This week, several stocks caught investors’ attention, driven by significant developments and market momentum. Here’s the breakdown of this week’s trending stocks:
Joby ($JOBY) to Acquire Blade’s Passenger Business
Joby Aviation ($JOBY), a California-based company developing all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility, announced plans to acquire the passenger operations of Blade Air Mobility in a deal valued at up to $125 million. The acquisition gives Joby immediate access to key urban markets in the U.S. and Europe, including dedicated terminals and lounges in New York City, while strengthening its commercialization plans ahead of its first passenger flights in Dubai next year.
Key Details of the Deal
- Access to Key Markets: Blade flew over 50,000 passengers in 2024 through a network of 12 urban terminals in major cities, including hubs at JFK and Newark airports and several Manhattan locations.
- Strategic Expansion: The acquisition enables Joby to accelerate commercialization by transitioning Blade’s loyal customer base from traditional helicopters to electric air taxis, reducing infrastructure costs and customer acquisition expenses.
- Management and Branding: Blade’s passenger business will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Joby, continuing under Blade founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal. The deal excludes Blade’s Medical division, which will remain public as Strata Critical Medical and partner with Joby on organ transport services.
- Technology Integration: Joby’s ElevateOS software tools will be adopted by Blade to improve efficiency and the passenger experience.
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby, said the acquisition strengthens the company’s position ahead of its planned passenger service launch in Dubai next year. “With access to Blade’s infrastructure and loyal customer base, we are in the best position to introduce our electric aircraft as soon as certification is secured,” he said.
Blade’s Rob Wiesenthal added that partnering with Joby aligns perfectly with the company’s mission of transitioning short-distance travel from helicopters to clean, electric aircraft.
The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary conditions. Payment will be made in cash or stock, including $35 million in holdbacks tied to performance milestones and retention agreements.
Stock Price Reaction
$JOBY shares jumped 18.8% while $BLDE rose 17% following the announcement.
Tesla ($TSLA) Approves $29B Stock Grant for Elon Musk
Tesla’s board has approved a new stock compensation package for CEO Elon Musk, awarding him 96 million shares of common stock—an interim award valued at approximately $29 billion. The grant is designed to secure Musk’s leadership as the company faces ongoing legal battles over a previous pay package and intensifying competition in AI and robotics.
Key Terms of the Compensation Package
- Award Size: 96 million restricted shares
- Valuation: Roughly $29 billion, based on Tesla’s share price just above $300
- Exercise Price: $23.34 per share, identical to the 2018 package
- Vesting Schedule: Shares vest in August 2027, contingent on Musk remaining CEO or holding a top executive role related to product or operations
- Holding Requirement: Musk cannot sell any vested shares until August 2030, except to cover taxes or the exercise price
- Contingency Clause: If Musk wins the appeal over the 2018 plan, this new award will be canceled and replaced by the original, larger payout
Background
The new award follows legal challenges to Musk’s 2018 compensation plan—originally valued at $56 billion—which was invalidated twice by a Delaware court after shareholder lawsuits argued it was excessive and improperly approved. That case is now under appeal at the Delaware Supreme Court.
Tesla’s board referred to the 96 million share package as “interim” pending the final legal outcome.
Stock Price Reaction
$TSLA closed up 2.19% following the announcement
CommScope ($COMM) to Sell Cable and Connectivity Segment to Amphenol
CommScope ($COMM), a network connectivity solutions provider, announced it will sell its Connectivity and Cable Solutions (CCS) business to Amphenol Corporation ($APH) for $10.5 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and a shareholder vote required under Delaware law due to the size of the deal.
Key Details of the Deal
- Transaction Value: $10.5 billion cash
- Estimated Net Proceeds: ~$10 billion after taxes and expenses
- Use of Proceeds: CommScope plans to repay all outstanding debt, redeem preferred equity held by Carlyle ($CG), and distribute excess cash to shareholders in the form of a dividend within 60–90 days of closing
- Shareholder Vote Required: The deal must be approved by CommScope shareholders
- Remaining Businesses: CommScope will retain its ANS and RUCKUS segments, which will continue to focus on advanced network connectivity solutions
CEO Chuck Treadway called the deal “transformational,” highlighting its ability to return capital to shareholders while enabling CommScope to focus on its remaining business segments. The company also stated it will determine the exact dividend amount and timing post-closing based on financial conditions.
A conference call discussing the transaction and CommScope’s Q2 2025 results will be held at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. A replay will be available on the company’s investor relations website.
Stock Price Reaction
$COMM shares surged 86% following the announcement, as investors responded positively to the size of the deal and the planned cash distribution. $APH was modestly higher on the session.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The content is based on publicly available information and reflects the author’s opinions as of the publication date, which may change without notice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Forward-looking statements, including references to projected revenues, market trends, or business developments, are based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual results may differ due to various factors, including regulatory changes, economic conditions, competitive pressures, and unforeseen market fluctuations. Readers should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. BBAE holds no position in the securities mentioned, nor are they compensated by the companies mentioned.
