ZACKS·2025-06-17 14:05Core Insights - Tesla, Inc. and Rivian Automotive are key players in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with Tesla being an established leader and Rivian a newer entrant [1][2] Tesla Overview - Tesla has experienced its first annual delivery decline in 2024, with Q1 deliveries falling 13% year-over-year, particularly in Europe and China [7][10] - The company's automotive margins decreased to 11.3% from 15.5% in Q1 2024, indicating pressure on profitability due to lower volumes and aggressive discounting [7] - Tesla's U.S. EV market share has dropped below 50%, down from 63% in 2022, as competition from legacy automakers and new entrants increases [8] - Despite challenges in its core EV business, Tesla's Energy Generation and Storage division has shown significant growth, with energy storage deployments increasing at a 180% CAGR over the past three years [11] - The upcoming robotaxi event is a potential wild card for Tesla, but there are concerns regarding safety, regulation, and the complexity of full autonomy [12] Rivian Overview - Rivian delivered 8,640 vehicles in Q1 2025, a decrease from 13,588 units in the same period last year, and has revised its 2025 delivery forecast to 40,000-46,000 units [13][14] - The company is focusing on the R2 model, an affordable electric SUV priced around $45,000, aimed at broadening its market appeal and reducing production costs [14] - Rivian reported a positive gross margin of 17% in the latest quarter, aided by a partnership with Volkswagen for next-gen software and electrical architecture [15] - Operational improvements have led to a 29% reduction in Rivian's 2024 EBITDA loss to $2.7 billion, with expectations for further narrowing to $1.7–$1.9 billion in 2025 [16] - Cash burn remains a concern, with Rivian's cash balance decreasing to $4.7 billion and capital spending projected to rise to $1.9 billion this year [17] Investment Outlook - Both Tesla and Rivian currently hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating near-term uncertainty and a mixed risk-reward profile [18] - Tesla's core EV business is slowing, and high expectations around self-driving technology may take longer to materialize, making its risk-reward less compelling [19] - Rivian presents a higher-risk, higher-reward scenario, with its path to profitability hinging on the successful execution of the R2 SUV launch [20] - Patience is required for investors in both stocks, but Rivian may offer more future potential and valuation reset opportunities [21]