The days of robots being primarily limited to manufacturing applications are long gone—the industry is expanding rapidly and becoming integrated into many different sectors thanks to rapid developments in AI and automation. Analysts expect this to lead to major growth for the industry in the years to come, with an anticipated CAGR of more than 15% in the coming seven years to reach a size of nearly $170 billion globally by 2032.
The latest trading day saw AeroVironment (AVAV) settling at $164.66, representing a +1.57% change from its previous close.
AeroVironment (AVAV 1.66%) stock had a fine start to the 2025 trading year. On Thursday, its stock rose by nearly 2% in value during a session in which the S&P 500 index sagged marginally.
Quantum computing and electric air taxi stocks are stealing the tech sector's spotlight as 2024 comes to a close.
Raymond James analyst Brian Gesuale says the timing of the Government Accountability Office denying a protest on AeroVironment's $990M indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity award for Switchblades to the U.S. Army is as expected. The timing and result are as expected, and estimates should remain unchanged given the work was progressing during the protest decision, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm, however, says the contract is an important component of AeroVironment's "strong visibility in the out-years, and surpassing this protest hurdle should be well-received." Raymond James keeps a Market Perform rating on AeroVironment shares, which are up 9% to $171.00 in afternoon trading following the news.
William Blair says news of the Government Accountability Office denying a protest which challenged the Department of the Army's award of contract to AeroVironment related to its Switchblade dive-bombing drones reduces an overhang on the stock. This ruling reduces an overhang on the stock and clears AeroVironment to receive follow-on Switchblade-600 orders, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm has an Outperform rating on the shares. AeroVironment in afternoon trading is up 10%, or $14.91, to $171.41.
Shares of AeroVironment (AVAV 7.19%) stock soared 6.7% through 10:20 a.m. ET this morning.
Morgan Brennan speaks with AeroVironment CEO Wahid Nawabi in an in-depth interview at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Nawabi discusses the rapidly changing landscape of global defense, the need for scalable and low-cost autonomous systems, the urgency for the U.S. to adapt to modern threats, and the company's innovative technologies, including its acquisition of BlueHalo.
Wahid Nawabi, Aerovironment chairman and CEO, and CNBC's Morgan Brennan join 'Fast Money' to talk the incoming administration, global conflicts, AI integration and more.
AeroVironment, Inc. is leading a transformative shift in modern warfare with its innovative drone technology and strong backlog, despite near-term challenges like weaker margins and geopolitical uncertainties. The company's strategic acquisitions, like BlueHalo, and products such as Switchblade and P550, position it well for future growth in drone warfare and surveillance. Despite a premium valuation and potential geopolitical risks, the long-term demand for drone technology remains strong, supported by lessons from the Ukraine conflict.
AeroVironment's NASDAQ: AVAV December price contraction is a buying opportunity because of its position as a next-gen defense contractor, solid results, growth, guidance, analyst trends, and the institutions buying this stock like mad. The institutional activity is noteworthy because the group owns more than 85% of the stock, has been buying on balance quarterly in 2024, and the balance of activity is ramping higher.
News of an uninspiring quarter sent AeroVironment (AVAV -15.88%) investors heading for the exits earlier this week.