Oil prices are elevated as shipping attacks and supply risks keep energy costs in focus, which puts cleaner transport solutions firmly on the radar. Electric and self-driving vehicles sit right at that crossroads of energy security and technology. Investors looking for exposure to that story may find this a useful starting point. This article highlights three stocks from our electric and autonomous vehicle universe.
The three electric and autonomous vehicle stocks covered next are only a sample. The full screen surfaces 23 more companies in this theme that carry equally detailed stories around hardware, software, and the wider supply chain. To identify your own highest conviction angles in this space, head straight to the Electric/ Autonomous Vehicle Stocks screener.
Applied Aerospace & Defense (AADX)
Overview: Applied Aerospace & Defense designs and manufactures complex space and defense subsystems that support autonomous airborne platforms, precision strike systems, and commercial launch vehicles.
Operations: Applied Aerospace & Defense generates about $576 million in Aerospace & Defense revenue, entirely from customers in the United States.
Market Cap: $2.0b
Applied Aerospace & Defense matters for this screener because its hardware sits inside autonomous combat aircraft and space platforms that shape how next generation vehicles operate and communicate.
"Exposure to the commercial space build out, including content on SpaceX Falcon 9, Blue Origin New Glenn and proprietary tank programs, ties Applied Aerospace & Defense to higher launch cadence and constellation deployment."
The key variable is how one emerging program mix affects long term margins if funding, capacity and execution stay aligned or start to strain.
If that margin puzzle matters to you, read the full narrative for Applied Aerospace & Defense to see how funding cycles, program mix and execution risk could be accelerating or masking value.
Lincoln Electric Holdings (LECO)
Overview: Lincoln Electric Holdings supplies welding, cutting, mobile power, and automation gear that supports electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturing and service work.
Operations: Lincoln Electric generates about $3.0b from Americas Welding, $978 million from International Welding, and $693 million from The Harris Products Group.
Market Cap: $15.0b
Lincoln Electric is included in this Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Stocks screener because its mobile power units and factory automation gear support the welds, joints, and charging infrastructure that help EV and AV programs progress from prototype lines to scaled production.
"Ongoing growth in Lincoln Electric Holdings automation backlog, with 6 to 9 months of visibility and management guidance for high single-digit organic growth in the segment, is cited as pointing to further demand for higher value cells and cobots that can support revenue growth and a move toward mid-teens EBIT margins."
An important factor to monitor is how one less-visible cost and pricing trade off influences the durability of those margin goals over time.
That pricing tension is exactly what full narrative for Lincoln Electric Holdings unpacks, separating margin pressure from the upside of accelerating automation that many investors may be overlooking.
Caterpillar (CAT)
Overview: Caterpillar builds heavy construction and mining equipment, engines, and diesel-electric locomotives, including autonomous and electrified machines for industrial customers.
Operations: Caterpillar generates about $81.5b in Machinery, Power & Energy sales plus $4.4b from Financial Products, primarily across North America and EAME.
Market Cap: $396.9b
Caterpillar gives this screener industrial heft because its autonomous haul trucks, electrified mining fleets and diesel-electric locomotives are real working vehicles, not just concepts. They are plugged directly into the same automation and electrification story reshaping passenger transport.
"Rapid growth in Power & Energy, including 72% sales to users growth in power generation for data center applications and customer orders for large engines and turbines extending out to 2029 and 2030, indicates a long runway of AI driven power projects that can add to revenue and support operating margins as new capacity is utilized."
What really matters now is how one large, long-dated demand bet ultimately filters through into margin stability when cycle conditions shift.
When that long demand arc starts to bite into margins, the full narrative for Caterpillar shows where Caterpillar’s earnings power could be accelerating and where risks quietly build.
Seeking Alternatives Before The Crowd?
Fresh ideas move first. Late money chases momentum once prices are already flying. Scan these under the radar lists while it matters most and aim to get in at an earlier stage.
- Spot established businesses still priced like afterthoughts by running your eye over the 29 high quality undervalued stocks before any value gap is widely recognized.
- Track where real cash generation meets AI momentum by checking the 35 profitable AI stocks that aren't just burning cash while these operators are still building under the radar.
- Secure potential portfolio ballast with income streams that can do more of the work for you by reviewing the 8 dividend fortresses before yields change.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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