Joby Aviation Surges 7.3% on Strategic Expansion and Legal Drama – What’s Next?

Summary
• JOBY surges 7.28% to $15.695, outperforming the 0.74% industrials sector gain
• Saudi Arabia test flights and $250M Alatau deal drive optimism
• Legal dispute with Archer adds short-term volatility

Joby Aviation’s 7.3% rally on December 4, 2025, reflects a mix of strategic progress and legal turbulence. The stock’s intraday high of $15.75 and low of $14.5953 highlight sharp volatility, fueled by international expansion plans and a lawsuit alleging corporate espionage. Investors are weighing near-term risks against long-term eVTOL market potential.

Strategic Expansion and Legal Tensions Drive JOBY's Rally
JOBY’s surge stems from dual catalysts: international partnerships and legal drama. The company announced plans for Saudi Arabia test flights in 2026 and a $250M deal with Alatau Advance Air Group, signaling global expansion. Meanwhile, a lawsuit accusing rival Archer of using stolen files to 'one-up' a deal has created short-term uncertainty. While the legal dispute pressures sentiment, the Saudi and Kazakhstan partnerships underscore JOBY’s aggressive market capture strategy, attracting institutional buyers and speculative traders.

Industrials Sector Mixed as JOBY Outpaces Peers
The broader industrials sector saw mixed performance, with the S&P 500 Industrials Index flat. JOBY’s 7.3% gain starkly outperformed peers like Archer Aviation (ACHR, -1.4%) and Boeing (BA, -1.44%). The divergence highlights JOBY’s unique positioning in the eVTOL race, where regulatory progress and strategic partnerships outweigh near-term profitability concerns.

Options and ETFs for JOBY's Volatile Outlook
• RSI: 37.81 (oversold)
• MACD: -0.49 (bearish), Signal: -0.56, Histogram: 0.07
• 200D MA: $11.595 (well below current price)
• Bollinger Bands: $12.52–$16.25 (current price near upper band)

JOBY’s technicals suggest a short-term bullish trend amid a long-term range. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $20.95 but faces resistance at $16.25 (Bollinger upper band). A breakout above $16.35 could trigger a rally toward $20.74, while a pullback to $14.50 may test support. The options market reflects this volatility:

JOBY20251219C16 (Call, $16 strike, 12/19 expiry):
• IV: 79.64% (high)
• Delta: 0.485 (moderate sensitivity)
• Theta: -0.0495 (rapid time decay)
• Gamma: 0.1527 (high sensitivity to price moves)
• Turnover: 323,058 (liquid)
• Leverage: 17.39%
• Payoff at 5% upside ($16.48): $0.48 per contract
This call option offers high leverage and liquidity, ideal for aggressive bulls expecting a short-term breakout.

JOBY20251219P16.5 (Put, $16.5 strike, 12/19 expiry):
• IV: 85.57% (very high)
• Delta: -0.5769 (high sensitivity to downside)
• Theta: -0.0073 (slow time decay)
• Gamma: 0.1396 (moderate sensitivity)
• Turnover: 333 (low liquidity)
• Leverage: 9.78%
• Payoff at 5% upside ($16.48): $0.02 per contract
This put offers downside protection but is less liquid.

Action: Aggressive bulls may consider JOBY20251219C16 into a breakout above $16.35. Cautious investors should monitor $14.50 support before committing.

Backtest Joby Aviation Stock Performance

Bullish Momentum and Legal Uncertainty – Position for JOBY's Next Move
JOBY’s rally hinges on balancing strategic momentum with legal risks. The stock’s 7.3% surge reflects optimism around Saudi and Kazakhstan deals but faces near-term headwinds from the Archer lawsuit. Technicals favor a short-term test of $16.25, with a longer-term target at $20.74 if the FAA certification timeline accelerates. Watch Boeing (BA, -1.44%) for sector sentiment shifts. Act now: Buy JOBY20251219C16 for a bullish breakout or short-term puts for downside protection.