AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) vs Planet Labs PBC (PL)

AVAV leads on 7 of 9 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of AeroVironment, Inc. and Planet Labs PBC across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 19, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AVAV vs PL

growth of $100 · last 5y
AVAV +49.5%PL +175.6%PL compounded faster
0100200300400500Start $10020222023202420252026$149$276
AVAV PL

AVAV vs PL: by the numbers

  • PL is the larger company ($9.10B vs $8.47B market cap).
  • Both run net losses; AVAV's is the smaller (-13.93% vs -111.17% net margin).
  • AVAV grew revenue faster over the past five years (32.50% vs 22.15% CAGR).

Which is better, AVAV or PL?

Metric tally: AVAV 7 · PL 2

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthAVAV(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityAVAV(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAVAVPL
Forward P/E42.19
P/S ratio5.1429.05
P/B ratio1.9421.98
EV / EBITDA40.90
FCF yield0.48%

Profitability

MetricAVAVPL
Gross margin21.82%55.51%
Operating margin-6.10%-31.94%
Net margin-13.93%-111.17%
ROE-5.25%-84.09%
ROIC4.17%-13.91%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVAVPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)32.50%22.15%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.16%
FCF CAGR (5Y)21.25%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.09%22.53%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AVAV or PL?
It depends on your goal. growth: AVAV (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: AVAV (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AVAV leads 7 to 2.
Which has grown faster, AVAV or PL?
Over the past five years, AVAV grew revenue faster — AVAV at a 32.50% CAGR versus PL at 22.15%.
Which has been the better investment, AVAV or PL?
Over the past 5-year, PL delivered the higher annualized total return — AVAV at 18.71% versus PL at 22.53%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 19, 2026.