Core Insights - AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) has seen a significant stock increase of 27%, trading at $244.55, following strong fourth-quarter earnings of $1.61 per share and $275 million in revenue, both surpassing analyst expectations [1] - The stock is on track for its best single-session gain since March 2024, reaching a record high of $250, and has increased 56% in 2025, with a 139% rise from its 19-month low of $102.25 [2] Short Interest and Trading Activity - A short squeeze may support the stock's upward momentum, with short interest rising nearly 20%, accounting for 10.1% of the total float, and it would take over eight trading days for shorts to cover their positions at the current trading pace [3] - Options traders are leaning bearish, indicated by a put/call open interest ratio of 1.05, which is in the 88th percentile of the past month, and a 10-day put/call volume ratio ranking in the 83rd percentile of its annual range [4] Volatility and Options Trading - The stock has consistently exceeded options traders' volatility expectations, reflected in a Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) score of 96 out of 100, indicating a history of larger-than-expected price swings [5]

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about AeroVironment (AVAV) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.AeroVironment currently has ...

Financial Performance & Guidance - The company enters fiscal year 2026 with a backlog exceeding $750 million [1] - Revenue guidance for fiscal year 2026 is set between $19 billion and $2 billion [1] - The company delivered over 40% quarter-over-quarter growth in topline revenue from last year's fourth quarter to this year's fourth quarter [1] - The company's Q4 revenue was $275 million [5] - The company's total revenue is less than $1 billion [5] Strategic Focus & Market Positioning - The company is purpose-built for US national security and its allies' critical strategic priorities [2] - The company is identified as a primary drone company [3] - The company possesses counter-drone technology, including a laser system [3][7] - The company acquired Blue Halo for $4 billion, indicating a strategy of industry consolidation [4] - The company's counter-drone laser technology is positioned as a cost-effective solution compared to traditional counter-drone measures [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - AeroVironment's stock surged over 20% following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results, which exceeded analyst expectations on both revenue and earnings [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company achieved record fiscal year revenue of $820.6 million, representing a 14% increase compared to the previous period [1]. - For the fourth quarter, AeroVironment reported a net income of $16.66 million, or 59 cents per share, a significant rise from $6.05 million, or 22 cents per share, in the same quarter last year [2]. - Adjusted earnings per share were reported at $1.61, surpassing the expected $1.39 per share [4]. - Revenue for the fourth quarter was $275 million, exceeding the anticipated $242 million [4].

Core Insights - The company achieved record total revenue of $821 million for FY2025, a 14% increase year-over-year, with Q4 revenue reaching $275 million, up 40% compared to the previous year [4][19][37] - Total bookings for FY2025 amounted to $1.2 billion, indicating strong demand for the company's core offerings [4][15] - The funded backlog at the end of FY2025 was $726 million, an 82% increase from the prior fiscal year [4][15] - The company secured a nearly $1 billion five-year U.S. Army IDIQ sole-source contract, marking the largest contract in its history [4][6] - International revenue accounted for 52% of total revenue in FY2025, with non-Ukraine European customers contributing over 24% [4][20] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 FY2025 was $61.6 million, significantly up from $22.2 million in the same quarter last year, and $146.4 million for the full fiscal year, representing 17.8% of revenue [4][22] - GAAP net income for Q4 FY2025 was $16.7 million, an increase of $10.6 million year-over-year, while full-year GAAP net income was $43.6 million, down $16 million due to various impairments and costs [5][28] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 FY2025 was $1.61, compared to $0.43 for the same period in FY2024 [8][28] Segment Performance - Loitering Munitions Systems (LMS) revenue rose 87% to $138 million in Q4 FY2025 and 83% to $352 million for the full fiscal year [4][17] - The UXS segment reported Q4 revenue of $113 million, a nearly 9% increase, while full-year revenue was slightly lower at $382 million [4][17] - McCready Works segment revenue increased 24% to $24 million in Q4 FY2025, with full-year revenue at $87 million, a 14% increase [4][17] Strategic Initiatives - The company closed the acquisition of Blue Halo, enhancing its position in the defense technology sector with a comprehensive portfolio across multiple domains [15][38] - FY2026 revenue guidance is set between $1.9 billion and $2 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $300 million and $320 million [8][33] - The company plans to operate under two distinct business segments starting in FY2026: Autonomous Systems and Space Cyber Directed Energy [18][31] Market Outlook - The company anticipates strong organic growth driven by increased demand for its innovative solutions, particularly in the U.S. Department of Defense sector [6][9] - The P550 and Red Dragon products are expected to generate significant revenue in the coming years, with initial orders anticipated soon [9][53] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging global defense priorities, with a focus on delivering next-generation solutions [18][39]

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025 ☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-33261 AEROVIRONMENT, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | Delaware | 95-2705790 | | --- | --- | | (State or ...

Company Performance - AeroVironment reported quarterly earnings of $1.61 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 per share, and significantly up from $0.43 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +11.81% [1] - The company posted revenues of $275.05 million for the quarter ended April 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 12.88%, compared to $196.98 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, AeroVironment has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - AeroVironment shares have increased approximately 24.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.4% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.41 on revenues of $285.78 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.13 on revenues of $995.41 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, to which AeroVironment belongs, is currently ranked in the top 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that industry outlook can materially impact stock performance [5][8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record fiscal year revenue of $821 million, which is 14% higher than the prior year period, and record fourth quarter revenues of $275 million, which is 40% higher than the prior year period [7][38] - The total bookings for fiscal year 2025 reached $1.2 billion, indicating robust demand for the company's solutions [7][39] - The funded backlog at the end of fiscal year 2025 was $726 million, which is 82% higher than the prior fiscal year [7][39] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $61.6 million, up from $22.2 million in the previous year, driven by higher revenue and gross margins [24] - Full year adjusted EBITDA was $146.4 million, representing 17.8% of revenue, a 15% increase over FY 2024 [24] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Loitering Munition Systems (LMS) segment saw revenues for Q4 rise 87% to $138 million, with full fiscal year revenues of $352 million, an 83% increase [11] - The Uncrewed Systems (UXS) segment posted Q4 revenues of $113 million, a nearly 9% increase year-over-year, while full year revenues were slightly lower at $382 million [12] - The McCready Works segment reported Q4 revenues of $24 million, a 24% increase, with full year revenues of $87 million, which was 14% higher than the prior year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 52% of the company's revenues were from international customers, with over 24% coming from non-Ukraine European customers [23] - The company received orders from eight countries for Switchblade products worth nearly $250 million in FY 2025 [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company closed the acquisition of BlueHalo, enhancing its position as a defense tech leader with a comprehensive portfolio across air, land, sea, space, and cyber [7][39] - Starting in fiscal year 2026, the company will operate under two distinct business segments: Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy [18][32] - The company plans to continue investing in R&D, having invested nearly $2 billion over the past decade to develop disruptive solutions [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to meet rising demands from the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies, particularly in loitering munitions and autonomous systems [49][90] - The company anticipates strong organic growth in fiscal year 2026 and beyond, with revenue guidance set between $1.9 billion and $2 billion [7][39] Other Important Information - The company expects adjusted gross margins in the range of 29% to 31% for fiscal year 2026 [34] - The company plans to invest in expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet increased demand for its products [12][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Army's transformation initiative and its impact on Switchblade orders - Management highlighted the strong growth in the Switchblade business and expressed optimism about additional opportunities stemming from the Army's modernization efforts [45][49] Question: Inquiry about write-downs in unfunded backlog related to foreign military sales - Management confirmed there were no write-downs related to the LMS business or foreign military sales in the quarter [52][53] Question: Market opportunity for P550 and Red Dragon - Management indicated strong market potential for both products, with expectations for initial orders and significant future revenue generation [61][64] Question: Clarification on revenue guidance and visibility - Management explained that the guidance reflects a range of potential outcomes based on timing of contracts and funding approvals from the U.S. Department of Defense [74][86] Question: Assessment of NATO's potential 5% GDP spending pledge - Management noted that increased international demand for their systems is expected, particularly in Europe, due to ongoing global security challenges [105]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record fiscal year revenue of $821 million, a 14% increase compared to the prior year, and record fourth quarter revenues of $275 million, which is 40% higher than the previous year [6][20][36] - Total bookings for fiscal year 2025 reached $1.2 billion, indicating strong demand for the company's solutions [6][36] - Funded backlog at the end of fiscal year 2025 was $726 million, an 82% increase from the prior fiscal year [6][36] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $61.6 million, up from $22.2 million in the same quarter last year, while full year adjusted EBITDA was $146.4 million, representing a 15% increase over FY 2024 [23][24] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Loitering Munition Systems (LMS) segment reported fourth quarter revenues of $138 million, an 87% increase, and full year revenues of $352 million, which were 83% higher [10][20] - The Uncrewed Systems (UXS) segment posted fourth quarter revenues of $113 million, a nearly 9% increase year-over-year, while full year revenues were slightly lower at $382 million [11][12] - The McCready Works segment saw fourth quarter revenues rise to $24 million, with full year revenues of $87 million, a 14% increase [14][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International customers accounted for 52% of total revenues, with over 24% coming from non-Ukraine European customers [21] - The company received orders from eight countries for Switchblade products worth nearly $250 million in FY 2025, and the JUMP-20 received nearly $100 million in orders in Q4 alone [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company closed the acquisition of BlueHalo, enhancing its position as a defense tech leader with a comprehensive portfolio across air, land, sea, space, and cyber [6][17] - Starting in fiscal year 2026, the company will operate under two distinct business segments: Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy [18][30] - The company plans to continue investing in R&D, having invested nearly $2 billion over the past decade to develop disruptive solutions [7][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet rising customer demands and deliver best-in-class solutions [7][9] - The company anticipates strong organic growth in fiscal year 2026, with revenue guidance set between $1.9 billion and $2 billion [6][32] - Management highlighted the importance of the U.S. Department of Defense's priorities and the company's alignment with these needs [17][81] Other Important Information - The company expects adjusted gross margins for fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of 29% to 31% [33] - R&D spending is projected to be between 6% to 7% of revenue for the upcoming fiscal year [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Army's transformation initiative and its impact on Switchblade orders - Management expressed optimism about the Army's initiative, indicating it could lead to additional opportunities for the Switchblade products [43][46] Question: Inquiry about write-downs in unfunded backlog related to foreign military sales - Management confirmed there were no write-downs related to the LMS business or foreign military sales in the quarter [50][51] Question: Clarification on revenue guidance and visibility for fiscal year 2026 - Management explained that the guidance reflects a range of potential outcomes based on various factors, including timing of contracts and DOD funding [66][76] Question: Assessment of NATO's potential 5% GDP spending pledge - Management indicated that increased international demand, particularly from NATO countries, could significantly benefit the company [97][98]

Core Insights - AeroVironment, Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter results with earnings of $1.61 per share, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.42 [1] - Quarterly revenue reached $275.05 million, exceeding the Street estimate of $242.69 million, marking a 40% year-over-year increase [1][2] - The company experienced significant revenue growth in various segments, including Loitering Munitions Systems (87% increase), MacCready Works (24% increase), and Uncrewed Systems (9% increase) [2] Financial Performance - The fourth quarter concluded fiscal year 2025 with record revenue and significantly higher profits, alongside a robust backlog nearly double that of fiscal year 2024 [3] - For fiscal 2027, AeroVironment projects adjusted EPS between $2.80 and $3, compared to the estimate of $3.72, with revenue expectations ranging from $1.9 billion to $2 billion, slightly below the $1.98 billion estimate [3] Stock Performance - Following the earnings release, AeroVironment's stock declined by 5.58%, trading at $182.50 in extended trading [4]