JOBY to Double U.S. Manufacturing Capacity: Growth Story Heating Up?

Core Insights - Joby Aviation plans to double its manufacturing capacity in the U.S. to four aircraft per month by 2027, reflecting a significant scaling of production in response to rising demand for electric air taxis [1][11] - The company has disclosed over $1 billion in potential aircraft and service sales, indicating strong market interest in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft [2][11] - Federal support for the eVTOL sector is increasing, with the U.S. government launching an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program to accelerate air taxi operations [2] Manufacturing and Expansion - Joby is entering a transformative phase in aviation, with manufacturing operations in California and Ohio expected to redefine short-distance travel [3] - The company has expanded its manufacturing facility in Marina, CA, and started propeller blade production in Ohio, laying the groundwork for increased output [5] - Joby is procuring capital equipment to raise its production capacity from two to four aircraft per month and is hiring to enable round-the-clock operations [5] Certification and Investment - Progress towards FAA certification continues, with Joby reaching a milestone in power-on testing for its first FAA-conforming aircraft [6] - A strategic investment of $250 million from Toyota Motor aims to expedite Joby's certification process and support large-scale production [7] Competitive Landscape - Joby's main competitor, Archer Aviation, is also advancing in the eVTOL space, planning to build an air taxi network in the Miami area and entering partnerships to enhance its technology [8][9] Financial Performance - Joby shares have gained in double digits over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry [12] - Joby is currently trading at a premium compared to its industry, with a Value Score of F [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Joby's losses has widened over the past 60 days for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 [16]