AVAV stock AeroVironment (NASDAQ) up 4.93% to $381.80 pre-market Jan 15 2026: contract wins lift outlook

AVAV stock jumped 4.93% to $381.80 in pre-market trading on 15 Jan 2026, driven by fresh defense contract news and stronger analyst momentum. The move follows higher volume at 1,951,155 shares versus an average of 1,098,333, and pushes the price well above the 50-day average of $288.42. Investors should weigh accelerating revenue growth against stretched valuation metrics and recent insider selling when sizing exposure to AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) on the NASDAQ in the United States.

AVAV stock: Price action and market drivers

Shares of AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) climbed to a session high of $382.72 after investors priced in new U.S. Army contract wins and product news. Market breadth in Aerospace & Defense has supported the move and institutional accumulation is visible in filings. Key short-term drivers include contract cadence, defense budget clarity, and social‑media sentiment around unmanned systems source.

AVAV stock: Earnings, revenue and company guidance

AeroVironment reported revenue of $472.51M in the most recent quarter and set FY 2026 guidance of $3.40–$3.55 EPS, yet recent GAAP EPS missed the quarter. Revenue growth is strong year‑over‑year, but trailing EPS remains negative on a TTM basis at -1.24 per share. Connect these figures to pricing: the market is valuing future growth despite near-term margin volatility and mixed quarterly beats and misses source.

AVAV stock: Valuation and key financial metrics

AeroVironment carries a market cap of $19.06B and a P/E of -307.90 on trailing data, reflecting negative EPS and strong price appreciation. The company shows a healthy liquidity position with a current ratio of 5.08 and quick ratio of 4.29, and a low debt‑to‑equity of 0.16. Price/sales is elevated at ~13.86, and the 50/200-day averages sit at $288.42 and $250.23, respectively, highlighting rapid re‑rating versus longer-term trends.

AVAV stock: Technicals and trading signals

Technical indicators show momentum but short-term overbought risk: RSI is 67.82, CCI is 253.82, and Stochastic %K is 90.72. Average true range is $15.47, and relative volume is 1.75, signaling higher intraday volatility. Traders may watch support near the 50-day $288.42 and resistance toward the 52-week high $417.86 for range cues.

AVAV stock: Meyka AI grade and model forecast

Meyka AI rates AVAV with a score of 70.89 out of 100 (Grade: B+, Suggestion: BUY). This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a 7-year target of $425.58, implying 11.47% upside from the current $381.80; forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees.

AVAV stock: Risks, catalysts and analyst view

Key catalysts include additional U.S. defense awards, international sales, and product launches in UAS and HAPS segments. Notable risks are legal scrutiny from a potential class action, insider selling (recent CFO sales), stretched valuation, and elevated short interest of roughly 3.14M shares. Analysts remain constructive overall with a consensus rating near Moderate Buy and an average price target of $375.41, while some firms set targets at $400.00 and $429.00.

Final Thoughts

AVAV stock trades at $381.80 pre-market on 15 Jan 2026, reflecting investor enthusiasm for AeroVironment’s defense contract momentum and product expansion in unmanned systems. The balance sheet looks strong with $21.00 cash per share and a current ratio of 5.08, but valuation metrics are stretched: price/sales near 13.86 and a negative trailing EPS produce a P/E of -307.90. Analyst coverage is bullish overall, with an average target of $375.41, while Meyka AI rates AVAV 70.89/100 (B+, BUY) and projects a $425.58 7-year value implying 11.47% upside versus the current price. Short-term traders should monitor momentum indicators and volume; longer-term investors must weigh defense backlog and growth opportunities against legal, margin, and valuation risks. We use Meyka AI’s proprietary signals and public analyst data to flag potential entry bands and a realistic price target range between $320.00 and $430.00, depending on contract outcomes and margin trajectory. Forecasts are model‑based projections and not guarantees, and readers should run their own due diligence before making investment decisions.

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Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.