There's Tesla Inc. TSLA, and then there's the Tesla that flies — and it might just be Archer Aviation Inc. ACHR.As defense chatter ramps up over the Trump administration’s defense push, investors are starting to zero in on next-generation military technology. High on that radar: drone fleets, autonomous logistics and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs). Archer checks all three boxes — and it's already in motion.While most retail eyes are on traditional defense contractors, the smarter tr ...

May 20, 2025 10:00 PM GMT China Autos & Shared Mobility: Investor Presentation | Asia Pacific Japan Summit – AI-Enabled Mobility & Humanoid Robotics | M | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | Update | | May 20, 2025 10:00 PM GMT | | | | China Autos & Shared Mobility: Investor | Morgan Stanley Asia Limited+ | | | Presentation Asia Pacific | Tim Hsiao | | | | Equity Analyst | | | | Tim.Hsiao@morganstanley.com | +852 2848-1982 | | Japan Summit – AI-Enabled | Stanley Wang Research Associate | | | | Stanley.Wang@morgan ...

Core Viewpoint - Blade Mobility Inc. has seen a significant stock increase of over 18% following the release of its first-quarter earnings, highlighting positive financial performance and growth potential in the air mobility sector [1][3]. Company Overview - Blade Mobility operates in the air transport sector, offering services through a fleet that includes helicopters, private jets, turboprops, and amphibious seaplanes. The business is divided into two main verticals: Medical Services (58% of revenue) and Passenger Services (42% of revenue) [2][3]. Financial Performance - The company reported revenue of $54.3 million, exceeding expectations of $49.3 million, marking a 10% increase. The earnings per share showed a loss of four cents, which was better than the anticipated loss of 11 cents. Notably, Blade achieved its first-ever EBITDA profit of $0.1 million in the passenger segment [3][4]. - Blade reaffirmed its full-year revenue guidance of $245 million to $265 million, indicating a potential 2% year-over-year gain, driven by reduced aircraft maintenance and ongoing cost-saving measures [4]. Market Position and Future Outlook - Blade Mobility went public via a SPAC in 2020 and, despite facing challenges in the past, has shown resilience with a stock recovery from its 52-week low. The recent earnings report has positioned the stock above its 200-day simple moving average, suggesting bullish momentum [5][7]. - The air mobility sector is expanding, with growing interest in eVTOLs. Blade's core business in organ transport provides a significant first-mover advantage, making it less vulnerable to competition from companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation [8]. - Analysts project a 12-month stock price forecast of $6.25, representing an 80.64% upside from the current price of $3.46, with a consensus indicating a bullish sentiment towards the stock [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation is positioned as a potential disruptor in the transportation sector with its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, but faces significant challenges in revenue generation and regulatory approval [1][9]. Group 1: Company Overview - Archer Aviation trades below $9 per share and aims to have its eVTOL vehicles operational by the end of 2025, targeting major urban traffic alleviation [2]. - The company has a backlog of approximately $6 billion, with each Midnight vehicle priced around $5 million, indicating strong demand from various partners [3]. - Archer plans to manufacture 10 Midnight aircraft in 2025, primarily for testing and regulatory certification with the FAA [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Currently, Archer Aviation generates no revenue, and if it sells all 10 aircraft in 2025, it would only achieve $50 million in revenue, which is minimal compared to its $5 billion market cap [7]. - The company is experiencing a cash burn of $451 million annually, with a total liquidity position of around $1 billion [7][8]. - Share count has increased by 125% over the past few years, leading to potential dilution for shareholders [8]. Group 3: Market and Regulatory Challenges - Archer Aviation has not yet proven its products can operate effectively, and it is still awaiting regulatory approval to operate in urban environments [10]. - The potential for high cash burn is expected to continue for many years, with slim profit margins anticipated even if sales increase significantly [11]. - The company has secured a new defense contract partnership with Anduril, but this is not expected to have a meaningful impact on the business in the near term [12].