NEW YORK, Jan 15, 2026, 09:41 EST — Regular session
- Archer Aviation shares dipped 0.8% early on, following a 5.2% gain the previous session.
- On Wednesday, Needham reaffirmed its buy rating and maintained a $10 price target, per GuruFocus.
- Traders are eyeing certification progress closely, while the Nasdaq marks Feb. 26 as the tentative date for the next earnings update.
Archer Aviation Inc shares slipped 0.8% to $8.84 in early Thursday trading, giving back some of the previous day’s 5.2% jump. The stock has seen heavy action this week, with volumes exceeding 50 million shares in both of the past two sessions. 1
These shifts are significant since Archer remains a pre-revenue play for many investors. Its stock often jumps sharply on small signals—analyst updates, conference buzz, or any hint about how quickly regulators might weigh in. When interest rates rise or appetite for risk fades, companies like Archer, which require years to deliver, can take a swift hit.
Needham & Company stuck with its “buy” rating on Archer Wednesday, keeping the price target steady at $10, according to GuruFocus. The update came just after the stock suffered a steep decline the previous day. Analyst Chris Pierce was named in the report. 2
Archer’s management took the stage at Needham’s Growth Conference on Jan. 13. The event runs through Jan. 16, featuring both in-person and virtual sessions. This conference has become a key stop for growth investors seeking insights beyond what’s in official filings. 3
Archer is among a handful of firms racing to bring eVTOL aircraft—electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles—to market, targeting short urban flights. The industry’s immediate outlook hinges on regulatory approvals, infrastructure development, and if early operations can scale beyond pilot projects.
Policy moves quietly in the background. In December, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a national strategy on advanced air mobility, outlining how to fold new aircraft into U.S. airspace. 4
The race remains fierce, with legal battles still brewing. In November, Joby Aviation took Archer to California state court, accusing the rival of stealing trade secrets. This lawsuit could drag on as both firms race to secure certification and bring their products to market. 5
The downside is clear-cut: certification drags on, cash burn remains elevated, and the company ends up seeking additional funds on less favorable terms. Delays alone, even without new capital, can push back launch schedules and production goals.
Investors will probably stay focused on analyst updates and any new insights from the conference trail in the short term. At the same time, they’ll track daily liquidity and volume closely, searching for clues whether this recent surge is losing steam or attracting fresh buying interest.
Archer’s next major event is earnings, currently pegged for Feb. 26 on Nasdaq’s calendar. That date, however, isn’t set in stone as companies often adjust their reporting schedules. 6
