After Falling by 36%, Is Archer Aviation Stock a Buy at Around $7?

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation is gaining attention in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector due to strategic partnerships and financial backing, despite its current stock price decline [1][2]. Company Overview - Archer Aviation has seen its shares drop by 36% this year, currently trading just over $6, raising questions about potential investment opportunities [2]. - The company has established partnerships with major players like Stellantis and United Airlines, as well as Southwest Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines, to deploy its eVTOL aircraft [3]. - Archer is also exploring applications in the defense sector, attracting interest from the U.S. military and Anduril, an autonomous systems developer [4]. Financial Profile - Archer's market capitalization is approximately$3.7 billion, but it is a pre-revenue business with no sales yet, relying on strategic investors for funding [6][8]. - The company has maintained a disciplined cost structure, but net losses are increasing while cash reserves are rising, indicating reliance on external funding for R&D and scaling [8]. - Analysts are optimistic about Archer's potential for significant revenue growth in the coming years, although the company remains a cash-burning operation dependent on outside financing [11]. Market Potential - The eVTOL market presents a vast addressable market for Archer, encompassing commercial aviation, defense contracting, and AI applications [5]. - Investing in Archer is likened to investing in a start-up, with expectations of future revenue generation but current high volatility and speculative nature [9][12].