Rivian Reports Narrower Q2 Loss, Boosts Production Forecast

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive recently unveiled its second-quarter results, revealing a narrower loss than expected and an increased production outlook for the year. The company now aims to manufacture approximately 52,000 vehicles in 2023, double the 2022 count and higher than its earlier projection of 50,000 units.

During Q2, Rivian delivered 12,640 vehicles, marking a 59% surge compared to the previous quarter and a substantial jump from the 4,467 electric vehicles (EVs) delivered in Q2 2022. The production tally for the quarter reached 13,992 vehicles, reflecting progress from 9,395 in Q1 2023 and 4,401 in Q2 2022.

The second-quarter net loss for Rivian stood at $1.2 billion, translating to $1.27 per share. This represents an improvement from a year ago when the net loss was $1.71 billion or $1.89 per share. The adjusted basis, reflecting a loss of $1.02 billion or $1.08 per share, highlights the company’s ongoing cost-efficiency initiatives.

Revenues for Q2 ascended to $1.12 billion, a notable increase from $364 million in the same period last year. The revenue total also encompasses $34 million from the sale of regulatory credits.

RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO, emphasized the company’s dedication to cost efficiency as it pursues profitability. He highlighted reductions in vehicle unit costs across vital components, such as material expenses, overhead, and logistics. Scaringe noted, “It was a strong quarter, and we remain focused on ramping production, driving cost efficiencies, developing future technologies, and enhancing the customer experience.”

Rivian’s gross loss for the quarter amounted to $412 million, down from $704 million a year ago and marking an improvement of roughly $35,000 per vehicle from Q1 2023. The progress is attributed to increased production, resulting in economies of scale, coupled with initiatives to drive down material costs through negotiations and engineering design changes.

Rivian reiterated its goal to achieve a positive gross profit by 2024. As of June 30, the company possessed $10.2 billion in cash, down from $11.78 billion at the end of March. Additionally, it had credit lines amounting to around $1.1 billion, culminating in total liquidity of $11.3 billion.

For the entire year, Rivian now projects about $1.7 billion in capital expenditures, a reduction from its previous guidance of $2 billion. The company took strategic measures earlier in the year to enhance its financial stability, including staff reductions, convertible note issuance, and adjustments to its vehicle platform launch timeline.

With the production of around 23,400 vehicles in the first half of 2023, Rivian continues its manufacturing operations for the R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and electric delivery vans for Amazon at its factory in Normal, Illinois.