Archer Aviation: A Long-Term Stock Worth Buying Today as Industry Transforms

The investment landscape is filled with opportunities that test our patience, but some of the best stocks to buy today reveal themselves precisely when most investors are looking away. Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) represents exactly this kind of long-term opportunity—a company that has underperformed in the short term yet possesses a compelling growth thesis for investors willing to think in years rather than quarters.

Since its 2021 public debut at roughly $10 per share, Archer Aviation has struggled, trading around $8.20—a roughly 18% decline. But this decline reflects the reality that the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft industry is in its nascent stage. No company in this space is currently generating meaningful revenue, and Archer is no exception. However, what matters more for long-term investors is that the company has built the financial foundation to survive: approximately $2 billion in cash and liquidity following a recent $650 million capital raise. This war chest positions Archer as one of the few players capable of reaching profitability before the market consolidates.

Why Archer Aviation Could Be the Best Long-Term Play in Air Mobility

Archer isn’t waiting passively for the future—it’s actively constructing it. The company has already achieved multiple regulatory and operational milestones that position it ahead of competitors. Its Midnight aircraft successfully passed flight testing in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE is expected to approve commercial air taxi operations by the third quarter of 2026. For Archer, this represents not just validation but a concrete revenue opportunity, given its partnership to provide commercial operations in the region.

Internationally, partnerships are multiplying. Serbia recently designated Archer as a preferred partner, granting purchasing rights for up to 25 Midnight aircraft. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration’s pilot program aimed at accelerating advanced air mobility deployment creates additional runway for U.S. development. Though FAA approval for commercial U.S. operations likely won’t arrive until 2028, Archer is positioning for that moment. The company’s $126 million acquisition of Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles signals serious intent—the facility will serve as an operational hub and is positioned to play “a key role” in the 2028 Olympics.

2026: The Year Archer’s Long-Term Thesis Gets Tested

For investors considering whether to buy Archer stock today, 2026 represents the critical inflection point. The company is projected to begin generating revenue, potentially starting in the first quarter. Full-year analyst estimates project approximately $32 million in revenue—not massive in absolute terms, but symbolically significant as proof of commercial traction.

This timeline matters because it transforms Archer from a pure speculative venture into a revenue-generating business. The company currently represents a long-term bet on an emerging industry at a moment when multiple regulatory frameworks are crystallizing. The convergence of UAE approvals, American infrastructure support, and Olympic visibility creates a unique window for progress.

Wall Street analysts have noticed. The median price target sits at $13 per share, implying a potential 56% return over the next twelve months for patient investors. This projection reflects optimism that the company’s long-term potential is beginning to materialize into near-term catalysts.

Should You Buy Archer Stock Today? A Long-Term Investor’s Perspective

Archer Aviation presents one of the most compelling long-term opportunities in transportation infrastructure, but it demands a mature investment approach. This remains fundamentally a speculative play on emerging technology, and positions should remain appropriately sized within a diversified portfolio. The company could face regulatory delays, technical challenges, or competitive pressures that derail the thesis.

However, for investors seeking the best stocks to buy today with multi-year holding periods, Archer offers asymmetric risk-reward characteristics. The company has the capital to reach profitability, genuine commercial partnerships are materializing, and regulatory approval timelines are becoming concrete rather than theoretical. These factors distinguish it from purely speculative plays in earlier stages of development.

The historical parallel is instructive: investors who identified Netflix and Nvidia when they appeared in curated analyst portfolios—and held through periods of doubt—captured extraordinary returns spanning decades. Archer Aviation may not deliver those magnitudes, but the fundamental principle remains: the best stocks to buy today often require patience, conviction, and a long-term time horizon. For those willing to commit to that approach, Archer merits serious consideration as the eVTOL industry begins its transformation from promise to reality.