AeroVironment Appoints New Senior Director to Enhance Defense Strategy
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 04 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AVAV?
Source: PRnewswire
AeroVironment Inc (AVAV) has seen its stock price decline by 3.87%, hitting a 20-day low amid broader market weakness, with the Nasdaq-100 down 1.66% and the S&P 500 down 1.10%.
The company announced the appointment of Stephen Voline as Senior Director of Washington Operations, leveraging his extensive military and policy experience to strengthen AeroVironment's influence with Congress and the Department of Defense. This strategic move aims to enhance the company's positioning in defense policy and technological innovation, particularly in areas such as soldier readiness and artificial intelligence, which are critical for future growth.
This leadership expansion reflects AeroVironment's commitment to integrating policy and technology, potentially leading to new opportunities in defense contracts and partnerships, despite the current stock pullback.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy AVAV?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on AVAV
Wall Street analysts forecast AVAV stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 265.460
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
Current: 265.460
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
About AVAV
AeroVironment, Inc. is a defense technology provider delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, precision strike systems, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. The Company’s segments include Autonomous Systems (AxS) and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy (SCDE). The AxS segment focuses on the design, development, production, delivery, and support of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and ground robot systems. It includes the Company’s former Uncrewed Systems, Loitering Munitions Systems, and MacCready Works segments as well as Radio Frequency and Kinetic Counter-UAS Electronic Warfare Systems and others. The SCDE segment focuses on advanced technologies in the space domain providing space-based and ground-based platforms, cyber capabilities, and directed energy systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
UBS Initiates Coverage on AVAV and KTOS with Neutral Ratings
- Market Opportunity Analysis: UBS analyst Gavin Parsons highlighted that AeroVironment (AVAV) presents a strong opportunity in the growing global total addressable market, particularly with the BlueHalo acquisition opening new markets, forecasting a 15% revenue CAGR and a record 18.5% EBITDA margin by 2030.
- Earnings Forecast Discrepancy: Although UBS's FY 2028 EBITDA margin estimate for AVAV is 100 bps below consensus, the average analyst price target of $387 implies a forward EBITDA multiple of 44x, indicating optimistic market expectations for future growth.
- KTOS Growth Outlook: For Kratos Defense (KTOS), Parsons expressed optimism, with the UBS model projecting revenue and EBITDA to double and triple, respectively, by 2030, despite his 2027 EBITDA estimate being 9% below consensus.
- Historical Premium Challenge: Parsons noted that KTOS would need to increase EBITDA by 6x by 2030 to trade at its historical premium to prime defense contractors, or 9x to justify the average consensus price target of $125, highlighting challenges in its growth potential.
See More
AeroVironment to Participate in Technology Conference
- Conference Participation: AeroVironment will participate in the Citizens Technology Conference on March 2, where CFO Kevin McDonnell will engage in a fireside chat at 6:30 p.m. ET, showcasing the company's leadership in defense technology.
- Live Streaming and Archiving: The fireside chat will be webcast live, allowing global audiences to tune in, and will be archived on the company's website, enhancing interaction with investors and the public.
- Showcasing Technological Strength: As a defense technology leader, AeroVironment offers various solutions including autonomous systems and counter-UAS technologies, aimed at meeting modern combat needs and enhancing its competitive edge in the industry.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company notes that certain statements may constitute forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, highlighting market risks and uncertainties, and reminding investors to be aware of potential business challenges.
See More
AeroVironment to Participate in Citizens Technology Conference in San Francisco
- Executive Participation: AeroVironment's CFO Kevin McDonnell will participate in a fireside chat at the Citizens Technology Conference in San Francisco on March 2 at 6:30 PM ET, showcasing the company's leadership in defense technology.
- Live Webcast Arrangement: The fireside chat will be webcast live, ensuring that investors and the public can access the latest company updates in real-time, with an archived version available on the company's website to enhance transparency and investor relations.
- Technology Innovation Showcase: AeroVironment focuses on developing autonomous systems and counter-UAS technologies, demonstrating its integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber to meet modern combat needs and drive solutions for future conflicts.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company notes that certain statements may constitute forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, emphasizing market risks and uncertainties, and reminding investors to be aware of potential business challenges.
See More
U.S. Stocks Close Mixed, Apple Shares Rise on Product Launch News
- Market Performance Fluctuates: On Tuesday, the S&P 500 rose by 0.10%, the Dow Jones increased by 0.07%, while the Nasdaq 100 fell by 0.13%, indicating a mixed market recovery from early losses, with the Nasdaq 100 hitting a 2.75-month low, reflecting investor caution towards tech stocks.
- Apple Product Launch Boost: Apple shares surged over 3% after announcing a product launch on March 4, with several new devices expected in the coming weeks, which not only boosted Apple's market performance but also generated positive sentiment across the tech sector.
- Airline Stocks Rally: Airline stocks showed strong performance on Tuesday, led by a 6% increase in Southwest Airlines after UBS upgraded its rating from neutral to buy with a price target of $73, which not only enhanced the overall performance of airline stocks but also contributed to a more optimistic market outlook.
- Mixed Economic Data: The U.S. February NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 5-month low of 36, below the expected 38, while the February Empire manufacturing survey slightly declined to 7.1, indicating uncertainty in economic recovery, as the market remains focused on upcoming corporate earnings and economic news.
See More
AeroVironment Receives Overweight Rating from J.P. Morgan
- Rating Upgrade: J.P. Morgan initiated coverage on AeroVironment (AVAV) with an Overweight rating and a $320 price target, projecting mid-teens growth for the company, particularly in fast-growing areas like drones and counter-drone systems within the defense sector.
- Autonomous Systems Growth: The company's Autonomous Systems segment, generating over $1 billion in revenue, focuses on drones and loitering munitions, with J.P. Morgan's analyst forecasting approximately 14% annual growth through 2030, reflecting rising demand both domestically and internationally.
- Government Market Opportunities: AeroVironment's acquisition of BlueHalo increases its exposure to the government sector, with the analyst noting that the Badger system is essential for supporting satellites relied upon by the U.S. War Department, and expects mid-teens growth in this area as well.
- Laser Communication Equipment Potential: The company's laser communication equipment is poised to enhance military satellite capabilities, further solidifying its leadership position in defense technology and demonstrating strategic adaptability in a rapidly changing market environment.
See More
AeroVironment Shares Surge on Bullish Analyst Coverage
- Analyst Optimism: JPMorgan analyst Seth Seifman initiated coverage of AeroVironment with a buy rating and a $320 price target, suggesting over 20% potential gains for investors, reflecting strong market confidence in the company.
- Strong Market Demand: AeroVironment's drones are playing vital roles in Ukraine and other conflict areas, with high demand among the U.S. military and its allies, highlighting the company's critical position in the global defense market.
- Increased Contract Orders: AeroVironment secured an $874 million contract from the U.S. Army in December to deliver unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone systems to allied and partner forces, further solidifying its market share in the defense sector.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Seifman anticipates that AeroVironment's autonomous systems division will see revenue growth of approximately 14% annually, benefiting from the Department of Defense's push for domestic production of key armaments, indicating significant growth potential for the company in the coming years.
See More
UBS Initiates Coverage on AVAV and KTOS with Neutral Ratings
- Market Opportunity Analysis: UBS analyst Gavin Parsons highlighted that AeroVironment (AVAV) presents a strong opportunity in the growing global total addressable market, particularly with the BlueHalo acquisition opening new markets, forecasting a 15% revenue CAGR and a record 18.5% EBITDA margin by 2030.
- Earnings Forecast Discrepancy: Although UBS's FY 2028 EBITDA margin estimate for AVAV is 100 bps below consensus, the average analyst price target of $387 implies a forward EBITDA multiple of 44x, indicating optimistic market expectations for future growth.
- KTOS Growth Outlook: For Kratos Defense (KTOS), Parsons expressed optimism, with the UBS model projecting revenue and EBITDA to double and triple, respectively, by 2030, despite his 2027 EBITDA estimate being 9% below consensus.
- Historical Premium Challenge: Parsons noted that KTOS would need to increase EBITDA by 6x by 2030 to trade at its historical premium to prime defense contractors, or 9x to justify the average consensus price target of $125, highlighting challenges in its growth potential.
See More
AeroVironment to Participate in Technology Conference
- Conference Participation: AeroVironment will participate in the Citizens Technology Conference on March 2, where CFO Kevin McDonnell will engage in a fireside chat at 6:30 p.m. ET, showcasing the company's leadership in defense technology.
- Live Streaming and Archiving: The fireside chat will be webcast live, allowing global audiences to tune in, and will be archived on the company's website, enhancing interaction with investors and the public.
- Showcasing Technological Strength: As a defense technology leader, AeroVironment offers various solutions including autonomous systems and counter-UAS technologies, aimed at meeting modern combat needs and enhancing its competitive edge in the industry.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company notes that certain statements may constitute forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, highlighting market risks and uncertainties, and reminding investors to be aware of potential business challenges.
See More
AeroVironment to Participate in Citizens Technology Conference in San Francisco
- Executive Participation: AeroVironment's CFO Kevin McDonnell will participate in a fireside chat at the Citizens Technology Conference in San Francisco on March 2 at 6:30 PM ET, showcasing the company's leadership in defense technology.
- Live Webcast Arrangement: The fireside chat will be webcast live, ensuring that investors and the public can access the latest company updates in real-time, with an archived version available on the company's website to enhance transparency and investor relations.
- Technology Innovation Showcase: AeroVironment focuses on developing autonomous systems and counter-UAS technologies, demonstrating its integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber to meet modern combat needs and drive solutions for future conflicts.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company notes that certain statements may constitute forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, emphasizing market risks and uncertainties, and reminding investors to be aware of potential business challenges.
See More
U.S. Stocks Close Mixed, Apple Shares Rise on Product Launch News
- Market Performance Fluctuates: On Tuesday, the S&P 500 rose by 0.10%, the Dow Jones increased by 0.07%, while the Nasdaq 100 fell by 0.13%, indicating a mixed market recovery from early losses, with the Nasdaq 100 hitting a 2.75-month low, reflecting investor caution towards tech stocks.
- Apple Product Launch Boost: Apple shares surged over 3% after announcing a product launch on March 4, with several new devices expected in the coming weeks, which not only boosted Apple's market performance but also generated positive sentiment across the tech sector.
- Airline Stocks Rally: Airline stocks showed strong performance on Tuesday, led by a 6% increase in Southwest Airlines after UBS upgraded its rating from neutral to buy with a price target of $73, which not only enhanced the overall performance of airline stocks but also contributed to a more optimistic market outlook.
- Mixed Economic Data: The U.S. February NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 5-month low of 36, below the expected 38, while the February Empire manufacturing survey slightly declined to 7.1, indicating uncertainty in economic recovery, as the market remains focused on upcoming corporate earnings and economic news.
See More
AeroVironment Receives Overweight Rating from J.P. Morgan
- Rating Upgrade: J.P. Morgan initiated coverage on AeroVironment (AVAV) with an Overweight rating and a $320 price target, projecting mid-teens growth for the company, particularly in fast-growing areas like drones and counter-drone systems within the defense sector.
- Autonomous Systems Growth: The company's Autonomous Systems segment, generating over $1 billion in revenue, focuses on drones and loitering munitions, with J.P. Morgan's analyst forecasting approximately 14% annual growth through 2030, reflecting rising demand both domestically and internationally.
- Government Market Opportunities: AeroVironment's acquisition of BlueHalo increases its exposure to the government sector, with the analyst noting that the Badger system is essential for supporting satellites relied upon by the U.S. War Department, and expects mid-teens growth in this area as well.
- Laser Communication Equipment Potential: The company's laser communication equipment is poised to enhance military satellite capabilities, further solidifying its leadership position in defense technology and demonstrating strategic adaptability in a rapidly changing market environment.
See More
AeroVironment Shares Surge on Bullish Analyst Coverage
- Analyst Optimism: JPMorgan analyst Seth Seifman initiated coverage of AeroVironment with a buy rating and a $320 price target, suggesting over 20% potential gains for investors, reflecting strong market confidence in the company.
- Strong Market Demand: AeroVironment's drones are playing vital roles in Ukraine and other conflict areas, with high demand among the U.S. military and its allies, highlighting the company's critical position in the global defense market.
- Increased Contract Orders: AeroVironment secured an $874 million contract from the U.S. Army in December to deliver unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone systems to allied and partner forces, further solidifying its market share in the defense sector.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Seifman anticipates that AeroVironment's autonomous systems division will see revenue growth of approximately 14% annually, benefiting from the Department of Defense's push for domestic production of key armaments, indicating significant growth potential for the company in the coming years.
See More
