Archer Aviation: Why Patience Could Reward Long-Term Investors in Colorado and Beyond

The investment landscape demands patience—a virtue that separates successful investors from those who abandon ship at the first sign of turbulence. For those considering Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), patience isn’t just recommended; it may be the deciding factor between substantial gains and missed opportunities. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector represents a transformative moment in mobility, and Archer sits at the center of this emerging industry.

Since going public in 2021 at approximately $10 per share, Archer Aviation has faced significant headwinds, with its stock hovering around $8.20 as of early 2026. This reality reflects the fundamental challenge facing early-stage aerospace technology companies: they must invest heavily in R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory approval while generating minimal revenue. For investors in states like Colorado and across North America, understanding this dynamic is crucial before evaluating whether this stock warrants a portfolio position.

The Current Reality: Losses Today, Potential Tomorrow

Archer Aviation’s financial picture tells a story of strategic investment over short-term profitability. The company currently operates at a net loss with negligible revenue, but this isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a deliberate choice. The company has accumulated approximately $2 billion in cash and liquid resources, bolstered by a recent $650 million capital raise. This financial cushion is precisely what allows Archer to remain patient in pursuing its long-term vision.

The contrast is important: unlike many speculative ventures that burn through capital without a clear path to revenue, Archer has the runway to execute its strategy. The company’s Midnight aircraft represents years of engineering, testing, and refinement. These aren’t theoretical vehicles; they’re being tested and refined in real-world conditions.

2026-2028: The Years That Will Define Archer’s Future

The next three years represent a critical inflection point. Archer is expected to begin generating revenue as early as the first quarter of 2026, with analyst projections suggesting approximately $32 million in full-year 2026 revenue. While modest by traditional standards, this marks the transition from pure R&D company to revenue-generating enterprise.

The timeline extends further: analysts anticipate Archer won’t receive U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approval for commercial operations until 2028. Yet this delay shouldn’t discourage patient investors. It reflects the rigor required to validate an entirely new category of aircraft and operations. Notably, Archer recently acquired Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles for $126 million—a strategic investment that positions the company as an operational hub and signals commitment to the 2028 LA Olympics, where advanced air mobility is expected to play a visible role.

Strategic Partnerships: Building the Ecosystem for Success

Archer’s path to profitability isn’t isolated. The company has secured a commercial operations agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which expects to approve air taxis for commercial deployment in the third quarter of 2026. This represents validation from a major international market and provides early revenue opportunities.

Additionally, Archer signed a preferred partner agreement with Serbia, granting the nation the ability to purchase up to 25 Midnight aircraft. These international commitments demonstrate that Archer isn’t merely a U.S.-focused company; it’s establishing a global footprint for eVTOL operations. The Trump Administration’s launch of a pilot program to accelerate advanced air mobility deployment further supports the tailwinds building behind the sector.

The Investment Case: Risk and Reward Balanced

Wall Street’s consensus remains cautiously optimistic. Analysts assign Archer a median price target of $13 per share, implying potential 56% upside from current levels over the next twelve months. However, this assumes patience and market maturation—two factors not guaranteed.

Investors must acknowledge that Archer remains a high-conviction, early-stage play. The company operates in a regulatory environment that’s still being defined. Aircraft certification, pilot training standards, and infrastructure requirements are all being developed in parallel with Archer’s business execution. This creates both risk and opportunity.

The prudent approach mirrors Warren Buffett’s philosophy on patient investing: positions should remain relatively small, integrated within a diversified portfolio, and held with a multi-year perspective. Those with a five-to-ten-year horizon may find Archer’s fundamental case compelling, particularly as the company transitions from development to commercial deployment.

For investors evaluating this opportunity—whether based in Colorado, or anywhere seeking exposure to transformative aerospace technology—the question isn’t whether to buy Archer today. Rather, it’s whether you possess the patience to hold as the eVTOL sector matures from ambitious concept to routine infrastructure.