Rivian Stock: A $23 Target, But Is It a Buy at $10.50?

Rivian Automotive, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, has garnered significant attention since its IPO in 2021. With a market cap of around $10.23 billion at $10.15 per share, Rivian's stock price has been volatile, reflecting the challenges and opportunities in the EV market. One Wall Street analyst has set a price target of $23 for Rivian, but is it a buy at around $10.50? Let's dive into the factors driving this bullish outlook and evaluate the risks.

**Analyst Optimism: A $23 Price Target**

George Gianarakis, an analyst at Canaccord Genuity, has a "Strong Buy" rating on Rivian stock with a price target of $23. This optimism is based on several factors, including Rivian's strategic partnership with Amazon for 100,000 electric delivery vans and the company's high production capacity.



Rivian's production and delivery growth trajectory significantly influences the analyst's price target. As of 2024, Rivian is expected to produce 25,000 vehicles, up from 24,439 in 2023. The company aims to deliver 50,000 vehicles in 2024, a 30% increase from the previous year. This growth, combined with Rivian's partnership with Amazon, contributes to the analyst's bullish outlook.

**Risks and Challenges**

While the analyst's bullish outlook is compelling, Rivian faces several challenges that could impact its growth trajectory. Firstly, Rivian's high cash burn rate and slower-than-expected production increases may weigh on the stock. Secondly, intense competition in the EV market from established players like Tesla and Ford, as well as newer startups, could hinder Rivian's growth. Lastly, supply chain bottlenecks and rising costs may continue to hamper Rivian's ability to scale efficiently.



**Conclusion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity**

Rivian's stock price forecast varies among analysts, with a 12-month average target of $15.67, ranging from $11 to $25. One analyst predicts a price of $23, which is higher than the average. However, Rivian faces several challenges that could impact this bullish outlook. Investors should consider these risks and monitor Rivian's progress closely before making a decision to buy at around $10.50. While the potential upside is significant, so are the risks associated with this high-growth EV startup.