Archer Aviation Stock Steadies After Short-Seller Report

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation's stock experienced volatility following a critical report from short-seller Culper Research, but has shown signs of stabilization as the market awaits the company's operational milestones to counter the allegations [1][2][5]. Stock Performance - Archer's stock price fell sharply by 12-14% immediately after the report on May 20 and 21, but began to stabilize, closing at approximately $10.66 on May 29, 2025 [1][5]. - The stock showed slight upward movement on May 27 and 28, closing at $10.93 and $10.95 respectively, indicating potential market recovery [5]. Institutional Interest - Institutional filings revealed that many major investors were increasing their stakes in Archer before the short-seller report, suggesting confidence in the company's long-term prospects [6][7]. - Archer's strong Q1 2025 financial results, including an earnings per share (EPS) that exceeded analyst expectations and a cash position over $1 billion, provide a solid foundation for future growth [8][7]. Upcoming Milestones - Key upcoming operational milestones include successful flight demonstrations, UAE deployment of the Midnight aircraft, manufacturing goals of up to ten aircraft in 2025, and progress towards FAA certification [9][12]. - Successful execution of these milestones is critical for countering the short-seller's claims and could lead to a more favorable perception among investors [13][9]. Market Outlook - Archer's stock forecast indicates a potential upside of 18.05%, with a 12-month price target of $12.50 based on analyst ratings [10]. - The market is currently in a holding pattern, awaiting concrete proof of Archer's capabilities through upcoming operational validations [11][10].