AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) AI Stock Analysis

NASDAQ: AVAVAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

AVAV AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) is an aerospace and defense company designing and manufacturing unmanned aircraft and robotic systems. Annual revenue grew 140.9% in FY2026 to reach $1.98B, though net income fell to -$265.1M with a net margin of -13.4%. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $2.00B in revenue while facing an operating margin of -2.3%.

Market cap
$6.19B
Revenue (TTM)
$2.00B
P/E
—
fwd 55.2x
1Y return
-67.4%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$216.16
77.5% vs last close

Bull case

  • AeroVironment achieved 140.9% revenue growth in FY2026, pushing annual revenue to $1.98B.
  • Quarterly earnings surged 175.7% year-over-year in the latest quarter ending July 31, 2026.
  • Analysts maintain a mean price target of $216.16, indicating 77.5% potential upside from the last close of $121.79.

Bear case

  • Net income declined sharply in FY2026 to -$265.1M, yielding a negative net margin of -13.4%.
  • Free cash flow deteriorated to -$164.6M in FY2026 following negative operating cash flow of -$78.4M.
  • The stock trades at an elevated forward P/E of 55.2x, significantly higher than the US-listed Industrials peer median of 17.2x.

What AeroVironment does

AeroVironment, Inc. specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, delivering, and supporting robotic systems and associated services for government agencies and commercial enterprises globally. The company operates through four segments: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Tactical Missile System (TMS), Medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MUAS), and High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite Systems (HAPS). Serving primarily the U.S. Department of Defense and allied international governments, its offerings include airborne vehicles, integrated payloads, ground control systems, unmanned ground vehicles, and repair support. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company also develops high-altitude pseudo-satellite UAS systems to enhance aerial surveillance and communications.

Growth and profitability

AeroVironment's revenue expanded at a 5-year CAGR of 38.0% from FY2021 to FY2026, rising from $445.7M in FY2022 to $1.98B in FY2026. Revenue growth accelerated to 140.9% in FY2026, up from 14.5% in FY2025. However, profitability contracted, with gross margin dropping from 39.4% in FY2025 to 25.3% in FY2026, and operating margin declining from 5.0% to -3.6%. Net income fell from $43.6M in FY2025 to -$265.1M in FY2026. For the latest quarter ended July 31, 2026, quarterly revenue increased 5.7% year-over-year, while quarterly earnings grew 175.7%. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $2.00B with a profit margin of -10.1%.

AVAV income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of July 31, 2026, AeroVironment held $580.2M in cash and short-term investments against $850.8M in total debt, resulting in net debt of $270.6M. Its liquidity profile shows a current ratio of 4.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19 on shareholders' equity of $4.40B. Operating cash flow stood at -$78.4M in FY2026, alongside free cash flow of -$164.6M. In FY2026, capital expenditures were $86.2M, while share count expanded 100.2% over five years.

AVAV balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

AeroVironment trades at a forward P/E of 55.2x and an EV/EBITDA of 69.6x, compared to medians of 17.2x and 13.9x, respectively, for US-listed Industrials peers. The company has a price-to-sales ratio of 3.1x versus the peer median of 1.5x, and a PEG ratio of 1.57. Over the past year, the stock declined 67.4%, significantly lagging the S&P 500's return of 16.8%. Over a 5-year period, AVAV gained 35.2% compared to 83.0% for the S&P 500.

AVAV key metrics →

What analysts expect

Wall Street coverage includes 12 Strong Buy, 6 Buy, and 5 Hold ratings, with no Sell or Strong Sell recommendations. The mean price target of $216.16 implies an upside of 77.5% from the last close of $121.79. Consensus forecasts project revenue of $2.20B and EPS of $3.26 for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2027. AeroVironment beat EPS estimates in 2 of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings release is scheduled for December 8, 2026.

AVAV forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • AeroVironment faces margin pressure, as gross margin fell from 39.4% in FY2025 to 25.3% in FY2026.
  • Short interest represents 12.8% of the float, reflecting notable market skepticism.
  • The share count grew 100.2% over five years, representing substantial dilution for existing shareholders.
  • The company carries net debt of $270.6M after operating at a trailing twelve months profit margin of -10.1%.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this AVAV AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: AVAV income statement, AVAV balance sheet, AVAV key metrics, AVAV analyst forecast, AVAV chart. See the AVAV stock overview for the latest quote and news.

AVAV AI stock analysis FAQ

What does AeroVironment do?

AeroVironment, Inc. designs, manufactures, and services unmanned aircraft systems, tactical missile systems, and high-altitude pseudo-satellites primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied international governments.

Does AVAV pay a dividend?

AeroVironment does not report dividend payments in its financial results.

What are analyst price targets for AVAV stock?

Analysts have established a mean price target of $216.16, which represents a 77.5% premium over the last closing price of $121.79.

How fast is AeroVironment growing its revenue?

AeroVironment achieved a 5-year revenue CAGR of 38.0% through FY2026, with FY2026 annual revenue rising 140.9% to $1.98B and latest quarterly revenue growing 5.7% year-over-year.

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