Korea Investment CORP Buys New Stake in AeroVironment, Inc. $AVAV

Korea Investment CORP bought a new stake in shares of AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 332,595 shares of the aerospace company’s stock, valued at approximately $54,901,000. Korea Investment CORP owned about 0.66% of AeroVironment as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Hilton Head Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of AeroVironment in the fourth quarter worth $26,000. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its position in shares of AeroVironment by 230.3% in the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 109 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. boosted its stake in shares of AeroVironment by 90.0% during the fourth quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 133 shares of the aerospace company’s stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of AeroVironment during the first quarter valued at $25,000. Finally, TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. increased its position in AeroVironment by 73.8% during the 4th quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 139 shares of the aerospace company’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.38% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently weighed in on AVAV shares. Citizens Jmp cut their target price on shares of AeroVironment from $350.00 to $230.00 and set a “market outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 10th. Citigroup reaffirmed a “market outperform” rating on shares of AeroVironment in a research note on Tuesday, July 28th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of AeroVironment from $305.00 to $229.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. Wedbush began coverage on shares of AeroVironment in a research report on Tuesday, June 30th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $250.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of AeroVironment from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Sunday, July 5th. Two equities 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 issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, AeroVironment presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $266.68.

AeroVironment Stock Performance

AeroVironment stock opened at $160.22 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $161.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $190.56. AeroVironment, Inc. has a 52 week low of $135.20 and a 52 week high of $417.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.14 billion, a P/E ratio of -43.54, a PEG ratio of 5.45 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a current ratio of 4.30, a quick ratio of 3.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17.

AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, June 29th. The aerospace company reported $1.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.37. The firm had revenue of $641.62 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $555.97 million. AeroVironment had a positive return on equity of 3.71% and a negative net margin of 9.00%.The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 133.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.61 EPS. AeroVironment has set its FY 2027 guidance at 3.020-3.340 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that AeroVironment, Inc. will post 3.26 earnings per share for the current year.

AeroVironment News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting AeroVironment this week:

• Positive Sentiment: New U.S. drone tariffs could benefit AVAV. President Trump’s August 13 proclamation imposes broad tariffs on foreign drone imports, potentially steering demand toward U.S. manufacturers such as AeroVironment and supporting domestic pricing, production and market share. Trump’s New Drone Tariffs Give AeroVironment, Kratos and Red Cat a Policy Tailwind
• Positive Sentiment: Greek joint venture expands AeroVironment’s European footprint. AV Eagle, formed with Eyeonix SA, will establish localized production and technology capabilities in Greece after receiving foreign-investment approval. The venture could improve access to European defense programs, strengthen supply-chain resilience and position AVAV to participate in the region’s growing counter-drone market. AeroVironment to Establish Industrial Presence in Greece Through AV Eagle
• Positive Sentiment: Propulsion investments support longer-term growth. AeroVironment is expanding electric, hybrid and unmanned-aircraft propulsion capabilities, potentially broadening its addressable markets beyond current defense platforms. Clear Street also initiated coverage with a Buy rating, adding to generally favorable analyst sentiment. Can AeroVironment’s Propulsion Capabilities Support Future Growth?
• Neutral Sentiment: Recent operating momentum remains strong, but valuation is demanding. The latest reported quarter included $641.6 million in revenue, up 133.3% year over year, and EPS of $1.84 versus a $1.47 consensus estimate. However, AVAV remains unprofitable on a trailing basis, trades below its 200-day moving average and carries a high PEG ratio, leaving the stock sensitive to execution and future-growth expectations.
• Negative Sentiment: Shareholder-law-firm investigations add headline risk. Berger Montague and Grabar Law Office are investigating whether AeroVironment’s board properly disclosed potential competition for U.S. Space Force SCAR program work. The claims are allegations, but any litigation, disclosure findings or related costs could pressure investor confidence. Berger Montague investigates AeroVironment’s board
• Negative Sentiment: A director’s stock sale is a minor cautionary signal. Director Stephen Page sold 250 shares worth approximately $48,000 under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan. Because the sale was small relative to his remaining holdings and scheduled in advance, its direct impact is likely limited.

Insider Activity

In related news, CAO Brian Charles Shackley sold 205 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.86, for a total transaction of $41,381.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 7,888 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,592,271.68. This represents a 2.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, Director Stephen F. Page sold 250 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.41, for a total transaction of $43,602.50. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 49,001 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $8,546,264.41. This trade represents a 0.51% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 705 shares of company stock worth $132,979. Insiders own 0.81% of the company’s stock.

About AeroVironment

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.