MONEY MASTER

With technology stocks trading near record valuations, Citi strategists argue that investors should look beyond the sector for the next leg of growth. Their  “Thematic 30” Recommended List , recently updated, highlights non-tech companies in  healthcare, industrials, financials, and consumer  that combine earnings growth with reasonable valuations. Why Look Beyond Tech? Tech valuations stretched : The S&P 500 tech sector trades at  27x forward earnings , near the high end of its range since 2022. PEG ratio elevated : At ~2x PEG (P/E-to-growth), tech leaves limited upside unless growth expectations accelerate. Rotation opportunity : Non-tech sectors offer similar or stronger growth at lower relative valuations. Citi’s Screening Criteria Participation in structural themes  – e.g., digital payments, medical innovation, advanced industrials, or contactless consumer trends. Growth in line or above S&P 500  – analysts forecast ~10% EPS growth for the S...

Lucid Group (LCID) just got its biggest boost in over two years — and it’s thanks to a  new robotaxi partnership with Uber and Nuro . On Thursday, Lucid shares  jumped 35% , following news that Uber will: Invest $300 million  in Lucid stock, and Use 20,000 Lucid EVs  over six years in a new autonomous robotaxi service powered by Nuro’s tech. The service will launch in a  major U.S. city  sometime  next year . Key Details Investors Need to Know: Uber’s Investment : Buying Lucid shares through its subsidiary, representing ~3.3% of Lucid's market cap. Deal expected to close in Q3 2025. Robotaxi Rollout : Lucid-Nuro prototypes already running in Las Vegas test zones. 20,000 Vehicles : Lucid will supply the EV fleet for Uber’s autonomous ride-hailing push. Strategic Win : Analysts say this expands Lucid’s visibility and improves its balance sheet. Stock Boost : Best one-day gain since Jan 2023. Analyst Insights Ben Kallo (Baird) : Calls it an “unexpected ca...

Shares of Uber Technologies (UBER.US) and Lyft Inc. (LYFT.US) fell sharply after Waymo , the autonomous ride-hailing subsidiary of Alphabet, announced plans to expand its driverless operations to Miami. Key Developments: As of 12:20 PM ET Thursday , Uber's stock was down 6.22% , while Lyft dropped 6.15% . Waymo plans to deploy its all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Miami starting in early 2025 . The company aims to launch its Waymo One ride-hailing service to Miami riders by 2026 , leveraging a new fleet partnership with Moove , a global leader in mobility solutions. Waymo's Growing Footprint: Initially developed in Google's X research lab in 2009, Waymo became a standalone company in 2016. Waymo currently operates electric vehicle ride-hailing services in major markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco , and Phoenix . Industry Impact: Waymo's expansion represents increased competition for traditional ride-hailing platforms. The move highlights the growing...

Uber Technologies Inc will be the exclusive provider of driverless rides on Alphabet Inc’s Waymo cars in Austin and Atlanta starting early next year, marking a significant step forward in the ride-hailing giant’s strategy to embrace autonomous vehicle technology. Under the new partnership, Uber will handle the management and dispatch of a fleet of Waymo's all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles , as well as provide services such as vehicle cleaning and repair. Meanwhile, Waymo will be responsible for testing and operating its Waymo Driver technology and will offer roadside assistance and other support to riders. The fleet is expected to expand to “hundreds over time,” according to a joint statement by the companies. This collaboration strengthens the growing relationship between Uber and Waymo and is part of a broader strategy by Uber to position itself as a key platform for the commercialization of autonomous vehicles . This move represents a shift from Uber's previous effor...

Uber Technologies Inc. and Chinese automaker BYD Co. have announced a significant multi-year partnership to integrate 100,000 electric vehicles (EVs) into Uber’s ride-hailing platform. This collaboration will begin in Europe and Latin America, eventually extending to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, strategically excluding the US market. Under this partnership, Uber and BYD will offer drivers lower vehicle pricing and financing options. This initiative supports Uber’s goal to transition its fleet to EVs, which has faced challenges due to the scarcity of affordable, long-range, and spacious EV options. Key Takeaways: Global Expansion Excluding the US : The partnership will initially focus on Europe and Latin America before expanding to other regions. The US is notably absent from this plan due to high tariffs on Chinese EVs. Addressing Affordable EVs : BYD’s cost-effective and low-maintenance EVs provide a viable alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles ...