AeroVironment (AVAV) vs Heico (HEI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Heico (HEI) has outperformed AeroVironment (AVAV) over the past year, losing 6.7% versus a loss of 64.9%. Over five years, HEI leads with a +111.2% price change compared with +54.1% for AVAV. Heico is the larger company by market cap ($41.34 billion vs $7.06 billion), about 5.9 times the size, while AeroVironment is growing revenue faster (+140.9% vs +16.3%).
On valuation, AeroVironment trades at a lower forward P/E (31.1x vs 41.0x for Heico). Heico pays a dividend yielding 0.08%, while AeroVironment does not currently pay one. Heico converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.4% versus -13.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AVAV | HEI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $138.86 | $295.78 |
| Market cap | $7.06B | $41.34B |
| 1-day change | -3.26% | -2.47% |
| YTD return | -42.59% | -8.59% |
| 1-year return | -64.86% | -6.69% |
| 5-year return | +54.13% | +111.24% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 49.30 |
| Forward P/E | 31.13 | 41.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-3.92 | $6.00 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.25 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.98B | $4.49B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +140.89% | +16.26% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-265.12M | $690.38M |
| Gross margin | 25.33% | 39.83% |
| Operating margin | -15.73% | 22.72% |
| Net margin | -13.41% | 15.39% |
| 52-week high | $417.86 | $376.86 |
| 52-week low | $134.38 | $256.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -66.77% | -21.51% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +56.01% | +32.77% |
| Average volume | 1.62M | 470.37K |
| Shares outstanding | 50.82M | 55.24M |
| Employees | 3,991 | 11,100 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Aerospace | Aerospace |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Heico is about 5.9 times larger than AeroVironment by market value ($41.34B vs $7.06B).
- HEI has outperformed AVAV by 58.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Heico is more profitable, keeping 15.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -13.4 cents for AeroVironment.
- AeroVironment grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+140.89% vs +16.26%).
About AeroVironment
AVAV stock →AeroVironment, Inc., a defense technology provider, designs, develops, produces, delivers, and supports a portfolio of robotic systems and related services for government agencies and businesses in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Autonomous Systems; and Space, Cyber and Directed Energy.
Industrials · Aerospace · 3,991 employees
About Heico
HEI stock →HEICO Corporation provides aerospace, defense, and electronic related products and services in the United States and internationally. Its Flight Support Group segment offers jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts; thermal insulation blankets and parts; renewable/reusable insulation systems; and specialty components and assemblies.
Industrials · Aerospace · 11,100 employees
AVAV vs HEI FAQ
Which is bigger, AeroVironment or Heico?
Heico (HEI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $41.34B compared with $7.06B for AeroVironment (AVAV).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AVAV or HEI?
HEI returned -6.69% over the past 12 months, compared with -64.86% for AVAV (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, AeroVironment or Heico?
Heico pays a dividend yielding 0.08%, while AeroVironment does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are AeroVironment and Heico in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Aerospace industry within the Industrials sector.