Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTBrendan Coffey, The Motley FoolFri, July 17, 2026 at 10:23 PM GMT+2 6 min readInvestors seeking exposure to future-leaning technologies often weigh the potential of urban air mobility against satellite-to-phone connectivity when comparing Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) and AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) for their growth portfolios.Archer Aviation focuses on "flying taxis" to bypass ground traffic, while AST SpaceMobile aims to eliminate global dead zones by providing satellite cellular service. Both companies represent ambitious, capital-intensive bets on infrastructure. Choosing between them requires understanding their different paths to regulatory approval, their distinct manufacturing hurdles, and their current financial health as they move toward commercial scale.The case for Archer AviationArcher Aviation develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial and military use. This growth among industrial stocks is anchored by the United Purchase Agreement, providing for the conditional purchase of up to $1.0 billion in Midnight aircraft from United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ:UAL). The company also partners with the U.S. Air Force and Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) for manufacturing support.In FY 2025, Archer Aviation reported revenue of $300,000. This early-stage revenue was accompanied by a net loss of approximately $618.2 million. This reflects a company still in its pre-commercial phase as it pursues aircraft type and production certification.As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 0.1x. This ratio measures total debt, including short- and long-term obligations, against shareholders' equity, with a lower number indicating less reliance on borrowed money. Free cash flow was negative at $511.7 million, representing the cash remaining after operating and capital spending are covered.The case for AST SpaceMobileAST SpaceMobile builds a space-based cellular broadband network that connects standard smartphones directly to satellites. Its model relies on strategic partnerships with mobile network operators like AT&T (NYSE:T) and Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ). These agreements provide access to nearly 3 billion subscribers globally through the partner network, bypassing the need for traditional customer acquisition.In FY 2025, revenue reached approximately $70.9 million, a substantial jump from the $4.4 million reported in the prior fiscal year. The company reported a net loss of nearly $342 million for the period. While revenue growth is accelerating as the company begins its commercial rollout, profitability remains a distant goal during this build-out phase.Terms and Privacy PolicyEU DSA contactPrivacy & Cookie SettingsMore Info