Wedbush Initiates Outperform Ratings for AeroVironment and Kratos
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jul 01 2026
0mins
Source: stocktwits
- AeroVironment's Positive Outlook: Wedbush initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a $250 price target for AeroVironment, indicating a 51% upside potential; despite recent financial restatements and contract cancellations, the company's leadership in unmanned systems and diversified capabilities provide a competitive edge.
- Kratos Business Model Advantage: Wedbush assigned an Outperform rating to Kratos with an $85 price target, suggesting a 70% upside; the analyst highlighted Kratos's strategy of supplying critical defense software and components, which allows it to avoid direct competition with major contractors and gain exposure across various defense programs.
- Divergent Market Sentiment: While retail sentiment for AeroVironment remains in the 'extremely bullish' territory on Stocktwits, Kratos is viewed as 'bearish', indicating differing investor perceptions and reflecting market recognition of AeroVironment's evolving role in autonomous systems and military infrastructure.
- Stock Price Volatility: Year-to-date, AeroVironment and Kratos stocks have declined by 34% and 31%, respectively; although Wedbush's ratings have boosted confidence in both companies, their short-term stock performance continues to be influenced by overall market sentiment.
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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: 176.840
Low
315.00
Averages
390.75
High
450.00
Current: 176.840
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, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), precision strike systems, counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. Its 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 UAS, uncrewed underwater vehicles and ground robot systems. It primarily serves organizations within or supplying the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), other federal agencies, and international allied governments. 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.
AeroVironment Faces Stock Decline Due to Financial Misstatements
- Financial Misstatement Disclosure: On June 22, AeroVironment disclosed to the SEC that its 10-Q quarterly report contained errors, leading to an understated operational loss of $89.4 million and a net loss understated by $87.3 million, which negatively impacted investor confidence.
- Stock Price Impact: Due to these financial issues, AeroVironment's stock price fell over 20% in June; however, the subsequent earnings report revealed over 100% year-over-year revenue growth to nearly $642 million and net income soaring from $17 million to $63 million, partially alleviating market panic.
- Balance Sheet Adjustments: The company found that total assets were overstated by $89.4 million, liabilities by over $2.1 million, and stockholders' equity was similarly overstated by $87.3 million due to the net loss calculation, which, while corrected promptly, still affected the company's reputation.
- Cautious Future Outlook: Although AeroVironment excels in the drone and defense systems sector, the financial reporting missteps have shaken market confidence in its future, leading analysts to adopt a more cautious stance regarding its prospects.
See More
Germany Selects AV's Puma UAS for LARUS Program
- Contract Value: The German Bundeswehr has selected AV's Puma unmanned aircraft systems through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), with a purchase order valued at $30.9 million, marking a significant advancement in European Puma procurements and enhancing Germany's airborne reconnaissance capabilities.
- Comprehensive Capability Enhancement: This procurement includes advanced sensors, Signal Intelligence payloads, and Vertical Take-off and Landing systems, enabling the German military to acquire a complete suite of Puma capabilities, thereby achieving a multi-mission, all-domain reconnaissance solution that enhances operational flexibility.
- Delivery Timeline: AV is set to deliver a full suite of advanced payloads and ground control technologies, including new equipment and specialized payload training, by late 2026, ensuring that Germany's small tactical UAS requirements are met and significantly boosting its combat effectiveness.
- Market Expansion Strategy: AV's role in the European market is expanding, and this collaboration with NSPA and Germany not only supports Germany's operational needs but also strengthens allied interoperability and resilience across NATO's eastern and central theaters, sending a strong signal to the global user community.
See More
AeroVironment Faces Class Action Lawsuit
- Class Action Initiation: Robbins Geller law firm announces that investors who purchased AeroVironment securities between June 25, 2025, and March 10, 2026, can seek lead plaintiff status in a class action lawsuit, indicating serious investor concerns regarding the company's financial health.
- Severe Financial Losses: AeroVironment reported a third-quarter operating loss of $179 million for fiscal year 2026, a significant increase from a $3.1 million loss in the same period of 2025, reflecting substantial setbacks in the SCAR program that may erode investor confidence.
- Contract Termination Impact: The U.S. Space Force has terminated AeroVironment's contract related to the SCAR program, requiring the company to recompete for the project, which led to a more than 6% drop in stock price, highlighting market concerns about the company's future prospects.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: The lawsuit alleges that AeroVironment underestimated competitive risks in the SCAR program, resulting in misleading statements about its financial and business outlook, potentially jeopardizing its position in the defense market and investor trust.
See More
AeroVironment's Financial Reporting Errors Impact Stock Price
- Financial Reporting Errors: AeroVironment disclosed errors in its 10-Q quarterly report on June 22, which understated operational losses by $89.4 million and net losses by $87.3 million, directly impacting investor sentiment and causing the stock to drop over 20% that month.
- Distorted Balance Sheet: The company overstated its assets by $89.4 million and liabilities by $2.1 million, with stockholders' equity also overstated by nearly $87.3 million due to the miscalculation of net losses, which tarnished its reputation despite prompt corrections.
- Quarterly Earnings Rebound: Following the corrections, AeroVironment's quarterly earnings report revealed over 100% year-over-year revenue growth to nearly $642 million, with net income soaring from $17 million to $63 million, exceeding analyst expectations and leading to a stock price recovery.
- Cautious Future Outlook: While AeroVironment excels in the drone and defense systems sector, the financial reporting errors have shaken investor confidence, leading analysts to adopt a more cautious stance on the company's future prospects.
See More
AeroVironment Faces Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit
- Lawsuit Background: AeroVironment, Inc. is facing a shareholder class action lawsuit alleging that from June 25, 2025, to March 10, 2026, it made false and misleading statements regarding competition risks related to the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource program, potentially leading to investor losses.
- Legal Consultation Information: Affected investors are encouraged to contact Holzer & Holzer law firm to discuss their legal rights, particularly those who purchased AeroVironment shares during the lawsuit period and experienced losses.
- Lawsuit Deadline: Investors must apply to the court to be appointed lead plaintiff by July 27, 2026, indicating their willingness to participate in the lawsuit and ensuring their rights are protected.
- Law Firm Background: Holzer & Holzer, established in 2000, focuses on providing legal support to shareholders and investors, having successfully recovered hundreds of millions for victims of fraud, demonstrating its expertise and influence in securities litigation.
See More
Multiple Companies Face Class Action Lawsuits
- AeroVironment Lawsuit: AeroVironment is facing allegations for failing to disclose competitive risks related to the U.S. Space Force from June 2025 to March 2026, which misled investors about its business prospects and could negatively impact stock prices and investor confidence.
- Calix Lawsuit: Calix is accused of not informing investors about supply chain issues that affected its first-quarter margins due to advanced purchasing of memory components, leading to distorted market expectations regarding its profitability and potential shareholder claims.
- Zoetis Lawsuit: Zoetis failed to disclose a decline in market share for its veterinary prescription drugs, particularly Librela and Simparica Trio, from January 2025 to May 2026, which may weaken investor confidence in the company's future growth.
- Lucid Group Lawsuit: Lucid Group's product deliveries were significantly disrupted by supplier quality issues in early 2026, and the company did not disclose this to investors, potentially leading to substantial negative impacts on its financial results and affecting shareholder investment decisions.
See More
AeroVironment Faces Stock Decline Due to Financial Misstatements
- Financial Misstatement Disclosure: On June 22, AeroVironment disclosed to the SEC that its 10-Q quarterly report contained errors, leading to an understated operational loss of $89.4 million and a net loss understated by $87.3 million, which negatively impacted investor confidence.
- Stock Price Impact: Due to these financial issues, AeroVironment's stock price fell over 20% in June; however, the subsequent earnings report revealed over 100% year-over-year revenue growth to nearly $642 million and net income soaring from $17 million to $63 million, partially alleviating market panic.
- Balance Sheet Adjustments: The company found that total assets were overstated by $89.4 million, liabilities by over $2.1 million, and stockholders' equity was similarly overstated by $87.3 million due to the net loss calculation, which, while corrected promptly, still affected the company's reputation.
- Cautious Future Outlook: Although AeroVironment excels in the drone and defense systems sector, the financial reporting missteps have shaken market confidence in its future, leading analysts to adopt a more cautious stance regarding its prospects.
See More
Germany Selects AV's Puma UAS for LARUS Program
- Contract Value: The German Bundeswehr has selected AV's Puma unmanned aircraft systems through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), with a purchase order valued at $30.9 million, marking a significant advancement in European Puma procurements and enhancing Germany's airborne reconnaissance capabilities.
- Comprehensive Capability Enhancement: This procurement includes advanced sensors, Signal Intelligence payloads, and Vertical Take-off and Landing systems, enabling the German military to acquire a complete suite of Puma capabilities, thereby achieving a multi-mission, all-domain reconnaissance solution that enhances operational flexibility.
- Delivery Timeline: AV is set to deliver a full suite of advanced payloads and ground control technologies, including new equipment and specialized payload training, by late 2026, ensuring that Germany's small tactical UAS requirements are met and significantly boosting its combat effectiveness.
- Market Expansion Strategy: AV's role in the European market is expanding, and this collaboration with NSPA and Germany not only supports Germany's operational needs but also strengthens allied interoperability and resilience across NATO's eastern and central theaters, sending a strong signal to the global user community.
See More
AeroVironment Faces Class Action Lawsuit
- Class Action Initiation: Robbins Geller law firm announces that investors who purchased AeroVironment securities between June 25, 2025, and March 10, 2026, can seek lead plaintiff status in a class action lawsuit, indicating serious investor concerns regarding the company's financial health.
- Severe Financial Losses: AeroVironment reported a third-quarter operating loss of $179 million for fiscal year 2026, a significant increase from a $3.1 million loss in the same period of 2025, reflecting substantial setbacks in the SCAR program that may erode investor confidence.
- Contract Termination Impact: The U.S. Space Force has terminated AeroVironment's contract related to the SCAR program, requiring the company to recompete for the project, which led to a more than 6% drop in stock price, highlighting market concerns about the company's future prospects.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: The lawsuit alleges that AeroVironment underestimated competitive risks in the SCAR program, resulting in misleading statements about its financial and business outlook, potentially jeopardizing its position in the defense market and investor trust.
See More
AeroVironment's Financial Reporting Errors Impact Stock Price
- Financial Reporting Errors: AeroVironment disclosed errors in its 10-Q quarterly report on June 22, which understated operational losses by $89.4 million and net losses by $87.3 million, directly impacting investor sentiment and causing the stock to drop over 20% that month.
- Distorted Balance Sheet: The company overstated its assets by $89.4 million and liabilities by $2.1 million, with stockholders' equity also overstated by nearly $87.3 million due to the miscalculation of net losses, which tarnished its reputation despite prompt corrections.
- Quarterly Earnings Rebound: Following the corrections, AeroVironment's quarterly earnings report revealed over 100% year-over-year revenue growth to nearly $642 million, with net income soaring from $17 million to $63 million, exceeding analyst expectations and leading to a stock price recovery.
- Cautious Future Outlook: While AeroVironment excels in the drone and defense systems sector, the financial reporting errors have shaken investor confidence, leading analysts to adopt a more cautious stance on the company's future prospects.
See More
AeroVironment Faces Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit
- Lawsuit Background: AeroVironment, Inc. is facing a shareholder class action lawsuit alleging that from June 25, 2025, to March 10, 2026, it made false and misleading statements regarding competition risks related to the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource program, potentially leading to investor losses.
- Legal Consultation Information: Affected investors are encouraged to contact Holzer & Holzer law firm to discuss their legal rights, particularly those who purchased AeroVironment shares during the lawsuit period and experienced losses.
- Lawsuit Deadline: Investors must apply to the court to be appointed lead plaintiff by July 27, 2026, indicating their willingness to participate in the lawsuit and ensuring their rights are protected.
- Law Firm Background: Holzer & Holzer, established in 2000, focuses on providing legal support to shareholders and investors, having successfully recovered hundreds of millions for victims of fraud, demonstrating its expertise and influence in securities litigation.
See More
Multiple Companies Face Class Action Lawsuits
- AeroVironment Lawsuit: AeroVironment is facing allegations for failing to disclose competitive risks related to the U.S. Space Force from June 2025 to March 2026, which misled investors about its business prospects and could negatively impact stock prices and investor confidence.
- Calix Lawsuit: Calix is accused of not informing investors about supply chain issues that affected its first-quarter margins due to advanced purchasing of memory components, leading to distorted market expectations regarding its profitability and potential shareholder claims.
- Zoetis Lawsuit: Zoetis failed to disclose a decline in market share for its veterinary prescription drugs, particularly Librela and Simparica Trio, from January 2025 to May 2026, which may weaken investor confidence in the company's future growth.
- Lucid Group Lawsuit: Lucid Group's product deliveries were significantly disrupted by supplier quality issues in early 2026, and the company did not disclose this to investors, potentially leading to substantial negative impacts on its financial results and affecting shareholder investment decisions.
See More
