Vertical Aerospace Launches $60M Stock Offering for Electric Aircraft Development

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company, has launched a $60 million underwritten public offering of its ordinary shares, with an additional 30-day option for underwriters to purchase up to $9 million more. The company plans to use the proceeds primarily to fund research and development for its VX4 electric aircraft, expand testing and certification capacities, and support general working capital and corporate purposes. Following the announcement, Vertical's shares fell significantly, dropping over 22% in after-hours trading and tumbling 26.2% premarket. Despite the recent decline, the stock has seen a 140% increase over the past three months, although it remains down about 45% year-to-date. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, with four out of six rating the stock as a buy and a median price target of $13.50. This capital raise aligns with Vertical’s ongoing efforts to advance its electric aviation technology and certification process, including expanded partnerships such as with Honeywell.