Key Points Archer notched another successful test flight this time over crowds at an air show. A social media post on Friday caused rumors to swirl that the company could soon partner with Tesla. 10 stocks we like better than Archer Aviation › Shares of Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) are climbing on Monday, up 15.6% as of 2:03 p.m. ET. The spike comes as the S&P 500 is up 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite is up 0.7%. Archer successfully showed off its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircra ...

Core Insights - The primary uncertainty for the eVTOL industry has shifted from technology to regulatory pathways, with Vertical Aerospace benefiting from recent UK regulatory developments [1][2] - The UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) eVTOL Delivery Model provides a clear framework that enhances Vertical Aerospace's competitive position [3] - Recent government funding for Vertical Aerospace's projects signals strong national support, further solidifying its market position [4][5] Regulatory Developments - The CAA's eVTOL Delivery Model establishes the highest safety standards, requiring a catastrophic failure probability of less than one in a billion flight hours, aligning with commercial airliner benchmarks [3] - The collaborative relationship between Vertical Aerospace and the CAA aims to mitigate risks associated with regulatory delays, enhancing the company's development timeline [3] - The framework allows for day-and-night and all-weather flights from the start of service in 2028, facilitating a scalable business model [3] Government Support - The UK government awarded funding through its Future Flight program, with Vertical Aerospace as a key partner in the OxCam AAM Corridor demonstrator project [4][5] - This initiative integrates various stakeholders in the advanced air mobility ecosystem, showcasing Vertical's role in a government-backed strategy [5] Financial Outlook - The recent regulatory clarity and government backing strengthen Vertical Aerospace's financial projections, making its targets more achievable [6][7] - The company aims for cash flow breakeven in Q4 2029 and over $100 million in positive free cash flow by 2030, with a net funding requirement of $700 million now appearing more realistic [7] - Vertical Aerospace's current market capitalization is approximately $533 million, trading at a discount to the consensus 12-month analyst price target of $10.43, indicating potential for valuation correction [8]

Archer Aviation (ACHR) made headlines on Sept. 22, when its Midnight eVTOL demonstrator reached a new high-altitude record. During a test flight from Salinas, California, the aircraft climbed to 7,000 feet, its highest altitude to date, and flew about 45 miles at over 120 mph. This milestone underscores Midnight’s strong performance envelope (even though typical urban air taxi operations target 1,500–4,000 feet). CEO Adam Goldstein hailed the achievement as proof of Archer’s “performance capabilities while ...

Group 1 - Joby Aviation is an aerospace company focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to provide air taxi services to alleviate traffic congestion [1][3] - The perception of eVTOLs has shifted from science fiction to a feasible reality, with significant advancements in the last five years, particularly in the last eight months [2] - Government and airline support, along with infrastructure development, have contributed to Joby Aviation's market valuation reaching approximately $12 billion [3] Group 2 - Joby Aviation is leading its competitors in the FAA certification process, being 70% complete with its side of the fourth stage as of August 4, while the FAA is over 50% complete [4][5] - The company is preparing an FAA-conforming aircraft for testing, with expectations for FAA pilot testing to commence as early as next year [5] - In contrast, rival Archer Aviation is still focused on the fourth and final phase of the certification program, having received FAA approval for only about 15% of compliance verification documents [6] Group 3 - Joby Aviation plans to generate revenue through electric air taxi services and has a robust balance sheet along with several strategic partnerships [7] - The White House's new eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) may expedite the certification process for both Joby and its competitors, indicating a sense of urgency in the regulatory environment [8]

Core Viewpoint - The electric air taxi industry, particularly through companies like Archer Aviation, is poised for significant growth, but faces substantial financial challenges in the near term [1][2]. Industry Overview - The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are seen as a revolutionary advancement in urban transportation, with significant investments from major companies [1][2]. - The future of flight is being shaped by advancements in eVTOL technology, with expectations for flying cars becoming a reality [1]. Company Overview - Archer Aviation is developing its flagship eVTOL vehicle, the Midnight, which is undergoing rigorous design, manufacturing, and certification processes with the FAA [3][4]. - The Midnight is designed to be quieter than traditional helicopters, making it suitable for urban environments, and aims to launch point-to-point taxi networks in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics [4][5]. Financial Performance - Archer Aviation is currently losing $447.5 million annually in free cash flow, with each Midnight vehicle costing approximately $5 million [8]. - To achieve positive cash flow, Archer needs to generate around $1.5 billion in revenue, which would require delivering about 300 Midnight aircraft annually [9][10]. - The company anticipates producing only 50 Midnight aircraft per year in the near term, indicating a significant gap to reach profitability [10]. Market Position - As of the last quarter, Archer Aviation had $1.7 billion in cash after raising $850 million, providing a runway for scaling manufacturing and proving eVTOL technology viability [12]. - Despite this cash position, the market cap stands at $5.6 billion, with a 53% increase in shares outstanding over the past year due to capital raises, which may hinder per-share value creation [13]. Profitability Outlook - Achieving profitability will be challenging without sufficient scale in eVTOL manufacturing, and the projected $1.5 billion in revenue may not be adequate for positive free cash flow [14]. - The timeline for reaching this revenue level could extend to five to ten years, with the company currently generating zero revenue [14].

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation is an electric air taxi company with significant ambitions but currently generates no revenue and faces challenges in obtaining FAA certification [1][5][6]. Company Overview - Archer Aviation aims to alleviate urban traffic through its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle called Midnight, which can transport up to four passengers [3][4]. - The stock price of Archer Aviation has increased from under $2 in 2023 to $9.15, yet it still trades below its $10 SPAC merger price [2]. Market Potential - Archer Aviation is collaborating with partners like United Airlines to establish air taxi networks in cities, potentially reducing travel time from an hour to 10-15 minutes [4]. - The company has $6 billion in orders but cannot fulfill them until it receives full FAA approval [6]. Financial Position - Archer Aviation has burned $447.5 million in free cash flow over the past year and has a liquidity position of $1.7 billion [7][8]. - The company aims to produce 50 Midnight vehicles annually, with an estimated cost of $5 million per vehicle, potentially generating $250 million in revenue if all units are sold [11]. Profitability Concerns - The profitability of aircraft manufacturing is low, with a projected net income margin of around 10%, leading to future net earnings of approximately $100 million on $1 billion in revenue [12]. - The current market cap of $5.9 billion results in a high price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 59, indicating that the stock may be overvalued even under optimistic scenarios [10][13].

Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation's acquisition of Blade Air Mobility's passenger business is seen as a strategic move to enhance its position in the urban air taxi market, despite concerns about the valuation and market reaction [1][9]. Financial Terms of the Deal - Joby will pay Blade up to $125 million in cash or stock, providing immediate market access in New York City and Southern Europe, and ownership of a business that served over 50,000 passengers in 2024 [2][6]. Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Joby’s stock surged 18.8%, adding $2.7 billion to its market cap, but later fell 5% after Blade's second-quarter earnings report, indicating mixed investor sentiment [3][10]. Blade's Business Performance - Blade's second-quarter revenue decreased by 13.2% to $25.7 million, partly due to exiting the Canadian market, while the passenger segment's adjusted EBITDA improved from $0.8 million to $2.4 million [7][8]. Industry Context - The deal highlights the challenges in scaling urban air mobility, where price and access remain significant barriers, as evidenced by Blade's pricing structure [12][13]. Valuation Concerns - Joby, with a market cap exceeding $16 billion, is valued higher than established airlines despite being in a development stage with no material revenue, raising questions about market expectations [10][11]. Strategic Implications - The partnership with Blade, excluding its medical division, positions Joby as a preferred VTOL partner for organ transport, indicating a focus on niche markets within urban air mobility [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced a sale of the Blade passenger business to Joby Aviation for up to $125 million, which is expected to create long-term value for stakeholders [6][9] - Medical revenue grew 17.6% year-over-year to a record $45.1 million in Q2 2025, driven by new transplant center customers and increased demand [18][26] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for the medical segment rose to 13.4% in Q2 2025, compared to 11.4% in Q1 2025, but declined from 14.4% in Q2 2024 [18][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The medical business accounted for approximately 60% of revenue in 2024, up from 12% in 2020, and contributed about 85% of the segment's adjusted EBITDA [6][9] - The passenger business saw a 5.5% decrease in short-distance revenue year-over-year, primarily due to lower revenue in the US segment [20] - The passenger segment adjusted EBITDA tripled year-over-year from $800,000 to $2.4 million, driven by improved flight margins and lower SG&A expenses [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company exited the Canadian market in August 2024, impacting short-distance revenue in the US [20] - European operations showed strong revenue growth due to realignment with local partners and operational changes [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its medical division as a standalone entity, which will be renamed Strata Critical Medical, emphasizing its growth potential in the medical sector [6][9] - A disciplined capital allocation strategy is planned, supported by approximately $200 million in cash from the passenger business sale [12][26] - The company is entering a long-term partnership with Joby Aviation to access eVTOL aircraft for medical use, enhancing its service offerings [15][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth prospects of the medical business, expecting mid-teens revenue growth in the second half of 2025 [26] - The company anticipates improved fleet uptime and adjusted EBITDA margins in the medical segment, projecting margins of approximately 15% [26] - Management noted that the divestiture is expected to be neutral to adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow on a go-forward basis [25][26] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with no debt and $113.4 million in cash and short-term investments [25] - The financial impact of the divestiture is expected to be adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow neutral, supported by estimated corporate cost efficiencies of $7 million [10][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the current priorities for capital allocation post-transaction? - Management highlighted opportunities in M&A and organic growth, emphasizing the need for capital to scale the business effectively [29][30] Question: Are there any operational impacts from the divestiture on the medical segment? - Management stated that the company is set up for success as a standalone entity and expects the partnership with Joby to add significant value [32][33] Question: Why was the passenger business sold now? - Management indicated that the market was discounting the value of the passenger business, and the divestiture allows for a clearer focus on the high-growth medical segment [37][38] Question: What is the growth outlook for the medical business? - Management expressed optimism about organic growth driven by new technologies and services, aiming for high teens adjusted EBITDA margins in the long term [41][43] Question: How is the business trending quarter to date? - Management reported strong performance in July, with no signs of seasonal slowdown yet [44] Question: What are the tax implications of the transaction? - Management noted that they have enough NOLs to offset capital gains from the divestiture, expecting minimal cash tax impact [46]

Group 1 - Joby Aviation's stock has seen a significant increase, rising 14.4% following the announcement of a new acquisition [2][4] - The acquisition involves the urban air mobility business of Blade Air Mobility, valued at up to $125 million, providing Joby immediate market access in New York City and Southern Europe [4][5] - Joby will become the preferred VTOL partner for Blade's organ transport business, although Blade's medical division is not included in the acquisition [5] Group 2 - The acquisition is strategically important for Joby, supporting the launch of its commercial operations in Dubai and its global rollout [5][6] - Blade estimates that it flew over 50,000 passengers in 2024 from a network of 12 urban terminals, enhancing Joby's position in the air taxi market [6][7] - This acquisition adds to the compelling reasons for investors to consider buying Joby shares at this time [7]

Core Viewpoint - The electric air taxi industry, led by companies like Joby Aviation, is experiencing significant investor interest due to its potential to disrupt urban transportation, despite Joby currently generating no revenue and facing high cash burn rates [1][5][12]. Company Overview - Joby Aviation is a leader in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market, with stock prices rising over 100% in 2025, recently surpassing an all-time high of $17.50 per share [1][2]. - The company is working with major partners like Delta Air Lines and Uber Technologies to develop point-to-point air taxi networks in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Dubai [4][5]. Market Potential - The potential market for electric air taxis is substantial, with around 100 metropolitan areas globally having populations over 5 million, many of which suffer from severe traffic congestion [11]. - Joby Aviation's market capitalization is approaching $15 billion, reflecting investor excitement about the future demand for air taxi services, despite the company currently generating zero revenue [5][12]. Production and Financials - Joby Aviation is heavily investing in research and development, spending over $135 million in the last quarter alone, while also facing a negative free cash flow of nearly $500 million over the past year [8][9]. - The company has a long production timeline, with plans to ramp up manufacturing after receiving FAA approval, but currently can only produce 24 electric air taxis per year, indicating a slow scale-up [6][7]. Challenges and Risks - Joby Aviation's business model is characterized by high cash burn and low margins, making it challenging to achieve profitability even if revenue grows significantly in the future [12][13]. - The company will likely need to continue fundraising to support its operations, with around $1 billion in cash available, including commitments from Toyota [9][12].