H.C. Wainwright Notes Joby and Archer Selected for eVTOL Program
H.C. Wainwright notes that the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration announced eight selections for the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, or eIPP, calling the commencement of the federal initiative designed to accelerate the emerging advanced air mobility industry "a significant de-risking milestone for" market participants such as Joby (JOBY) and Archer Aviation (ACHR). The FAA's selection of only a few OEMs - including Joby, Archer, Beta Technologies (BETA), and five others - is indicative of a limited competitive field, while the 100% bonus depreciation could be supportive to fleet operators and airline partners such as United (UAL) and Delta (DAL) to take delivery of aircraft sooner, the analyst tells investors.
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- Market Potential Analysis: According to Grand View Research, the global eVTOL market was valued at $1.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $28.6 billion by 2030, representing a staggering CAGR of 54.9%, providing significant market opportunities for companies like Joby Aviation.
- Company Status: Joby Aviation currently has a market cap of approximately $9 billion, and despite a 30% drop in stock price this year and a 56% decline from its 52-week high, its early positioning in the eVTOL sector still offers potential for growth.
- Operational Progress: Joby plans to carry its first passengers in the UAE, with CEO JoeBen Bevirt stating that this year will be an
- FAA Certification Progress: Joby Aviation is nearing completion of stage four in the FAA's five-stage certification process, positioning it among industry leaders; however, the FAA has yet to certify this type of eVTOL aircraft, leaving uncertainties that could delay commercial flight timelines due to potential technical issues and new safety requirements.
- Market Testing Plans: Joby aims to commence commercial flights in 2026, starting in Dubai, leveraging its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility's passenger business to access existing customers and terminals, thereby creating a controlled environment to test market acceptance of this new technology.
- Production Capacity Expansion: Joby has signed an agreement to acquire a manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, with plans to double its monthly production from two to four aircraft by 2027; however, the challenges of scaling production effectively remain, which could impact the company's long-term sustainability.
- Investor Focus Areas: In the next 12 to 18 months, investors should monitor whether Joby can achieve progress in safety, pricing power, and operational reliability to ensure timely and budget-compliant aircraft delivery amidst high demand, thereby mitigating potential business risks.
- Certification Progress: Joby Aviation is nearing the fourth stage of a five-stage certification process with the FAA, showing significant progress; however, potential delays from technical issues and new safety requirements remain, making it crucial for investors to watch for updates transitioning from 'progress' to 'approval' to mitigate major risks.
- Market Demand Validation: Targeting commercial flights in 2026, Joby is leveraging its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility to access existing customers and terminals in markets like Dubai, yet the business model for flying taxis remains unproven, prompting investors to monitor growth in first-time and repeat users along with operational reliability.
- Production Capacity Expansion: Joby has signed an agreement to acquire a manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, aiming to double its production capacity from two to four aircraft per month by 2027; however, the challenges of scaling production effectively remain, necessitating investor focus on its ability to produce consistently on time and within budget.
- Investor Focus Areas: As Joby enters a critical phase, it must demonstrate that it can operate as a viable business beyond just flying; while the potential for flying taxis is substantial, the risks associated with certification, demand validation, and production scaling are equally significant, making 2026 a pivotal year for monitoring tangible progress.
- Stock Recovery: AST SpaceMobile's stock has rebounded from a record low of $2.01 to approximately $85, primarily driven by partnerships with AT&T and Verizon and the successful launch of five BB1 satellites, indicating a potential resurgence in the low Earth orbit satellite market.
- Satellite Launch Plans: The company aims to increase its satellite count in orbit to 60 by the end of 2024, with a long-term goal of launching over 240 satellites, a strategy that will significantly enhance its market competitiveness and drive future revenue growth.
- Surging Revenue Expectations: Analysts project AST's revenue to soar from $71 million in 2025 to $1.92 billion by 2028, reflecting positive developments in new deals and satellite expansion, although its current market cap of $26 billion suggests that much of this growth is already priced in.
- Competitive Pressure and Opportunities: Despite fierce competition from SpaceX's Starlink, AST's technological advancements and market strategies position it for sustainable growth in the future, attracting investor interest and boosting market confidence.
- Successful Satellite Launch: AST SpaceMobile's launch of its first five BB1 commercial satellites has propelled its stock from a historic low of $2.01 to approximately $85, indicating strong market confidence in its future growth prospects.
- Revenue Surge Expectations: Analysts project AST's revenue to skyrocket from $71 million in 2025 to $1.92 billion by 2028, reflecting the potential of its partnerships with telecom giants and satellite expansion plans.
- Nio's Vehicle Growth: Nio's annual vehicle deliveries are expected to rise from 43,728 in 2020 to 326,028 by 2025, achieving a 40% CAGR, although its stock still trades below one times this year's sales, raising concerns about its profitability.
- Joby's Market Outlook: Joby plans to launch its first commercial flights in Dubai, with revenue projected to grow from $53 million in 2025 to $459 million in 2028, and if FAA approval is granted, its stock could see significant appreciation.
- Joby Aviation's Market Outlook: Joby Aviation's S4 eVTOL aircraft is projected to generate $53 million in revenue by 2025, soaring to $459 million by 2028; despite lacking commercial flight approvals in the U.S. and Dubai, its unique tilt-rotor design positions it competitively in the global eVTOL market.
- BYD's Vertical Integration Advantage: As China's largest automaker, BYD ceased gas vehicle production in 2022 to focus on battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with revenue and net income expected to grow at CAGRs of 13% and 24% from 2025 to 2028, showcasing its strong expansion potential in the global EV market.
- Rocket Lab's Long-Term Development: Rocket Lab has successfully launched its Electron rocket 85 times and plans to introduce the Neutron rocket by the end of 2026, with revenue expected to grow at a 37% CAGR from 2025 to 2028, indicating a promising future as the low-earth orbit satellite market expands.
- Macro Economic Challenges and Opportunities: Despite macroeconomic pressures from inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical conflicts affecting investor sentiment, these three stocks still present significant buying opportunities for long-term holders, particularly for investors seeking growth potential amid market volatility.











