AeroVironment CEO: “$10-Per-Shot Laser Beats $150,000 Drones” — But Stock Keeps Falling

AeroVironment secured a $464.8M U.S. Army contract for its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program and a $50M+ international order for its LOCUST Laser Weapon System, according to the company. The E-HEL contract covers delivery of LOCUST X3 systems, marking the first U.S. production contract for directed energy systems, per AeroVironment.

AeroVironment (AVAV) shares rose 6% after Raymond James upgraded it to 'Outperform' with a $210 price target, citing improved order momentum and defense demand. The stock has fallen 55% since March, but the firm sees a positive risk-reward setup. AVAV has a potential $500M opportunity with the U.S. Army and a large domestic security contract. 17 of 20 analysts rate it 'Buy' or 'Strong Buy' with a 64% average upside.

AeroVironment (AVAV) shares dropped 6.7% to $149.49 despite announcing a $100M investment in a California campus to consolidate operations. The company also formed a joint venture in Greece for unmanned aerial systems, with operations expected to start in 2027. The stock is trading below key averages, with resistance at $162.50 and support at $140.50.

AeroVironment (AVAV) reported record Q1 FY27 revenue of $480.5M, up 6% YoY, driven by Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy segments. Gross profit rose 31% to $124.6M, with adjusted EPS nearly doubling to $0.59. The company maintained full-year guidance, despite a 21% decline in SCDE revenue and margin pressures. Institutional sentiment remains strong, with 44 hedge funds holding positions as of Q2 2026.

AeroVironment (AVAV) stock has fallen 40% in a year despite a $464M Army laser contract and a record $1.5B backlog. The company's LOCUST laser system reduces drone intercept costs to under $10 per shot, with 300 drones downed at the southern border. CEO Wahid Nawabi sold 28,265 shares at $139, while analysts have a $226 average price target. The company reported Q1 revenue of $480.49M and adjusted EPS of $0.59, beating estimates. However, insider selling and earnings estimate revisions have cont

AeroVironment Inc. (AVAV) received its first international order for the LOCUST Laser Weapon System, valued at $52M. The company also secured a $464.8M U.S. Army contract for high-energy laser weapons. Q1 2027 revenue was $480.5M, up 6% YoY, with a record $1.5B backlog. The CEO highlighted global demand for laser weapon systems. The company plans to expand manufacturing with a $30M investment.