AVAV stock: AeroVironment (NASDAQ) down 8% to $258.93 intraday 23 Feb 2026: monitor BlueHalo and LOCUST
Shares of AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) fell 8.07% intraday to $258.93 on 23 Feb 2026, reversing a recent rally amid mixed headlines and profit taking. This AVAV stock move came with volume of 488,988 shares versus a 30‑day average of 1,356,025, signaling above‑average intraday pressure. We review the drivers — from the BlueHalo acquisition to LOCUST deployment reports — and show how the data connect to valuation, technicals, and short‑term catalysts for AI and defense investors.
AVAV stock price action and intraday metrics
AVAV stock opened at $259.29, traded between $255.01 and $267.50, and closed nearer to $258.93 during this intraday session. Market cap stands at $13,213,559,145.00 and shares outstanding are 49,932,204, showing institutional scale and liquidity constraints when volume spikes. The 50‑day average is $283.81 and the 200‑day average is $267.68, underlining the short‑term pullback versus medium‑term price levels.
AVAV stock fundamentals and valuation
AeroVironment reports trailing EPS of -1.22 and a reported PE of -216.91, reflecting recent accounting and one‑time items that compress earnings multiples. Price‑to‑sales is near 9.70 and price‑to‑book is roughly 2.99, while current ratio is 5.08, signaling a strong liquidity position. Revenue growth accelerated, but operating cash flow and free cash flow per share remain negative at -3.92 and -4.17 respectively.
AVAV stock technicals and trading signals
Short‑term indicators show mixed momentum: RSI is 46.53, MACD histogram is marginally positive, and ADX at 18.34 signals no clear trend. Bollinger bands (middle $272.00) place the intraday price near the lower band, increasing the chance of a short bounce. Traders should note ATR of 20.86 and a relative volume of 0.81, which point to elevated volatility but below peak selling intensity.
AVAV stock catalysts, news and analyst views
Recent headlines include deployment reports for the LOCUST directed‑energy system and the strategic BlueHalo acquisition, both cited as revenue drivers by bulls. Market commentary shows a mixed analyst set: 3 Strong Buy, 20 Buy, 1 Hold and 0 Sell in the upgrade/downgrade consensus, and an average price target near $367.00 per MarketBeat. For primary coverage and data, see MarketBeat and MarketWatch for the latest filings and intraday tables MarketBeat MarketWatch.
AVAV stock Meyka AI grade and valuation note
Meyka AI rates AVAV with a score out of 100: 72.90 | Grade: B+ | Suggestion: BUY. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. The company shows strong revenue acceleration and backlog visibility, but margin pressure and negative free cash flow reduce the score. These grades are model outputs and are not financial advice.
AVAV stock risks and AI sector opportunity
AVAV operates in Aerospace & Defense and benefits from AI and autonomous systems spending, creating long‑term opportunity in loitering munitions and counter‑drone systems. Key risks include margin compression from acquisitions, negative free cash flow, and headline‑driven volatility that can widen bid‑ask spreads. Investors should balance strategic upside from BlueHalo and LOCUST against valuation and execution risks.
Final Thoughts
Key takeaways on AVAV stock: the intraday drop to $258.93 reflects profit taking after strong headlines and stretched momentum. Fundamentals show revenue growth but negative EPS and free cash flow per share of -4.17, which keeps valuation debates alive. Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a yearly price of $255.63, implying -1.28% versus the current price of $258.93; the model also shows a quarterly projection of $278.84, implying +7.69% upside. Meyka AI’s models and grade highlight both upside from defense AI adoption and execution risks from margins and cash flow. For active, intraday traders, watch volume, RSI near 46.53, and newsflow around LOCUST or contract awards. Long‑term investors should assess whether BlueHalo integration and backlog convert to profitable growth before increasing exposure. Visit our AVAV coverage on Meyka AI for real‑time updates and model changes: https://meyka.ai/stocks/AVAV. Forecasts are model‑based projections and not guarantees.
FAQs
What drove the intraday move in AVAV stock today?
The intraday drop to $258.93 was driven by profit taking, mixed analyst notes, and headlines about LOCUST deployment and BlueHalo integration. Volume of 488,988 shares spiked versus the 50‑day average, increasing volatility.
How does Meyka AI view AVAV stock right now?
Meyka AI rates AVAV with a score out of 100 at 72.90 (Grade B+, Suggestion: BUY). The grade balances revenue growth and sector tailwinds against margin and cash flow concerns.
What is the short‑term AVAV stock forecast?
Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a yearly price of $255.63 and a quarterly projection of $278.84. The yearly view implies -1.28% versus current price, while the quarterly view implies +7.69% upside.
Disclaimer:
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.