Joby Aviation Inc. Stocks Plummet as Analyst Advises Sell

Shares of Joby Aviation Inc. took a major hit on Wednesday, experiencing their worst day in two years. JPMorgan's William Peterson, a renowned analyst, recommended that investors sell their shares, stating that the recent record gains were not supported by fundamental factors.

In light of this, Peterson downgraded the rating on Joby Aviation's electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) stock from neutral to underweight. Although he raised the price target to $6 from $5, this still implies a significant downside of 29.5% from the current levels.

As a result of this news, the stock plunged by 15.5% in midday trading, marking its largest one-day drop since August 12, 2021, when it tumbled 15.6%. Despite this setback, the stock has shown remarkable growth over the past three months, more than doubling in value with a staggering 105.9% increase. In comparison, the S&P 500 index has only risen by 10.0% during the same period.

This downgrade follows a momentous occasion on June 28, when Joby Aviation's stock soared by a record-breaking 40.2% in a single day. The surge came after the company received regulatory approval for test flights of its eVTOL aircraft. As a result, the stock achieved an impressive 82.6% gain in June, setting a new monthly record.

However, William Peterson remains cautious about this market reaction, considering it to be somewhat inflated. According to Peterson, the spike in stock value was primarily driven by short covering and retail flows, rather than any substantial improvement in the company's fundamentals. In his note to clients, he expressed his skepticism and stated that this announcement should be seen as part of the overall certification plan rather than a game-changing development.

While Joby Aviation Inc. faces a challenging period with declining stock prices, it remains to be seen how the company will tackle these setbacks and continue its quest for success in the eVTOL industry.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Joby has emerged as a heavyweight contender. With over a decade of experience in the field, Joby is well-positioned to pave the way for this revolutionary mode of transportation. However, recent evaluations suggest that the stock may be overvalued compared to its competitors. Let's dive into the details.

Background

Joby, established in 2009, has recently achieved a significant milestone by going public on August 11, 2021. This milestone came to fruition through a successful merger with Reinvent Technology Partners, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Challenging Valuation Metrics

Amidst Joby's commendable progress in attaining certification, doubts arise regarding its valuation metrics. While Joby leads the pack as a pioneering force in the eVTOL sector, one analyst, Peterson, maintains a bearish stance due to what he perceives as an overvaluation relative to its peers. In fact, Peterson is one of only two analysts out of seven who share this view. The remaining analysts are evenly divided between bullish and neutral perspectives.

A Closer Look at Competitors

Despite Peterson's reservations about Joby's valuation, his analysis unveils optimism for other eVTOL players. Archer Aviation Inc. catches his attention as a company with tremendous potential. In terms of the certification process, Peterson notes that Archer is closely trailing Joby. Moreover, he believes that Archer's stock is undervalued compared to Joby's.

On the other hand, Peterson adopts a more neutral standpoint when it comes to Lilium NV. Although Lilium has successfully raised capital to fund its operations, Peterson identifies greater technical and certification risks associated with Lilium when compared to Joby or Archer.

Conclusion

While Joby's journey towards certification has substantially reduced risks, it has also prompted a reevaluation of its valuation metrics. This evaluation indicates that Joby may be overvalued in relation to its competitors. However, analysts remain split on their assessments, with Peterson being one of the few who adopt a bearish viewpoint.

In the broader landscape of eVTOL companies, Peterson demonstrates enthusiasm towards Archer Aviation Inc., acknowledging its neck-and-neck competition with Joby in the certification race. Additionally, he identifies undervaluation opportunities for Archer. Meanwhile, Lilium NV raises concerns due to higher technical and certification risks.

Overall, Joby's progress in the eVTOL industry is undeniable, but the meticulous scrutiny of its valuation metrics reminds investors to approach the stock with caution and consider the dynamics within the competitive landscape.