Gold prices steady, holding sharp gains in wake of soft U.S. jobs data
On Monday, Needham reaffirmed its confidence in Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:ACHR), maintaining a Buy rating and a $13.00 price target for the company’s stock. Currently trading at $7.23, the stock has shown significant volatility, with analyst targets ranging from $4.50 to $13.50. According to InvestingPro data, the company has demonstrated strong momentum with a 98% return over the past year. The endorsement follows recent industry events that highlighted the ongoing progress in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector, despite potential regulatory delays.
Chris Pierce of Needham provided insights after attending two significant industry gatherings: the unveiling of Archer’s Midnight aircraft in New York City and the eVTOL Insights 2025 North America conference in Palo Alto. These events showcased the advancing momentum of the eVTOL industry, which has sustained its drive even with the possibility of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification being postponed. InvestingPro analysis reveals that Archer maintains a strong financial position with a current ratio of 12.07, indicating robust liquidity to fund its development plans.
The analyst underlined that the race for commercial eVTOL aircraft certification in the United States is narrowing down to three main contenders: Archer Aviation, JOBY, and Beta Technologies. Discussions at the eVTOL Insights conference reinforced this perspective, indicating a shared industry sentiment. With a market capitalization of $3.92 billion and holding more cash than debt on its balance sheet, Archer appears well-positioned among its peers.
Pierce specifically pointed to Archer Aviation’s strong position, supported by the company’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) leverage. This advantage is further bolstered by the "Launch Edition" customers and the deliveries that are expected to precede the FAA’s certification. The $13 price target set by Needham for Archer Aviation’s stock is based on a multiple of 12.5 times the firm’s projected adjusted EBITDA for 2029, discounted back to present value.
Archer Aviation’s focus on developing its eVTOL aircraft and preparing for eventual market entry, despite regulatory hurdles, reflects the company’s commitment to pioneering in this emerging field. The firm’s strategy and industry relationships are poised to play a crucial role as it navigates the path toward certification and commercial operation.
In other recent news, Archer Aviation has announced a partnership with United Airlines to establish an air taxi network in New York City, utilizing its electric aircraft, Midnight. This initiative aims to reduce travel times from Manhattan to nearby airports and complements similar projects in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition, Archer has entered into a $30 million agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to deploy its Midnight aircraft for air taxi services in Ethiopia, marking a significant step in introducing eVTOL technology to Africa. The collaboration includes providing support teams and exploring eco-tourism applications. Cantor Fitzgerald has maintained an Overweight rating on Archer Aviation, reflecting confidence in the company’s strategic moves. Meanwhile, Archer has appointed Harsh Rungta, a former Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) executive, as its new Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer, a move aligned with its growth strategy. Archer has also partnered with Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR) to develop AI for advanced aviation technologies, focusing on enhancing aircraft manufacturing capabilities. These developments highlight Archer’s commitment to advancing urban air mobility and innovation in the aviation industry.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.