Summary of Aurora Innovation (AUR) FY Conference Call - August 13, 2025 Company Overview - Aurora Innovation is focused on operating driverless trucks on public roads, marking significant progress in the autonomous trucking industry [3][5] - The company has established partnerships with major players such as Hirschbach, Uber Freight, FedEx, Warner, Schneider, and Volvo Autonomous Solutions to expand its operations [5] Key Developments - Aurora operated 20,000 miles with driverless trucks in the second quarter of 2025, starting with one truck and scaling up to three [4][18] - The company has launched both daytime and nighttime operations, with plans to operate in various weather conditions, including rain and wind, by 2025 [11][12] - Aurora's driverless technology aims to enhance asset utilization, allowing trucks to operate over 20 hours a day compared to the traditional 8 hours [13][56] Market Opportunity - The autonomous trucking market is estimated to be a $1 trillion opportunity, with Aurora positioned as a leader due to its unique partnerships and operational capabilities [6][39] - The company anticipates significant revenue growth and improved margins through its "driver as a service" business model, expected to launch in 2027 [9][58] Financial Position - Aurora reported $1.3 billion in cash and short-term investments, providing a strong financial foundation to support operations through 2027 [8] - The partnership with Continental involves a unique pricing model where Aurora pays a per-mile fee for hardware, creating predictable revenue streams for both companies [48][50] Competitive Landscape - The autonomous trucking industry is expected to see increased competition, but Aurora believes it has a multiyear lead and is well-positioned to scale its business [39][40] - The company acknowledges the challenges of the industry and the importance of safety, emphasizing its commitment to developing reliable technology [41][66] Future Plans - In 2026, Aurora plans to introduce a second-generation hardware kit that will be cheaper and more durable, enabling the production of hundreds to thousands of trucks [27][29] - The company aims to expand its operational lanes throughout the Sunbelt and reach customer endpoints, enhancing customer adoption [28][29] Technological Approach - Aurora has developed proprietary lidar technology that enhances safety by allowing trucks to see further and react more effectively in various conditions [66] - The company emphasizes a multimodal sensing approach, combining lidar, cameras, and radars to ensure safe operations [62][66] Conclusion - Aurora Innovation is making significant strides in the autonomous trucking space, with a strong financial position, strategic partnerships, and a clear roadmap for future growth and technology development [8][9][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized revenue of $1 million from driverless and vehicle operator supervised commercial loads during the second quarter of 2025 [27] - The operating loss for the second quarter totaled $230 million, with R&D expenses at $146 million and SG&A at $25 million [27][28] - The company ended the quarter with $1.3 billion in cash and short-term investments, indicating strong liquidity [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Aurora driver logged over 20,000 safe driverless miles from commercial launch in April to June [9] - The company expanded its fleet from one to three driverless trucks operating between Dallas and Houston [10] - The driverless trucks maintained nearly 100% on-time performance and a perfect safety record [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on expanding its driverless operations and validating operations in challenging weather conditions by the end of the year [13][19] - The terminal in Phoenix opened in June, with two customers piloting autonomous trucking on the Fort Worth to Phoenix lane [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become an essential partner in the freight industry by increasing customer value and expanding driverless operations [12] - The strategy includes a focus on hardware development, with plans for second and third generation commercial hardware kits to reduce costs and support scaling [20][21] - The company is also working on partnerships for workforce development to prepare technicians for autonomous vehicle demands [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the urgency for customers to integrate safer, more efficient driverless trucks into their operations due to structural challenges in the freight industry [16] - The company expects to validate driverless operations on additional routes by the end of the year, setting the stage for rapid expansion in 2026 [67] Other Important Information - The company issued 57 million shares of Class A common stock for net proceeds of $331 million, which will support future fundraising and tax liabilities [28] - The introduction of the America Drives Act aims to establish a federal framework for self-driving trucks, which could enhance the regulatory environment for the company [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the Volvo trucks be operating without an observer? - The company expects to receive 20 Volvo trucks by the end of the year but will initially use them for development and will not operate them without an observer [32] Question: Is there additional commercial momentum since the launch? - The company has seen increased interest from carriers and fleet operators, indicating excitement about the transformational impact of their technology [36] Question: How is the performance in wind and rain being tracked? - The company is focused on thorough validation and refining capabilities to ensure safety before launching in challenging weather conditions [40] Question: What is the timeline for ramping up trucks in operation? - The company is following a crawl, walk, run model and is focused on capability expansion and proving technology before scaling up the fleet [52] Question: What is the relationship with Uber post their debt offering? - Uber remains a great partner, focusing on ride-hailing while the company focuses on trucking, with ongoing collaboration in freight operations [72] Question: How is the production relationship with PACCAR developing? - The company values its relationship with PACCAR and is supporting their development of autonomy-enabled truck platforms while advancing its own driver technology [80]

Group 1 - Kodiak Robotics is merging with Ares Acquisition Corporation II in a deal valued at $2.6 billion, indicating significant investment interest in the autonomous trucking sector [1] - The company has projected a substantial total addressable market for autonomous trucking, highlighting the industry's growth potential [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, operating expenses totaled $211 million, with R&D expenses at $153 million, which included $871,000 in pilot revenue, reflecting a 22% quarter-over-quarter and 54% year-over-year increase [35] - The company ended Q1 2025 with nearly $1.2 billion in cash and short-term investments, including $68 million from the issuance of shares [37] - The expected quarterly cash use for the remainder of 2025 is projected to be between $175 million and $185 million [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Aurora driver has begun regular driverless operations, completing over 4,000 driverless miles, which is longer than the distance across the United States [19] - The company has achieved a 100% API metric during Q1, exceeding the commercial launch target of 90% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dallas to Houston launch lane represents a significant commercial opportunity, with plans to expand operations to Fort Worth, El Paso, and Phoenix in the second half of 2025 [22] - The Aurora driver is validated for operations in daytime with clear weather conditions, focusing on 53-foot drive-in and refrigerated trailers [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to prove the technology's promise, increase product value for customers, and become an essential partner in the freight industry [12] - A crawl, walk, run approach is being adopted for scaling operations, with plans to operate multiple lanes and expand capabilities to include night driving and adverse weather conditions by the end of 2025 [70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the safety and performance of the Aurora driver, highlighting strong customer interest and enthusiasm following the launch [55][56] - The company is focused on demonstrating the technology's value and plans to provide regular updates on driverless miles and revenue metrics [62] Other Important Information - The company has developed a safety case framework for autonomous trucking, achieving 100% completion for its launch lane [13] - The company plans to raise between $650 million and $850 million prior to achieving positive free cash flow, anticipated in 2028 [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: What do competitors underestimate about bringing autonomous solutions to market? - Management highlighted the complexity of delivering a safe product and the importance of partnerships and validation processes, which competitors may not fully appreciate [44][46] Question: Can you provide insights on customer and industry feedback since the launch? - Management reported near-universal enthusiasm from partners and customers, indicating a significant increase in interest following the launch [55][57] Question: How will the company determine the next steps for expansion? - The focus will be on operational execution and feedback from the operations team, with plans to scale confidently based on experience [59] Question: What metrics will be shared quarterly? - Management indicated that updates on driverless miles and revenue will be provided, moving away from development metrics [62] Question: How critical is simulation technology for expanding routes? - Management emphasized the importance of simulation in validating the vehicle's performance in various conditions, which is crucial for safe operations [95] Question: How will pricing be approached in the future? - Management believes that substantial value will be demonstrated, allowing for potential pricing strategies that reflect the benefits of the technology [98][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, operating expenses totaled $211 million, with R&D expenses at $153 million, including $871,000 in pilot revenue, which increased by 22% quarter-over-quarter and 54% year-over-year [33][34] - The company ended Q1 with nearly $1.2 billion in cash and short-term investments, including $68 million from the issuance of shares [35] - The expected quarterly cash use for the remainder of 2025 is between $175 million and $185 million, reflecting an increase in capital expenditures as the company prepares to scale [35][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The launch of the Aurora driver in April 2025 marked the beginning of recognizing revenue, which will be reflected in the Q2 results [34] - The Aurora driver has completed over 4,000 driverless miles, demonstrating its operational capabilities [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Aurora driver is validated for driverless operations on a significant freight corridor, with plans to expand operations to additional routes, including Fort Worth to El Paso and Phoenix by the second half of 2025 [20][21] - The company aims to operate tens of trucks by the end of 2025, starting with a crawl, walk, run approach to ensure a seamless product experience [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on proving the technology's promise, increasing product value for customers, and becoming an essential partner in the freight industry [10][19] - The strategy includes expanding commercial lanes and validating night driving and operations in adverse weather conditions [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the safety and performance of the Aurora driver, highlighting its ability to address challenges in the freight industry, such as driver shortages and high turnover [19] - The company anticipates raising $650 million to $850 million before achieving positive free cash flow, expected in 2028 [36] Other Important Information - The company published a driverless safety report detailing the operational safety of the Aurora driver, which includes risk management and cybersecurity measures [12] - The company has received strong support from state officials, indicating a favorable regulatory environment for autonomous trucking [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do competitors underestimate the complexity of bringing an autonomous solution to market? - Management noted that competitors may not appreciate the extensive ecosystem and multi-year engagements required to industrialize the technology, emphasizing their structural advantage in validation and safety [39][46] Question: Is the financial guidance from the Analyst Day still applicable? - Management confirmed that the financial ambitions discussed previously remain generally correct, with a slight delay in the launch timeline [48][50] Question: What feedback has been received from customers since the launch? - Management reported near-universal enthusiasm from partners and customers, indicating a significant increase in interest following the launch [53][55] Question: How will the company determine the next steps for expansion? - The company will focus on operational execution and feedback from the operational team to scale confidently [56][58] Question: What improvements in AI are expected moving forward? - Management indicated that advancements in AI are already integrated into the Aurora driver, with ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities in various conditions [75][78] Question: How critical is simulation technology for expanding routes? - Management emphasized that simulation is essential for validating the vehicle's performance in diverse conditions, allowing for faster route expansion [90][92] Question: How will pricing be approached in the future? - Management stated that pricing will be based on the substantial value delivered to customers, with potential for premium pricing as the technology proves its worth [94][97]

Business Overview - Aurora closed the Dallas to Houston Safety Case, achieving 100% Autonomy Readiness Measure (ARM)[8] - Prior to launch, Aurora exceeded its 100% Autonomy Performance Indicator (API) loads Commercial Launch target[9] - Aurora began driverless commercial deliveries for Uber Freight and Hirschbach between Dallas and Houston[12, 15] Technology and Expansion - Aurora is expanding its product capabilities to include validated night driving and operation in adverse weather conditions[22] - Aurora is beginning its lane expansion strategy with driverless operations on the Fort Worth to El Paso lane, with further extension to Phoenix[22] - The lane between Fort Worth and Phoenix spans over 1,000 miles[23, 26] Performance Metrics - Aurora's Autonomy Performance Indicator (API) has increased from 61% in 1Q23 to 95% in 1Q25[10] - Cumulatively, Aurora has autonomously delivered over 11,000 commercial loads[28] - Aurora has autonomously driven over 3 million miles[29] - Aurora achieved nearly 100% on-time delivery rate (Aurora-controlled rate)[30] Financial Status - As of March 31, 2025, Aurora has $1,159 million in cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments[33] - For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Research and development expenses were $182 million, and Selling, general and administrative expenses were $29 million[33] - Total operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, were $211 million[33] - Net cash used in operating activities for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $142 million, and capital expenditures were $8 million[33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net investment income (NII) of $0.27 per share, consistent with the previous quarter but down from $0.38 per share in the same quarter last year [26] - The net asset value (NAV) decreased to $7.57 per share from $8.43 at the end of the previous quarter and $9.64 a year ago, primarily due to fair value adjustments and distributions [27] - Investment income for the first quarter was $25 million, slightly down from $26 million in the prior year period, attributed to lower interest and fee income [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio at the end of the first quarter stood at $690 million, with new debt investments totaling $100 million and equity investments of $2 million [11] - The debt portfolio yield was 15% for the quarter, compared to 15.6% in the same quarter last year, while onboarding yields were 13%, up from 12.6% in the previous quarter [24][12] - The company funded nine debt investments during the quarter, with a significant portion directed towards life science and technology sectors [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately $92 billion was invested in VC-backed companies in the first quarter, marking a 19% increase from the previous quarter, driven largely by large AI deals [17] - The exit market for VC-backed tech and life science companies remains nearly shut due to tariff-related uncertainties, impacting investor sentiment [18] - The S&P Biotech Select Industry Index is down 14% year over year, reflecting cooling investor sentiment in the life sciences market [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its portfolio while maintaining a focus on high-quality investments, particularly in the tech and life science sectors [10] - The management remains selective in originating loans due to the current macroeconomic environment, with a commitment to optimizing returns from stressed investments [15] - The partnership with Monroe Capital is expected to enhance capital access and operational support, aiding in portfolio growth [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed guarded optimism for 2025, despite macroeconomic headwinds impacting recovery from stressed assets [6] - The company anticipates that the venture debt market will remain active, providing opportunities for investment despite current challenges [10] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong liquidity and a robust balance sheet to navigate the current environment [23] Other Important Information - The company declared regular monthly distributions of $0.11 per share through September 2025, supported by undistributed spillover income of $1 per share [7][26] - The company has a committed backlog of $236 million, providing a solid base for future portfolio growth [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company managing spillover earnings in the current uncertain environment? - The company plans to continue growing distributions through 2025 and will manage spillover earnings quarterly, with confidence in covering distributions over time [32][34] Question: What is the quality of deals currently being pursued? - The company is seeing a higher bar for transaction selection, focusing on companies with strong operational performance and quality VC backing [36][37] Question: Will the company raise leverage ratios to grow the portfolio? - The target leverage ratio is around 1.2x to 1.3x, with the current ratio at 1.29x, indicating a cautious approach to leverage [41] Question: Is there any discussion about cutting the base management fee? - The company’s base management fee is competitive with industry standards, and it is reviewed regularly [43] Question: How does the company plan to address the frozen market conditions? - The company is focusing on generating yield through higher returns from existing portfolio companies rather than relying on warrant expectations [55][52] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the portfolio? - The primary impact of tariffs is the uncertainty they create, affecting market transactions rather than direct exposure to specific tariffs [63] Question: Has the partnership with Monroe Capital provided additional resources? - The partnership is expected to enhance operational support and focus on stabilizing and growing the business [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net investment income (NII) of $0.27 per share, unchanged from the previous quarter but down from $0.38 per share in the same quarter last year [27] - The net asset value (NAV) decreased to $7.57 per share from $8.43 at the end of the previous quarter and $9.64 a year ago, primarily due to fair value adjustments and distributions [28] - Investment income for the first quarter was $25 million, a slight decrease from $26 million in the prior year period, attributed to lower interest and fee income [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total investment portfolio at the end of the first quarter stood at $690 million, with debt investments in 53 companies valued at $644 million and equity investments in 110 companies valued at $46 million [27] - New originations totaled $102 million, offset by $11 million in scheduled principal payments and $68 million in prepayments [27] - The debt portfolio yield was 15%, slightly down from 15.6% in the same quarter last year, while onboarding yields were 13%, up from 12.6% in the previous quarter [25][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately $92 billion was invested in VC-backed companies in the first quarter, a 19% increase from the previous quarter, driven largely by significant AI deals [18] - The S&P Biotech Select Industry Index is down 14% year-over-year, indicating cooling investor sentiment in the life sciences market [19] - The exit market for VC-backed tech and life science companies remains nearly shut due to macroeconomic uncertainties, impacting the overall venture capital ecosystem [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its portfolio while maintaining a focus on high-quality, well-sponsored tech and life science companies [20] - The management remains selective in originating loans due to the current macro environment, with a commitment to optimizing returns from stressed investments [16] - The partnership with Monroe Capital is expected to provide additional capital and scale, enhancing the company's ability to navigate current market challenges [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed guarded optimism for the year despite recent macroeconomic headwinds, including tariff-related uncertainties impacting recovery from stressed assets [5] - The company anticipates that as the macro environment normalizes, it will be positioned to grow its portfolio and increase NII to cover distributions over time [16] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong liquidity position, with $126 million in available liquidity as of March 31 [23] Other Important Information - The company declared regular monthly distributions of $0.11 per share through September 2025, supported by undistributed spillover income of $1 per share [27] - The advisor has agreed to waive a portion of its quarterly income incentive fees if NII falls below declared distributions [7] - The company is actively managing its portfolio to optimize returns and mitigate risks associated with stressed investments [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company managing spillover earnings in the current uncertain environment? - Management indicated that they plan to continue growing distributions through 2025 and will manage spillover earnings quarterly, reviewing them in discussions with the board [32][34] Question: What is the quality of deals currently being pursued? - Management noted a higher bar for selecting transactions, focusing on companies performing well operationally and backed by quality VCs, while being selective due to the current market conditions [36][38] Question: Is there a plan to raise leverage ratios to grow the portfolio? - The target leverage ratio is around 1.2x to 1.3x, with the current ratio at 1.29x, indicating a cautious approach to leverage [42][43] Question: How does the company plan to address the high dividend payout relative to debt yields? - Management stated that they review equity needs and funding pipelines quarterly, considering the balance between dividends and investment returns [47][48] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the portfolio? - Management indicated that while there is some uncertainty due to tariffs, most portfolio companies have planned for potential impacts, and the overall effect has been more about market volatility than specific tariff issues [65][66] Question: What resources are available from the recent Monroe partnership? - The partnership is expected to provide support in stabilizing and growing the business, with ongoing collaboration to enhance operational effectiveness [68][69]