Investors looking to exchange higher risk for potentially greater rewards should explore these three “new school” industrial stocks.
Rethinking Industrial Stocks
When discussing industrial stocks, thoughts may immediately turn to traditional sectors such as steel production and machinery. However, this category also includes some of the fastest-growing fields, like electric vehicles (EVs), aerial taxis, and companies focused on commercializing space, often referred to as space stocks.
Thus, for investors keen on identifying industrial stocks with significant market-beating potential over the next five years, a few emerging names stand out: Archer Aviation (ACHR 0.73%), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS 2.75%), and Rivian Automotive (RIVN +0.71%).
Archer Aviation: Poised for Takeoff
Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) stocks, often dubbed “flying taxi” stocks, have maintained popularity throughout 2025. Despite recent pullbacks in names like Archer Aviation, it may be premature to consider this trend over.
In fact, Archer has achieved significant advancements in commercialization over the past month, including new manufacturing partnerships and progress in launching air taxi services in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Although still pre-revenue, projections indicate that Archer could generate meaningful revenue in 2026, with estimated sales around $32 million. By 2030, the eVTOL market could be worth $29 billion annually, positioning Archer as a major profit-turner with shares likely to appreciate significantly.
AST SpaceMobile’s Rapid Growth
AST SpaceMobile has surged this year, with a 244% increase in share price. However, that doesn’t mean investors have missed out on its launch in the telecommunications sector. The company’s progress in commercialization is a primary driver of its stock success.
While AST SpaceMobile is projected to see a staggering 1,200% sales increase this year, forecasts for 2026 suggest growth could continue at 342.6%. The company may achieve consistent profitability as early as 2027 or 2028, with analysts predicting earnings per share of $0.35 and $2.57 for those respective years.
Rivian: A Leading EV Contender
A few years ago, investors were buzzing about various EV start-ups potentially competing with market leader Tesla. Today, interest in many of these “Tesla competitors,” such as Lucid Group, has diminished. However, Rivian Automotive remains a notable player with prospects of carving out a significant space in the EV market.
This year, Rivian has started reporting positive gross profits. The upcoming launch of its R2 line of affordable SUVs could help the company reach new production, delivery, and profitability milestones. Anticipation around the R2, potentially generating annual sales in the six-digit range, could lead Rivian toward GAAP profitability, further elevating its stock price.
