AeroVironment posts record Q4 and FY 2026 results
AeroVironment, Inc. reported a huge jump in results for its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year, driven by major acquisitions and strong demand across its defense technology portfolio.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
AeroVironment, Inc. reported a huge jump in results for its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year, driven by major acquisitions and strong demand across its defense technology portfolio. Fourth quarter revenue reached $641.6 million, up 133% from $275.1 million a year earlier, with product sales of $499.0 million and contract services of $142.7 million. Q4 gross margin rose to $202.6 million, though margin percentage slipped to 32% from 36% as service revenue and non-cash purchase accounting costs increased. Q4 net income was $63.2 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $140.1 million.
For fiscal 2026, revenue nearly doubled to $2.0 billion, but the company reported a net loss of $265.1 million, or $5.40 per share, mainly due to $240.7 million of goodwill impairment and heavy amortization from acquisitions. Full-year non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $286.1 million, and funded backlog grew to $1.2 billion as of April 30, 2026, compared with $726.6 million a year earlier. For fiscal 2027, AeroVironment targets revenue between $2.125 billion and $2.225 billion, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA between $305 million and $325 million, GAAP net income between $8 million and $24 million, and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share between $3.02 and $3.34.
Positive
- Sharp revenue and backlog expansion: Q4 revenue rose 133% year over year to $641.6 million and full-year revenue reached $2.0 billion, while funded backlog increased to $1.2 billion from $726.6 million, indicating strong demand and improved multi-year visibility.
- Robust non-GAAP profitability and growth guidance: Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $140.1 million in Q4 and $286.1 million for fiscal 2026, and fiscal 2027 guidance calls for revenue of $2.125–$2.225 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $305–$325 million, suggesting continued scaling of the business.
Negative
- Large GAAP loss driven by acquisitions and impairments: Despite strong revenue growth, fiscal 2026 showed a GAAP net loss of $265.1 million, including $240.7 million of goodwill impairment and substantial intangible amortization, creating a wide gap between GAAP and non-GAAP performance.
- Margin pressure from mix and purchase accounting: Q4 gross margin percentage declined to 32% from 36% as service revenue mix increased and non-cash purchase accounting expenses rose, which could weigh on profitability if not offset by scale and pricing.
Insights
Explosive top-line growth and backlog, but earnings quality is acquisition-heavy.
AeroVironment delivered fourth quarter revenue of $641.6 million, up 133% year over year, and full-year revenue of $2.0 billion. The BlueHalo and Empirical Systems Aerospace deals added scale, with acquisitions contributing $282.3 million of Q4 revenue. Funded backlog climbed to $1.2 billion as of April 30, 2026, versus $726.6 million a year earlier, supporting future visibility.
However, reported profitability is heavily shaped by non-cash acquisition effects. Fiscal 2026 includes $240.7 million of goodwill impairment and significant intangible amortization, driving a full-year net loss of $265.1 million despite Q4 net income of $63.2 million. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $286.1 million removes these items, so investors must weigh how representative this is of underlying economics as amortization will persist.
Guidance for fiscal 2027 points to revenue of $2.125–$2.225 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $305–$325 million, implying continued growth from the enlarged platform. The outlook for non-GAAP EPS of $3.02–$3.34 versus GAAP EPS of $0.16–$0.48 underscores the gap between adjusted and reported earnings; future filings will show how integration costs, goodwill and intangible amortization evolve relative to these targets.
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funded backlog financial
non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA financial
goodwill impairment financial
equity method investment income financial
forward-looking statements regulatory
Earnings Snapshot
For fiscal 2027, AeroVironment expects revenue of $2.125–$2.225 billion, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $305–$325 million, GAAP EPS of $0.16–$0.48, and non-GAAP EPS of $3.02–$3.34.
FAQ
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