AeroVironment (AVAV) closed the last trading session at $179.47, gaining 2% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $225.17 indicates a 25.5% upside potential.The average comprises six short-term price targets ranging from a low of $210 to a high of $245, with a standard deviation of $12.50. While the lowest estimate indicates an increase of 17% from the current price level ...

Investors had reason to cheer last week. But the valuation on this drone stock remains sky high.I've been following military drone manufacturer AeroVironment (AVAV -2.32%) for a very long time -- ever since it was just a newborn babe of a defense stock after its 2007 initial public offering (IPO), in fact. And I have to tell you that, over all this time, I've never seen AeroVironment win a defense contract as big as the one that it won last Tuesday: $1 billion.Well, $990 million to be exact.The Aug. 27 edit ...

mrdoomits/iStock via Getty Images Introduction On September 2, Seeking Alpha published an interesting article titled "SA Asks: Which defense stocks are most attractive right now?" I was humbled to be part of the panel. Here's a part of my answer (emphasis added): The most attractive defense companies are the ones that focus on at least two things: advanced defense projects and international demand. The defense environment is rapidly changing, fueled by the war in Ukraine, which shows that the “war o ...

Revenue and Income - Revenue for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $189.5 million, an increase of 24.4% compared to $152.3 million for the same period in 2023[173]. - Revenue for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $189.5 million, an increase of $37.2 million, or 24%, compared to $152.3 million for the same period in 2023[176]. - Net income for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $21.2 million, slightly down from $21.9 million in the same period of 2023[173]. - The company reported an income from operations of $23.1 million for the three months ended July 27, 2024, compared to $26.4 million in the same period of 2023[173]. Expenses - Gross margin for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $81.5 million, representing a gross margin percentage of 43.0%, up from $65.7 million and 43.1% in the prior year[173]. - Research and development expenses increased to $24.6 million for the three months ended July 27, 2024, compared to $15.5 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 59.2% increase[173]. - SG&A expenses for the three months ended July 27, 2024, were $33.8 million, or 18% of revenue, compared to $23.8 million, or 16% of revenue, for the same period in 2023[178]. - R&D expenses for the three months ended July 27, 2024, were $24.6 million, or 13% of revenue, compared to $15.5 million, or 10% of revenue, for the same period in 2023[179]. - Cost of sales for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $108.0 million, an increase of $21.3 million, or 25%, compared to $86.7 million in the prior year[177]. Segment Performance - The company has three reportable segments: Uncrewed Systems (UxS), Loitering Munitions Systems (LMS), and MacCready Works (MW), with segment revenue and adjusted gross margin reported for each[173]. - UxS revenue for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $120.0 million, representing an increase of $21.8 million, or 22%, compared to $98.2 million in the prior year[183]. - LMS revenue for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was $52.0 million, an increase of $21.1 million, or 68%, compared to $30.9 million for the same period in 2023[186]. - Product sales increased by $40.0 million, primarily driven by a $21.9 million increase from Switchblade products and a $19.1 million increase from UxS products[176]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - For the three months ended July 27, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities increased by $45.4 million to $28.4 million, compared to a net cash used of $(17.1) million for the same period in 2023[204]. - The net cash used in investing activities increased by $3.0 million to $6.6 million for the three months ended July 27, 2024, primarily due to increased property and equipment acquisitions[205]. - The company anticipates funding its normal recurring trade payables and ongoing R&D costs through existing working capital and cash provided by operating activities, which are expected to be sufficient for the next twelve months[197]. - The company’s liquidity needs include financing working capital, investing in capital expenditures, and supporting product development efforts[198]. Backlog and Contracts - Funded backlog as of July 27, 2024, was approximately $372.9 million, down from $400.2 million as of April 30, 2024[190]. - The company’s backlog is subject to large variations and does not guarantee future sales, as many contracts do not obligate the U.S. government to purchase goods or services[194]. - The company received $128 million of initial funding under a new IDIQ contract for LMS systems with a ceiling value of $990 million in August 2024[190]. Goodwill and Impairment - The MUAS reporting unit had a goodwill balance of $135.8 million as of July 27, 2024, following a goodwill impairment charge of $156.0 million recognized in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023[168]. - The estimated fair value of the MUAS reporting unit does not substantially exceed its carrying value, indicating an increased risk of future impairment[168]. Tax and Interest - The effective income tax rate for the three months ended July 27, 2024, was 6.6%, compared to 5.7% for the same period in 2023[181]. - Interest expense decreased significantly to $239,000 for the three months ended July 27, 2024, from $2.0 million in the prior year[173]. - The current outstanding balance of the Credit Facilities is $17.5 million, which bears a variable interest rate, and the company is exposed to increased interest costs due to rising market rates[210]. Capital Contributions and Acquisitions - The company paid a total purchase price of $134.4 million for the Tomahawk acquisition, consisting of $109.8 million in stock and $24.2 million in cash on hand[202]. - The company has committed to make capital contributions totaling $20.0 million to a limited partnership fund, with $10.0 million remaining as of July 27, 2024[202]. Adjustments and Revenue Recognition - Favorable cumulative catch-up adjustments in revenue for the three months ended July 27, 2024, amounted to $0.8 million, while unfavorable adjustments were $0.3 million[161].

For the quarter ended July 2024, AeroVironment (AVAV) reported revenue of $189.48 million, up 24.4% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.89, compared to $1.00 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +2.84% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $184.26 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.61, the EPS surprise was +45.90%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 fiscal 2025 was $189.5 million, a 24% increase from $152.3 million in Q1 fiscal 2024, setting a new first-quarter revenue record for the company [7][20] - Adjusted gross margin for Q1 was 45%, consistent with the same period last year, while GAAP gross margins were 43% [24][25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $37 million, flat compared to the previous year, as higher revenue and gross margin were offset by increased R&D and SG&A expenses [25][28] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Uncrewed Systems (UxS) segment revenue was $120 million, a 22% increase from $98.2 million in the same quarter last year, driven by strong demand for the Puma franchise and JUMP 20 platforms [14][21] - Loitering Munition Systems (LMS) segment revenue reached $52 million, a 68% increase from $30.9 million in Q1 fiscal 2024, with significant contributions from Switchblade products [11][22] - MacCready Works segment revenue was $17.5 million, a decrease of 24% from $23.2 million in the same quarter last year, impacted by U.S. government delayed approvals [17][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong demand for its autonomous systems, particularly in the defense sector, with a robust pipeline of opportunities both domestically and internationally [10][31] - The U.S. Army's recent $1 billion IDIQ contract is expected to increase funded backlog in the coming quarters [8][30] - The company anticipates continued momentum in international demand for Switchblade and JUMP 20 solutions [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding production capacity to meet increasing demand, with plans to select an additional manufacturing location for Loitering Munition production [13][80] - The company aims to leverage its strong relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense and international customers to secure additional contracts and orders [10][76] - The strategic emphasis is on innovation in autonomous systems and enhancing manufacturing capabilities to support future growth [17][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year guidance for fiscal 2025, supported by a healthy backlog and strong demand for autonomous solutions [30][31] - The company is optimistic about the potential for additional orders under the new IDIQ contract and expects to see progress payments that will improve cash flow [38][55] - Management highlighted the importance of international sales and the growing pipeline of opportunities, particularly for Switchblade products [72][76] Other Important Information - The company reported a total cash and investments amounting to $103 million at the end of Q1, an increase from $94.3 million at the end of the previous quarter [29] - Free cash flow during the quarter was $23 million, largely due to decreased inventories [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the task order timing and amounts under the IDIQ contract? - Management confirmed that the $1 billion IDIQ contract is expected to contribute to fiscal 2025 guidance, with initial task orders already booked [36][37] Question: Do you expect other releases or tranches during this fiscal year? - Management anticipates multiple additional Switchblade orders throughout the fiscal year, with a robust pipeline of opportunities [42][43] Question: What programs are associated with the $990 million Switchblade IDIQ? - The $990 million IDIQ contract is intended to fulfill various needs, including U.S. Army requirements and potential international sales [48][49] Question: Will the IDIQ contract help facilitate international sales? - Yes, the IDIQ contract is designed to accommodate international sales, improving the speed of the procurement process [74][76] Question: What is the current status of the FMS pipeline for Switchblade? - The company is engaged with over 50 countries, with a growing number of active customers in the pipeline [70][72]

AeroVironment (AVAV) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.89 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.61 per share. This compares to earnings of $1 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 45.90%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of unmanned aircrafts would post earnings of $0.21 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.43, delivering a surprise of 104.76%.Over the last four quarte ...

Financial Performance - Q1 FY25 - Revenue for Q1 FY25 reached $189.5 million, a 24% increase compared to Q1 FY24[8] - GAAP Gross Margin for Q1 FY25 was $81.5 million, also a 24% increase year-over-year[8] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 FY25 was $37.2 million, in line with the same quarter last year[8] - Non-GAAP EPS (diluted) was $0.89, an 11% decrease compared to last year[8] - Funded Backlog was $372.9 million, a 31% decrease due to contract award timing[8] Segment Performance - Loitering Munition Systems (LMS) segment achieved a first-quarter revenue record of $52 million[5] FY25 Guidance (as of September 4, 2024) - Revenue is projected to be between $790 million and $820 million, representing a 12% increase at the midpoint compared to FY24 revenue of $717 million[20] - Net Income is expected to be between $74 million and $83 million, a 31% increase at the midpoint compared to FY24 net income of $60 million[20] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $143 million and $153 million, a 16% increase at the midpoint compared to FY24 adjusted EBITDA of $128 million[20] - Earnings Per Share (diluted) is expected to be between $2.61 and $2.92, a 27% increase at the midpoint compared to FY24 EPS of $2.18[20] - Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (diluted) is projected to be between $3.18 and $3.49, an 11% increase at the midpoint compared to FY24 Non-GAAP EPS of $2.99[20]

Exhibit 99.1 FISCAL 2025 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS AeroVironment Announces Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Results ARLINGTON, VA, September 4, 2024 — AeroVironment, Inc. ("AeroVironment" or the "Company") reported today financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended July 27, 2024. First Quarter Highlights: ● Record first quarter revenue of $189.5 million up 24% year-over-year ● First quarter net income of $21.2 million and adjusted EBITDA of $37.2 million ● In August 2024 awarded U.S. Army Lethal Unmanned Syste ...

Subscribers to Chart of the Week received this commentary on Sunday, September 1.Last week, venture capitalist Y Combinator—the money behind Twitch, DoorDash (DASH), and Dropbox (DBX) – began the backing of Ares Industries, a defense company that builds cruise missiles. Silicon Valley and the military historically go together like oil and water. But follow the money and it makes sense; the aerospace and defense sector are poised for robust growth in the next decade.It’s a troubled topic, but the iShares U.S ...