Urban air mobility isn’t science fiction anymore, and Archer Aviation (ACHR) is making sure it’s in the pilot’s seat. The company has quietly climbed the ranks, scoring a rare spotlight as the Official Air Taxi Provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Plus, with its Midnight aircraft edging closer to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, global test flights underway, and partnerships stacking up, its 2025 air taxi vision is gaining serious altitude.
Recently, Archer added two strategic acquisitions to accelerate next-gen defense aircraft development, bringing core composite manufacturing in-house, securing critical talent, and positioning itself for speed in both defense and commercial markets.
From strategic alliances to global infrastructure plays, Archer has been busy building altitude. But while the headlines boast of breakthroughs and vision, the market moves on proof, and investors are hungry for numbers. Archer will release its second-quarter 2025 earnings results after the bell on Monday, Aug. 11 — a critical checkpoint.
It’s a moment that could either fuel more momentum or spark fresh questions. For those tracking the future of flight, this date is more than just earnings. It’s a look under the hood of one of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry’s most-watched players.
Founded in 2018 and based in California, Archer Aviation is racing to redefine urban air mobility with its sleek, battery-powered eVTOL aircraft. Currently valued at a market capitalization of $5.3 billion, Archer’s flagship Midnight, designed for 20- to 50-mile hops, is nearing commercial debut in 2025, backed by global partnerships like Jetex for infrastructure rollout. Recent defense-focused acquisitions expand its reach beyond city commutes, positioning Archer as a rising force in both commercial mobility and advanced military aviation.
Archer Aviation’s shares have been on a stellar run, up by a staggering 144% over the past 52 weeks, far outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 20% surge. The rally has been powered by steady progress toward FAA certification and tangible production milestones, keeping bullish sentiment airborne.
ACHR stock is up 11% in just the last three months, peaking at $13.92 in May, then slipping and again rising above $13 in July before shedding some gains. Now trading at $9.72, the stock is 30% below its high but still towers over its 52-week low of $2.82.
For traders, the chart reads like a pilot’s log — rapid ascents, sudden drops, and plenty of crosswinds. The next big test is whether next week’s earnings can chart a new flight path or trigger another descent.
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Archer Aviation’s fiscal Q1 2025 earnings results, unveiled on May 12, offered a balanced mix of turbulence and tailwinds for this pre-revenue eVTOL contender. The company posted a $93.4 million net loss, yet trimmed its loss per share to -$0.17, half of last year’s mark. Adjusted EBITDA slipped deeper into negative territory at $109 million versus $86.8 million a year ago, hinting at heavier early-stage investment.
Still, Archer kept its spending disciplined, with non-GAAP operating expenses at $113.1 million, underscoring a lean approach as it edges toward commercial launch. The financial runway remains robust — over $1 billion in cash and equivalents — giving Archer one of the thickest cushions in air mobility. That capital will fuel plans for a United Arab Emirates (UAE) debut later this year and a New York City air taxi network buildout.
CEO Adam Goldstein pointed to meaningful advances in both civil and defense programs, with partnerships strengthening across global markets. While profitability is still distant, Archer’s combination of tightened operations, strategic positioning, and deep pockets keeps the storyline alive, proof that in this race to the skies the company is still very much in the flight plan.
With Q2 results on deck next week, Archer Aviation is steering into another critical checkpoint. Management is bracing for an adjusted EBITDA loss between $100 million and $120 million — a reminder that even high-flyers can burn serious fuel before cruising altitude.
Meanwhile, analysts tracking the company anticipate Q2 losses to narrow 25.8% year-over-year (YOY) to -$0.23 per share, still with zero revenue on the board. Looking further ahead to fiscal 2025, the forecast calls for further trimming, with losses contracting 33.1% annually to -$0.95 per share, then easing another 4.2% in fiscal 2026 to -$0.91 per share.
Back in early July, Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL lifted off from Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport, marking its first test flight in the UAE. The event, attended by top aviation officials, was a milestone in Archer’s Launch Edition partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation and underscored the company’s expanding international footprint.
The market response was swift. Canaccord Genuity and Cantor Fitzgerald both reiterated “Buy” ratings with $13 price targets, praising Archer’s steady progress toward FAA approval and its growing presence in the UAE as signs of commercial readiness.
But as the Q2 earnings release approaches, the tone is not universally bullish. JPMorgan analyst Bill Peterson raised his target from $9 to $10 yet held a “Neutral” rating, warning against “irrational exuberance.” While acknowledging strong sector momentum and policy tailwinds from President Donald Trump’s administration, the analyst flagged persistent cash burn and possible delays in revenue as near-term risks.
ACHR stock has a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Of the nine analysts covering the stock, five recommend a “Strong Buy,” two suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and the remaining two play it safe with a “Hold” rating.
The mean price target of $12.17 suggests shares have upside potential of 25% from current levels. The Street-high target of $18 implies ACHR could rally as much as 85% from here.
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On the date of publication, Sristi Suman Jayaswal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
