Why I Think Archer Aviation Is Poised for a Breakout

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation is perceived as a typical electric flying taxi company facing cash burn and certification challenges, but it is actually building a significant defense aviation asset that could reveal hidden value through potential acquisitions or restructuring [2][4]. Financial Performance - Archer's stock is trading around $10 with a market cap of approximately $5.4 billion as of July 1, 2025, and has seen a return of over 245% in the past three years [4]. - The company raised $850 million at $10 per share in June 2025, increasing its total liquidity to $2 billion, positioning it as a leader in the industry [4][5]. Strategic Partnerships - Archer has formed a unique defense partnership with Anduril and Palantir Technologies, combining eVTOL technology with advanced autonomous systems and AI infrastructure, representing a market opportunity exceeding $100 billion [7][10]. - The partnership with Anduril focuses on developing a hybrid-propulsion aircraft specifically for military use, which offers advantages in range and payload capacity over pure electric vehicles [9]. Market Positioning - Archer is the Official Air Taxi Provider for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, creating a significant deadline for commercial deployment [5]. - The company aims to build early hybrid-propulsion defense prototypes distinct from its commercial aircraft, targeting guaranteed multiyear funding from the Pentagon [11]. Corporate Structure and Value Creation - A potential corporate split could separate Archer's commercial and defense operations, allowing the commercial division to focus on the $1 trillion urban air mobility market while making the defense division an attractive acquisition target for major defense contractors [12][13]. - Archer is actively manufacturing its first piloted Midnight aircraft, with a target of producing two aircraft per month by year-end [14]. Future Outlook - With a pro forma liquidity position of $2 billion, Archer has the financial resources to pursue both commercial and defense opportunities simultaneously, which could lead to a significant transformation in market perception [15]. - As investors recognize Archer's shift from a flying taxi company to a critical defense asset, the current stock price may be viewed as undervalued compared to typical defense stock valuations [16].