Sales soar but goodwill hit weighs on AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) results
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
AeroVironment reported a GAAP loss in its fiscal 2026 third quarter despite very strong revenue growth. Revenue reached $408.0 million, up 143% from $167.6 million a year earlier, driven by higher product and service sales, including contributions from the BlueHalo acquisition. Gross margin was $98.8 million, or 24% of revenue.
The company recorded a $151.3 million goodwill impairment in its Space reporting unit after a stop‑work order on the BADGER phased array antenna agreement supporting the SCAR program, leading to a net loss of $(156.6) million, or $(3.15) per diluted share. Non‑GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.64, with adjusted EBITDA of $44.5 million, up from $21.8 million.
Funded backlog was $1.1 billion as of January 31, 2026. For fiscal 2026, AeroVironment now expects revenue between $1.85 billion and $1.95 billion, adjusted EBITDA between $265 million and $285 million, and non‑GAAP earnings per diluted share of $2.75–$3.10. Separately, the U.S. Government indicated it intends to terminate the BADGER SCAR agreement for convenience, while allowing the company to compete for future SCAR work; AeroVironment plans to continue investing in BADGER as a commercial product.
Positive
- Revenue acceleration and scale: Fiscal Q3 2026 revenue reached $408.0 million, a 143% increase versus $167.6 million in the prior-year quarter, with contributions from higher product and service sales and the BlueHalo acquisition.
- Improving underlying profitability: Non‑GAAP adjusted EBITDA rose to $44.5 million in Q3 2026 from $21.8 million a year earlier, and funded backlog reached $1.1 billion as of January 31, 2026, supporting future revenue visibility.
- Robust full-year outlook: For fiscal 2026, management now projects revenue of $1.85–$1.95 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $265–$285 million, and non‑GAAP EPS of $2.75–$3.10, indicating confidence in demand and integration of recent acquisitions.
Negative
- Large goodwill impairment and GAAP loss: A $151.3 million goodwill impairment in the Space reporting unit, tied to reduced BADGER SCAR revenue expectations and higher investment needs, drove a Q3 2026 net loss of $(156.6) million, or $(3.15) per diluted share.
- SCAR program setback: The U.S. Government informed AeroVironment it intends to terminate the BADGER phased array antenna Other Transaction Agreement for the SCAR program for convenience, introducing uncertainty around future Space segment revenue from this specific program.
- Margin pressure from mix and acquisition effects: Q3 2026 gross margin percentage declined to 24% from 38% a year earlier, reflecting a higher proportion of service revenue following the BlueHalo acquisition and increased amortization and other non‑cash purchase accounting expenses.
Insights
Strong top-line and guidance, but goodwill hit and contract setback keep risk balanced.
AeroVironment posted fiscal Q3 2026 revenue of $408.0 million, up 143% year over year, with both product and service lines growing and BlueHalo contributing meaningfully. Non‑GAAP adjusted EBITDA rose to $44.5 million from $21.8 million, showing underlying profitability despite integration and scaling costs.
However, a $151.3 million goodwill impairment in the Space reporting unit drove a net loss of $(156.6) million. This followed a stop‑work order on the BADGER phased array SCAR agreement, and the U.S. Government now plans a termination for convenience, although AeroVironment may still compete for future SCAR work. These events highlight concentration and program‑specific risk in the Space portfolio.
Management’s fiscal 2026 outlook remains ambitious: revenue of $1.85–$1.95 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $265–$285 million, and non‑GAAP EPS of $2.75–$3.10. Combined with funded backlog of $1.1 billion as of January 31, 2026, this suggests strong demand and confidence in integration of BlueHalo and ongoing defense programs, even as investors weigh the impact of the impairment and SCAR agreement termination.
























