Rigetti Computing

Investment giant BlackRock, Inc. has filed a Schedule 13G, revealing a 5.3% passive beneficial ownership stake in Rigetti Computing, Inc. as of March 31, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. has reported a beneficial ownership of 15,030,105 shares of Rigetti Computing, Inc. common stock.
• This holding represents 5.3% of Rigetti Computing, Inc.'s total outstanding common stock.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 14,674,122 shares and sole dispositive power over 15,030,105 shares, with no shared voting or dispositive power.
• The securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of changing or influencing the control of Rigetti Computing, Inc.
• The filing was made by BlackRock, Inc. as a parent holding company, with beneficial ownership attributed to various BlackRock subsidiaries including BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock Fund Advisors.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The document is a standard regulatory filing (Schedule 13G) disclosing a passive ownership stake. It contains factual information about BlackRock's holding in Rigetti Computing, Inc. and does not convey positive or negative sentiment regarding the issuer's performance or outlook.

Positives

• The disclosure of a significant 5.3% stake by BlackRock, a leading global asset manager, can be interpreted as a vote of confidence in Rigetti Computing, Inc.'s long-term prospects.
• The passive nature of the investment, explicitly stating it's not for control, suggests a stable, long-term holding by a major institutional investor.

Future Outlook

This Schedule 13G filing is a disclosure of current beneficial ownership and does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Rigetti Computing, Inc.'s future performance or BlackRock's future investment intentions beyond the passive nature of the current holding.

Management Comments

• "By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §§ 240.14a-11." (Statement by Spencer Fleming, Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.)

Industry Context

This filing highlights continued institutional investment interest in the quantum computing sector, an emerging and high-growth technology industry. BlackRock's significant stake in Rigetti Computing, Inc. aligns with broader trends of major asset managers allocating capital to companies positioned for long-term innovation and disruption in advanced computing.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This is a standard Schedule 13G filing, a routine regulatory disclosure for institutional investors acquiring more than 5% of a company's stock with a passive investment intent.
• BlackRock, Inc. is one of the world's largest asset managers, and its frequent Schedule 13G filings across numerous public companies are typical, reflecting its extensive investment mandates.
• The 5.3% stake in Rigetti Computing, Inc. represents a notable position within BlackRock's portfolio, indicating a significant allocation to a company operating in the specialized and nascent quantum computing industry, which is consistent with diversified investment strategies in emerging technologies.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The disclosure of a significant institutional holder like BlackRock may provide a degree of confidence or validation for existing and potential shareholders, indicating that a major player sees value in Rigetti Computing, Inc.

Next Steps

• Rigetti Computing, Inc. will continue its operations and strategic initiatives.
• BlackRock, Inc. will continue to hold its investment in Rigetti Computing, Inc. as part of its portfolio.
• BlackRock, Inc. will file amendments to this Schedule 13G if its beneficial ownership percentage changes significantly (e.g., crosses a 1% threshold up or down) or if its investment intent changes from passive to active.

Key Dates

Keywords

Rigetti Computing, BlackRock, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Common Stock, Institutional Investor, Quantum Computing, SEC Filing, Passive Investment