Core Insights - Aeva Technologies (AEVA) and Luminar Technologies (LAZR) are leading companies in the LiDAR sector, focusing on autonomous vehicles and industrial automation [1][3] - Both companies have made strategic pivots and technological advancements, attracting investor interest [1][3] Aeva Technologies (AEVA) - AEVA has experienced significant momentum in 2025, expanding beyond the automotive market with its 4D LiDAR technology, which offers real-time velocity and depth data [5][6] - The company secured a partnership with a Fortune 500 tech firm, receiving a commitment of up to $50 million, which positions AEVA for long-term supply agreements with a top-10 global passenger OEM [6] - AEVA is targeting 100,000 units in annual production capacity by the end of 2025, having already secured over 1,000 orders for its Eve 1 precision sensor [7] - AEVA's stock has increased nearly 240% year-to-date, reflecting market optimism, but raises questions about future success being priced in [12][14] - Analysts forecast AEVA's EPS to improve by 21.7% in 2025 and 12.2% in 2026, driven by industrial revenues and automotive ramp-ups [16] Luminar Technologies (LAZR) - Luminar has improved its balance sheet by repurchasing $50 million of convertible notes and securing a $200 million capital facility, enhancing its liquidity through at least the end of 2026 [8] - The company is transitioning to its Halo platform, which is expected to streamline deployment and reduce development costs, with a formal launch anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027 [9] - Luminar's LiDAR technology will be featured in Caterpillar's off-highway trucks and is already implemented in Volvo's EX90, showcasing its industrial and automotive partnerships [11] - LAZR's stock is down approximately 31% this year due to commercialization delays, but its current valuation may present an attractive opportunity if it can deliver on its Halo roadmap [12][14] - Analysts expect LAZR to post a 53.6% EPS improvement in 2025, indicating stronger bottom-line leverage as revenues scale [18] Comparative Analysis - AEVA trades at a forward sales multiple of approximately 31.6, indicating aggressive growth expectations, while LAZR trades at 1.6X forward sales, suggesting a more grounded valuation [14] - Both companies are navigating the early stages of LiDAR commercialization, with AEVA showing fresh momentum and rapid industrial expansion, while LAZR offers better valuation support and a clearer path to high-volume deployment [20][21]