Form 4: Rigetti Computing CTO Sells Shares for Tax Withholding

Rigetti Computing's Chief Technology Officer, David Rivas, reported the sale of company shares to cover tax obligations related to restricted stock units.

Summary

• David Rivas, Chief Technology Officer at Rigetti Computing, Inc., reported a transaction on May 22, 2026.
• The transaction involved the sale of 18,729 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $22.9523.
• These sales were conducted to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising from the settlement of restricted stock units (RSUs).
• An additional 30 shares were sold at a price of $25.63, also for tax withholding purposes.
• Following these transactions, Rivas beneficially owns 713,155 shares of common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as neutral. While it involves the sale of shares by an executive, the stated reason for the sale (tax withholding for RSUs) is a routine and expected event, not indicative of a lack of confidence in the company's prospects.

Negatives

• Sale of company stock by a key executive, which can sometimes be perceived negatively by the market, although in this case it was for tax withholding.
• The weighted average sale price of $22.9523 indicates a potential decrease from previous valuations or grant prices, though this is not explicitly stated as a negative event.

Risks

• Tax withholding obligations can necessitate the sale of shares, potentially reducing an executive's direct ownership stake.
• Fluctuations in stock price can impact the amount of shares needed to cover tax liabilities.

Future Outlook

No specific future outlook or guidance is provided in this Form 4 filing, as it solely reports on past transactions.

Management Comments

• The sales reported represent non-discretionary sales of shares required to be sold by the Reporting Person pursuant to sell to cover transactions to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the settlement of restricted stock units ('RSUs').
• The Reporting Person undertakes to provide to the Issuer, any security holder of the Issuer, or the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, full information regarding the number of shares sold at each separate price within the range set forth in this footnote.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider sales for tax withholding are common events, particularly following RSU vesting. The volume and timing of such sales can sometimes be scrutinized for market sentiment, but the explicit reason provided here mitigates concerns about executives selling due to a lack of confidence in the company's future.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The sale is for tax purposes and not necessarily indicative of a negative outlook on the company's stock performance. The remaining beneficial ownership by the CTO suggests continued commitment.
• Employees: This transaction relates to executive compensation and does not directly impact other employees.
• Creditors: No direct impact on creditors is indicated by this filing.

Next Steps

• The reporting person may be required to provide further details on share sales at specific prices upon request from the SEC, security holders, or the issuer.

Key Dates

Keywords

Rigetti Computing, RGTI, Form 4, Insider Trading, Stock Sale, Tax Withholding, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership