Full Throttle: Rivian’s Q4 Delivery Numbers Ignite Stock Rally
Rivian’s Record Deliveries Drive a Promising Start to 2025 Despite Lingering Challenges

Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN) delivered a jolt of optimism to investors on Friday as its stock soared by as much as 24%. The surge followed the electric vehicle (EV) maker's announcement of delivering nearly 14,200 EVs in the fourth quarter of 2024, exceeding Wall Street’s expectations. This performance brought Rivian’s annual delivery total to an impressive 51,580 units, in line with the company's guidance.
Wall Street Reacts
The better-than-expected delivery numbers prompted swift reactions from analysts and investors alike. RBC Capital Markets analyst Tom Narayan noted that Rivian’s Q4 results dispelled concerns over ongoing supply chain challenges, which had previously caused disruptions. Rivian shares, trading above $16 as of Friday afternoon, reflected this newfound confidence.
However, the path forward is not without skeptics. CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson reiterated his Sell rating, citing continued bottom-line losses as a key concern. With a price target of $8, Nelson highlighted that Rivian’s profitability remains a long-term challenge.
A Tumultuous 2024 in the Rearview Mirror
Last year was nothing short of a rollercoaster for Rivian. The stock plummeted 40% in 2024, marking a staggering decline of nearly 90% from its 2021 IPO highs. The company faced headwinds from semiconductor shortages, rising competition from Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and waning consumer demand for EVs.
To counteract these challenges, Rivian launched aggressive cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions and production streamlining. Despite these efforts, the company reported a 35% revenue drop in Q3, attributed to production hiccups stemming from supplier miscommunication.
Turning the Corner
Rivian’s latest delivery numbers suggest that the worst may be behind the company. Analysts are cautiously optimistic that the supply chain issues that plagued Q3 were an anomaly. Moreover, the strong Q4 performance underscores the company's ability to meet its production goals, an encouraging sign for stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
While Rivian’s Q4 results have provided a much-needed boost, challenges remain. The EV market is fiercely competitive, with legacy automakers and startups vying for dominance. Rivian will need to focus on operational efficiency and ramping up production to maintain investor confidence.
With its full Q4 earnings report slated for release on February 20, all eyes will be on Rivian to see if it can sustain this momentum and address lingering profitability concerns.
