AeroVironment posts record Q4 earnings, shares jump 20%

Shares of AeroVironment surged Tuesday after the drone and defense-technology company reported record fiscal fourth-quarter results that significantly exceeded analyst expectations. The stock jumped more than 20% in premarket trading following the announcement.

For the quarter ended in April 2026, AeroVironment posted revenue of $641.6 million, more than doubling from $275.1 million a year earlier and surpassing the consensus estimate of approximately $557 million. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.84, beating estimates that clustered around $1.47.

The company's Autonomous Systems segment was the primary growth driver, generating $492 million in revenue, which accounted for roughly 76% of total quarterly sales and exceeded expectations of about $402 million. This division includes products like the Switchblade line of loitering munitions.

Chief Executive Wahid Nawabi described fiscal 2026 as a transformational year that included the company's largest acquisition and marked the strongest financial performance in its history. In a statement, Nawabi said AeroVironment is focused on strengthening its supply chain and is well-positioned to capture rising global demand across...