Rivian Price Target Raised, Analyst Remains Neutral on Stock

Rivian Automotive's stock (NASDAQ: RIVN) closed out the last week of trading with gains of 8.94%, only to start the new week with a price target raise. RIVN is trading 0.5% higher in this morning's pre-market, as Goldman Sachs' updated analysis, which increased the firm's price target to $15 from $12 while maintaining a Neutral rating adds further fuel for bulls, despite sitting below the current trading price.

The stock, trading on the NASDAQ, closed out Friday at $15.59 as views on the electric vehicle (EV) market and Rivian's strategic position within it continue to shift.

Goldman Sachs' revised target price suggests a degree of optimism, yet the continued Neutral rating indicates lingering concerns about the company's ability to navigate industry challenges.

Goldman Sachs' analysis incorporates broader macroeconomic forecasts, increasing the 2025 U.S. auto forecast to 16.2 million vehicles from 15.75 million, and the 2026 forecast to 16.0 million from 15.5 million. This adjustment is attributed to robust year-to-date sales and Goldman Sachs' leading indicators, which point to stronger vehicle demand. The firm also noted “relatively benign” pricing actions within the industry in response to tariffs. However, the analysis also reduced U.S. battery electric vehicle mix assumptions for 2026 and beyond, signaling a potentially more tempered outlook for EV adoption rates.

This recent assessment follows a series of analyst reports offering varied perspectives on Rivian. In August 2025, Goldman Sachs maintained its Neutral rating with a $12.00 price target following Rivian's second-quarter earnings, citing lower-than-expected EBITDA due to reduced regulatory credit revenue and higher vehicle costs. Conversely, Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded Rivian in February 2025 from Overweight to Neutral but raised the price target to $15.00, based on updated guidance projecting lower vehicle deliveries but higher revenue due to anticipated income from the Software and Services segment and a higher average selling price.

However, in April 2025, Goldman Sachs lowered its price target to $12.00, maintaining a Neutral rating, amid broader concerns about the automotive sector, including challenges in offsetting tariff-related costs, signs of weakening consumer demand, and the increasing influence of Chinese automobile manufacturers.

The current market sentiment surrounding Rivian appears to be one of cautious optimism. While the increased price target from Goldman Sachs offers a positive signal, the maintained Neutral rating underscores the complexities and uncertainties facing the company. Factors such as evolving consumer demand, tariff implications, and the competitive landscape continue to shape Rivian's trajectory. The market's reaction reflects a blend of anticipation and caution, as investors weigh the potential for growth against the backdrop of industry-wide challenges, impacting Rivian's valuation and future prospects.