Archer Aviation Stock Surges 10% in 5 Days Amid Leadership Stability and Analyst Optimism

Archer Aviation shares have recovered 10% in five days following a brief pullback after the announcement of CFO Mark Mesler's resignation. The stock is up 7.4% to $12.09 and has regained upward momentum. Analysts remain positive, with a "Moderate Buy" consensus and an average 12-month price target of $11.75, implying a 2.81% downside from the current price. The leadership transition had already been in place for months, reducing the perceived risk of disruption.

Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) shares have seen a significant rebound, rising by 10% over the past five days. The stock, which was trading at $10.51 on Monday, July 2, 2025, has now recovered to $12.09, regaining its upward momentum. This recovery comes despite the brief pullback following the announcement of CFO Mark Mesler's resignation.

Mesler's departure, effective July 7, 2025, was announced in a recent securities filing. He had been on medical leave since September 2024, during which time Priya Gupta served as acting Chief Financial Officer and acting principal financial officer. Harsh Rungta will continue as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer and principal accounting officer. The transition agreement with Mesler provides for a one-time cash payment equal to nine months of his base salary plus three months of his target annual bonus, along with accelerated vesting of certain outstanding time-based restricted stock units [1].

Analysts remain positive about Archer Aviation's prospects. The consensus is a "Moderate Buy" rating, with an average 12-month price target of $11.75. This implies a potential downside of 2.81% from the current price. The leadership transition had already been in place for months, reducing the perceived risk of disruption.

The company has been making strides in the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft market. Recent developments include successful test flights of the Midnight eVTOL aircraft in Abu Dhabi and partnerships with major companies like United Airlines and Palantir. Archer Aviation is also working towards commercial deployment in the UAE and aims to produce six type-conforming aircraft for FAA pilots to operate during Type Inspection Authorization trials [2].

Archer Aviation has secured substantial funding, including a $850 million stock sale in June, which brought its liquidity position to approximately $2 billion. This capital will be used to build out the company's commercial capabilities and infrastructure [3].

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/sec-filings/archer-aviation-announces-cfo-departure-and-transition-agreement-93CH-4132608
[2] https://www.cfodive.com/news/archer-aviation-cfo-steps-down-medical-leave-airtaxis/752990/
[3] https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/achr/