Self-driving trucking start-up Aurora Innovation (AUR -0.72%) used its year-end financial result announcement to provide an exciting update about its commercial rollout. Investors are excited about what's to come and sent Aurora shares up 30% as of 10:45 a.m. ET.
Is revenue right around the corner?
Aurora is an under-the-radar autonomous-driving company focused on the commercial trucking business. It's still in the development stage, so investors weren't surprised to see the company report a $0.46 per-share loss in the quarter on sparse revenue.
The important question is how soon revenue will materialize, and the markets are cheering Aurora's answer. In a statement, CEO Chris Urmson said the company is "on the cusp of our planned commercial launch" with plans to roll out its self-driving technology "safely, quickly, and broadly."
The company expects driverless trucks to haul loads between Dallas and Houston in April.
Is Aurora Innovation a buy?
While other autonomous-vehicle companies have gotten more attention, Aurora has steadily built out its technology and forged key partnerships. The potential market and demand for autonomous commercial trucks is massive, given the high driver turnover rates and soaring wage demands. If Aurora can demonstrate its systems work in real-time conditions, it shouldn't have a problem finding new customers.
That said, investors need to understand this is still a speculative company with a lot to prove and a volatile stock. This is the second surge Aurora shares have enjoyed in the opening weeks of 2025, following a January jump after the announcement of new partnerships.
Given the volatility and the uncertain nature of this business, investors should be cautious about rushing in on a big up day.
