We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
ACHR vs. JOBY: Which eVTOL Stock Offers Stronger Growth Potential?
Read MoreHide Full Article
Key Takeaways
Joby Aviation holds an edge over Archer Aviation, backed by improving EPS estimates and a lower valuation.
JOBY's 2026 loss estimate stands at 89 cents per share, while ACHR's is 96 cents.
ACHR plans Texas air taxi networks, while Joby Aviation advances autonomous flight and premium services.
The aviation industry is moving toward electric flight, with growing investor interest in advanced air mobility. Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR - Free Report) and Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY - Free Report) are two prominent players developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to transform urban transportation through faster, quieter and more sustainable air travel.
Archer Aviation is focused on commercializing its Midnight aircraft for air taxi services, while also pursuing aircraft sales, strategic partnerships and defense-related opportunities. Joby Aviation is developing its all-electric air taxi and pursuing regulatory certification, with plans to operate passenger services through its own network and partnerships. Both companies aim to capitalize on the emerging air mobility market, although their commercialization strategies, certification progress and execution risks differ.
Archer Aviation is broadening its business through defense and autonomous aviation initiatives, while Joby Aviation is advancing manufacturing capabilities and building an integrated air mobility network. Both companies have significant commercialization opportunities, but their ability to achieve regulatory certification, scale production and manage cash burn will be critical to their long-term growth prospects.
Here’s a closer look at how Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation compare as they work to commercialize eVTOL technology and capture opportunities in the emerging advanced air mobility market.
Tailwinds for ACHR
Archer Aviation is strengthening its position in the eVTOL market through plans to establish air taxi networks and strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding its aerospace and defense capabilities.
In October 2026, Archer Aviation announced plans to develop three air taxi networks serving Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston. The proposed networks are designed to connect major airports, business districts and coastal destinations across Texas, potentially cutting road travel times of 60–90 minutes to 10–20 minutes by air using its all-electric Midnight aircraft. The initiative provides Archer Aviation with an opportunity to address growing demand for faster urban transportation across the Texas Triangle, which is home to more than 20 million people.
In September 2026, Archer Aviation announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act had expired for its planned acquisition of Boeing’s Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu subsidiaries. The transaction, expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to remaining regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, is intended to combine autonomous flight technology, unmanned aircraft systems and airspace intelligence capabilities with Archer Aviation’s eVTOL platform and ZEE AI foundation model. This could strengthen the company’s position in both commercial aviation and defense.
These initiatives support Archer Aviation’s long-term growth prospects by expanding its potential commercial air taxi network and broadening its technology portfolio. However, the realization of these opportunities will depend on regulatory approvals, successful execution and the eventual scaling of commercial operations.
Tailwinds for JOBY
Joby Aviation is strengthening its position in the advanced air mobility market through initiatives to expand its aviation services and demonstrate the capabilities of its autonomous flight technology.
In October 2026, Blade Urban Air Mobility, a Joby Aviation company, announced the return of BLADEone, its seasonal jet service between New York and South Florida, in partnership with private jet airline Aero. The service is scheduled to operate from November 2026 through May 2027, connecting Westchester County Airport with destinations in Palm Beach and Miami. The initiative allows Joby Aviation to capitalize on growing demand for private air travel while expanding its presence in the premium aviation market.
In September 2026, Joby Aviation announced that an aircraft equipped with its autonomy technology had completed an autonomous flight across the United States, covering 3,199 miles without control inputs from its onboard safety pilot. The converted Cessna Caravan demonstrated autonomous taxiing, takeoffs, navigation and landings under remote supervision. This milestone highlights the potential applications of Joby Aviation’s autonomy technology across commercial freight, medical transport, disaster response and defense logistics.
These initiatives support Joby Aviation’s long-term growth prospects by expanding its aviation services and demonstrating the potential of its autonomous flight capabilities.
Risks of Investing in ACHR and JOBY
Although Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are making steady progress with their eVTOL programs and show near-term promise, their long-term outlook is still uncertain. The eVTOL market is in its early stages, and the ability of these companies to design, certify and scale production will depend on how the industry grows and how demand for these aircraft develops. Factors such as safety, noise levels and overall affordability may also influence public acceptance and could slow broader adoption.
How do EPS Estimates Compare for ACHR & JOBY?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACHR’s 2026 loss is pegged at 96 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year decline. ACHR’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have remained the same over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JOBY’s 2026 loss is pegged at 89 cents per share, indicating year-over-year growth. JOBY’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved north over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stock Price Performance: ACHR vs. JOBY
ACHR and JOBY have performed in line year to date, with both stocks declining 16.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
JOBY’s Valuation More Attractive Than ACHR
JOBY is trading at a forward sales multiple (P/S F12M) of 25.14, below ACHR’s forward sales multiple of 26.37.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Conclusion
Joby Aviation appears to have an edge over Archer Aviation, supported by improving EPS estimates and a more attractive valuation. Joby Aviation’s autonomous flight milestone and expanding aviation services also highlight its efforts to diversify its growth opportunities.
While Archer Aviation advances its air taxi network plans and expands its aerospace and defense capabilities, Joby Aviation’s upward earnings estimate revisions and lower forward sales multiple make it relatively more attractive.
JOBY currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while ACHR has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
ACHR vs. JOBY: Which eVTOL Stock Offers Stronger Growth Potential?
Key Takeaways
The aviation industry is moving toward electric flight, with growing investor interest in advanced air mobility. Archer Aviation Inc. (ACHR - Free Report) and Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY - Free Report) are two prominent players developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to transform urban transportation through faster, quieter and more sustainable air travel.
Archer Aviation is focused on commercializing its Midnight aircraft for air taxi services, while also pursuing aircraft sales, strategic partnerships and defense-related opportunities. Joby Aviation is developing its all-electric air taxi and pursuing regulatory certification, with plans to operate passenger services through its own network and partnerships. Both companies aim to capitalize on the emerging air mobility market, although their commercialization strategies, certification progress and execution risks differ.
Archer Aviation is broadening its business through defense and autonomous aviation initiatives, while Joby Aviation is advancing manufacturing capabilities and building an integrated air mobility network. Both companies have significant commercialization opportunities, but their ability to achieve regulatory certification, scale production and manage cash burn will be critical to their long-term growth prospects.
Here’s a closer look at how Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation compare as they work to commercialize eVTOL technology and capture opportunities in the emerging advanced air mobility market.
Tailwinds for ACHR
Archer Aviation is strengthening its position in the eVTOL market through plans to establish air taxi networks and strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding its aerospace and defense capabilities.
In October 2026, Archer Aviation announced plans to develop three air taxi networks serving Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston. The proposed networks are designed to connect major airports, business districts and coastal destinations across Texas, potentially cutting road travel times of 60–90 minutes to 10–20 minutes by air using its all-electric Midnight aircraft. The initiative provides Archer Aviation with an opportunity to address growing demand for faster urban transportation across the Texas Triangle, which is home to more than 20 million people.
In September 2026, Archer Aviation announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act had expired for its planned acquisition of Boeing’s Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu subsidiaries. The transaction, expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to remaining regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, is intended to combine autonomous flight technology, unmanned aircraft systems and airspace intelligence capabilities with Archer Aviation’s eVTOL platform and ZEE AI foundation model. This could strengthen the company’s position in both commercial aviation and defense.
These initiatives support Archer Aviation’s long-term growth prospects by expanding its potential commercial air taxi network and broadening its technology portfolio. However, the realization of these opportunities will depend on regulatory approvals, successful execution and the eventual scaling of commercial operations.
Tailwinds for JOBY
Joby Aviation is strengthening its position in the advanced air mobility market through initiatives to expand its aviation services and demonstrate the capabilities of its autonomous flight technology.
In October 2026, Blade Urban Air Mobility, a Joby Aviation company, announced the return of BLADEone, its seasonal jet service between New York and South Florida, in partnership with private jet airline Aero. The service is scheduled to operate from November 2026 through May 2027, connecting Westchester County Airport with destinations in Palm Beach and Miami. The initiative allows Joby Aviation to capitalize on growing demand for private air travel while expanding its presence in the premium aviation market.
In September 2026, Joby Aviation announced that an aircraft equipped with its autonomy technology had completed an autonomous flight across the United States, covering 3,199 miles without control inputs from its onboard safety pilot. The converted Cessna Caravan demonstrated autonomous taxiing, takeoffs, navigation and landings under remote supervision. This milestone highlights the potential applications of Joby Aviation’s autonomy technology across commercial freight, medical transport, disaster response and defense logistics.
These initiatives support Joby Aviation’s long-term growth prospects by expanding its aviation services and demonstrating the potential of its autonomous flight capabilities.
Risks of Investing in ACHR and JOBY
Although Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are making steady progress with their eVTOL programs and show near-term promise, their long-term outlook is still uncertain. The eVTOL market is in its early stages, and the ability of these companies to design, certify and scale production will depend on how the industry grows and how demand for these aircraft develops. Factors such as safety, noise levels and overall affordability may also influence public acceptance and could slow broader adoption.
How do EPS Estimates Compare for ACHR & JOBY?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACHR’s 2026 loss is pegged at 96 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year decline. ACHR’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have remained the same over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JOBY’s 2026 loss is pegged at 89 cents per share, indicating year-over-year growth. JOBY’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved north over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stock Price Performance: ACHR vs. JOBY
ACHR and JOBY have performed in line year to date, with both stocks declining 16.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
JOBY’s Valuation More Attractive Than ACHR
JOBY is trading at a forward sales multiple (P/S F12M) of 25.14, below ACHR’s forward sales multiple of 26.37.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Conclusion
Joby Aviation appears to have an edge over Archer Aviation, supported by improving EPS estimates and a more attractive valuation. Joby Aviation’s autonomous flight milestone and expanding aviation services also highlight its efforts to diversify its growth opportunities.
While Archer Aviation advances its air taxi network plans and expands its aerospace and defense capabilities, Joby Aviation’s upward earnings estimate revisions and lower forward sales multiple make it relatively more attractive.
JOBY currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while ACHR has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the full list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here.