Archer Aviation Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, significantly up. The market is on the bulls' side.

Слабый индекс, значительно вырос. Увеличился приток средств в лонги.

Weak index, significantly up. The inflow of funds into longs has increased.

Key Points
Archer Aviation is trading in the red, but big opportunities are in its future.
FAA type certification, plus an established defense business, will make Archer a much more valuable company than it is today.
On the surface, Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) stock has been a disappointment this year. The eVTOL stock (electric vertical takeoff and landing) currently trades at about $5 a share, and has traded in the red for most of the year. It closed 2025 at about $7.50 a share; it has spent much of 2026 below $7.
But, honestly, what else should we have expectd? This is a company earning almost zero revenue last year; an aviation hopeful whose aircraft, Midnight, lacked -- and still lacks -- regulatory approval for commercial flights; and a high-flying, speculative stock whose valuation depended on faith, hope, and a whole lot of things going right.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Still, a lot could change in three years. And if Archer executes on its ambitions, I think this stock could gain more than 50% in that time span.
What Archer could look like in three years
Archer Aviation is a pioneer in the nascent eVTOL industry. It, along with Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), is trying to become the first U.S. company to offer air taxi services -- essentially a new mode of aerial transportation that would shuttle you through the air instead of on the ground. The vision for Archer is to transform the congested urban commute by replacing hour-long car rides with 10- to 20-minute zero-emission flights.
As mentioned above, Archer doesn't have the regulatory green light to offer air taxi services commercially. By 2029, however, I expect that Archer will have received FAA type certification and will have started commercial operations.
I don't think that's overly optimistic either. Thing is, Archer has completed three of the FAA's four certification phases and is now working through the final one. Meanwhile, its Midnight aircraft have been completing piloted test flights in California, including trips between cities. Add to that the federal government's enthusiastic push to bring eVTOLs to a major city near you, and I think Archer has a shot at getting Midnight certified in 36 months.
On top of that, Archer has opportunities now that could make it a formidable business in three years. Take, for instance, its defense plans. In August, Archer announced plans to acquire three Boeing subsidiaries, including Insitu, a profitable drone manufacturer generating more than $200 million in annual revenue.
That's right: Archer, who barely eked out $300,000 in 2025, could be generating not insignificant revenue soon. Assuming the deal closes, Archer could enter 2029 with a strong defense business alongside its passenger enterprise.
So how much could a $5,000 investment be worth?
Of course, revenue growth doesn't necessarily translate into stock growth. Dilution, for example, could eat into returns, even if Archer grows into a bigger business.
Indeed, given that Archer lost about $260 million in the second quarter alone, I wouldn't be surprised if the company needed to raise even more capital over the next three years. Toss in the additional shares Archer plans to issue for its Boeing acquisition, and dilution could become a major headwind.
Still, I think Archer has a good shot at hitting $8 a share by October 2029. That would imply 60% upside from here, turning $5,000 into $8,000. This assumes that Archer gets FAA type certification and expands its defense business, both of which, I think, will make it a much more valuable company than it is today.
That isn't, of course, a guarantee, and there are plenty of risks that could kill Archer's plans. Only go into Archer if you have an appetite for risk and can stomach the losses should the company fail to realize its ambitions.
Should you buy stock in Archer Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Archer Aviation, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Archer Aviation wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $380,795!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,390,634!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 946% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 215% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 13, 2026.
Steven Porrello has positions in Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Prediction: Here's What a $5,000 Investment in Archer Aviation Will Be Worth in 3 Years

Key Points
The U.S. military is investing in electric vertical takeoff and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs).
Archer Aviation has teamed up with Anduril to develop one based on Archer's Midnight design.
The company has secured defense contracts worth up to $142 million.
Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) could change how we think about transportation. Thanks to modern technology, these aircraft can take off like helicopters and transition to flight like airplanes.
While eVTOLs could change how we get around cities, they are also highly appealing for military purposes. Their electric motors are 1,000 times quieter than helicopters, making them harder to detect during missions. They also require less maintenance and are agile enough to perform rescue and reconnaissance missions.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) is an eVTOL developer with a growing defense business alongside its commercial ambitions. Here's why Archer Aviation is so well-positioned to capture defense dollars flowing into eVTOLs.
Archer is working with the U.S. Air Force and winning defense contracts
eVTOLs offer a distinct advantage for military use, including lower acoustic and thermal signatures and the ability to maneuver in tight spaces. The United States Air Force created the AFWERX Agility Prime program to accelerate eVTOL technology. This program grants military airworthiness evaluations and access to military test ranges.
Archer Aviation has positioned itself as a key player in this program. Through its AFWERX partnership, Archer secured defense contracts worth up to $142 million to evaluate its Midnight aircraft for military use cases. Under this program, the Air Force took delivery of Midnight and validated its flight performance, maintenance turnaround time, and tactical use on military ranges.
This comes as Archer scales up its Archer Defense segment. In 2024, Archer teamed up with Anduril Industries, a next-generation defense prime specializing in uncrewed autonomous hardware and command-and-control software.
On July 20, Anduril and Archer Aviation revealed their jointly developed autonomous VTOL aircraft platform. As part of the reveal, Anduril showcased Thunder, an autonomous attack aircraft built using technology from Archer's Midnight aircraft. Archer raised $430 million in equity following this announcement.
Archer Defense provides revenue while working toward a commercial launch
Archer continues to build on its defense business. On Aug. 10, Archer announced it would acquire aerospace assets from Boeing in an all-stock deal, giving Boeing roughly a 19.75% stake in Archer after closing.
As part of this deal, Archer will acquire military drone maker Insitu, eVTOL developer Wisk Aero, and airspace software company SkyGrid. Insitu will provide Archer with a company that is already operating and generating over $200 million in annual revenue.
Archer Aviation is seeking Federal Aviation Administration certification for its eVTOLs for commercial use and hopes to begin passenger flights in the next year or two. In the meantime, integrating defense into its business provides an alternative revenue and cash-flow source as it seeks certification and scales manufacturing.
Should you buy stock in Archer Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Archer Aviation, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Archer Aviation wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $379,123!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,408,822!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 950% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 215% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 12, 2026.
Courtney Carlsen has positions in Archer Aviation. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Defense Dollars Are Flowing Into eVTOLs and This Stock Stands to Win Big

Key Points
Joby Aviation just completed a fully autonomous flight across the United States.
Archer Aviation just showcased its "air taxi" service between California airports.
Although these two eVTOL makers are advancing their technology, they still aren't generating material revenues.
Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) and Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) are looking to upend the aviation industry. That's a tall task, given the sector's highly regulated and capital-intensive nature. But they are making material strides toward that goal, as they each advance their electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology.
From a business perspective, things are going well. But what about from a finance perspective? Neither one generates material revenue, so both are burning through cash at a rapid rate as they build their aerospace businesses. It looks like Joby may have more room to run, at least for now.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Joby and Archer: Lots of money out, little money in
In the second quarter of 2026, Joby Aviation reported $38.6 million in revenues. Archare Aviation reported just $5 million. That's not a lot of revenue when you consider the spending these two companies are doing as they build their businesses.
Joby's cost of revenue was $28.3 million, resulting in a small gross profit. However, selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs were $76.5 million. And then research and development expenses were nearly $195 million. When all was said and done, the company's loss from operations was roughly $260 million.
Archer's story is no better. The $5 million in revenue it produced cost $4.3 million to generate, leaving a small gross profit. However, SG&A costs came in at nearly $94 milloin in the second quarter. Research and development costs totalled $186 million. All in, Archer's loss from operations was $279 million.
As start-ups, it isn't surprising that Archer and Joby are bleeding cash. But investors have to understand that the cash supporting these businesses is limited. At the end of the second quarter, Joby had roughly $2.2 billion in cash and investments. Archer Aviation had about $1.5 billion.
Joby has an edge, but don't get too excited
From a pure numbers perspective, Joby has more room to run. If it continues to loss $260 million each quarter, the $2.2 billion in cash could last another two years or so. Joby's $1.5 billion in cash at a roughly $280 million quarterly loss would last only a little over a year.
That's if nothing changes, which is highly unlikely. After all, Joby just successfully showcased its autonomous flight technology with a cross-country flight. And Archer just showed off its tech with manned flights between local California airports, basically proving it can operate an air taxi service. At this point, there's a strong reason to believe both will be able to bring their eVTOLs to market.
This helps explain why aviation giant Boeing (NYSE: BA), among other companies, is partnering with Archer. And why Joby is working with Virgin Atlantic and Delta (NYSE: DAL). Basically, neither Joby nor Archer is flying solo here, which suggests that more capital will be relatively easy to raise when it is needed.
Almost there, but not quite
Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are high-risk stocks that only the most aggressive of growth investors should consider. But they are both making material progress as businesses, even as they continue to burn through cash at a rapid clip. That's pretty normal for a start-up.
The big difference here is that each of these eVTOL companies is working with major partners that could be important sources of capital. In other words, investors should monitor cash burn as it occurs, but it is highly likely to be replenished before there's any risk to either company's business. That said, if either company fails to replace its cash balances in a timely fashion, it might be time to ditch the aircraft maker.
Should you buy stock in Joby Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Joby Aviation, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Joby Aviation wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $373,352!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,406,241!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 29, 2026.
Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Joby and Archer Each Burn Roughly $200 Million a Quarter. Here's Which One Runs Out of Cash First

Key Points
Archer Aviation makes autonomous eVTOLs.
It is a long-term play, still far away from profitability.
Micron is trading at just 7 times forward earnings and is in the middle of a memory chip stock supercycle.
Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) could very well be the future of transportation and a stock that will someday make its investors a lot of money.
That was the lure for me -- that and its cheap entry price of under $7 per share -- when I bought shares on the dip late last year. I knew at the time that this was a long-term play, that the fledgling autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer was still in the testing phase, seeking regulatory approvals for commercial operations, and still burning cash, ramping up its technology and fleet.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
It still is, and could still very well be a great stock down the road, although the days of being a profitable company are still years away, making it a more speculative play.
But I decided to cash out and put that money toward a no-brainer play in the middle of a memory chip stock supercycle -- Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU).
Micron is trading up 275% year to date
There aren't too many better places to invest your money than Micron right now. The stock has been on a ridiculous run, up 582% over the past 12 months and more than 275% year to date. It was trading at around $340 per share at the start of the year, and now it is at roughly $1,072 per share.
The catalyst has been an insatiable demand for its high bandwidth memory chips. In the fiscal third quarter, revenue grew 74% sequentially and 346% year over year, while earnings rose 105% sequentially and 205% year over year. It raised its guidance for fourth-quarter earnings, which will be reported on Sept. 30.
Micron is already sold out of its high bandwidth memory chips for 2026 and 2027, with "tight conditions to persist beyond calendar 2027," CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said on the Q2earnings call due to high demand and supply constraints. It has secured $100 billion in contracted agreements through 16 long-term agreements announced last quarter that run through 2030 -- and we will likely see more announced in the coming quarters.
Micron stock is still a great value
Even after such an incredible run, Micron stock is still cheap, trading at 24 times earnings, 7 times forward earnings, and a 0.16 price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio, which makes it a deep-value long-term hold.
That, to me, made Micron stock too hard to pass up. When you combine the insatiable demand driven by the AI build-out with the pricing power from supply constraints and the long-term contracts to fill its pipeline, Micron should be an earnings machine for years to come.
The earnings power, in fact, is so strong that the market hasn't even full recognized it yet, and for a stock that has returned 554% over the past year, that's kind of hard to believe.
So, while there may be room in your portfolio for both Archer and Micron, along with others, I decided to go make a bigger play on Micron, given its earnings power, market position, and incredible value.
Should you buy stock in Micron Technology right now?
Before you buy stock in Micron Technology, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Micron Technology wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $373,352!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,406,241!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 933% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 212% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 29, 2026.
Dave Kovaleski has positions in Micron Technology. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Micron Technology. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

I Sold My Archer Aviation Shares and Bought This Growth Stock Instead. The AI Supercycle Made It Obvious.

Key Points
Pentagon priorities are shifting toward hybrid and autonomous aircraft.
Archer's Thunder platform is designed specifically for military missions.
Archer's Boeing deal could significantly expand its defense business.
The Pentagon has spent years testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and two of the biggest beneficiaries have been Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) and Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY). But if I'm looking for the eVTOL stock with the stronger defense opportunity today, I'm going with Archer. Let me explain.
Archer's contract with the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program is valued at up to $142 million. The company delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the Air Force in 2024 after receiving a military airworthiness assessment from the Department of Defense. The military has been evaluating Midnight for missions including personnel transport, logistics, medical evacuation, and intelligence and surveillance.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
That said, Joby has also collected plenty of defense money. Its Air Force contract reached a potential value of $131 million, with plans to provide as many as nine aircraft. Joby has operated aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base and continues working with the Air Force on autonomous flight technology. So why give Archer the edge?
The Pentagon's priorities are changing
Joby disclosed that the Department of Defense shifted the Agility Prime program toward hybrid aircraft and autonomous flight technologies in 2025 and reduced the scope of Joby's existing contract. Joby is responding by developing autonomous capabilities and pursuing additional government contracts, including work with L3Harris.The company also agreed to acquire defense contractor Resonant Sciences for approximately $500 million. Resonant already works on active national security programs and brings expertise in areas including advanced sensing, electronic warfare, communications, autonomous systems, and low-observability aircraft technology. It also generated more than $100 million in revenue over the previous 12 months.
Once that acquisition closes, Resonant will become Joby's dedicated defense business, giving it an established defense operation that can be combined with Joby's hybrid aircraft and autonomous-flight technology.Archer, meanwhile, has already built its defense strategy around that shift.
The company partnered with defense technology company Anduril to develop a new autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL platform. In July, the companies unveiled Thunder, a Group 5 autonomous aircraft designed specifically for military missions.
Unlike Archer's all-electric Midnight air taxi, Thunder uses a hybrid-electric powertrain to provide greater range and endurance. It's also autonomous and designed to carry configurable payloads depending on the mission. Archer's defense ambitions are getting even bigger, too.
In August, Archer announced a deal to acquire Boeing's Insitu, Wisk Aero, and SkyGrid businesses. Insitu alone generates more than $200 million in annual revenue, while the three businesses would significantly expand Archer's aerospace, defense, and autonomous-flight capabilities. Of course, none of this means Archer is about to become the next Lockheed Martin.
The $142 million Air Force contract represents a maximum potential value, not guaranteed revenue, and Thunder is still a new platform that will have to prove itself. Joby shouldn't be counted out, either. Its relationship with the military goes back years, and its autonomous technology could produce additional defense contracts. But right now, Archer has the cleaner alignment with where Pentagon spending appears to be heading: autonomy, hybrid propulsion, longer range, and uncrewed military aircraft. And that gives Archer the edge in the battle for defense dollars.
Should you buy stock in Archer Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Archer Aviation, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Archer Aviation wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $383,680!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,382,954!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 937% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 214% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 26, 2026.
Jeff Siegel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Pentagon Is Buying eVTOLs. Here's Which Stock Wins the Defense Money.

Key Points
Stocks of companies in the electric vertical takeoff and landing business are burning cash as profit expectations are pushed further into the future.
Both Joby and Archer aimed for commercial operations in 2025, but neither achieved that goal.
It's no secret that this has been a brutal year for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) investors, with stocks of all the leading players, including Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) and Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), down sharply. Here's a look at why, and what could lead eVTOL stocks to come back into favor.
A difficult 2026 for eVTOL stocks
Without a doubt, the key to regaining some of the ground lost in the chart below is Federal Aviation Administration certification, followed by the launch of commercial operations. I will return to this point in a moment, but first, it's worth noting that the disappointing share price performance this year isn't solely due to FAA certification.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Certification in itself is critical, but any further delay in profitability may increase cash-burn rates for money-losing companies, which may well have to raise capital amid rising interest rates, with investor appetite waning.
Not just a certification issue
In addition, expectations for the commercial viability of a key part of eVTOL's business model, providing passenger transportation to airports, were called into question.
Delta Air Lines has partnered with Joby Aviation, and United Airlines has partnered with Archer Aviation. As such, investors were disappointed in March when United's chief executive officer, Scott Kirby, reportedly made negative remarks about the potential for eVTOLs to fly into congested airports.
The subject matter came up again recently at the Morgan Stanley Annual Laguna Conference, where, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, United Airlines Chief Financial Officer Michael Leskinen noted that "air traffic control is a really difficult problem," particularly at the kind of congested airports where eVTOL passengers will get the most utility. However, he said United would continue to work toward solutions on the matter, noting: "How we evolve that into congested airspace is something that's going to take a few more years."
This kind of commentary is a concern because airport shuttles are widely believed to be relatively easy and early revenue generators for eVTOL companies.
FAA certification timelines
To be sure, there's still a powerful case for eVTOL stocks, and the sell-off is arguably creating a good buying opportunity. That case will inevitably be strengthened should Joby or Archer achieve certification for their eVTOLs, because profit timelines appear to have been pushed back.
For example, in February 2024, Joby's CEO JoeBen Bevirt said the company's accomplishments "kept us moving steadily toward our goal of launching commercial passenger operations in 2025." To be fair, that assumption included a potential launch in Dubai. However, Joby does not yet have a commercial passenger operation in service in the U.S. or Dubai, let alone FAA certification.
Archer's management told investors that "the goal of the company is to commence commercial operations in 2025" at a Barclays investor conference in May 2024. Like Joby, Archer doesn't yet have a commercial passenger service in operation.
To be clear, neither company is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the FAA or other regulatory bodies, and delays are part and parcel of the aviation world. Still, if investors have priced commercial operations into their assumptions, then they would likely have been disappointed by events.
Why FAA certification matters
Achieving FAA certification is likely to change the narrative around the companies, shifting them from unprofitable, cash-burning, speculative investments operating under regulatory uncertainty to growth companies on the cusp of scaling operations and production in line with end-market growth.
Certification will also de-risk their business models, create order opportunities, and increase their ability to raise capital if necessary. It's the one major catalyst both Joby and Archer Aviation can deliver on, and the good news is they are both making progress to that end.
Should you buy stock in Joby Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Joby Aviation, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Joby Aviation wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $384,839!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,385,657!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 936% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 213% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 25, 2026.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc and Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The eVTOL Trade Has Been Deflating for Months. Here's the 1 Catalyst That Could Reverse It.

Key Points
Shares of Archer Aviation have fallen 40% in the past year.
The company became the first eVTOL developer to complete the third of four FAA Type Certification phases.
As of today, Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) is trading around $5.60 per share. This means a $10,000 investment would purchase roughly 1,785 shares. How much this position grows in the next five years relies almost exclusively on Archer's ability to execute, and right now, I'm cautiously bullish that the pieces are falling into place for the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company.
First, Archer became the first eVTOL developer to finish the third of four FAA Type Certification phases. The company is targeting a launch of U.S. operations later this year under the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. Archer has $1.8 billion in liquidity, giving it a substantial runway to get up and running.
Missed AI’s "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our analysts, we’re only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Wall Street analysts believe Archer could reach nearly $11 in a year, which doubles a $10,000 investment in just 12 months. Furthermore, if Archer hits its stated milestones on schedule, a conservative 15% CAGR through 2031 would put shares near $19 five years from now. That means the original $10,000 investment is now about $35,000, or 3.5 times the initial amount.
Archer is still deeply unprofitable, and this assumes the company can execute with minimal delays or missteps. Any hiccups could significantly dampen that rosy prediction. However, closing in on the certification milestones will certainly reduce the risk associated with Archer. The eVTOL sector is also expected to grow substantially over this time frame, benefiting Archer investors.
If all goes well, I think the $35,000 target in five years isn't out of the question.
Should you buy stock in Archer Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Archer Aviation, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Archer Aviation wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $384,839!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,385,657!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 936% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 213% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 24, 2026.
Catie Hogan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Prediction: Here's What a $10,000 Investment in Archer Aviation Will Be Worth in 5 Years

Key Points
Archer recently transformed its business by acquiring defense-focused subsidiaries from Boeing.
Joby maintains a significant lead in revenue generation and vertical integration with major partners.
Which of these electric aviation pioneers is the better buy for long-term investors in 2026?
The race for electric vertical takeoff and landing supremacy is heating up as Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) and Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) move closer to full commercialization in 2026.
While both companies are developing electric air taxis to revolutionize urban travel, they are taking distinct paths toward profitability and scale. This comparison examines their financial health, strategic partnerships, and the risks facing these high-growth industrial players.
The case for Archer Aviation
Archer focuses on its Midnight aircraft, targeting both commercial passenger journeys and a robust expansion into defense stocks. The company recently strengthened its position by acquiring subsidiaries from Boeing (NYSE:BA), including Wisk Aero and Insitu, which added an established defense business across dozens of countries.
In FY 2025, the company recorded revenue of nearly $300,000 as it began its initial operations. This period resulted in a net loss of approximately $618.2 million, which was an increase from the $536.8 million net loss reported in the prior year. The net margin for the period was nearly -206,066.7%, reflecting the high costs of development relative to early-stage sales.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, Archer maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.1x. This ratio compares the total debt of the business to its shareholder equity, suggesting a relatively low reliance on borrowed funds. The current ratio is roughly 19.9x, indicating a strong ability to cover short-term obligations, though free cash flow was negative $511.7 million.
The case for Joby Aviation
Joby is building a vertically integrated aerial ridesharing platform that will integrate directly into the booking apps of its partners. The company has secured deep manufacturing and financial support from Toyota and Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) to build its network. Its acquisition of the Blade Urban Air Mobility platform has also provided an established base of charter customers and existing airport relationships.
During FY 2025, Joby generated revenue of approximately $53.4 million, representing growth of nearly 39,183.1% over the prior fiscal year. Despite this rapid growth, the company reported a net loss of roughly $929.8 million for the year. The net margin was approximately -1,740.5%, as the company continues to invest heavily in its flight test programs and infrastructure.
As of the December 2025 balance sheet, the company carries a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.0x, meaning it has essentially no total debt. Its current ratio of approximately 24.1x shows a substantial cushion of liquid assets to meet near-term costs. Free cash flow for the period was nearly negative $563.8 million as Joby continues building its large-scale manufacturing facility in Ohio.
Risk profile comparison
Archer faces significant risks from its history of operating losses, which total approximately $2.3 billion since the company was founded. Achieving FAA type certification for the Midnight aircraft remains a critical hurdle that could be delayed by technical or regulatory challenges. The company also relies on third-party suppliers and faces the difficult task of scaling high-volume manufacturing while managing complex government defense contracts.
Joby continues to face financial pressure from persistent net losses and the massive capital requirements needed to build its national vertiport network. Execution risk is high as the company finishes the final stages of regulatory compliance for its air carrier operations. Furthermore, Joby depends heavily on the ongoing support of strategic partners like Toyota and Delta Air Lines to realize its commercial goals.
Valuation comparison
Joby currently appears cheaper on a relative basis when comparing the P/S ratio, which measures market value against sales over the past twelve months. Neither company has a Forward P/E because future earnings estimates remain negative for both businesses.
Metric
Archer Aviation
Joby Aviation
P/S ratio
618.1x
52.0x
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
I'd go with Joby Aviation, though Archer makes this closer than the conventional wisdom around these two companies implies. Archer completed a significant FAA certification milestone in May 2026, and Boeing's backing and a United Airlines partnership add commercial credibility that most eVTOL rivals cannot match. For investors comfortable with early-stage risk, Archer is a legitimate contender.
But Joby is further along in the certification process overall, currently deep into the FAA's final verification phase. Its operational test flights in Texas are integrating with commercial airspace in ways that bring revenue-generating passenger service closer. The Toyota manufacturing partnership adds decades of large-scale manufacturing discipline that a start-up building complex aircraft cannot easily develop on its own timeline. And Delta Air Lines as an anchor investor means Joby has a major airline with skin in the game.
Both companies still have a lot to prove, and true passenger service for either is still likely a year or two away. But Joby seems to have more of the critical pieces in place right now, giving it a stronger early advantage.
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Archer Aviation vs. Joby Aviation: Which eVTOL Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

(RTTNews) - Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR), an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, said Thursday that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act for its planned acquisition of Boeing's Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu subsidiaries expired on September 18, satisfying a key condition to close the deal.
The transaction remains subject to other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is estimated to close by the end of 2026.
The acquisition is expected to combine Wisk, Insitu and SkyGrid's autonomous aerospace, unmanned aircraft and airspace intelligence technologies with Archer's products and AI foundation model, ZEE.
Archer Aviation shares were down more than 1% in pre-market trading after closing at $5.71 on Wednesday.

Antitrust Waiting Period Expires For Archer's Acquisition Of Boeing Subsidiaries

Archer Aviation, Inc. ACHR and Textron Inc. TXT are advancing next-generation aviation technologies as the industry moves toward more electric, autonomous and digitally enabled aircraft. Archer Aviation is developing its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the infrastructure needed for air taxi operations, while Textron has exposure to sustainable aviation through Pipistrel and is exploring autonomous flight technology across its established aircraft platforms.
The aviation industry is evolving beyond conventional aircraft as manufacturers invest in electric propulsion, autonomy, charging infrastructure and advanced flight-control technologies. Developing these capabilities requires coordination across aircraft design, manufacturing, certification, infrastructure and operating systems. Archer Aviation and Textron are approaching this transition from different starting points, but both are investing in technologies intended to expand how advanced aircraft can operate and support future aviation applications.
Let’s compare the stocks’ fundamentals to determine which one is the better investment option at present.
The Case for ACHR Stock
Archer Aviation is developing its Midnight eVTOL aircraft for passenger air taxi operations. The aircraft is designed for short-distance trips and incorporates electric propulsion and flight-control technologies. Archer Aviation is also preparing for commercial deployment by expanding production capabilities, working through aircraft certification and developing the charging and operating infrastructure required to support future air taxi networks.
On Sept. 10, 2026, Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies and Macquarie Capital’s America’s Consortium for Electric Skyways announced plans to expand interoperable electric aviation charging infrastructure in Texas to support TxDOT’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program operations. The consortium intends to identify locations where charging infrastructure will be needed as electric aircraft operations develop across the Texas Triangle and surrounding communities. The initiative could help Archer Aviation establish infrastructure for future Midnight operations while supporting its broader effort to build scalable air taxi networks across major U.S. markets.
The Case for TXT Stock
Textron participates in advanced aviation through Textron Aviation and Pipistrel. Its portfolio includes Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, while Pipistrel develops light aircraft using electric and conventional propulsion. Textron has also been developing hybrid and electric aircraft technologies, including the Nuuva V300, while research activities involving digital flight controls and air-vehicle management systems are being incorporated across the company.
On Sept. 14, 2026, Textron Aviation and Merlin introduced the Cessna SkyCourier UX concept aircraft, combining the FAA-certified SkyCourier platform with Merlin Pilot autonomous-flight software. The concept explores fully autonomous takeoff and landing and potential aircraft configurations designed around cargo capacity rather than an onboard flight crew. The development could help Textron evaluate how autonomy can be integrated into an aircraft already supported by established manufacturing and service infrastructure while broadening its experience with next-generation aircraft technologies and autonomous aviation systems.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for ACHR & TXT?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Archer Aviation's 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a fall of 52.38%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Textron’s 2026 EPS calls for growth of 6.56%.
Debt Position of ACHR & TXT
Debt position is an important financial indicator that reflects a company’s financial stability and ability to manage debt obligations efficiently. Currently, the debt-to-capital ratio of ACHR and TXT is 6.15% and 32.09%, respectively.
AVAV & TXT’s Price Performance
Over the past month, ACHR shares have fallen 10.5%, while TXT shares have declined 3.3% compared with the industry’s drop of 7.3%.
Valuation for ACHR & TXT
ACHR shares are trading at a trailing 12-month Price/Book (P/B TTM) multiple of 2.18 compared with TXT’s P/B TTM of 1.7.
Summing Up
Both companies are participating in the evolution of next-generation aviation technologies. Archer Aviation is focused on developing its Midnight electric air taxi, expanding production capabilities and building the charging infrastructure needed for future operations. Textron is advancing aviation technologies through its established aircraft platforms, Pipistrel’s electric aircraft capabilities and initiatives involving autonomous flight systems.
Our choice at the moment is Textron, supported by its stronger earnings growth outlook, more attractive valuation and better recent stock price performance compared with Archer Aviation.
Archer Aviation and Textron each carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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