Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID) is among the 9 Best Auto Stocks to Buy Now. Lucid Group, Inc. (LCID)'s SUV Arrives With High Hopes And Significant Risks CNBC reported on December 20, 2025, that Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCID) is expanding the manufacturing of its Gravity three-row SUV. It is marking its first entry into the SUV market, which is expected to retail for approximately $79,900. So far, the business has sold just a few hundred Gravity products in 2025, with manufacturing limited due to magnet, ...

Core Insights - The drone industry, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has significantly transformed military and defense strategies in the 21st century, moving from a niche market to a central focus in defense discussions [1][4] - AeroVironment, a pioneer in the drone sector, has experienced substantial growth in revenue and stock price, particularly following the onset of the Ukraine war [2][4] Company Overview - AeroVironment went public in 2007 with a market cap of $430 million, which did not exceed $1 billion until 2018, and fluctuated between $1 billion and $3.3 billion until the Ukraine conflict began [3] - Since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, AeroVironment's revenue has surged by 143.6%, while its stock price has increased by 347.5% during the same period [4] Market Demand - The U.S. Army has announced plans to purchase at least 1 million drones in the coming years, indicating strong future demand for UAVs [5] Competitive Landscape - The drone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major tech companies like Alphabet and Tesla, as well as defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, entering the UAV space [7][8] - As a smaller company, AeroVironment must leverage innovation and technological strength to compete effectively against larger firms [8]

Core Viewpoint - Tesla Inc. is expected to outperform analyst consensus estimates in its upcoming third-quarter results, with predictions indicating higher earnings and revenue than previously anticipated [2][3]. Financial Projections - Analyst Troy Teslike forecasts a Non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.66, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.59 per share [3]. - Expected revenue for Tesla is projected at $28.4 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus of $27.3 billion [3]. - The only area where Teslike's projections fall short is in gross margins, which are expected to be 17.2%, slightly below the consensus of 17.3% [4]. Market Sentiment - Morningstar's Senior Equity Analyst Seth Goldstein expresses skepticism regarding the market's enthusiasm for Tesla's robotaxi technology, suggesting that expectations may be overly optimistic [5]. - Goldstein maintains a "Sell" rating on Tesla's stock, citing concerns about the timeline for a full robotaxi launch and the current state of Tesla's autonomous vehicle technology [6]. - Despite his cautious stance, Goldstein acknowledges positive long-term developments for Tesla, including advancements in humanoid robots and battery technology [6].

Core Viewpoint - Pony AI's stock surged over 9% following a buy recommendation from Jefferies analyst Johnson Wan, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 1.6% increase on the same day [1]. Company Analysis - Jefferies initiated coverage of Pony AI with a buy recommendation and set a price target of $32.80, up from the recent closing price of $22.19 [2]. - The total addressable transportation market in China is projected to reach 52 billion yuan ($7.3 billion) by 2030, indicating substantial growth potential for companies like Pony AI [3]. - Pony AI is recognized for its ability to navigate regulatory challenges and manage costs effectively, positioning it favorably within the industry [3]. Market Sentiment - Citigroup has also taken notice of Pony AI, placing the stock on its 30-day upside catalyst watch, although the specific reasons for this action were not disclosed [4].

Core Viewpoint - Aptiv is an overlooked stock in the automotive industry, recently upgraded by Barclays, with shares reaching a new 52-week high before pulling back [1][2]. Company Overview - Aptiv is a Switzerland-based company with two divisions: an electrical distribution business and an advanced safety technology division [2][3]. - The electrical distribution business includes wiring harnesses and connectors for hybrid systems and electric vehicles, while the safety technology division produces hardware and software for features like lane keep assist and autonomous braking [3]. Market Performance - The stock has shown recovery after a period of stagnation, influenced by supply chain disruptions and a depressed EV market over the past few years [4][5]. - General Motors is the largest revenue driver for Aptiv, accounting for approximately 15% of its revenue [6]. Analyst Sentiment - Barclays raised its price target for Aptiv from 85 to 105, citing improved market sentiment in both high voltage electrical distribution and autonomous vehicle sectors [6][8]. - Other analysts have also raised their price targets, with Oppenheimer at 92 and BFA at 95, indicating growing interest in the stock [10][12]. Financial Metrics - Despite a decline in net income margins over the past year, gross margins have improved, suggesting higher pricing or lower costs [12]. - Sales have decreased by 1% in the trailing four quarters, but expectations are for mid-single-digit growth in both sales and net income margins moving forward [12][13]. Valuation Insights - Aptiv is currently trading at around 10 times next year's earnings, which is typically associated with low growth stocks, but growth prospects appear to be improving [14]. - The anticipated spin-off of its two divisions is expected to unlock value and could lead to multiple expansions for shareholders [8][15]. Industry Trends - The automotive industry is seeing positive trends, with improvements in electric vehicle sales, particularly in Europe [16]. - Aptiv may benefit from onshoring production to the U.S., which could help mitigate tariff impacts and enhance its operational efficiency [17][18].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is facing a significant trial regarding the safety of its Autopilot system, stemming from a fatal crash in 2019, marking the first time the company has been in front of a jury in federal court on such allegations [1][9]. Group 1: Trial Details - The trial began on July 14, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, with plaintiffs seeking approximately $345 million in damages, which includes $109 million in compensatory damages and $236 million in punitive damages [2]. - The case revolves around a crash involving a Tesla Model S driven by George McGee, who was using the Enhanced Autopilot system at the time of the incident [3][4]. Group 2: Incident Overview - During the crash, McGee was distracted while trying to retrieve his dropped phone, believing that the Autopilot would automatically brake for obstacles, leading to a collision at over 60 miles per hour [4]. - The crash resulted in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides and serious injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who is also seeking compensation for his medical expenses and suffering [5][6]. Group 3: Legal Arguments - Plaintiffs argue that Tesla's Autopilot system had known defects and that the company failed to limit its use to safe conditions, while also claiming that Tesla and Musk misrepresented the safety and capabilities of the Autopilot system [7]. - Tesla's defense contends that the company provided adequate communication regarding the use of Autopilot and that McGee's actions were the primary cause of the accident [8]. Group 4: Previous Legal Context - The Benavides family had previously settled a lawsuit against McGee, who faced charges of careless driving but did not contest them [9]. - The judge's ruling allowed the case to proceed to trial, despite Tesla's history of settling similar cases or moving them to arbitration [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Cyngn Inc. has successfully closed a registered direct offering, raising approximately $15.0 million through the sale of shares and pre-funded warrants at a price of $5.01 per share [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering included the sale of 2,994,012 shares of Common Stock and Pre-Funded Warrants, with the public offering price set at $5.01 per share [2]. - The Pre-Funded Warrants are immediately exercisable and can be exercised at any time until fully exercised, with a minimal exercise price of $0.00001 [2]. - The transaction closed on June 27, 2025, and the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital [3]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Information - The offering was conducted under an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the SEC on June 13, 2023 [4]. - A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will be filed with the SEC, providing further details about the offering [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Cyngn develops autonomous vehicle technology aimed at addressing challenges faced by industrial organizations, such as labor shortages and safety incidents [7]. - The company's DriveMod technology allows customers to implement self-driving technology without significant upfront costs or infrastructure changes [8]. - DriveMod is currently available on specific models like Motrec MT-160 Tuggers and BYD Forklifts, with capabilities such as hauling up to 12,000 lbs and a payback period of less than 2 years [9].

Core Viewpoint - Cyngn Inc. has announced a registered direct offering of approximately $15.0 million in shares of Common Stock and pre-funded warrants at a price of $5.01 per share, aimed at raising capital for general corporate purposes and working capital [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering includes the sale of 2,994,012 shares of Common Stock or Pre-Funded Warrants, with the public offering price set at $5.01 per share [2]. - The Pre-Funded Warrants are immediately exercisable and can be exercised at any time until fully exercised, with a minimal exercise price of $0.00001 [2]. - The transaction is expected to close on or about June 27, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized for general corporate purposes and working capital [3]. Group 3: Company Background - Cyngn develops and deploys autonomous vehicle technology tailored for industrial organizations, addressing challenges such as labor shortages and safety incidents [8]. - The company's DriveMod technology allows customers to integrate self-driving technology into their operations without significant upfront costs or infrastructure changes [9]. - DriveMod products include the Tugger, which can haul up to 12,000 lbs, and the Forklift, designed for non-standard pallets, with a typical payback period of less than 2 years [10].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has contacted Tesla following reports of its robotaxis violating traffic laws during a limited rollout in Austin, raising concerns about the safety of the autonomous vehicle technology [1][2]. Group 1: NHTSA's Involvement - NHTSA is aware of incidents involving Tesla robotaxis and is gathering additional information from the manufacturer [2] - The agency emphasizes that it enforces laws on all vehicle manufacturers and investigates potential safety defects without pre-approving new technologies [2] Group 2: Tesla's Robotaxi Launch - Tesla began offering paid rides in its robotaxis to invited customers in South Austin, marking a significant test of its autonomous vehicle technology [1][3] - The robotaxis are equipped with an unsupervised version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which allows them to drive autonomously, although a human safety monitor is present during rides [3] Group 3: Safety Concerns - Videos have surfaced showing Tesla robotaxis exceeding speed limits and swerving into the wrong lane, raising safety concerns [3] - An incident was reported where a Tesla robotaxi abruptly hit its brakes without apparent reason, particularly when approaching police vehicles [4]

Core Insights - Uber Technologies has experienced significant stock price appreciation, with shares rising 38% in 2025 and 109% over the past two years, outperforming the S&P 500 index [1] - The company's diversified business model has evolved from a ride-hailing service to a mobility and delivery powerhouse, with nearly equal revenue contributions from both segments [3][4] - Uber's financial performance has improved dramatically, posting $1.2 billion in operating income in Q1 2025, a significant turnaround from a $1.3 billion operating loss in Q1 2020 [6] Business Model and Revenue Streams - Uber's revenue in Q1 2025 included $6.5 billion from mobility and $3.8 billion from delivery, with a smaller freight segment contributing as well [5] - The company leverages its driver network to enhance earnings potential for gig workers and utilizes extensive data for marketing and promotional strategies [4] Profitability and Growth Projections - Management anticipates adjusted EBITDA growth of approximately 37% to 40% from 2024 to 2027, indicating a focus on operational efficiency [7] - The company operates with a strong network effect, boasting 170 million monthly active users, over 7 million drivers, and more than 1 million merchants [8] Competitive Positioning - Uber's brand recognition is significant, with the name becoming synonymous with ride-hailing and delivery services, enhancing its visibility and attractiveness to partners [9] - Partnerships with companies like OpenTable and Delta Air Lines, as well as collaborations with autonomous vehicle technology firms, position Uber as a leader in the evolving transportation landscape [10] Investment Considerations - At the beginning of 2025, Uber's forward price-to-earnings ratio was 16.7, which has since increased to 22.9, suggesting a shift in valuation but still presenting potential for investors [11] - The CEO highlighted a $1 trillion opportunity in autonomous vehicle technology in the U.S., alongside efforts to attract more teenage users and increase rider frequency, indicating substantial long-term growth potential [12]