AeroVironment

AVAV · NASDAQ

$117.63−$0.27 (−0.23%)TodayMarket closed · Oct 20, 7:59 PM ET

Prev close $117.90

AVAV analyst rating

BuyConsensus of 20 analysts over the last 12 months. 80% rate it a buy.

Strong buy0
Buy16
Hold4
Underperform0
Sell0

12-month price target · 23 analysts

Average $224.45 (+90.8% upside)

Low: $150.06
Now: $117.63
High: $330.75

Upgrades and downgrades

The latest rating actions, newest first

AVAV analyst upgrades, downgrades and rating actions
Firm	Date	Action	Rating	Price target	Hit rate
Citizens	Oct 19, 2026	Maintains	Market Outperform	$230.00 → $170.00	68%
Macquarie	Oct 16, 2026	Initiates	Outperform	$210.00	0%
Barclays	Oct 9, 2026	Initiates	Equal-Weight	$237.00	26%
Rothschild & Co	Oct 6, 2026	Initiates	Neutral	$165.00	—
Jefferies	Sep 16, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$229.00 → $204.00	31%
B of A Securities	Sep 11, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$225.00 → $185.00	57%
Citizens	Sep 10, 2026	Maintains	Market Outperform	$230.00	68%
JP Morgan	Sep 10, 2026	Maintains	Overweight	$200.00 → $210.00	63%
UBS	Sep 10, 2026	Maintains	Neutral	$166.00 → $170.00	49%
Needham	Sep 10, 2026	Maintains	Buy	$225.00	16%

The case for and against

Updated Oct 14, 2026

Bull case

AeroVironment is well positioned for durable growth because its portfolio spans autonomous systems, precision strike, counter-UAS, space, cyber, and directed energy capabilities that align with some of the Pentagon’s highest-priority modernization needs. Its F1Q27 results reinforced that view, with revenue and profitability beating expectations, a record funded backlog of $1.5B up 37% y/y, $683M in bookings, and a 1.4x book-to-bill, while Autonomous Systems demand remained strong and UAS revenue rose 71% y/y to $120M. The outlook is further supported by the transformational LOCUST franchise, including a $464.8M Army award and a >$50M international order, plus improving margins such as 30% adjusted gross margin and 40% product gross margin, even as FY27 guidance was left unchanged due to funding timing uncertainty.

Bear case

AeroVironment is viewed cautiously because its revenue remains heavily tied to U.S. government contracts, leaving results exposed to budget shifts, policy changes, and program cancellations, while the company also faces meaningful competitive pressure after losing the $1B FTUAS program and seeing rivals gain share in small UAS. Although F1Q27 showed solid revenue of $480.5M, adjusted EBITDA of $53.4M, and funded backlog of $1.5B, free cash flow was negative about $36M as capex for manufacturing expansion outpaced operating cash flow. Near-term profitability is further constrained by SCDE weakness, including a 21% revenue decline and negative segment profitability from under-absorbed SCAR costs, while BlueHalo integration and execution risk could add complexity.

Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Market data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided without warranty. Analyst ratings, price targets and company data come from third-party sources. Past performance does not guarantee future results.