Rivian’s Bullish Future: New Buy Rating Sparks Investor Interest
Rivian’s Long-Term Growth Potential Gains Momentum Amid Market Challenges.

Rivian Automotive, a rising star in the electric vehicle (EV) space, witnessed a notable boost in its stock performance early Monday, following a fresh endorsement from Benchmark analyst Mickey Legg. The analyst initiated coverage with a bullish Buy rating and an $18 price target, igniting investor confidence in the start-up's long-term prospects despite challenges faced in the current EV market. Rivian shares climbed 3.6% in pre-market trading, reaching $13.47, even as broader market indicators, including the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures, remained largely flat.
Mickey Legg's analysis underscores Rivian's potential to carve out a significant share of the growing EV market over the next decade. While 2024 has proven challenging for Rivian, with its stock down approximately 45% for the year, Legg’s optimism rests on several strategic and market-driven factors. He highlighted the anticipated acceleration in domestic EV production beginning in 2025, fueled by declining average selling prices and substantial improvements in charging infrastructure—a vital component in driving broader EV adoption.
Rivian’s current product line, including the luxury R1T all-electric pickup truck and the R1S all-electric SUV, has positioned the company in the premium EV segment, with price points starting above $70,000. However, Rivian is preparing to address a wider market demographic with the upcoming launch of vehicles based on its R2 platform in 2026. This strategic expansion is expected to significantly broaden Rivian’s addressable market and enhance its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded industry.
Financially, Rivian’s robust balance sheet stands out as a key strength. With over $6 billion in cash reserves and additional backing from prominent partners such as Volkswagen, the company has the resources to weather near-term challenges while executing its growth strategy. Legg’s $18 price target is grounded in his projections for Rivian’s 2028 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), with an 18x multiple—a valuation that reflects both confidence and caution, given Rivian’s current lack of profitability.
The road to profitability remains a key hurdle for Rivian. Analysts estimate the company will sell approximately 51,000 vehicles in 2024, a modest increase from 50,000 in 2023. To achieve sustained profitability, however, Rivian would need to scale up significantly, with annual sales approaching the 400,000-vehicle mark—a milestone projected to be achievable closer to the end of the decade. Comparatively, Tesla, the industry leader, trades at a significantly higher multiple of 38x estimated 2028 EBITDA, buoyed by its established profitability and free cash flow generation.
While Legg’s outlook is optimistic, he acknowledges potential risks, particularly around policy shifts. The recent U.S. presidential election and speculation about changes to EV tax credits—currently worth up to $7,500 per vehicle—have introduced an element of uncertainty. Although the loss of such credits would pose a challenge, Legg views the risk as manageable, a sentiment seemingly echoed by investors who have driven Rivian’s stock up by about 23% since the November election.
Market sentiment around Rivian reflects a cautiously optimistic stance. According to FactSet, 44% of analysts covering the stock rate it as a Buy, a figure below the S&P 500 average of 55%. The average price target of $14.75 suggests room for upside, but also underscores the measured optimism that many analysts maintain, given the broader slowdown in EV market growth and ongoing challenges in scaling production.
As Rivian navigates these complexities, its vision for the future and strategic initiatives offer a compelling narrative for investors willing to take the long view. With a strong foundation, innovative products, and an expanding market opportunity, Rivian’s trajectory could redefine its position in the EV space, making it a stock to watch closely in the coming years.
