On Friday, Canaccord Genuity adjusted its stock price target for Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:ACHR) to $7.50, a decrease from the previous $9.00. Despite the reduction, the firm continues to recommend a Buy rating for the urban air mobility company's stock.
The adjustment follows recent developments, including a private placement offering and a manufacturing equity agreement with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA). According to Canaccord Genuity, Archer Aviation has been making significant strides in its full-scale aircraft development, supply chain advancements, and has secured strong partnerships with industry giants such as Stellantis, United Airlines, and Boeing (NYSE:BA).
The firm also finds the updated production forecasts for Archer's aircraft to be a positive sign. Moreover, a recent order of 116 Midnights from Future Flight Global has increased Archer's backlog to a substantial $5.71 billion, equating to 1,141 aircraft. Of this backlog, $26 million in pre-delivery payments (PDPs) have been collected.
The revised price target of $7.50 is based on a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis projecting through to the year 2035. This valuation reflects confidence in the company's long-term prospects despite the immediate reduction in the price target. Archer Aviation's progress and the industry's support suggest a positive outlook for the company's future financial performance.
In other recent news, Archer Aviation Inc. has made notable progress in its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft development, as indicated in its Q2 2024 earnings call. The company reported the successful completion of its flagship Midnight aircraft's first transition flight and its delivery to the US Air Force, marking a significant milestone in commercialization. Archer also raised $230 million in equity capital and entered a manufacturing relationship with Stellantis, which includes nearly $400 million in funding.
Moreover, Archer secured a purchase agreement for 116 aircraft from Future Flight Global, potentially generating over $0.5 billion in revenue. The company is also making strides in expanding air taxi networks in areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and international regions like the UAE.
Recent developments include the construction of a manufacturing facility in Georgia and continued progress with FAA certification efforts. Archer ended Q2 with $360.4 million in cash and equivalents and anticipates operating expenses between $80 million and $95 million for Q3 2023. The company's strategy includes partnering with countries like the UAE and adopting a capital-efficient approach to scale operations.
InvestingPro Insights
Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) appears to be navigating through a transformative phase, as reflected by Canaccord Genuity's revised price target. In line with this, InvestingPro data provides a deeper financial perspective.
The company's market capitalization currently stands at approximately $1.36 billion, indicating a significant scale in the urban air mobility market. Despite not being profitable in the last twelve months, with an EBITDA of -$469.3 million, the firm holds more cash than debt, which is a positive sign of liquidity as per InvestingPro Tips. Analysts, however, do not expect Archer Aviation to be profitable this year, and the company's stock price has experienced a notable decline of over 30% in the past year.
InvestingPro Tips also highlight that Archer Aviation is quickly burning through cash, which could be a concern for investors looking at the company's ability to sustain its operations and growth. Additionally, the company's valuation implies a poor free cash flow yield, suggesting that investors may not see immediate returns on their investments. It's worth noting that Archer Aviation does not pay a dividend, which might be a factor for income-focused investors to consider.
For those interested in a more in-depth analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips on Archer Aviation, providing a comprehensive look at the company's financial health and stock performance. With the next earnings date set for November 7, 2024, investors will be keenly watching for signs of progress in the company's ambitious plans.
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