Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN) Shares Gap Up Following Earnings Beat

Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN)’s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Friday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock had previously closed at $14.00, but opened at $17.77. Rivian Automotive shares last traded at $16.8010, with a volume of 37,472,023 shares changing hands.

The electric vehicle automaker reported ($0.66) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.68) by $0.02. Rivian Automotive had a negative net margin of 67.68% and a negative return on equity of 61.67%. The firm had revenue of $1.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.27 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.70) earnings per share. The company’s revenue was down 25.8% on a year-over-year basis.

Key Rivian Automotive News

Here are the key news stories impacting Rivian Automotive this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Rivian delivered a Q4 surprise: revenue and adjusted loss beat consensus and management issued a strong 2026 delivery outlook, triggering the rally. Article Title
• Positive Sentiment: Management now expects a large jump in 2026 deliveries (guidance ~62k–67k units / ~53% growth year‑over‑year), driven by rollout of the more affordable R2 SUV — investors view this as a clear growth path. Article Title
• Positive Sentiment: Broker activity has turned constructive: notable upgrades/target increases (Deutsche Bank upgrade to Buy with $23 PT; Wedbush reiteration at $25) helped fuel buying interest. Article Title
• Neutral Sentiment: Quarter details: adjusted loss per share (~$0.54–$0.66 depending on source) beat estimates and revenue was roughly $1.28–1.29B; software/services showed meaningful YoY growth and management highlighted product & software initiatives. Article Title
• Neutral Sentiment: R2 progress: early reviews and management commentary point to R2 deliveries beginning in Q2 and strong demand potential, but it’s still early in the ramp. Article Title
• Negative Sentiment: Underlying profitability and revenue mix remain weak: automotive revenue fell sharply (reported ~45% decline in Q4 auto revenue), the company still posts negative net margins and negative ROE. Article Title
• Negative Sentiment: Cash burn and capex: Rivian flagged continued losses as it ramps production and may spend >$2.1B on capex for expansion; a recent settlement also pressures near‑term cash. Article Title Article Title
• Negative Sentiment: Operational risks remain: some metrics (vehicle margins, free cash flow) showed weakness even with the beat — the company still expects losses as it scales, leaving execution risk on the table. Article Title

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an “underweight” rating and set a $12.00 target price on shares of Rivian Automotive in a report on Monday, December 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Rivian Automotive from $13.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Evercore reissued an “outperform” rating on shares of Rivian Automotive in a report on Monday, December 15th. Benchmark boosted their price objective on shares of Rivian Automotive from $18.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, TD Cowen increased their target price on Rivian Automotive from $13.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and six have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $17.62.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Peter Krawiec sold 3,655 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.45, for a total transaction of $71,089.75. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 29,122 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $566,422.90. This represents a 11.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Robert J. Scaringe sold 17,450 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.03, for a total value of $279,723.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,115,209 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $17,876,800.27. This trade represents a 1.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 120,154 shares of company stock valued at $2,143,724. 2.16% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rivian Automotive

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Assetmark Inc. boosted its position in Rivian Automotive by 315.6% in the second quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,787 shares of the electric vehicle automaker’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 1,357 shares during the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in Rivian Automotive by 113.6% during the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,880 shares of the electric vehicle automaker’s stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Core Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Rivian Automotive in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Mather Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Rivian Automotive in the third quarter worth $30,000. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Rivian Automotive in the third quarter worth $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.25% of the company’s stock.

Rivian Automotive Trading Up 26.6%

The stock has a market cap of $21.74 billion, a PE ratio of -5.78 and a beta of 1.76. The company’s fifty day moving average is $17.66 and its 200-day moving average is $15.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 2.71 and a quick ratio of 2.23.

About Rivian Automotive

Rivian Automotive, Inc is an American automotive technology company specializing in the design, development and manufacture of electric vehicles. The company is best known for its all-electric R1 platform, which underpins the R1T pickup truck and R1S sport utility vehicle. In addition to consumer products, Rivian has secured a significant commercial contract to produce electric delivery vans for a leading e-commerce provider, underscoring its capability to serve both retail and fleet customers.

Founded in 2009 by engineer and entrepreneur Robert “RJ” Scaringe, Rivian has grown from a research-focused startup into a publicly traded corporation.