Benzinga·2026-01-16 16:42Core Viewpoint - Rivian Automotive's stock outperformed the market in 2025 despite a decrease in electric vehicle deliveries, with CEO RJ Scaringe indicating that a significant catalyst for the stock is approaching soon [1] Group 1: R2 Electric SUV - The R2 electric SUV, unveiled in March 2024, is a crucial future catalyst for Rivian's stock, with manufacturing validation builds currently in progress [2] - Rivian has paused plans for a new factory in Georgia to focus on updating its existing Normal, Illinois factory, aiming for R2 deliveries in 2026 [3][4] - The R2 is priced starting at approximately $45,000, positioning it to compete with Tesla's Model Y, which starts at $41,630 and was the best-selling electric vehicle globally in 2025 [3] Group 2: Production and Market Strategy - Rivian aims for annual production capabilities exceeding 100,000 units from its Normal factory, with potential construction of the Georgia factory starting in 2026 [7] - The decision to prioritize R2 production at the existing facility rather than waiting for the Georgia factory could be advantageous for Rivian [7] - Rivian's R1S was the eighth best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. with 24,852 deliveries, despite a 7.7% year-over-year decline, while total deliveries for 2025 were 42,247, down 18% year-over-year [8] Group 3: Stock Performance - Rivian's stock was trading at $16.87, with a 52-week range of $10.36 to $22.69, and shares increased by 48.2% in 2025, although they have started 2026 lower [10] - The upcoming R2 deliveries could significantly impact Rivian's stock direction in 2026 [10]