Joby Aviation is raising $1 billion from the sale of shares and convertible bonds, as the air taxi company seeks to double production capacity by 2027 https://t.co/yJrRck9POQ ...

Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation, Inc. plans to offer convertible senior notes and common stock, aiming to raise a total of $1 billion to support its electric air taxi development and commercial operations [1]. Group 1: Offerings - The company intends to offer convertible senior notes due in 2032 and shares of common stock, with total anticipated proceeds of $1 billion [1]. - Morgan Stanley, along with other financial institutions, will manage the offerings, including a delta offering to facilitate hedging transactions for investors [2]. - The note offering and common stock offering are separate, with no completion contingencies between them, while the delta offering is contingent on the note offering [1][2]. Group 2: Notes Details - The convertible senior notes will be senior, unsecured obligations, maturing on February 15, 2032, with interest payable semi-annually [3]. - Noteholders can convert their notes under certain conditions, with Joby having the option to settle conversions in cash, shares, or a combination [3]. - The notes can be redeemed by Joby starting February 20, 2029, if the stock price exceeds 130% of the conversion price for a specified period [4]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - Joby plans to use proceeds from the note offering for capped call transactions, certification, manufacturing efforts, and general working capital [6][7]. - If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, additional proceeds will also fund capped call transactions [7]. Group 4: Capped Call Transactions - Joby expects to enter into capped call transactions to reduce potential dilution of its common stock upon conversion of the notes [8]. - The option counterparties may engage in derivative transactions that could affect the market price of Joby's common stock and notes [9][10]. Group 5: Company Overview - Joby Aviation is a California-based company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi service, aiming to operate in cities globally and sell aircraft to other operators [13].

Core Insights - The competition in urban air mobility is intensifying, with Wall Street differentiating between technical leadership and investment potential [1] - Cantor Fitzgerald maintains an Overweight rating on Archer Aviation and a Neutral rating on Joby Aviation, indicating a preference for Archer at current price levels [1][2] Archer Aviation - Archer is viewed favorably due to its substantial liquidity, with total liquidity of $2.2 billion, including $1.7 billion in cash, providing a strong runway for commercialization [7] - The company has a 12-month price target of $13, supported by its deep cash reserves and aggressive expansion into high-margin sectors [3] - Archer is diversifying revenue streams by supplying its electric powertrain to partners like Anduril and the EDGE Group, and is collaborating with NVIDIA to enhance pilot safety and autonomous flight [7] - The acquisition of Hawthorne Airport positions Archer as the exclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which is seen as a significant advantage [7] Joby Aviation - Joby is recognized as the market leader in certification and flight testing, with a strong position for FAA type certification [5] - The company has completed over 50,000 miles of flight and 850 flights, achieving 4,900 test points in 2025 [8] - Joby has generated cash flow from its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility, contributing $14 million in revenue this quarter, and is set to become the exclusive partner for Blade's organ transport business [8] - Joby holds a six-year exclusive agreement to establish air taxi services in Dubai, with a launch planned for the second half of 2026 [8]

Core Insights - Joby Aviation is advancing towards the commercialization of urban air mobility with plans to initiate pilot training and participate in CES 2026 [1][5] - The installation of high-tech flight simulators is a significant step in preparing certified pilots for Joby's all-electric air taxi service [2][3] - Joby aims to double its manufacturing capacity by 2027 to support its global air taxi initiative, with stock prices increasing over 50% in the past six months [4] Group 1 - Joby Aviation is preparing to install two CAE flight simulators at its pilot training facility in Marina, California, marking a milestone in its mission [1][2] - The Marina facility has recently expanded to double its production capacity, serving as a central hub for manufacturing, testing, and training [2] - The integration of Level 7 and Level C simulators will streamline the transition for commercial pilots to earn powered-lift type ratings, aligning with Joby's vertical integration strategy [3] Group 2 - Investors are closely monitoring Joby's momentum as the company plans to double its manufacturing capacity by 2027 [4] - Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt is scheduled to speak at CES 2026, discussing the intersection of physical AI and software-defined mobility [5] - The progress at the pilot training facility and participation in CES indicate that Joby's urban air taxis are transitioning from concept to reality, with commercial launches targeted for late 2026 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation's stock has dropped approximately 22% over the past year, currently trading under $8, raising questions about whether this represents a buying opportunity or a signal to wait [1][3]. Company Overview - Archer Aviation is focused on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, specifically the "Midnight" model, aimed at providing air taxi services to alleviate urban traffic congestion [1][2]. - The company has a market capitalization of $6.0 billion, with a current stock price of $8.13, and a trading range over the past year between $5.48 and $14.62 [3]. Recent Developments - Archer has been actively pursuing partnerships with cities in California, Georgia, Florida, New York, and Texas to propose air taxi operations [5]. - The company has applied to the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which aims to integrate eVTOLs into the national airspace system, with selections expected by 2026 [6]. - Archer has been designated as the air taxi provider for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and is in discussions to establish air taxi services in Saudi Arabia [6]. Current Challenges - Despite its ambitious plans, Archer remains pre-revenue and lacks FAA certification for commercial flight operations, indicating significant challenges ahead [7].

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]

Core Viewpoint - Archer Aviation's stock has significantly declined in 2024, dropping over 20% year to date, despite previous strong performance and market optimism for the eVTOL sector [2][3] Group 1: Stock Performance - Archer Aviation's shares rose 58.8% in 2024, following a 228.3% gain in 2023, indicating initial strong market interest [1] - Current stock price is $7.52, with a market capitalization of $5.5 billion [3] Group 2: Regulatory Approval - Archer is awaiting critical FAA approvals to launch its air taxi service, needing Type, Production, and Operational certifications [5] - The company has received its Operational certification and is working on the other two [5] Group 3: International Partnerships - Archer is pursuing certification in other countries, including partnerships with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia, and Japan Airlines in Tokyo [6] Group 4: Future Prospects - Archer is exploring alternative certification pathways through partnerships with U.S. cities under the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, aiming for operational services by 2026 [7] - Despite potential future progress, the current valuation of $5 billion may not reflect the company's readiness to dominate the eVTOL market [9] Group 5: Capital Raising and Dilution - The company raised $850 million through new stock offerings in June and plans an additional $650 million offering to fund its acquisition of Hawthorne Airport [10] - Existing investors face share dilution due to these capital raises, which may impact future investment decisions [10]

Core Insights - Joby Aviation is experiencing significant momentum due to government programs, global partnerships, and major demonstrations that are advancing its air taxi vision [1] - Despite the positive developments, there are notable risks related to dilution and certification that investors should monitor closely [1] Group 1: Company Progress - Joby Aviation is making strides towards its air taxi goals, driven by various catalysts [1] - The company is actively engaging in global partnerships that enhance its operational capabilities [1] - Major demonstrations are showcasing the potential of Joby's technology and business model [1] Group 2: Risks - Investors need to be aware of dilution risks that may affect the company's stock performance [1] - Certification risks remain a significant concern as the company navigates regulatory requirements [1]

Production Capacity - Joby Aviation aims to double its US domestic production capacity to four aircraft per month by 2027 [1] - The company has decided to double production capacity for the second time in 6 months, initially from one to two aircraft per month, and now from two to four [2] - Joby Aviation is scaling production capacities at facilities in California and Ohio, with significant manufacturing talent being brought in Ohio [2] Government Support - Joby Aviation is experiencing unprecedented government support, highlighted by an event in Washington DC with key officials [3] - The White House's executive order and the EIP program are creating tailwinds, potentially allowing Joby Aviation to deploy air taxis in communities across the country by 2026 [4] - Dozens of communities have applied for the EIP program, expressing interest in adopting Joby Aviation's technology [5] Market Demand - Joby Aviation is seeing unprecedented demand around the world [2]

Core Insights - Archer Aviation has partnered with various U.S. cities to submit applications for initial air taxi operations under the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) [1][2] - The eIPP aims to accelerate the adoption of electric air taxis by creating operational pathways for leading eVTOL companies in the U.S. [1][4] - Archer's exclusive application with Huntington Beach, California, supports its plans for early air taxi operations in the Los Angeles area, particularly for the 2028 Olympic Games [3] Group 1: Applications and Partnerships - Archer's applications focus on establishing long-term electric air taxi services, including building local operations teams and upgrading infrastructure [2] - The proposed applications are public-private partnerships with cities in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York [2] - The collaboration with local governments aims to prepare cities for the widespread adoption of electric air taxis [4] Group 2: National Strategy and Industry Collaboration - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the eIPP to integrate eVTOL operations into the national airspace [4][5] - The National AAM Strategy outlines a roadmap for safely integrating eVTOL aircraft, aligning certification, operations, and infrastructure [6] - The strategy includes 40 recommendations to support early operations and advance domestic manufacturing and job creation in aviation [7] Group 3: Future Outlook - The FAA is expected to review applications and announce selections in early to mid-2026, with operational activities anticipated to begin later that year [9] - Archer's CEO emphasizes the importance of execution in building and deploying eVTOL aircraft in the U.S. [8] - Local officials, such as the Mayor of Huntington Beach, express optimism about the partnership with Archer and the potential for innovation in their communities [8]