Jupiter Topco LLC purchased a new position in AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV – Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 14,462 shares of the aerospace company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,387,000.
Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in shares of AeroVironment during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $574,566,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of AeroVironment in the fourth quarter worth $94,655,000. Korea Investment CORP bought a new stake in shares of AeroVironment during the 2nd quarter valued at $54,901,000. Swedbank AB lifted its stake in shares of AeroVironment by 22,773.4% during the 4th quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 261,214 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $63,185,000 after buying an additional 260,072 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in AeroVironment by 4,770.1% in the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 260,207 shares of the aerospace company’s stock worth $62,941,000 after buying an additional 254,864 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.38% of the company’s stock.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Wedbush started coverage on AeroVironment in a report on Tuesday, June 30th. They set an “outperform” rating and a $250.00 price target on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised AeroVironment from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Sunday, July 5th. William Blair reiterated an “outperform” rating on shares of AeroVironment in a research report on Wednesday, July 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of AeroVironment from an “outperform” rating to a “sector perform” rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $210.00 to $180.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price target on shares of AeroVironment from $280.00 to $240.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $266.68.
AeroVironment Trading Up 0.8%
Shares of AVAV stock opened at $145.39 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $7.39 billion, a PE ratio of -39.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.92 and a beta of 1.41. AeroVironment, Inc. has a 1 year low of $135.20 and a 1 year high of $417.86. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $159.67 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $183.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 4.30 and a quick ratio of 3.59.
AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, June 29th. The aerospace company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.37. AeroVironment had a positive return on equity of 3.71% and a negative net margin of 9.00%.The firm had revenue of $641.62 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $555.97 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.61 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 133.3% compared to the same quarter last year. AeroVironment has set its FY 2027 guidance at 3.020-3.340 EPS. Research analysts predict that AeroVironment, Inc. will post 3.25 earnings per share for the current year.
Key Headlines Impacting AeroVironment
Here are the key news stories impacting AeroVironment this week:
- Positive Sentiment: AeroVironment was awarded a $464.8 million production contract for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program. The company will provide dozens of LOCUST X3 systems to strengthen counter-drone defenses, creating a significant source of revenue and validating its directed-energy technology. AeroVironment Wins $464.8 Million Army Enduring-High Energy Laser Contract
- Positive Sentiment: The award is described as the first-ever U.S. production contract for directed-energy systems, potentially positioning AeroVironment as an early leader in a strategically important defense market. The contract also supports the company’s broader autonomous and counter-unmanned-aircraft-systems growth strategy. AV’s LOCUST Selected for Nearly $500 Million Army Contract
- Positive Sentiment: William Blair reaffirmed a Buy rating, arguing that the Army award restores credibility and provides support for scalable growth. The endorsement may reinforce confidence following the stock’s substantial retreat from its 52-week high. AeroVironment Reaffirmed at Buy
- Neutral Sentiment: Investors are preparing for AeroVironment’s upcoming quarterly results, expected on September 9. The report should provide updates on demand, contract execution, revenue growth and profitability. AeroVironment Earnings Preview
- Negative Sentiment: Zacks cautioned that AeroVironment may not have the typical ingredients for an earnings beat, creating a near-term risk if results or guidance disappoint. AeroVironment Earnings Expectations
Insiders Place Their Bets
In other news, Director Stephen F. Page sold 250 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.41, for a total value of $43,602.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 49,001 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,546,264.41. This trade represents a 0.51% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, CAO Brian Charles Shackley sold 205 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.86, for a total value of $41,381.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 7,888 shares in the company, valued at $1,592,271.68. This trade represents a 2.53% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders have sold 705 shares of company stock worth $132,979 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.79% of the company’s stock.
AeroVironment Profile
AeroVironment, Inc (NASDAQ:AVAV) is a technology company specializing in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), tactical missiles and precision loitering munitions, electric vehicle charging and scalable energy systems. Headquartered in Monrovia, California, the company develops solutions for defense, public safety and commercial markets. Their offerings include small UAS for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as advanced weapons systems designed to meet the needs of modern military operations.
The company’s unmanned aerial systems portfolio features platforms such as the Raven, Puma and Switchblade series, which are deployed by the U.S.
Featured Articles
- Five stocks we like better than AeroVironment
- Striking Oil: How the U.S. Play for Venezuela Fuels Supermajors
- J.M. Smucker Stock’s Rally Has More Than Tariffs Behind It
- Wendy’s Rally Fades After Trian Steps Back: Was It Ever Real?
- GitLab’s Earnings Beat Just Gave Software Bulls a New SaaSpocalypse Test
Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVAV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV – Free Report).
Receive News & Ratings for AeroVironment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AeroVironment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
