Should You Buy Rivian Stock While It's Below $11?

Rivian Automotive (RIVN), the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has been facing a challenging year, with its stock price dropping by 55% in 2024. The company's production and delivery performance have impacted investor sentiment, leading to questions about whether now is the right time to buy Rivian stock while it's below $11.

Rivian's production and delivery performance have been a significant factor in its stock price. The company recently reduced its full-year production estimate, from 57,000 vehicles to a range of 47,000 to 49,000 vehicles, due to supply chain issues. This multi-year run of disappointing production results has contributed to the stock's decline. However, some analysts argue that the current valuation presents an attractive entry point for investors willing to be patient.


Rivian's cash burn rate and debt levels are also crucial factors in its current valuation and stock price. The company had $7.9 billion in cash and equivalents at the end of the second quarter of 2024, offset by $5.5 billion in debt. Rivian's cash burn from operations was $4 billion, driven by $3.8 billion in ongoing operating costs from research and development (R&D) and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses. To improve its cash flow situation, Rivian needs to increase both its production volume and profit margins per vehicle.


Rivian's competitors, such as Tesla and Lucid Group, influence its stock price and market perception. Tesla's shares are currently priced at 9.6 times sales, while Lucid Group is valued at 12.1 times sales. Rivian, on the other hand, is priced at 2.2 times sales. This valuation gap can be attributed to Rivian's slower revenue growth rate compared to Lucid Group. However, Rivian's growth prospects are still promising, with its biggest growth drivers set to arrive in the coming years.


The potential catalysts for Rivian's stock price recovery include its planned expansion into mass-market vehicles, such as the R2 model in 2026 and the R3 and R3X models in 2027. These vehicles are expected to drive sales growth and improve Rivian's financial performance. Additionally, the company's partnership with Volkswagen could provide additional capital and support.

In conclusion, while Rivian's production and delivery performance have impacted investor sentiment, the company's current valuation presents an attractive entry point for patient investors. Rivian's cash burn rate and debt levels, as well as its competitive landscape, should be considered when making an investment decision. The potential catalysts for Rivian's stock price recovery include its planned expansion into mass-market vehicles and its partnership with Volkswagen. However, investors should remain cautious and monitor the company's progress closely.