Archer Aviation (US:ACHR) Huachuang Securities·2025-05-18 10:12Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Recommended," indicating an expected increase in the industry index by more than 5% over the next 3-6 months compared to the benchmark index [51]. Core Insights - The report highlights the significant rise of the eVTOL company Archer, which saw a weekly increase of 50%, reaching a market capitalization of $7.3 billion (approximately 52.6 billion RMB) [4][5]. - Archer's operational highlights include successful overseas expansion, partnerships with major airlines, and being selected as the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, indicating a rapid acceleration in commercialization [7][10]. - Financially, Archer reported a narrowed loss of $93 million in Q1, with a substantial cash reserve of $1 billion (approximately 7.2 billion RMB), showcasing strong liquidity [20][24]. Industry Overview - The report provides an overview of the transportation industry, noting a total of 122 listed companies with a total market value of 324.96 billion RMB and a circulating market value of 278.26 billion RMB [1]. - The Huachuang Transportation Low Altitude 60 Index experienced a weekly decline of 1.1% but has increased by 1.7% year-to-date, contrasting with the performance of the CSI 300 Index, which has decreased by 1.2% [29][31]. Company-Specific Developments - Archer's strategic partnerships include collaboration with United Airlines to launch air taxi services in New York, aiming to reduce travel time significantly [7][8]. - The company has also secured a $500 million order from Soracle Corporation in Japan for up to 100 Midnight aircraft, indicating strong international demand [16][17]. - Archer's eVTOL aircraft, Midnight, is designed to travel at speeds of 150 mph and can carry up to four passengers, highlighting its potential for urban air mobility [11]. Financial Performance - Archer's Q1 EPS loss has significantly narrowed to $0.17 from $0.36 in the previous quarter, reflecting improved operational efficiency [20]. - The company anticipates an adjusted EBITDA loss of $100-120 million for Q2, indicating ongoing investment in growth despite current losses [21]. Market Insights - The report emphasizes the competitive landscape, suggesting that both Chinese and American companies are well-positioned in the eVTOL market, with the potential for significant market share in the future [28]. - The FAA's new regulations for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are expected to pave the way for commercial operations, enhancing the market outlook for eVTOL companies [26][27].