Is Rivian Stock a Buy Before Feb. 12?

Core Viewpoint - Rivian Automotive is set to announce its fourth-quarter earnings on February 12, with investors keenly observing the company's efforts to diversify its business model beyond traditional vehicle sales to include software and services as potential growth drivers [1] Group 1: Production and Delivery Performance - Rivian's fourth-quarter deliveries fell 31% year over year to 9,745 vehicles, primarily due to demand being pulled forward to the third quarter, where 13,201 vehicles were delivered [2] - The decline in deliveries reflects broader trends in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with management indicating that they anticipated this volume decline [3] Group 2: Tax Credit and Market Position - Rivian vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit in 2025 due to failure to meet domestic battery sourcing requirements, which may limit their appeal to potential buyers [3] - The starting price of Rivian's flagship R1S is $76,990, targeting wealthier households who may not qualify for EV incentives, further complicating the company's market position [3] Group 3: Business Model Diversification - The uncertainty surrounding the tax credit is impacting Rivian and the broader EV industry, highlighting the necessity for the company to diversify its business model beyond just manufacturing and delivering vehicles [4] - Rivian's partnership with Volkswagen, established in late 2024, focuses on software and vehicle electronics, which may become a more significant aspect of its business strategy [5] Group 4: Financial Implications of Partnerships - The joint venture with Volkswagen is expected to provide Rivian with an infusion of cash, with Volkswagen committing to invest up to $5.8 billion by 2027 [6] - This partnership will also allow Rivian to achieve economies of scale by purchasing components in larger volumes, potentially reducing costs [6]