AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) reported third-quarter fiscal 2019 earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of 35 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 14 cents by 150%. Earnings also improved by 37 cents from the year-ago quarter’s net loss per share of 2 cents.
Operational Performance
Revenues of $75.3 million increased 38% on a year-over-year basis, driven by 26.8% improvement in product revenues to $50 million and improvement in service revenues of 66.6% to $25.3 million.
As of Jan 27, 2019, the company’s funded backlog was $132.5 million, up 17% year over year.
Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was 40%, up 700 basis points year over year.
Total operating expenses increased 24.7% to $22.55 million, thanks to 27.6% rise in selling, general and administrative expenses and 22.4% in research and development expenses.
Consequently, operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 was $7.8 million, an increase from $0.2 million reported in the same period last year.
AeroVironment, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
AeroVironment, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | AeroVironment, Inc. Quote
Financial Update
AeroVironment ended the reported quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $149.4 million, up from $143.5 million as of Apr 30, 2018.
Operating cash flow totaled $6.9 million at end of Jan 27, 2019, significantly down from $31.8 million at the end of Jan 27, 2018.
2019 Guidance
For fiscal 2019, the company expects to generate revenues from continuing operations of $300-$310 million.
The company raised full-year expectations for diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to $1.60-$1.80, including a one-time gain of $0.26 from a litigation settlement. The prior range stood at $1.30-$1.50 per share.
The company also continues to advance its growth portfolio, including exercising the one-time option to increase ownership of the HAPSMobile, Inc. joint venture from 5% to 10%.
Zacks Rank
AeroVironment currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Other Defense Releases
FLIR Systems Inc.’s (NASDAQ:FLIR) fourth-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings of 62 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 60 cents by 3.3%. The company carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Textron (NYSE:TXT) reported fourth-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $1.15 per share, which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 98 cents by 17.3%. The company has a Zacks Rank #3.
Hexcel Corporation’s (NYSE:HXL) fourth-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings of 82 cents per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents by 2.5%. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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