Forget Joby Aviation: This Dividend Defense Stock Is a Smarter Play on Next-Gen Air Supremacy

Company Overview - Joby Aviation is valued at $12.7 billion and holds over $930 million in cash, making it the largest air taxi company globally, despite not yet operating air taxis [1] - The company claims its S4 electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is the most mature in the market, capable of speeds up to 200 miles per hour and carrying a pilot plus four passengers [3] - Joby has completed 3 out of 5 stages required for FAA type certification, which is essential for commercial operations [3] Market Potential - Joby anticipates beginning operations as early as 2026, with the UAE allowing air taxi flights and Saudi Arabia permitting pre-commercial evaluation flights [4] - The company has over $1 billion in potential aircraft and service sales lined up [4] - Joby plans to double its production capacity in the U.S., aiming to produce four aircraft per month by 2027, totaling nearly 50 planes annually [5] Financial Performance - Despite its market capitalization, Joby has only generated $23 million in revenue over the past year and has not yet turned a profit, with losses exceeding $1 billion in the last 12 months [7] - The company went public during the SPAC IPO craze in 2021, raising concerns about its current valuation being more hype than substance [6][8] - In contrast, Lockheed Martin has successfully built, delivered, and sold 220 aircraft in the same year, highlighting Joby's current challenges in revenue generation [8]