On July 27, 2026, the long-troubled electric vehicle (EV) company Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) appears to have been rewarded for its continued efforts to expand manufacturing, pursue technological innovation, and enter the ‘Model 3 Era’ by increased Wall Street optimism.
Specifically, Piper Sandler upgraded its view of RIVN stock with an ‘Overweight’ – ‘Buy’ – rating and a 12-month price target increase from $18 to $20, effectively forecasting the EV shares will be changing hands 26.26% above their latest close by mid-2027.
According to the Wall Street experts, the optimism is rooted in the recent stronger demand for electric cars, the smooth launch of the R2 SUV – a part of the so-called ‘Model 3 Era’ – and a stronger Rivian balance sheet following the latest capital raise.
Rivian stock price performance
Elsewhere, the EV maker’s efforts are also reflected in RIVN shares’ performance. Specifically, though the equity declined 18.39% year-to-date (YTD) to its latest close at $15.84, it is 14.95% in the green in the last 12 months.
Similarly, after years in decline, Rivian stock’s overall performance since roughly late 2024 and early 2025 has ensured it is 82.28% above its first-ever close in 2021.
Still, the firm’s work is far from done since the company is not only yet to turn profitable, but its stock remains a stark 81% below the all-time highs (ATH) reached shortly after the initial public offering (IPO).
Analysts predict Rivian stock price in the next 12 months
Meanwhile, the overall attitude on Wall Street appears to reflect both the journey already made by Rivian and the road yet to be taken. Specifically, RIVN stock is, based on the 17 ratings given within the last three months, considered a ‘Hold’ by institutional analysts.
Furthermore, the EV maker boasts 7 positive, six neutral, and 4 ‘Sell’ recommendations, per the data Finbold retrieved from TipRanks on July 27, and Rivian shares are, on average, expected to rally 13.27% to $17.94 in the next 12 months.
Featured image via Shutterstock
