Joby Rises 82.5% in a Year: Should You Still Buy the Stock in 2026?

Core Insights - Joby Aviation's shares have increased by 82.5% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry's return of 28.7% [1] - The company is a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector, benefiting from positive market sentiment towards eVTOL technologies [1] Company Developments - Joby Aviation is nearing the start of its commercial operations, having recently acquired Blade Air Mobility's urban air mobility passenger business, which is a crucial step towards launching its air taxi services [5][6] - This acquisition provides Joby with access to Blade's established network of terminals and a loyal customer base in key markets, potentially accelerating its entry into commercial service once its eVTOL aircraft are certified [6] - Joby Aviation has completed over 850 flights with its electric air taxi fleet, totaling more than 50,000 flight miles, and has received significant investment from Toyota, totaling nearly $1 billion, to support its certification and production efforts [7] Market Position and Challenges - Despite its impressive stock performance, Joby Aviation faces challenges such as ongoing financial losses and public acceptance risks related to its eVTOL services [9][10] - The company is not expected to achieve profitability in the near term, as it has yet to commence commercial operations, and its negative return on equity underscores this lack of profitability [10] - Public acceptance of eVTOLs may encounter hurdles related to safety, noise, and affordability, which could limit Joby's growth potential [11] Valuation and Investment Considerations - Joby Aviation's current price-to-book value stands at 12.87X, which is higher than both its industry peers and Archer Aviation, indicating a premium valuation that reflects confidence in its long-term stability but suggests limited near-term upside [15][19] - Given the company's challenges and the absence of significant revenues, it may not be an opportune time for new investors to buy into Joby Aviation, with a recommendation to maintain a position in this Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) stock for the time being [19]