A Most Curious Speculation: On Shares and Illusions

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Hark, gentle investors! A tale unfolds, a comedy of capital, wherein certain enterprises, puffed up with the airs of progress, demand our attention. We speak, of course, of Amazon and Uber, companies whose valuations have ascended to such heights that one suspects a mischievous sprite is inflating their worth with hot air. Yet, a certain Monsieur Cramer, a fellow well-versed in the fickle fortunes of the market, proclaims them still worthy of our coin. Let us, then, examine these claims with a discerning eye, and a touch of ironic amusement.

Act I: The Realm of Amazon

Amazon, a name now synonymous with commerce itself, holds dominion over a vast and ever-expanding empire. It is master of the marketplace, a purveyor of wares from every corner of the globe. It commands a third of the world’s advertising, a feat achieved by relentlessly tracking our every desire. And, most impressively, it governs the cloud, a nebulous realm of data where the digital souls of businesses reside. This cloud, known as AWS, is no mere vapor; it is a fortress, and a most lucrative one at that.

The current monarch, Monsieur Jassy, assures us that AWS is the natural home for this new marvel – Artificial Intelligence. Indeed, it appears that all roads leading to this technological promised land pass through Amazon’s domain. They’ve even begun crafting their own engines for this AI, a bold attempt to wrest control from the established powers, such as Nvidia. A most ambitious undertaking, and one that smacks of both ingenuity and, dare I say, a touch of hubris.

But Amazon does not rest solely upon the laurels of cloud computing. They are also employing these digital sprites to refine their earthly trade, improving logistics, forecasting demand, and even charming customers with automated pleasantries. They’ve even devised robots to navigate their warehouses, a sight that would surely amuse the playwrights of old. The company, it seems, aspires to be master of both the physical and the digital realms, a goal that, if achieved, would surely inspire envy amongst the gods themselves.

Analysts predict a steady increase in Amazon’s earnings, a most pleasing prospect for shareholders. The current valuation, while not entirely unreasonable, demands careful consideration. However, given the company’s consistent ability to exceed expectations, one might be tempted to cast caution to the winds. Monsieur Cramer, it appears, has already done so, and I find myself inclined to agree. A measured investment, judiciously placed, might yield a handsome return.

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Act II: The Chariots of Uber

Uber, a company built upon the fleeting desires of modern man, has become a ubiquitous presence in our cities. It offers not merely transportation, but a promise of convenience, a respite from the drudgery of public transit. And, lest we forget, it delivers sustenance directly to our doors, catering to our most base appetites. A most cunning enterprise, built upon the foundations of efficiency and, shall we say, a certain degree of indulgence.

While not a purveyor of artificial intelligence in the strictest sense, Uber skillfully employs these digital algorithms to match riders with drivers, optimize routes, and personalize advertising. Furthermore, it positions itself as the ideal partner for those who dream of a future filled with self-driving chariots. A most strategic alliance, built upon the promise of automation and, of course, a healthy share of the profits.

Uber has already forged partnerships with a multitude of companies, including Alphabet’s Waymo, Avride, WeRide, and even Nvidia. These collaborations promise to revolutionize transportation, transforming our cities into playgrounds for autonomous vehicles. The scale of this ambition is truly breathtaking, and one cannot help but wonder if it is not, perhaps, a touch excessive.

Analysts predict a surge in both the ride-sharing and robotaxi markets, and Uber appears poised to reap the rewards. Morgan Stanley believes the company will capture a significant share of the U.S. robotaxi market, placing it amongst the leaders in this nascent industry. A most promising outlook, provided, of course, that the technology lives up to its promise.

The current valuation of Uber appears remarkably reasonable, especially given its consistent ability to exceed expectations. Investors with a long-term horizon should consider adding this company to their portfolios. A judicious investment, carefully considered, might yield a handsome return. But let us not be blinded by the allure of progress. Let us remember that even the most promising ventures are subject to the whims of fortune. And let us always maintain a healthy dose of skepticism, lest we be led astray by the siren song of speculation.

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2026-01-29 12:53