Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments. The company offers subcompact and compact cars; mini-vehicles; mid-size, luxury, sports, and specialty cars; recreational and sport-utility vehicles; pickup trucks; minivans; trucks; and buses. It offers vehicles under the Toyota and Lexus brand names. Further, the company provides financial services, such as retail financing and leasing, wholesale financing, insurance, and credit cards. Additionally, it operates GAZOO.com, a web portal for automobile information, as well as engages in telecommunications and other businesses. The company was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Toyota, Japan.

Toyota Motor Corporation демонстрирует смешанную фундаментальную картину. С одной стороны, P/E составляет 12.66, что ниже медианы отрасли, указывая на возможную недооцененность. Однако, другие мультипликаторы, такие как Price/Sales, Price/Book и Price/FCF, показывают переоцененность по сравнению с отраслевыми стандартами. Важно отметить, что чистая прибыль и маржа прибыли выше медианных значений, что позитивно сказывается на общей оценке. Тем не менее, показатели рентабельности (ROE, ROA, ROI) находятся ниже медианы отрасли, что вызывает опасения относительно эффективности использования капитала. Долговая нагрузка также выше, чем в среднем по отрасли, что может увеличить финансовые риски. Дивидендная доходность находится на уровне 1.50%, что соответствует ожиданиям, но не демонстрирует роста. В целом, несмотря на сильные позиции по выручке и чистой прибыли, слабые стороны в рентабельности и долговой нагрузке требуют осторожности при оценке компании.

Toyota Motor Corporation

Key Points
Joby Aviation plans to lead Western eVTOL launches with Uber in Dubai.
Business models and timelines differ widely among eVTOL companies.
eVTOL stocks are volatile but offer long-term growth potential.
Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) is the front-runner among Western companies to launch commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations in Dubai this year, in partnership with its investor, Uber Technologies. Its rival, Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), also plans to launch in Abu Dhabi in 2026.
Although both events are at risk amid conflict in the region, they still symbolize the beginning of a new era of eVTOL travel. Here's what you need to know about investing in the sector.
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The eVTOL market is highly competitive
While Joby and Archer capture most of the attention due to their progress toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and upcoming commercial launches, there are plenty of ways to invest in the sector. For example, the U.K.'s Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) is seeking certification from the U.K.'s Civil Aviation Authority and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2028, with FAA certification to follow.
China's eHang (NASDAQ: EH) has recently launched commercial services in China. Beta Technologies (NYSE: BETA) is developing an electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) system that will use standard runways and then an eVTOL, both for commercial use, including for cargo customers like UPS.
Interestingly, Beta is selling propulsion systems to Brazil's Embraer-backed Eve (NYSE: EVEX). Meanwhile, Embraer isn't the only major aircraft manufacturer active in the eVTOL niche, as Boeing is investing heavily in its subsidiary, Wisk, an eVTOL company focused on autonomous eVTOL.
Business models differ dramatically
This is where it gets a bit complicated, and also fascinating, because each company appears to have its own business model. Joby is probably the most ambitious because it's pursuing a vertically integrated transportation-as-a-service (TaaS) model. Not only is it developing its own technology, with manufacturing help from key investor Toyota, but it's also creating its own transportation services company through its partnership with Uber.
As such, it's hugely impressive that Joby is leading the certification race and is ahead of rivals like Archer and Vertical, which are primarily original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) relying on established aerospace companies (Honeywell, etc.) for component supplies, such as propulsion systems. In theory, Archer and Vertical should be ahead due to these relationships, but Joby's go-it-alone strategy appears to be working.
That said, it may face intense competition from Boeing's Wisk in a few years. Rather surprisingly, as Boeing is an OEM, it's also developing Wisk as a TaaS company. Still, there's a difference: Wisk aims to cut the cost of the pilot out of its services by developing only autonomous eVTOLs.
Beta is focused on being an OEM company and has customers such as UPS, United Therapeutics, and Air New Zealand. However, it also plans to generate long-term revenue from aftermarket services on its eCTOL and eVTOL and, notably, its electric charging infrastructure, which is based on CCS-1 protocol (making it highly compatible) and is also for use for "all electric aircraft operators," according to its Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Finally, Embraer's Eve is a fascinating eVTOL company, as its model involves serving as an OEM and leveraging key partners' technologies (for example, Beta, Thales, and BAE Systems), as well as developing an Urban Air Traffic Management system, Vector, which could become the industry standard. In addition, it aims to leverage Embraer's global operations to offer aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to customers.
Which eVTOL stocks to buy?
Clearly, this is a nascent, highly competitive industry, and as you can see, eVTOL stocks have sharply sold off this year. The long-term potential, however, is obvious. Joby probably offers the most upside potential due to its TaaS model and first-mover advantage, but it may need funding to support its growth plans.
Beta probably did its initial public offering at the perfect time (November 2025), and the Wall Street average estimate suggests it will end 2026 with $971 million in net cash and no need to raise capital until it starts generating cash in 2030. Moreover, the combination of reliance on the cargo/logistics market and the opportunity to earn early revenue via the Eve deal and OEM sales makes it an attractive stock for eVTOL investors.
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 $492,752!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,327,935!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 991% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 201% 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 April 29, 2026.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing, Honeywell International, Uber Technologies, United Parcel Service, and United Therapeutics. The Motley Fool recommends BAE Systems and Embraer. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The eVTOL Era is Beginning With Uber and Joby Aviation: What Investors Need to Know

Key Points
Joby Aviation is still an early-stage business.
Execution will decide the outcome for the air-taxi maker.
The upside is meaningful, but investors should expect volatility ahead.
Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) is one of the most talked-about names in flying taxis. The company is building electric aircraft designed to take off like a helicopter and fly like a plane, aiming to carry passengers across cities in minutes.
It's an exciting idea, and investors are paying enormous attention. But if you're thinking about buying the stock in May, the answer isn't straightforward. It depends on one key factor: execution.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
The opportunity is real, and potentially gigantic
Joby is chasing a large long-term opportunity, potentially reaching trillions of dollars. The idea is simple. Urban air mobility could reshape how people move in crowded cities, especially for short trips like airport transfers. Imagine turning a two-hour car ride into a 20- or 30-minute journey -- that's a huge value proposition.
As one of the leading players, the company has made real progress. Its aircraft can fly (yes, many eVTOL companies don't even have a flying vehicle yet). It has also advanced through key certification milestones and is targeting its first commercial flights in 2026, starting in markets such as Dubai.
Joby also has the backing of some major partners. For example, , Toyota Motor is one of its shareholders. This positions it well to win the race.
In short, if everything goes right, Joby could become one of the first companies to operate flying taxis at scale. That's the upside investors are betting on.
But the business is still very early in its story
Despite the progress, Joby is not yet a functioning business. The company generates little to no meaningful revenue today. Yet, it continues to spend heavily on development, certification, and manufacturing. That suggests that profitability is still years away.
To put it into perspective, the company's cash burn was around $500 million in 2025, which could increase further as it launches its services in the near future.
Hence, the investment case for Joby depends on what could happen next, not what has already happened. Even the market reflects this uncertainty, with the stock moving sharply on news about timelines or progress.
Joby is still in the very early build phase, not the earn phase.
Execution is what matters now
From here, the story comes down to execution. To this end, three things will determine whether Joby succeeds in the near future.
Certification
Joby Aviation must secure full approval from regulators -- especially in its home market, the United States -- before it can carry passengers. So far, progress is encouraging, but approval is not guaranteed, at least not until it receives the final go-ahead.
Demand
Even if flights begin in 2026, Joby still needs to prove that customers will use the service regularly and pay enough to support the business. This is one thing that investors should watch closely in 2026.
Scaling
The company must build aircraft consistently and operate safely at scale, a challenge that many aerospace programs have struggled to deliver on. Here, investors should track the company's announcements in the coming quarters.
All said, if Joby Aviation executes well across all three areas, the investment case becomes much stronger. If not, the stock could remain volatile for years.
So, is it a buy?
Joby Aviation is not a typical stock. It doesn't offer steady earnings or predictable growth. Instead, it offers exposure to a potential future industry. That makes it a speculative buy at best.
For long-term investors who can handle volatility, Joby may be worth a small position, since the upside could be meaningful if the company delivers on its plans. But for most investors, it may be better to wait. Certification clarity, early commercial flights, and initial revenue would provide stronger evidence that the business is working.
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 $498,522!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,276,807!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 983% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 200% 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.
Lawrence Nga 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.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is Joby Aviation Stock a Buy in May? The Answer Depends On This One Thing

Key Points
Joby’s stock has plummeted from its all-time high.
It needs to clear two major regulatory hurdles to bring the bulls back.
Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, closed at a record high of $20.39 per share on Aug. 4, 2025. At the time, Joby impressed the market with its technological advantages, strong partnerships, and clear plans for commercializing its first air taxi flights. The Fed's interest rate cuts in 2024 and 2025 also drove more investors back toward speculative, higher-growth stocks.
But as of this writing, Joby's stock trades at less than $9 per share. Let's see why it lost nearly 60% of its value, and if it's worth buying as a contrarian bet on the nascent eVTOL market.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
What are Joby Aviation's greatest strengths?
Joby's S4 eVTOL carries one pilot and four passengers, travels up to 150 miles on a single charge, and achieves a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour. To reduce drag, it uses single-tilt-rotor propellers that alternate between lifting and cruising modes. That key difference enables the S4 to travel faster and farther than Archer Aviation's (NYSE: ACHR) Midnight, which uses separate propellers for its lifting and cruising modes.
Joby, Archer, and other eVTOL makers aim to replace conventional helicopters in short-range air taxi routes. Joby has already attracted significant attention from prominent investors, including Toyota (NYSE: TM), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), and Uber (NYSE: UBER).
Uber, one of Joby's earliest investors, will integrate Joby's eVTOL rides into its ride-hailing app into its new service, Uber Air, once the regulators approve its first commercial flights. Toyota has been ramping up its investments in Joby to support the certification and commercialization of those air taxis. Delta, Virgin Atlantic, All Nippon Airways, and other airline companies plan to bundle Joby's flights into their tickets as premium last-mile "airport to home" services.
The global eVTOL market could grow at a 36.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights. Assuming Joby stays at the top of this booming market, analysts expect its revenue to rise from $53 million in 2025 to $459 million in 2028.
What are Joby Aviation's most glaring weaknesses?
That outlook seems bright, but Joby hasn't cleared its two most important regulatory hurdles yet. First, it's unclear when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will approve the Type Certification for its first commercial flights. Some analysts expect that to happen by the end of this year or early 2027, but any delays could force them to slash their near-term estimates. Second, Joby originally planned to launch its first commercial flights in Dubai by the end of this year. It's still officially sticking to that schedule, but the ongoing Middle East conflict could delay those plans and prompt analysts to reduce their revenue forecasts for the year.
As Joby grapples with those challenges, the macro headwinds are intensifying. Inflation is driving up costs and sparking fears that the Fed will raise rates rather than cut them. It's still deeply unprofitable, and its share count has already risen by more than 60% since it went public via a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) on Aug. 11, 2021. That dilution could accelerate over the next few years as it scales its business.
With a market cap of $8.3 billion, Joby's stock isn't cheap at 18 times its 2028 sales. Archer, which faces the same regulatory headwinds, trades at just 8 times its 2028 sales. Therefore, any bad news could easily cut Joby's stock in half again -- and it still wouldn't be considered a bargain relative to its near-term growth potential.
Does Joby's pullback represent a buying opportunity?
Joby arguably has a brighter future than Archer and its smaller eVTOL competitors. But without a clearer timeline for its FAA certification and its first commercial flights in Dubai, it's impossible to tell if it can match Wall Street's bullish forecasts. I'd be willing to nibble on Joby's stock at these levels, since it's still the "best in breed" play on the emerging eVTOL market, but I wouldn't make a bigger investment unless it makes meaningful progress toward those near-term goals.
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 $500,572!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,223,900!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 967% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 199% 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 April 25, 2026.
Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Down Nearly 60% From Its Peak, Is It Finally Time to Buy Joby Aviation?

Key Points
Joby may gain a first-mover advantage, but Wisk's autonomous tech could disrupt later.
Both companies face unique risks and opportunities in the evolving eVTOL market.
The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) field is crowded. While most of the attention is focused on Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) and Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), as they are likely to be the first to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, there are plenty of other eVTOLs in development, not least the U.K.'s Vertical Aerospace, Embraer's Eve Air Mobility, and Boeing's (NYSE: BA) Wisk. The fascinating thing about these companies is that they all have different business models, but the most interesting comparison is between Joby and Boeing.
Two rival eVTOL approaches
The major split in eVTOL business models is between the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the integrated transportation-as-a-service (TaaS) approach. Vertical, Archer, and Eve are following the OEM approach, while Joby and Wisk are taking the TaaS route.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
The OEM approach has the advantage of allowing Vertical and Archer to lean on established aerospace suppliers for components (Wisk and Eve benefit from Boeing's and Embraer's extensive supply chain relationships), which, in theory, should reduce risk and put them ahead in the certification race.
In contrast, Joby is focused on becoming a vertically integrated TaaS company, not just developing its own in-house components, such as propulsion systems, batteries, propellers, and other core technologies.
But here's the thing: Joby is actually slightly ahead of Archer in the certification race, even as it develops its own technology, albeit with manufacturing help from its partner and investor, Toyota.
The business models impact financials
Moreover, Archer should start generating earnings and cash flow sooner because it can generate upfront revenue from eVTOL sales. At the same time, TaaS-focused Joby needs to establish itself as a transportation service company, with help from partners such as Uber Technologies and Delta Air Lines.
The TaaS model that Joby and Wisk are following entails more upfront investment, as they build, own, and operate their own eVTOLs, and build out a transportation service, including access to vertiports. In addition, the TaaS model implies an initially slower revenue ramp-up, as it relies on incremental revenue from passenger trips rather than selling OEM eVTOLs.
Joby vs. Wisk: The TaaS battle with a difference
It's not just a battle between a small company and a deep-pocketed one, because Wisk, like EHang, is committed to developing autonomous eVTOLs, while Joby's initial eVTOLs will be piloted. The slower regulatory pathway inherent in autonomous eVTOL means Joby is highly likely to gain a first-mover advantage in the TaaS race, but the cost advantage of Wisk having an autonomous eVTOL service a few years later raises the risk factor for Joby.
Wisk also has the advantage of being part of Boeing's engineering capability, and its eVTOLs potentially being serviced, maintained, repaired, and overhauled by Boeing's global services. The latter is a key point because Boeing's global service center network will be impossible for Joby to replicate.
A two-tier market
In the end, everything points to a battle over a first-mover advantage for Joby, allowing it to build commercial acceptance and scale. At the same time, Wisk focuses on developing a more cost-effective autonomous eVTOL that will take advantage of eVTOLs moving out of the initial novelty and premium-only phase toward more global mass-market adoption.
In response to the long-term threat, Joby is actively collaborating with Nvidia to develop autonomous capabilities that could ultimately lead to a fully autonomous eVTOL, which it could iteratively develop as it builds out its eVTOL network. In fact, that's why Joby bought Xwing's autonomy division in 2024. The acquisition, which added Superpilot autonomous software, is a clear indication of Joby's intent to be relevant should autonomous flight be the future of the eVTOL industry.
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 $499,277!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,225,371!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 972% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 198% 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 April 23, 2026.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines and Embraer. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Battle Royale: Joby Aviation vs. Boeing. Only One Can Make You Rich.

Key Points
Mary Barra's nearly $30 million compensation in 2025 tops close Detroit rivals.
GM's targets and incentives are designed to align management and shareholder interests long term.
The automaker is performing well in nearly any metric, and its stock price has soared compared to mainstream rivals.
Like it or not, CEO pay in America continues to rise in comparison to the average employee. It's viewed as necessary to attract top talent in a highly competitive industry and to align shareholders' interests with management in creating long-term value through better product development, increasing market share, operational improvements to grow margins, and others.
Just recently news hit the markets that General Motors' (NYSE: GM) CEO, Mary Barra, was the highest-paid Big Three CEO, and one simple graph shows exactly why.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
How much are we talking?
Mary Barra earned $29.9 million last year, which was a total compensation package worth a modest 1.4% more than the prior year, according to a company filing. The modest increase was largely due to base salary and stock awards being nearly offset by nonequity incentive plan compensation falling 26% down to almost $5 million. Barra's base salary has been consistent at $2.1 million for a few years, and last year her stock awards jumped 11% to $21.6 million, the bulk of the compensation package.
Devin Wenig, chairman of GM's compensation committee, wrote in the SEC filing:
Together, the targets we set for our 2025 compensation program were intended to incentivize management to navigate uncertainty, continue to make great products that our customers love, and drive improved profitability. We believe that these clear and challenging targets rewarded management for delivering results that are fully aligned with our shareholder interests.
The one graph that can justify Barra's pay is a simple one, but it shows the progress GM has made in navigating uncertain trade policy, tariff changes, volatile electric vehicle (EV) demand, and many other speed bumps along the way.
GM has drastically outperformed rivals over the past three years, nearly tripling its closest competitor and trivializing Ford Motor Company's modest gain and/or Stellantis' 50% drop in value. It even greatly outpaced gains at Ferrari, which by many accounts remains one of the top auto investments out there.
Comparison check
Barra's compensation topped that of her closest rival, Ford Motor Company's CEO Jim Farley. Farley's total compensation jumped 11% last year to just over $27.5 million, which was the highest payout he has received since taking over the automaker in October 2020.
It's fair to note that Farley's payout increased at a time Ford reached only 64% of its earnings targets and rather reached the maximum of 200% of quality goals related to newer vehicles (with zero to three months in service).
That could have some investors scratching their heads, as Ford's number of recalls last year set historical records, and quality has been a consistent problem over recent years, even hindering earnings once in a while due to spikes in warranty costs.
For context, Ford obliterated the previous all-time record for the number of recalls, with 153 such campaigns, a record investors would rather leave in the dust. Ford's recalls covered nearly 13 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles, which was drastically larger than Toyota's and Stellantis' 3.2 million and 2.8 million vehicles, respectively. According to Ford, however, the company's internal metrics indicate the automaker is making significant progress on newer vehicles while mounting recalls are from older vehicles in the national fleet.
High-end CEO talent gets paid the big bucks; that much is clear. There are many ways to justify it, but it all comes down to aligning shareholder interests with management. GM has been performing incredibly well in just about any metric and has returned immense value with tens of billions in share buybacks in recent years. Investors might not like the high compensation packages, or perhaps it's a nonfactor, but GM's stock performance speaks for itself on the matter.
Should you buy stock in General Motors right now?
Before you buy stock in General Motors, 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 General Motors 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 $499,277!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,225,371!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 972% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 198% 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 April 22, 2026.
Daniel Miller has positions in Ford Motor Company and General Motors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Ferrari. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors and Stellantis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Big Bucks Are Flowing at GM, and 1 Simple Graph Shows Why It's Worth Every Penny

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – April 20, 2026 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discussesNissan Motor Co., Ltd. NSANY, NIO Inc. NIO and Toyota Motor Corp. TM.
Industry: Foreign Auto Stocks
Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2902099/3-foreign-auto-stocks-poised-to-benefit-from-strength-in-key-markets
The Zacks Automotive – Foreign industry presents a robust outlook shaped by regional trends and ongoing technological shifts. China remains a key growth driver, with strong momentum in new-energy vehicles (NEVs), rising penetration rates and supportive initiatives to expand adoption, particularly in rural areas. Japan’s auto market is expected to remain stable, backed by steady economic growth and consistent vehicle demand.
Meanwhile, Europe faces a challenging environment, with declining registrations and uneven monthly performance, signaling potential weakness. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., NIO Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. are well-positioned to benefit from evolving opportunities across major global markets.
Industry Overview
Companies in the Zacks Automotive – Foreign industry are involved in designing, manufacturing and selling vehicles, components, as well as production systems. The foreign automotive industry is highly dependent on business cycles and economic conditions. China, Japan, Germany and India are some of the key foreign automotive manufacturing countries. The widespread usage of technology is resulting in the fundamental restructuring of the market.
Stricter emission and fuel-economy targets and ramp-up of charging infrastructure, as well as supportive government policies, are boosting sales of green vehicles. With almost all firms intensifying their electrification game, competition is getting tougher with each passing day. Foreign automakers are now actively engaged in the R&D of electric and autonomous vehicles, fuel efficiency and low-emission technologies.
Factors Shaping Industry's Dynamics
Strong Growth Ahead for China’s NEV Market: China’s NEV market is poised for strong growth. Sales for NEVs are projected to reach 19 million units in 2026, marking a 15.2% year-over-year increase, per the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Overall passenger vehicle sales are expected to rise modestly by 1% to 34.75 million units in 2026, lifting NEV penetration to 54.7% from 47.9% in 2025.
Efforts to boost NEV adoption are also intensifying, particularly in rural areas where penetration remains low despite high potential. Per the Beijing Post, targeted campaigns are promoting reliable, high-quality NEV models suited for rural conditions.
Japan Auto Sales to Remain Steady: Japan’s new vehicle market contracted by 3.5% to 394,965 units in February 2026, down from a robust 409,348 units in the same month a year earlier, per registration data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. However, in Japan, the automotive market is expected to remain stable. Per S&P Global Mobility forecast, light-vehicle sales are expected to be around 4.55 million units in 2026 compared with 4.56 million in 2025. The projected growth of 0.8% in the Japanese economy in 2026 is expected to help sustain vehicle sales.
Europe Auto Market Signals Weakness: Europe faces an uncertain outlook. New vehicle registrations declined 1.2% year to date through February 2026 compared with the same period last year, per the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Although February alone saw a modest 1.4% increase, the earlier 3.9% drop in January and the overall year-to-date decline suggest a challenging road ahead for the region’s auto market.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Upbeat Outlook
The Zacks Automotive – Foreign industry within the broader Zacks Auto-Tires-Trucks sector currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #79, which places it in the top 32% of around 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates an upbeat near-term outlook. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. The industry’s positioning in the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a positive earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Over the past year, the industry’s earnings estimates for 2027 have moved up 108%.
Before we present a couple of stocks that are worth adding to your watchlist, let’s look at the industry’s recent stock market performance and current valuation.
Industry Lags Sector and the S&P 500
The Zacks Automotive – Foreign industry has underperformed the Auto, Tires and Truck sector and the Zacks S&P 500 composite over the past year. The industry has returned 0.8% compared with the S&P 500 and the sector’s growth of 37.4% and 46.7%, respectively.
Industry's Current Valuation
Since automotive companies are debt-laden, it makes sense to value them based on the Enterprise Value/ Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization (EV/EBITDA) ratio.
Based on the trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA), the industry is currently trading at 10.77X compared with the S&P 500’s 18.36X and the sector’s 29.51X.
Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 12.48X, as low as 6.97X and at a median of 9.26X.
3 Stocks to Watch
Nissan: It designs, manufactures, markets and repairs vehicles. It primarily offers passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, sports vehicles and power train components. It recently announced its long-term plan called “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life,” outlining how it will shape its future vehicles and technologies.
The company is focusing on cars powered by artificial intelligence while also making its global lineup smaller and more streamlined. As part of this effort, Nissan plans to reduce its models from 56 to 45 by removing weaker products and improving overall efficiency. The company is focusing on three main markets, Japan, the United States, and China, as part of its global strategy.
It has set sales targets of 550,000 units in Japan and one million units each in the United States and China by fiscal 2030. China will also serve as an export base, with models such as the N7 and Frontier Pro planned for regions, including Latin America, ASEAN and the Middle East.
NSANY currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nissan’s fiscal 2026 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 3.34% and 115.77%, respectively.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
NIO: It is a pioneer in China’s EV market. NIO appears poised for a robust growth phase, fueled by an expanding vehicle portfolio and strategic initiatives. NIO's strong vehicle lineup, including ES6, ET5T, ES8, EC6, ES7, ET5, ET7, EP9, EVE, ET9 and EC7 models, is aiding the company’s deliveries growth. Its efforts to expand beyond its luxury lineup with the launch of a more affordable ONVO brand and a high-end and small car brand, Firefly, bode well.
Due to volume ramp-up, new launches, and component and supply chain cost optimization, NIO’s vehicle margins are improving. Vehicle gross margin in the first quarter of 2026 will be maintained at a level similar to that of the fourth quarter of 2025. The company plans to launch three new large SUV models in 2026, all positioned at the high end of their segments. NIO expects these models to deliver strong margin contributions.
NIO currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NIO’s 2026 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 50.4% and 71.4%, respectively. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NIO’s 2027 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 18.9% and 76.2%, respectively.
Toyota: It is one of the leading automakers in the world in terms of sales and production. The surge in hybrid adoption is boosting Toyota’s sales. Toyota plans to significantly expand hybrid and plug-in hybrid production to about 6.7 million vehicles by 2028, a 30% increase over its 2026 goal.
The company expects to sell 9.75 million units in fiscal 2026, up from 9.36 million sold in fiscal 2025. Toyota and Lexus vehicle sales are estimated to reach 10.5 million units, up 2.2% from fiscal 2025, on the back of strong demand in North America, Europe and Japan. Electrified vehicle sales are expected to reach 5.06 million units, up from 4.75 million units in fiscal 2025. Higher expected year-over-year sales are likely to boost the company’s top-line growth in fiscal 2026.
TM currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Toyota’s fiscal 2027 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 3.9% and 24.5%, respectively.
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Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights Nissan, NIO and Toyota

Key Points
Without the $7,500 federal EV tax incentive, automakers are forced to compete on affordability and branding.
Ford anticipates its EV division will break even around 2029.
Most automakers across the globe have a conundrum on their hands. On one hand, the future roads are almost certainly filled with electric vehicles (EVs), and developing the technology, branding, and growing sales is critical. On the other hand, most automakers lose billions annually on their current EV lineup, and entering the market too early caused a massive pivot and huge charges, such as Ford Motor Company's (NYSE: F) near $20 billion charge toward the end of 2025.
In 2026, foreign rival Toyota (NYSE: TM) sold more EVs than Ford in the first quarter with only one vehicle model. Here's why it's a big deal.
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What's going on
The EV industry's training wheels are officially off, and investors now have a better understanding of how important government incentives, such as the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, are. The U.S. EV industry is now forced to support sales and drive demand by focusing on more affordable products, better pricing and branding strategies, and infrastructure development.
EV sales in the U.S. dropped 27% during the first quarter, compared to the prior year, according to Cox Automotive. EV market share was 5.8% of new-vehicle sales during the first quarter, flat from the fourth quarter of 2025, and far below the 10.6% peak in the third quarter of 2025.
Not all that long ago, Ford was busy touting its No. 2 EV sales rank in the U.S. market. Few predicted that Toyota would surge ahead of the Detroit icon, especially on its own turf. As Ford announced it would pivot away from EVs in the near term and discontinued its F-150 Lightning in its current form, Toyota quietly launched three new electric SUV models: the 2026 bZ, bZ Woodland, and C-HR.
Toyota's bZ sold over 10,000 units in the U.S. during the first quarter, up a healthy 79% year over year. Meanwhile, Ford sold a total of 6,860 EVs during the first quarter, a far less healthy 70% decline from the prior year. Ford EVs were also outsold by single models of General Motors' (NYSE: GM) Cadillac (9,551) and Chevrolet (13,359) branded EVs. Even Hyundai built a substantial lead over Ford with its 12,662 EVs sold. Of course, we can't forget Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), which clawed back some of its lost market share and accounted for 54% of the industry's total EV sales in the U.S.
What it all means
The truth is that Ford may drop even further in EV sales rankings, and is already fighting off a surging Lexus brand and a capable Kia. In the grand scheme, however, it's not incredibly important at this stage. The difference, other than the outlier Tesla, is a few thousand vehicles.
That said, Ford is currently pivoting to more affordable EVs and hybrids, pushing back some high-end EV projects until 2028, and won't launch its $30,000 mid-size electric pickup on its upcoming Universal EV Platform until next year. Expect Ford to languish in the rankings until then, with hopes to rapidly regain lost market share once it hits the roads.
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Daniel Miller has positions in Ford Motor Company and General Motors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Ford Loses More Ground in Critical Area – How Far Will Its Stock Drop?

Key Points
Years ago, Toyota received immense criticism from all angles about its slow entry into EVs.
Currently, Toyota is one of the few automakers not taking massive charges for misjudging the U.S. EV market.
Analysts don't expect an EV setback for Toyota, due to its pipeline of more affordable EVs.
Early this decade, Toyota (NYSE: TM) dared to be different. While just about every automaker was touting multi-billion-dollar investments in electric vehicles (EVs) and paying minimal attention to hybrid options, Toyota stood its ground. The Japanese automaker believed a slower, more logical hybrid focus initially was the optimal path, especially given that many markets would be slower to mass-adopt EVs than, say, China.
Toyota took intense criticism from investors who said it was too slow to adopt EVs, analysts who said it would trail rivals, and environmentalists who claimed it wasn't doing enough to reduce emissions. Today, these critics might just owe Toyota a big apology.
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Hindsight is 20/20
Investors likely noticed the large charges many of Toyota's rivals took in recent months due to misjudging growth in the U.S. EV market. In fact, Toyota's Japanese rival Honda, along with Detroit's General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis, all combined to have restructuring costs totaling nearly $70 billion.
Do you know which automaker didn't take a massive charge to pivot its EV strategy? The question is rhetorical, of course. Toyota is only now accelerating a wave of EVs that have been in development for years. Interestingly, despite its slow roll into EVs, it doesn't have much ground to make up.
In fact, even a year ago, few investors expected Toyota to be competing in EV sales volume in the U.S. market. But during the first quarter of 2026, one Toyota EV, the bZ, outsold Ford's entire EV lineup. The difference one year can make looks substantial when you look at the data. More specifically, Toyota's bZ sold over 10,000 vehicles in the U.S., up a surprising 79% from the prior year. Meanwhile, Ford sold 6,860 EVs during Q1, 70% fewer than it did the previous year, as it said goodbye to production of the F-150 Lightning in its current form.
"I don't expect Toyota to suffer major EV setbacks because they have a better pipeline of affordable EVs and a good network of dealers who are on board for selling them," said Sanshiro Fukao, executive at the Itochu Research Institute in Tokyo, according to Automotive News. "And given that gasoline prices are so high in the U.S., people really want to buy them."
Is Toyota stock a buy?
Toyota's pragmatic approach to EV launches proved valuable for its investors and sets the company up well for when the U.S. EV market rebounds after losing the $7,500 federal tax credit, among other policy effects. Toyota also offers investors much more than a well-positioned automaker, as it boasts roughly twice the cash on hand as it has debt. Much of Toyota's large total debt figure belongs to its finance division. It's moderately valued at roughly 11 times price-to-earnings, and has returned value to shareholders by reducing outstanding shares while increasing its dividend.
Investors looking for a well-positioned, long-term, dividend-paying, fairly valued juggernaut global automaker could certainly start a position in Toyota. The rest of us might owe Toyota a big apology.
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Daniel Miller has positions in Ford Motor Company and General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Investors Owe Toyota a Big Apology -- and It Might Be Time to Buy the Stock

Key Points
AST’s stock soared after it launched its first commercial satellites.
Nio’s stock could skyrocket once it narrows its losses and reduces its debt.
Joby’s stock will surge once its first commercial flights take off.
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), a developer of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for cellular connections, went public through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) just over five years ago. Its stock closed at $11.81 per share on its first day, but sank to a record low of $2.01 on April 2, 2024. It lost its luster as it repeatedly delayed the long-awaited launch of its first BlueBird Block 1 (BB1) commercial satellites, racked up steep losses, and faced stiff competition from SpaceX's Starlink. But today, its stock trades at about $85.
That comeback was driven by its deals with telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, the launch of its first five BB1 satellites in September 2024, and the launch of its first BlueBird Block 2 (BB2) satellite -- which can process ten times more data than its predecessor -- last December. It also impressed the bulls with its goal of reaching 60 satellites in orbit by the end of this year, as well as its long-term aim of launching over 240 satellites.
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AST's comeback stunned many investors who ignored its near-term catalysts, and analysts expect its revenue to surge from $71 million in 2025 to $1.92 billion in 2028 as it strikes new deals and expands its constellation with even more powerful satellites. But with a market cap of $26 billion, much of that growth is already priced into its stock at 14 times 2028 sales.
While AST still has room to grow, investors might want to focus on two other underappreciated stocks -- Nio (NYSE: NIO) and Joby (NYSE: JOBY) -- and see why a few near-term catalysts could also drive their shares higher over the next few years.
Why are Nio and Joby underappreciated?
Nio, a Chinese electric vehicle maker, sells a wide range of sedans and SUVs. It differentiates itself from competitors with swappable batteries, which can be quickly replaced at its battery-swapping stations as a faster alternative to conventional charging.
From 2020 to 2025, Nio's annual vehicle deliveries surged from 43,728 to 326,028 units, and its revenue grew at a 40% CAGR. From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect its revenue to grow at a 24% CAGR as it sells more premium vehicles, expands its Onvo and Firefly sub-brands, monetizes its battery swapping stations more effectively, and sells more vehicles in Europe.
Yet Nio's stock still trades at less than one times this year's sales. It remains under pressure because it's highly leveraged and still deeply unprofitable. The trade war, tariffs, and other geopolitical issues are also broadly driving investors away from Chinese stocks.
Joby is an early mover in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market. Its first eVTOL, the S4, can carry a single pilot and four passengers, travel up to 150 miles on a single charge, and achieve a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour. Its top investors and customers already include Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber. It's also developing eVTOLs for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
Joby planned to launch its first commercial flights in Dubai this year, but those plans will likely remain on hold until the Middle East conflict ends. In the U.S., it's still waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve its first commercial flights. Until those catalysts kick in, it will still generate most of its revenue from its DoD contracts for the U.S. Air Force.
But assuming its first flights are approved, analysts expect Joby's revenue to surge from $53 million in 2025 to $459 million in 2028. It might not seem cheap at 19 times its 2028 sales, but that higher valuation could be justified if the eVTOL market explodes over the next decade.
Why could a few catalysts drive Nio and Joby higher?
Nio's vehicle margins are steadily improving as it sells more higher-margin vehicles, and it actually reported its first profit in the fourth quarter of 2025. If it narrows its losses, reduces its debt, and proves its business is sustainable, then it could be revalued as a growth stock again.
As for Joby, its stock could blast off once its first commercial flights are cleared in Dubai and the United States. If it maintains its early mover advantage in the eVTOL market, it could deliver multibagger gains as those drone-like aircraft replace conventional helicopters.
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Leo Sun has positions in Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Toyota Motor Corporation

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