Jefferies Loves These Chip Stocks to Buy in Automated Driving Space
Analysts at Jefferies have named two autonomous driving technology suppliers as probable winners in the race to true self-driving vehicles.
Luminar Technologies (LAZR) surged forward in Q1 2025 with a robust update to its strategic roadmap and a strong quarter of operational performance. The company announced a new unified product architecture that consolidates its LiDAR offerings into a single platform, marking a pivotal shift away from custom developments for each OEM. This simplification aims to drive down costs, bolster scalability, and accelerate Luminar’s path to profitability.
Luminar shipped ~6,000 LiDAR sensors in Q1, a 50% increase over Q4 2024, entirely driven by growth in automotive series production. Cumulative shipments now stand at approximately 14,000 units. Alongside production momentum, the company continues to deliver on its promise of cost control—quarterly non-GAAP OpEx is expected to be cut in half by the end of FY’25 compared to early FY’24 levels.
CEO Austin Russell emphasized the company’s operational focus: “This kicks off our new operating plan with a unified product platform, enabling radical focus and streamlining of the business.”
Milestones across Luminar’s 2025 plan—including tripling production volumes, advancing the next-gen Halo LiDAR, and transitioning customers to a singular tech stack—are all reportedly on track.
Despite the upbeat report, Luminar disclosed a late 10-Q filing, citing it will utilize a 5-day extension window and expects to file by May 20, 2025.
Still waiting on published materials detailing its new strategic plan and associated actions, cost savings, quarterly business update, and Q1 financials as promised by management. In a May 4th presser, these items were supposed to be shared by 4 pm Eastern. But should have them by time the webcast starts at 5 pm Eastern.
Luminar doesn’t segment revenue yet — it’s still early-stage — but its results hinge on two levers:
Series Production Lidar: Volvo EX90 and other OEM integrations now in revenue ramp phase
Perception Software & Sentinel Platform: Bundled autonomy stack in early-stage testing with key automakers
Shipment volume and contract conversion are what matter here. Any signal of >10K units shipped or expanded partner deployments could flip the revenue trajectory.
While much of the focus has been on Volvo’s EX90 rollout, Luminar has quietly maintained a broader OEM pipeline. The company’s integrated sensing and perception platform has been validated in RFIs across multiple global automakers.
“We’re now positioned not just as a lidar supplier, but a full-stack solution provider for autonomy readiness.”
If the call includes even one new OEM engagement or production-level LOI, it could provide upside surprise beyond current volume assumptions
Luminar’s shares are still down 29% year-to-date even after a recent rally. However, it is notable that many stocks have seen even more robust rebounds in recent weeks.
For example, CoreWeave has jumped 84% from recent lows as investors flooded back to stocks that were sold during a rotation out of riskier stocks in late February through early April.
If Luminar can impress tonight, there’s a chance it could springboard the stock as its performance this year still badly lags the broader market.
Analysts expect Luminar to post EPS of –$1.63, a narrower loss compared to previous quarters, and revenue around $22 million. That would mark the second consecutive quarter of improved margins and year-over-year revenue growth.
Key modeling inputs:
Volvo EX90 lidar integration now underway
ASP improvement from contracted programs
SG&A scaling with production support
Luminar surprised to the upside in Q4 2024. For a repeat, the Street wants visibility on shipment volume and gross margin trajectory. Cash burn and order book disclosures could shape sentiment.
Live coverage has ended. The full story is below.
Luminar (Nasdaq: LAZR) reports Q1 2025 earnings tonight after surging more than 30% last quarter on a surprise beat and confirmation that Volvo EX90 deliveries with Luminar lidar would begin this year. Now, the Street expects an EPS loss of –$1.63 — narrowed from previous quarters — and revenue of ~$22 million.
The stakes are high. Luminar is under pressure after a sharp stock decline earlier this year, and the company needs to show it can scale revenues while managing cost structure. Investors want to see more visibility into production ramp partnerships — particularly with Volvo, Mercedes, and other OEMs where sensor integration has been slow.
Also in focus will be gross margins and any commentary on contract revenue recognition, especially as lidar companies shift from R&D to recurring automotive income. Cash runway is another watch item — with heavy capex needed to support SoP (start of production) contracts.
In recent quarters, Luminar has posted positive surprises, and any guidance raise — or commentary on unit shipment growth — could renew momentum. With the stock still off more than 70% from 2023 highs, delivery traction and cost control are key.
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Analysts at Jefferies have named two autonomous driving technology suppliers as probable winners in the race to true self-driving vehicles.
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