vadimrysev AeroVironment ( AVAV ) on Tuesday introduced a high-energy laser weapon system designed to counter drones and other unmanned threats, as its shares fell 2.3% by midday trading in New York while the S&P 500 ( SP500 ) was little changed. Locust X3 anti-drone system (AveroVironment) The system, called Locust X3, is the latest version of the company’s directed-energy technology. It is inten...
vadimrysev AeroVironment ( AVAV ) on Tuesday introduced a high-energy laser weapon system designed to counter drones and other unmanned threats, as its shares fell 2.3% by midday trading in New York while the S&P 500 ( SP500 ) was little changed. Locust X3 anti-drone system (AveroVironment) The system, called Locust X3, is the latest version of the company’s directed-energy technology. It is intended to track and disable small to mid-sized unmanned aerial systems and certain surface threats using a laser rather than traditional munitions. The platform incorporates a laser with output ranging from roughly 20 kilowatts to more than 35 kilowatts, along with software that automates detection, tracking and targeting. The company said the system can be integrated across multiple environments, including ground vehicles, fixed installations and maritime platforms. AeroVironment ( AVAV ) indicated the system builds on earlier deployments tied to U.S. Army programs and is designed to be modular, allowing upgrades and compatibility with different military systems. The architecture aligns with broader Pentagon efforts to standardize and streamline integration across platforms. The company also highlighted the relatively low cost per engagement compared with conventional interceptors, noting that laser-based systems can operate without the need for physical ammunition reloads. Analysts have pointed to such features as increasingly relevant as militaries confront the growing use of low-cost drones and swarm tactics in conflicts. Locust X3 is part of AeroVironment’s ( AVAV ) broader push into counter-drone and directed-energy technologies, areas that have drawn increased defense spending interest in recent years. More on AeroVironment AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) Presents at JPMorgan Industrials Conference 2026 Transcript AeroVironment Mobilizes For High-Volume Deployment AeroVironment: This Drone Maker Disappoints, But Counter-Drone Demand Is Surging AeroVironment upgraded by Raymo...
Getty Images As a value investor, I love to buy quality businesses that are trading at depressed valuations and hold them for the long term. Collecting the high dividends that come with rock-bottom valuations and reinvesting them into other bargains has served me well over the years. That's why I'm continuously searching for the next great deal, and I keep running low P/FCF screeners all the time....
Getty Images As a value investor, I love to buy quality businesses that are trading at depressed valuations and hold them for the long term. Collecting the high dividends that come with rock-bottom valuations and reinvesting them into other bargains has served me well over the years. That's why I'm continuously searching for the next great deal, and I keep running low P/FCF screeners all the time. A stock that has continually showed up on my screeners was Jack in the Box Inc. ( JACK ). Trading at just 3x P/FCF, this company looked exceptionally cheap. Here we had a popular QSR chain with a long history dating back to the 1950s and a highly cash-generative, asset-light business model, and the market was pricing it at just three years of FCF generation. Despite the low valuation, I resisted investing in the company, and I explained the reasons in my initial analysis titled: "Debt Kills." In that article, I stated that debt-funded buybacks at elevated valuations and an ill-timed, overpriced acquisition had led to dangerous debt levels. Therefore, despite the attractive valuation, for me, there was too much risk, and the stock wasn't a sound investment but rather a speculation. If you decided to take the risk, it seems like the house won. Since my initial analysis, the stock has declined by another 35%. Normally, a lower share price results in a better risk/reward profile, but not in this case. The underlying profitability of the business and the outlook have worsened drastically. It looks like Del Taco was sold for less than its value. With declining profitability, I believe the debt levels are likely even more dangerous than they were a year ago. Net debt has declined due to the Del Taco sale, but the net debt/FCF ratio has further increased. At this point, JACK doesn't even look like a promising speculation, and I rate the shares a "Sell." Buy High, Sell Low Jack in the Box had all the potential to do well over the long term. With an asset-light business model, CapEx...