Right. Rivian. Everyone’s suddenly all bright-eyed about them, haven’t they? Shares did a little jig last week, all thanks to some optimistic delivery forecasts for 2026. Honestly, it’s enough to make a cynic like me…slightly less cynical. Briefly. Don’t get your hopes up.
Still, down about 15% year-to-date? That’s a proper tumble. Makes you wonder if this bounce is a genuine recovery, or just a desperate attempt to look like it isn’t sinking.
The Numbers, As Rivian Tells It
So, the big news: 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles this year. Ambitious. It’s the R2 SUV doing the heavy lifting, apparently. A “lower-priced” model. Which, let’s be real, still isn’t cheap. But it’s cheaper than the R1, which costs about the same as a small island. They’re planning a slow ramp-up – one production shift to start, then another, then another. Classic. Because rushing things never ends badly, does it?
They’re talking about appealing to a “wider audience.” Translation: people who aren’t billionaires. Smart move, I suppose. Though, if they really want a wider audience, maybe they should consider making a car that…actually fits in a parking space. Just a thought.
Revenue took a 26% hit last quarter. A bit of a wobble, wouldn’t you say? Fewer vehicles produced, fewer delivered. They were busy preparing for the R2, which is code for “trying to avoid a complete disaster.” Automobile revenue down 45%. Ouch. But software and service revenue doubled. Which is…something. Apparently, a chunk of that comes from a joint venture with Volkswagen. The Germans always know how to monetize things. It’s a talent, really.
They managed a 9% gross margin, which is…fine. I guess. And they’re aiming for 20% auto gross margin in 2027. A lofty goal. Like me attempting a marathon. It’ll probably end in tears. Adjusted EBITDA loss widened. Free cash flow? Negative. A cool $1.14 billion down the drain. They’re burning cash faster than I go through a box of chocolates. Which, admittedly, is very fast.
Looking ahead, they’re projecting more negative adjusted EBITDA. More capital expenditures. More cash burning. Honestly, it’s a wonder they haven’t started selling company snacks to stay afloat.
So, Should You Buy?
Look, let’s be honest. Rivian is still a gamble. A big, shiny, expensive gamble. 2026 is going to be…interesting. The R2 launch could be a catalyst. Or it could be a spectacular flop. Who knows? If you’re the risk-tolerant type, and you enjoy watching your money potentially vanish into thin air, then go for it. A small position, mind you. Don’t go all in. Unless you have a spare island you’re willing to mortgage. Even after this post-earnings jump, this isn’t a stock for the faint of heart. Or the sensible investor. But hey, who am I to judge? I once bought a timeshare in the Bahamas.
Read More
- Building 3D Worlds from Words: Is Reinforcement Learning the Key?
- The Best Directors of 2025
- 2025 Crypto Wallets: Secure, Smart, and Surprisingly Simple!
- 20 Best TV Shows Featuring All-White Casts You Should See
- Umamusume: Gold Ship build guide
- Mel Gibson, 69, and Rosalind Ross, 35, Call It Quits After Nearly a Decade: “It’s Sad To End This Chapter in our Lives”
- Uncovering Hidden Signals in Finance with AI
- TV Shows That Race-Bent Villains and Confused Everyone
- Gold Rate Forecast
- ‘The Substance’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie of the Week: Here Are the Remaining Top 10 Movies
2026-02-20 21:54