Should You Buy Rivian Stock While It's Below $21?

Core Viewpoint - Rivian's stock has mixed opinions among analysts, with some predicting a 50% decline while others, like Canaccord's George Gianarikas, set a price target of $21, indicating a potential 43% increase from current levels due to upcoming growth milestones [2][3]. Group 1: Growth Milestones - Rivian is set to reach a significant growth milestone with the production of its R2 model, aimed at the affordable mass-market segment, expected to begin in early 2026 [3][5]. - The R2 model is anticipated to have a starting price around $45,000, which is crucial for attracting a broader customer base, especially as most U.S. buyers prefer vehicles under $50,000 [4][5]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Currently, Rivian offers two models, the R1T and R1S, with starting prices between $70,000 and $80,000, making them less accessible to the majority of potential buyers [4]. - Rivian's closest competitor for the R2 is Tesla's Model Y, which has historically sold over 1 million units annually, while Rivian sold only 10,661 vehicles last quarter [6]. Group 3: Future Opportunities - The launch of the R2 could be transformative for Rivian, allowing the company to tap into a demographic with tens of millions of potential buyers [5]. - There are expectations that Rivian may soon announce developments in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, which could further enhance its market position [7].