RIVN vs. TSLA: Analysts are split on near-term outlook

The article says analysts give both Rivian and Tesla a Hold consensus, and average analyst targets imply roughly 13% downside for Rivian and about 6% downside for Tesla.

The article compares Rivian and Tesla as 2026 begins, using TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool to summarize Wall Street views. It notes the two companies are at different stages, with Tesla an established global EV leader and Rivian still working toward steady profits. Both firms reported softer deliveries in 2025, and each is pursuing technology and product plans that investors are watching closely. The article highlights recent company updates and analyst commentary without drawing its own conclusion. Key points: - The article says Rivian's shares are up about 41% over the past year but that vehicle deliveries fell 18% in 2025, including a fourth-quarter miss. - The article mentions Rivian's recent autonomy and AI updates, including an in-house chip, a self-driving service called Autonomy+, and an R2 SUV due in the first half of 2026. - The article reports Morgan Stanley maintained a Sell on Rivian, citing weak demand, high spending, and ongoing losses, while other analysts are more optimistic about the R2 launch. - The article says Tesla's fourth-quarter deliveries were 418,227, down 15.6% year over year, and full-year 2025 deliveries totaled 1.64 million vehicles, a second straight annual decline. - The article notes Tesla continues to invest in AI, self-driving software, robotics, and energy storage as long-term initiatives, and that competition from other makers, including BYD, has intensified. - The article finds both stocks carry a Hold consensus from analysts and that average price targets imply roughly 6% downside for Tesla and about 13% downside for Rivian. Summary: Analysts cited in the article are divided and view risks for both companies, with price-target averages indicating greater implied downside for Rivian than for Tesla. What happens next may hinge on Rivian's R2 launch in the first half of 2026 and on how Tesla's longer-term technology investments develop; Undetermined at this time.