LiDAR's Future: AEVA or OUST - Which Stock Shines Brighter?

Core Insights - The LiDAR sensor market is rapidly evolving, with Aeva Technologies (AEVA) and Ouster Inc. (OUST) as key competitors, focusing on advanced sensing solutions for various applications including self-driving cars and smart cities [1][2] Aeva Technologies (AEVA) - AEVA is diversifying its focus beyond automotive, making significant inroads into industrial automation and intelligent transportation systems, securing contracts that provide immediate revenue streams [3] - The company has received substantial financial backing, including a $125 million financing facility and a $32.5 million equity investment from a Fortune 500 tech partner, which supports its operational and developmental needs [4] - AEVA's major contracts, such as those with Daimler Truck and a top-10 global passenger OEM, have multi-billion-dollar potential, with the possibility of becoming a standard LiDAR supplier by 2027 [5] - Despite these opportunities, AEVA faces challenges with slow revenue generation in the near term, requiring continued product development and customer engagement [6] Ouster Inc. (OUST) - Ouster reported $32.6 million in revenues for Q1 2025, nearly ten times AEVA's revenue, with a healthy gross margin of 41%, and is expected to grow revenues by around 30% this year [7][8] - The company has a diverse customer base across various sectors, including robotics and defense, which mitigates reliance on automotive contracts and provides steady revenue [8][9] - Ouster's inclusion in the U.S. Department of Defense's Blue UAS list allows for easier access to federal contracts, enhancing its growth prospects and stability [9][10] - With no long-term debt and strong cash reserves of approximately $170 million, Ouster is positioned for sustainable growth and quicker profitability compared to AEVA [11] Price Performance and Valuation - AEVA's stock has surged over 500% year-to-date, driven by excitement around its industrial successes, while OUST has increased nearly 100% during the same period [12] - AEVA's forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio exceeds 50, indicating high expectations for future growth, whereas Ouster trades at just over 7X forward sales, reflecting a more grounded valuation [14] - Revenue projections show AEVA's revenues are expected to increase by 90% in 2025 and 156% in 2026, reaching $17.2 million, while OUST is projected to grow by 29% in 2025 and 47% in 2026, hitting $143.4 million [16][17] Conclusion - Both AEVA and OUST are crucial players in the LiDAR technology landscape, with AEVA focusing on innovative technology and long-term potential, while Ouster offers a more balanced approach with immediate operational strength and diverse revenue streams [18][19]