Autonomous Systems Strength Offsets SCDE Weakness for AeroVironment (AVAV)

AeroVironment Inc. (AVAV) delivered impressive financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, revealing a notable 6% year-over-year revenue growth to $480.5 million. The company's overall gross profit surged 31%, reaching $124.6 million, and pushing the gross margin to 26% from 21% in the previous year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share more than doubled, climbing from $0.32 to $0.59. Funded backlog expanded to a record $1.5 billion, surpassing the $1.2 billion mark from April 30.

The Autonomous Systems (AxS) segment led the revenue surge, generating $346 million, while the Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy (SCDE) segment contributed $134.5 million. This segment's performance was impacted by a $134.5 million pullback, primarily due to the termination of the SCAR contract and the winding down of other government programs.

However, the overall growth in product sales and service revenue, along with the strong backlog, enabled AeroVironment to meet and exceed its full-year guidance, with projected topline figures ranging between $2.125 billion and $2.225 billion.