AeroVironment Inc (AVAV)

AI-Powered SEC Filing Analysis

Insider Trading Filed: 2026-04-21

Key Insights

  • Robert Fendlay, Chief Operating Officer, acquired 1,800 shares of AVAV common stock on 04/13/2026 at $194.39 per share, representing a $349,902 investment that signals insider confidence in the company's valuation.
  • The acquisition consists of restricted stock awards vesting in three equal tranches from July 2027-2029, indicating this is a compensation-related transaction rather than open market purchase, which is typical for executive equity grants.
  • This Form 4 filing was significantly delayed due to EDGAR system access issues following the EDGAR Next transition, with the transaction occurring on 04/13/2026 but not filed until 04/21/2026, explaining the late submission notation.
Current Report Filed: 2026-04-13

Key Insights

  • AeroVironment appointed Sean Woodward as their new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 1, 2026.
  • Woodward has held various finance roles at AeroVironment since joining the company in 2010, including as Chief Financial Officer of the Autonomous Systems segment.
  • Woodward will receive an annual base salary of $515,000 and is eligible for a 70% target bonus as well as equity awards under the company's long-term incentive program.
Current Report Filed: 2026-04-09

Key Insights

  • AeroVironment appointed Robert Smith as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 13, 2026, succeeding the retiring Brad Truesdell.
  • Smith has extensive prior experience in executive roles at companies like Raytheon, Cobham, and Lockheed Martin, which could bring valuable industry expertise to AeroVironment.
  • Truesdell will serve in an advisory role until the end of April 2026 and then transition to a consulting role to assist in the leadership transition.
Insider Trading Filed: 2026-03-19

Key Insights

  • The reporting person, Brian Charles Shackley, acquired 707 shares of common stock in AeroVironment Inc (AVAV) on March 16, 2026. This indicates insider buying and could signal the executive's confidence in the company's future prospects.
  • The shares were acquired through restricted stock awards that vest in three equal installments over the next three years, suggesting a long-term commitment by the executive.
  • The insider's ownership of 6,501 shares following the transaction represents a direct ownership position, which aligns the executive's interests with those of shareholders.
Current Report Filed: 2026-03-18

Key Insights

  • Brad Truesdell, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has announced his intention to retire. The company is currently conducting a search for his replacement.
  • After his retirement, Truesdell is expected to serve as a consultant to the company to provide transition and other services as directed by the CEO and his successor.
  • The timely transition of the COO role is crucial to ensure the continuity of the company's operations and strategic direction.
Current Report Filed: 2026-03-16

Key Insights

  • AeroVironment, Inc. has acquired Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. for approximately $200 million, which includes the issuance of 671,078 shares of the company's common stock.
  • The acquisition was completed through a merger, with ESAero becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AeroVironment.
  • The share issuance was done in an unregistered private placement to accredited investors of ESAero, relying on exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act.
Quarterly Report Filed: 2026-03-11

Key Insights

  • AeroVironment's revenue and earnings showed solid growth in the most recent quarter, driven by strong performance in its Autonomous Systems and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy segments.
  • The company's backlog remained robust, providing good visibility into future revenue streams, though some caution may be warranted around global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
  • AeroVironment's ongoing investments in new product development and strategic acquisitions, such as Bluehalo, position it well for long-term growth, but integration and execution risks should be monitored.
Insider Trading Filed: 2026-03-11

Key Insights

  • The reporting person, who is the CFO of AeroVironment Inc, has sold 4,845 shares of the company's common stock in a transaction pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.
  • The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $224.55, with the reporting person continuing to hold an indirect beneficial ownership of 16,026 shares through a living trust.
  • The transaction appears to be part of a pre-arranged trading plan, providing transparency into the insider's trading activity.
Current Report Filed: 2026-03-10

Key Insights

  • AeroVironment reported strong Q2 2026 financial results, beating market expectations.
  • The company's BADGER phased array antenna system contract with the U.S. Government was terminated, but they plan to develop a commercial product for this market.
  • AeroVironment intends to continue investing in the BADGER product line, signaling their confidence in the technology.
Current Report Filed: 2026-03-05

Key Insights

  • AeroVironment Inc. has adopted a new non-qualified deferred compensation plan that allows certain key employees and directors to defer portions of their compensation, with the ability to receive distributions upon retirement, death or disability.
  • The company has added two new participants, Trace Stevenson and Mary Clum, to its Executive Severance Plan, which provides benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment.
  • The new deferred compensation plan does not provide any matching contributions from the company, but the company may make other discretionary contributions to the plan.
Current Report Filed: 2026-02-23

Key Insights

  • Kevin McDonnell, the CFO of AeroVironment, will be retiring on July 31, 2026. This leadership change could impact the company's financial management and operations.
  • The company will pay McDonnell his current base salary, annual bonus, and COBRA premiums through his retirement date to ensure a smooth transition.
  • McDonnell's equity awards will continue to vest under existing terms, indicating the company's desire to retain his expertise during the transition period.
Insider Trading Filed: 2026-02-11

Key Insights

  • Kevin Patrick McDonnell, the CFO of AeroVironment Inc, sold 879 shares of the company's common stock on February 10, 2026. This sale was executed pursuant to a pre-planned Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.
  • The sale was made at a weighted average price of $267.60 per share, with the shares sold at varying prices between $263.75 and $274.91.
  • Following the reported transaction, McDonnell still holds an indirect beneficial ownership of 16,422 shares of AeroVironment's common stock through the McDonnell Moore Living Trust, of which he is a trustee.
Current Report Filed: 2026-01-20

Key Insights

  • The U.S. Government has issued a stop work order on AeroVironment's Other Transaction Agreement for the BADGER phased array antenna systems, allowing the parties to negotiate an amended agreement for the future of the SCAR program.
  • The company expects to continue delivering capabilities and products for the SCAR program under a new firm-fixed price agreement, potentially impacting future revenue and profitability.
  • The stop work order and contract renegotiation introduce uncertainty around the company's ability to successfully execute the SCAR program and maintain its existing business relationship with the U.S. Government.
Insider Trading Filed: 2026-01-16

Key Insights

  • The reporting person, Stephen F. Page, sold 1,000 shares of AeroVironment Inc. common stock on January 15, 2026 at a price of $377.62 per share.
  • The shares sold were part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted by the Stephen F. Page Living Trust on September 30, 2025.
  • Following the reported transaction, the reporting person beneficially owns 51,001 shares of AeroVironment Inc. common stock, with 50,001 shares held indirectly through the Stephen F. Page Living Trust.
Insider Trading Filed: 2026-01-13

Key Insights

  • The reporting person, Kevin Patrick McDonnell, who is the CFO of AeroVironment Inc (AVAV), sold 4,845 shares of the company's common stock on January 12, 2026.
  • The shares were sold pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted by the McDonnell Moore Living Trust, of which Mr. McDonnell is a trustee.
  • Following the transaction, Mr. McDonnell still beneficially owns 17,301 shares of the company's common stock, with some of those shares held indirectly through the trust.
Insider Trading Filed: 2026-01-02

Key Insights

  • Brian Charles Shackley, the Chief Accounting Officer of AeroVironment Inc (AVAV), sold 200 shares of common stock on December 30, 2025 at a price of $250.92 per share.
  • This transaction was made pursuant to a pre-arranged 10b5-1 trading plan, indicating a planned and structured approach to insider selling.
  • Following the reported transaction, Shackley continues to beneficially own 5,994 shares of AeroVironment common stock, maintaining a significant stake in the company.

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Important Information

AI-generated analysis is for informational purposes only. Always read original SEC filings and consult with qualified professionals before making investment decisions.