Here’s why I’m staying well clear of Rivian stock

Electric vehicles have excited investors for years now, but can be hit or miss. Here’s why Gordon Best will be avoiding Rivian stock.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Illustration of flames over a black background

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing. Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) has emerged as a player with exciting products and bold ambitions. However, despite the potential of the company, I feel there are several compelling reasons why Rivian stock might be a risky investment.

Burning cash

A major concern I have is its lack of profitability. As a young company still in its growth phase, Rivian is burning through cash to ramp up production and develop new vehicles. While this cash burn is somewhat expected in the EV startup world, the sheer speed at which the firm is depleting its reserves is alarming.

Reports indicate a decline from nearly $20bn in late 2021 to under $8bn today. This trend raises questions about whether the company can continue over the long run without additional funding.

Even more concerningly, losses have been accelerating in recent years, increasing at 35% annually.

Competition

The EV market is becoming increasingly crowded. Established automakers like Ford and General Motors are pouring resources into developing their own electric vehicles. Additionally, Tesla continues to dominate the market share, making it difficult for new entrants to gain a foothold.

These newcomers face an uphill battle in convincing consumers to choose its brand over more established players with proven track records, especially in less established regions globally.

Let’s take a look at the numbers, firstly the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, since the company is unprofitable. The ratio of 2.8 is much higher than the calculated value of 0.3 times. Even with growth expectations of 33% over the coming years, I fear that the market isn’t convinced. With the share price down by over 50% in 2024 alone, I find it hard to disagree.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Rivian Automotive PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL1 May 201931 May 2024Zoom ▾Jul '19Jan '20Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '23Jul '23Jan '242020202020212021202220222023202320242024www.fool.co.uk

The company has ambitious plans for the future, with its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV already generating interest. As many investors in the EV space know, translating those plans into reality is a different story. Manufacturing delays and production hiccups could severely hamper the ability to meet targets and emerge as a reliable brand.

In a period of economic uncertainty and high interest rates, investors should be wary of the inherent risk associated with a young company navigating the complexities of large-scale auto production.

As Tesla CEO Elon Musk has noted many times in recent years, high interest rates and potential economic downturns could dampen consumer enthusiasm for high-priced electric vehicles. In this environment, government incentives for EVs could be scaled back or eliminated, making it even more difficult for newer players to establish themselves.

Friends in high places

Rivian boasts a strong partnership with Amazon, which has pre-ordered a significant number of delivery vans. However, this also creates a situation where success is somewhat tethered to the fortunes of another company. If Amazon changes its delivery strategy or decides to source vans elsewhere, it could be a major blow to Rivian’s production volume and revenue stream.

The bottom line

Rivian holds the potential to be a major player in the EV landscape. The company’s innovative vehicles and strong partnerships are impressive. However, for me, the current picture is far from rosy.

The combination of unproven profitability, a crowded market, execution risk, and economic uncertainty makes this a gamble at best. I’ll be staying well clear of Rivian stock for now.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Gordon Best has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Pink 3D image of the numbers '2025' growing in size
Investing Articles

An investor who put £10,000 into Shell shares at the start of the year would now have…

Harvey Jones looks at recent performance of Shell shares, and the factors that could drive the FTSE 100 stock higher…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Growth, dividends, and value! 3 top ETFs to consider for a balanced UK shares portfolio

These London-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could help investors in UK shares enjoy a strong and stable return over time.

Read more »

A row of satellite radars
Investing Articles

If an investor put £10k in Rolls-Royce shares 1 week ago here’s what they’d have now

Rolls-Royce shares started this week where they left off last week Friday, by racing ahead. How much more momentum can…

Read more »

Investing Articles

An investor who put £20,000 into Barclays shares at the start of this year would already have…

Barclays shares have had a brilliant run over the last year and Harvey Jones thinks they're still worth considering as…

Read more »

Young Asian woman with head in hands at her desk
Investing Articles

Here’s why Tesla stock nosedived 27% in February

Hot on the heels of a flat January, Tesla stock had a truly terrible February. What on earth's going on…

Read more »

Investing Articles

£20,000 in a cash ISA? Here’s how an investor could aim to turn that into a £14,900 second income

Can someone turn £20,000 in savings into a £14,900 second income? With enough time, Stephen Wright thinks this could be…

Read more »

Investing Articles

A last-minute growth ETF to consider before next month’s ISA deadline!

With a 540%-plus price rise over nearly a decade, this ETF could be a great investment for ISA investors to…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s why the BAE Systems share price just exploded 17% to an all-time high!

This writer looks at why the BAE Systems share price is up 30% so far in 2025 and asks whether…

Read more »