Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2020

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AeroVironment, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Pulse Aerospace, LLC (“Pulse”) and AeroVironment, Inc. (Afghanistan), as well as the Company’s Turkish joint venture, Altoy Savunma Sanayi ve Havacilik Anonim Sirketi (“Altoy”) (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”).

In February 2018, the Company dissolved AeroVironment GmbH, the results of which were not material to the consolidated financial statements. In February 2019, the Company dissolved AeroVironment International PTE. LTD., the results of which were not material to the consolidated financial statements. In October 2019, the Company dissolved its wholly-owned subsidiary, Skytower, Inc., the results of which were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

On June 29, 2018, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and related liabilities of its efficient energy systems business segment (the “EES Business”) to Webasto Charging Systems, Inc. (“Webasto”) pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) between Webasto and the Company. The Company determined that the EES Business met the criteria for classification as an asset held for sale at April 30, 2018 and represented a strategic shift in the Company’s operations. Therefore, the assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the EES Business are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 2—Discontinued Operations for further details.

On June 10, 2019, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding member units of Pulse Aerospace, LLC (“Pulse”) pursuant to the terms of a Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Pulse Purchase Agreement”). The assets, liabilities and operating results of Pulse have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 19—Business Acquisitions for further details.

Investments in Companies Accounted for Using the Equity or Cost Method

Investments in Companies Accounted for Using the Equity or Cost Method

Investments in other non-consolidated entities are accounted for using the equity method or cost basis depending upon the level of ownership and/or the Company’s ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. When the equity method is used, investments are recorded at original cost and adjusted periodically to recognize the Company’s proportionate share of the investees’ net income or losses after the date of investment. When net losses from an investment accounted for under the equity method exceed its carrying amount, the investment balance is reduced to zero and additional losses are not provided for as the Company is not obligated to provide additional capital. The Company resumes accounting for the investment under the equity method if the entity subsequently reports net income and the Company’s share of that net income exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended.

When an investment accounted for using the equity method issues its own shares, the subsequent reduction in the Company’s proportionate interest in the investee is reflected in equity as an adjustment to paid-in-capital. The

Company evaluates its investments in companies accounted for by the equity or cost method for impairment when there is evidence or indicators that a decrease in value may be other than temporary.

In December of 2017, the Company and SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”) formed a joint venture, HAPSMobile Inc. (“HAPSMobile”). As the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of HAPSMobile, the Company’s investment is accounted as an equity method investment. The Company has presented its proportion of HAPSMobile’s net loss in equity method investment loss, net of tax in the consolidated statement of operations. The carrying value of the investment in HAPSMobile was recorded in other assets, long-term. Refer to Note 8 – Equity Method Investments for further details.

In July 2019, the Company made its initial capital contribution to a limited partnership fund focusing on highly relevant technologies and start-up companies serving defense and industrial markets. The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships as equity method investments as the Company is deemed to have influence when it holds more than a minor interest. Refer to Note 8 – Equity Method Investments for further details.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, valuation of: inventory, available-for-sale securities, acquired intangibles, goodwill, deferred tax assets and liabilities, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, medical and dental liabilities, warranty liabilities, long-term incentive plan liabilities and estimates of anticipated contract costs and transaction price utilized in the revenue recognition process. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Specifically, the Company’s existing intangible assets have been reclassified from other assets to intangibles, net on the consolidated balance sheet for all periods presented.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds, certificates of deposit of major financial institutions, and U.S. Treasury bills.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, municipal bonds, U.S. government securities, U.S. government-guaranteed agency securities, U.S. government sponsored agency debt securities, highly rated commercial paper, highly rated corporate bonds, and accounts receivable. The Company currently invests the majority of its cash in municipal bonds, U.S. government securities, U.S. government-guaranteed agency securities, U.S. government sponsored agency debt securities and highly rated corporate bonds. The Company’s revenue and accounts receivable are with a limited number of corporations and governmental entities. In the aggregate, 61%, 58% and 58% of the Company’s revenue came from agencies of the U.S. government for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These agencies accounted for 62% and 26% of the accounts receivable balances at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. One such agency, the U.S. Army, accounted for 32%, 28% and 19% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its commercial customers and maintains an allowance for potential losses.

Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Receivables and Retentions

Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Receivables and Retentions

Accounts receivable represents primarily U.S. government and allied foreign governments, and to a lesser extent commercial receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Unbilled receivables represent costs in excess of billings on incomplete contracts and, where applicable, accrued profit related to government long-term contracts on which revenue has been recognized, but for which the customer has not yet been billed. Unbilled receivables are considered contract assets.

Retentions represent amounts withheld by customers until contract completion. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the retention balances were $717,000 and $1,102,000, respectively. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical customer experience and other currently available evidence. When a specific account is deemed uncollectible, the account is written off against the allowance. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance; such losses have historically been within management’s expectations. An account is deemed past due based on contractual terms rather than on how recently payments have been received.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the weighted average costing method) or net realizable value. Inventory write-offs and write-down provisions are provided to cover risks arising from slow-moving items or technological obsolescence and for market prices lower than cost. The Company periodically evaluates the quantities on hand relative to current and historical selling prices and historical and projected sales volume. Based on this evaluation, provisions are made to write inventory down to its net realizable value.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment, including amortization of leasehold improvements, are provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Machinery and equipment	2 - 7	years
Computer equipment and software	2 - 5	years
Furniture and fixtures	3 - 7	years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of useful life or term of lease

Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expense as incurred. Additions and betterments to property and equipment are capitalized at cost. When the Company disposes of assets, the applicable costs and accumulated depreciation and amortization thereon are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense in the period incurred.

The Company reviews the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. The estimated future cash flows are based upon, among other things, assumptions about expected future operating performance, and may differ from actual cash flows. If the sum of the projected undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value of the assets, the assets will be written down to the estimated fair value in the period in which the determination is made. During the three months ended April 30, 2019, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4,398,000 related to the long-lived assets of its commercial UAS Quantix solution. Refer to Note 7 – Property and equipment, net.

Product Warranty

Product Warranty

The Company accrues an estimate of its exposure to warranty claims based upon both current and historical product sales data and warranty costs incurred. Product warranty reserves are recorded in other current liabilities.

Accrued Sales Commissions

Accrued Sales Commissions

As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company accrued sales commissions in other current liabilities of $2,842,000 and $1,301,000, respectively.

Self-Insurance Liability

Self-Insurance Liability

The Company is self-insured for employee medical claims, subject to individual and aggregate stop loss policies. The Company estimates a liability for claims filed and incurred but not reported based upon recent claims experience and an analysis of the average period of time between the occurrence of a claim and the time it is reported to and paid by the Company. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company estimated and recorded a self-insurance liability in wages and related accruals of approximately $753,000 and $965,000, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The provision for income taxes reflects the taxes to be paid for the period and the change during the period in the deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. For uncertain tax positions, the Company determines whether it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is “not more likely than not” that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, repeal of the deduction for domestic production activities, and limitation on the deductibility of certain executive compensation.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP as determined by ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company is required to record the effects of tax law changes in the period enacted. The Company remeasured its existing deferred tax assets and liabilities at the rate the Company expects to be in effect when those deferred taxes will be realized and recorded a one-time deferred tax expense of approximately $3,300,000 during the year ended April 30, 2018.

On March 27, 2020, the United States enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in an effort to curtail the effect of COVID-19. While the CARES Act provides sweeping tax changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the more significant provisions are not expected to impact the Company’s financial statements including the removal of certain limitations on utilization of net operating losses, increasing the loss carryback period for certain losses to five years, and increasing the ability to deduct interest expense. The Company does expect to benefit in the future, however, from the technical correction made to the previously enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in relation to tax depreciation of qualified improvement property.

Customer Advances and Amounts in Excess of Cost Incurred

Customer Advances and Amounts in Excess of Cost Incurred

The Company receives advances, performance-based payments and progress payments from customers that may exceed costs incurred on certain contracts, including contracts with agencies of the U.S. government resulting in contract liabilities. These advances are classified as advances from customers and will be offset against billings.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is generated pursuant to written contractual arrangements to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products, and to provide related engineering, technical and other services according to the specifications of the customers. These contracts may be firm fixed price (“FFP”), cost plus fixed fee (“CPFF”), or time and materials (“T&M”). The Company considers all such contracts to be within the scope of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer distinct goods or services to a customer, and it is the unit of account in ASC 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and revenue is recognized when each performance obligation under the terms of a contract is satisfied. Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using its observable standalone selling price for products and services. When the standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company uses its best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract using the cost plus reasonable margin approach. This approach estimates the Company’s expected costs of satisfying the performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for that distinct good or service.

Contract modifications are routine in the performance of the Company’s contracts. In most instances, contract modifications are for additional goods and/or services that are distinct and, therefore, accounted for as new contracts.

The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time, which accounted for 42% of revenue during our fiscal year ended April 30, 2020, or at a point in time, 58%. Performance obligations are satisfied over time if the customer receives the benefits as the Company performs, if the customer controls the asset as it is being developed or produced, or if the product being produced for the customer has no alternative use and the Company has a contractual right to payment for the Company’s costs incurred to date plus a reasonable margin. The contractual right to payment is generally supported by termination for convenience clauses that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay the Company for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit, and take control of any work in process. Revenue for tactical missile systems (“TMS”) product deliveries and Customer-Funded R&D contracts is recognized over time as costs are incurred. Contract services revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the provision of services, including repairs and maintenance, training, engineering design, development and prototyping activities, and technical support services. Contract services revenue is recognized over time as services are rendered. Typically, revenue is recognized over time using an input measure (e.g., costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion) to measure progress. Training services are recognized over time using an output method based on days of training completed.

For performance obligations satisfied over time, revenue is generally recognized using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress. Incurred costs represent work performed, which correspond with, and thereby best depict, transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, materials, subcontractors’ costs, other direct costs, and indirect costs applicable on government and commercial contracts.

For performance obligations which are not satisfied over time per the aforementioned criteria above, revenue is recognized at the point in time in which each performance obligation is fully satisfied. The Company’s small UAS product sales revenue is composed of revenue recognized on contracts for the delivery of small UAS systems and spare parts. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when control transfers to the customer, which generally occurs when title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

On April 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $208,063,000 of remaining performance obligations under contracts with its customers, which the Company also refers to as backlog. The Company currently expects to recognize approximately 96% of the remaining performance obligations as revenue in fiscal 2021, an additional 4% in fiscal 2022, and the balance thereafter.

The Company collects sales, value add, and other taxes concurrent with revenue producing activities, which are excluded from revenue when they are both imposed on a specific transaction and collected from a customer.

Contract Estimates

Accounting for contracts and programs primarily with a duration of less than six months involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue and costs. For long-term contracts, the Company estimates the total expected costs to complete the contract and recognizes revenue based on the percentage of costs incurred at period end. Typically, revenue is recognized over time using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying the Company’s performance obligations. Incurred costs represent work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, materials, subcontractors’ costs, other direct costs, and indirect costs applicable on government and commercial contracts.

Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that may span several years. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the performance of subcontractors, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer.

The nature of the Company’s contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including penalty fees and incentive awards generally for late delivery and early delivery, respectively. The Company generally estimates such variable consideration as the most likely amount. In addition, the Company includes the estimated variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the related uncertainty is resolved. These estimates are based on historical award experience, anticipated performance and the Company’s best judgment at the time. Because of the certainty in estimating these amounts, they are included in the transaction price of the Company’s contracts and the associated remaining performance obligations.

As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of the Company’s contracts, the Company regularly reviews and updates its contract-related estimates. Changes in cumulative revenue estimates, due to changes in the estimated transaction price or cost estimates, are recorded using a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period identified for contracts with performance obligations recognized over time. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, the Company recognizes the total loss in the quarter it is identified.

The impact of adjustments in contract estimates on the Company’s operating earnings can be reflected in either operating costs and expenses or revenue. The aggregate impact of adjustments in contract estimates on revenue related to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods was not significant for the years ended April

30, 2020, 2019 or 2018. During the year ended April 30, 2020, the Company revised its estimates of the total expected costs to complete a TMS contract and a contract associated with a design and development agreement. The aggregate impact of these adjustments in contract estimates on revenue related to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods was a decrease of approximately $1,403,000 and an increase of approximately $1,099,000, respectively. No adjustment on any one contract was material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended April 30, 2019. During the year ended April 30, 2018, the Company revised its estimates of the total expected costs to complete a TMS variant contract. The aggregate impact of these adjustments in contract estimates on revenue related to performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods was a decrease of approximately $1,255,000.

Revenue by Category

The following tables present the Company’s revenue disaggregated by major product line, contract type, customer category and geographic location (in thousands):

	Year Ended April 30,
Revenue by major product line/program	2020		2019		2018
Small UAS	$	225,888	$	183,157	$	167,534
TMS		63,781		65,087		63,406
HAPS		60,864		55,407		29,593
Other		16,763		10,623		7,891
Total revenue	$	367,296	$	314,274	$	268,424

	Year Ended April 30,
Revenue by contract type	2020		2019		2018
FFP	$	269,917	$	224,090	$	212,976
CPFF		94,176		89,485		55,203
T&M		3,203		699		245
Total revenue	$	367,296	$	314,274	$	268,424

Each of these contract types presents advantages and disadvantages. Typically, the Company assumes more risk with FFP contracts. However, these types of contracts generally offer additional profits when the Company completes the work for less than originally estimated. CPFF contracts generally subject the Company to lower risk. Accordingly, the associated base fees are usually lower than fees on FFP contracts. Under T&M contracts, the Company’s profit may vary if actual labor hour rates vary significantly from the negotiated rates.

	Year Ended April 30,
Revenue by customer category	2020		2019		2018
U.S. government:	$	225,341	$	182,586	$	156,996
Non-U.S. government		141,955		131,688		111,428
Total revenue	$	367,296	$	314,274	$	268,424
	Year Ended April 30,
Revenue by geographic location	2020		2019		2018
Domestic	$	201,046	$	151,124	$	142,158
International		166,250		163,150		126,266
Total revenue	$	367,296	$	314,274	$	268,424

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, and customer advances and deposits on the consolidated balance sheet. In the Company’s services contracts, amounts are billed as work progresses in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms, either at periodic intervals, which is generally monthly, or upon the achievement of contractual milestones. Generally, billing occurs subsequent to revenue recognition, resulting in contract assets recorded in unbilled receivables and retentions on the consolidated balance sheet. However, the Company sometimes receives advances or deposits from its customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities recorded in customer advances on the consolidated balance sheet. Contract liabilities are not a significant financing component as they are generally utilized to pay for contract costs within a one-year period or are used to ensure the customer meets contractual requirements. These assets and liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheet on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. For the Company’s product revenue, the Company generally receives cash payments subsequent to satisfying the performance obligation via delivery of the product, resulting in billed accounts receivable. Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the years ended April 30, 2020 or 2019 were not materially impacted by any other factors. For the Company’s contracts, there are no significant gaps between the receipt of payment and the transfer of the associated goods and services to the customer for material amounts of consideration.

Revenue recognized for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 that was included in contract liability balances at the beginning of each year were $1,670,000, $1,587,000 and $977,000, respectively.

Segments

Segments

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s CODM, who is the Chief Executive Officer, makes operating decisions, assesses performance and makes resource allocation decisions, including the focus of research and development (“R&D”), on a consolidated basis for the Company’s continuing operations. Accordingly, the Company operates its business as a single reportable segment.

Investments

Investments

The Company’s investments are accounted for as held-to-maturity reported at amortized cost and available-for-sale reported at fair value.

Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes for available-for-sale investments.

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investment securities are determined on the specific identification basis and credited or charged to income. Premium and discount on investments are amortized and accreted using the interest method and charged or credited to investment income.

Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.

Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. On a quarterly basis, the Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its investments. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, and its intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. The Company also considers potential adverse conditions related to the financial health of the issuer based on rating agency actions. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, retentions and accounts payable approximate cost due to the short period of time to maturity.

Intangible Assets-Acquired in Business Combinations

Intangibles Assets — Acquired in Business Combinations

The Company performs valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination and allocates the purchase price of the acquired business to the respective net tangible and intangible assets. Acquired intangible assets include technology, in-process research and development, customer relationships, trademarks and tradenames, and non-compete agreements. The Company determines the appropriate useful life by performing an analysis of expected cash flows based on historical experience of the acquired businesses. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method which approximates the pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed. The estimated useful life for the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

Technology	6	years
Licenses	3	years
Customer relationships	3 - 5	years
In-process research and development	3	years
Non-compete agreements	Contractual term

The Company monitors conditions related to these assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining amortization period. The Company tests its intangible assets with finite lives for potential impairment whenever management concludes events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying

amount may not be recoverable. The original estimate of an asset's useful life and the impact of an event or circumstance on either an asset's useful life or carrying value involve significant judgment.

Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the acquired net assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of the Company’s fiscal year or when events or circumstances change in a manner that indicates goodwill might be impaired. Events or circumstances that could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business or political climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in the manner of the Company’s use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends or significant underperformance relative to projected future results of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. No compensation cost is ultimately recognized for awards for which employees do not render the requisite service and are forfeited.

Long-Term Incentive Awards

Long-Term Incentive Awards

For long-term incentive awards outstanding as of April 30, 2020, the awards include time-based awards which vest equally over three years and performance-based awards which vest based on the achievement of a target payout established at the beginning of each performance period. The actual payout at the end of the performance period is calculated based upon the Company’s achievement of such targets. Payouts are made in shares of restricted stock which become immediately vested upon issuance.

At each reporting period, the Company reassesses the probability of achieving the performance targets. The estimation of whether the performance targets will be achieved requires judgment, and, to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from the Company’s current estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of those changes will be recorded in the period estimates are revised.

Research and Development

Research and Development

Internally funded research and development costs (“IRAD”), sponsored by the Company relate to both U.S. government products and services and those for commercial and foreign customers. IRAD costs for the Company are recoverable and allocable under government contracts in accordance with U.S. government procurement regulations.

Customer-funded research and development costs are incurred pursuant to contracts (revenue arrangements) to perform research and development activities according to customer specifications. These costs are direct contract costs and are expensed to cost of sales when the corresponding revenue is recognized, which is generally as the research and development services are performed. Revenue from customer-funded research and development was approximately $80,934,000, $76,407,000 and $52,489,000 for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The related

cost of sales for customer-funded research and development totaled approximately $56,440,000, $54,824,000 and $36,855,000 for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

In January 2017, the Company executed a cost sharing Other Transaction Agreement type contract funded by the US Federal Government to perform certain system design, development and functional testing activities specific to a new prototype UAS on a best-efforts basis. Costs of $21,933,000 will be reimbursed to the Company as the activities are performed, while the Company is responsible for funding a minimum of $11,225,000. The term of the agreement is through December 2020. The Company has determined that the contract meets the criteria of ASC 912-730-05 Contractors – Federal Government and, therefore, all reimbursements are recorded as an offset to research and development expense in the consolidated statements of income. Reimbursements under the contract were $8,102,000, $5,936,000 and $4,188,000 for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Lease Accounting

Lease Accounting

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), along with several additional clarification ASU’s issued during 2018 (“New Lease Standard”) effective May 1, 2019. The New Lease Standard requires the lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases. At contract inception the Company determines whether the contract is, or contains, a lease and whether the lease should be classified as an operating or a financing lease. Operating leases are recorded in operating lease right-of-use assets, current operating lease liabilities and non-current operating lease liabilities.

The Company recognizes operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments and the appropriate lease classification. The Company defines the initial lease term to include renewal options determined to be reasonably certain. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to six years, some of which may include options to extend the lease for up to 10 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the lease after two years. None of the Company’s options to extend or terminate are reasonably certain of being exercised, and are therefore not included in the Company’s determination of lease assets and liabilities. For operating leases, the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Many of the Company’s real estate lease agreements contain incentives for tenant improvements, rent holidays, or rent escalation clauses. For tenant improvement incentives, if the incentive is determined to be a leasehold improvement owned by the lessee, the Company generally records incentive as a reduction to fixed lease payments thereby reducing rent expense. For rent holidays and rent escalation clauses during the lease term, the Company records rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. For these lease incentives, the Company uses the date of initial possession as the commencement date, which is generally when the Company is given the right of access to the space and begins to make improvements in preparation for intended use.

The Company does not have any finance leases. The Company does not have any material restrictions or covenants in its lease agreements, sale-leaseback transactions, land easements or residual value guarantees.

In determining the inputs to the incremental borrowing rate calculation, the Company makes judgments about the value of the leased asset, its credit rating and the lease term including the probability of its exercising options to extend or terminate the underlying lease. Additionally, the Company makes judgments around contractual asset substitution rights in determining whether a contract contains a lease.

Prior to adoption of the New Lease Standard, the Company accounted for its leases and subsequent amendments as operating leases or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. Certain operating leases contained rent escalation clauses, which were recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease with the difference between the rent paid and the straight-line rent recorded as a deferred rent liability. Lease incentives received from landlords were recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction to rent expense. Deferred rent liabilities were approximately $1,173,000 and $1,536,000 as of April 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses included in SG&A expenses were approximately $934,000, $897,000 and $526,000 for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are charged or credited to earnings as incurred. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, foreign currency transaction gains and losses that are included in other income (expense) in the accompanying statements of income were $(1,000), $(38,000), and $87,000, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any anti-dilutive effects of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding is included in diluted earnings per share.

The reconciliation of diluted to basic shares is as follows:

	Year Ended April 30,
	2020		2019		2018
Continuing operations attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.	$	41,339,000	$	41,912,000	$	21,750,000
Discontinued operations, net of tax		(265,000)		5,526,000		(3,887,000)
Net income attributable to AeroVironment, Inc.	$	41,074,000	$	47,438,000	$	17,863,000
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares		23,806,208		23,663,410		23,471,241
Dilutive effect of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units		281,959		408,303		342,531
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		24,088,167		24,071,713		23,813,772

During the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, certain options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of options, restricted stock and restricted stock units which met this anti-dilutive criterion was approximately 3,000, 18,000 and 22,000 for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective May 1, 2019, the Company adopted the New Lease Standard. This New Lease Standard requires the lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases. The Company elected to adopt the New Lease Standard using the modified retrospective transition approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. As such the Company did not recast comparative consolidated financial statements. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients which allows the Company to not reassess existing or expired contracts for existence of a lease, lease classification, or amortization of previously capitalized initial direct leasing cost. Additionally, the Company elected the short-term lease exception to not record right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term less than 12 months and the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for property. Adoption of the New Lease Standard resulted in the recording of lease assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet with no cumulative impact to retained earnings and did not have a material impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows. Refer to Note 10—Leases for additional information required as part of the adoption of the New Lease Standard.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). ASU 2018-09 provides technical corrections, clarifications and other improvements across a variety of accounting topics. Among the clarifications, ASU 2018-09 clarifies that an entity should recognize excess tax benefits in the period in which the amount of the deduction is determined. This includes deductions that are taken on the entity’s return in a different period from when the event that gives rise to the tax deduction occurs and the uncertainty about whether the entity will receive a tax deduction and the amount of the tax deduction is resolved. Certain amendments were applicable immediately while others provide transition guidance and are effective in the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The Company adopted ASU 2018-09 on May 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASU 2018-09 resulted in a cumulative adjustment to increase retained earnings by $665,000 at May 1, 2019.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This ASU, and several related amendments the FASB has issued to provide additional supplemental guidance on certain aspects of the original pronouncement, is intended to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology under GAAP with a methodology that reflects using a forward-looking expected credit loss model for accounts receivables, loans, and other financial instruments, and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and the interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt the guidance effective May 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The Company does not believe the guidance will have a material impact the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable. The Company is still evaluating the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements for remaining financial instruments within the scope of this guidance, primarily the debt securities in the Company’s investment portfolio.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). This ASU removes or modifies current disclosures while adding certain new disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted for the removed or modified disclosures. The removed and modified disclosures can be adopted retrospectively, and the added disclosures should be adopted prospectively. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (Topic 350-40). This ASU allows for capitalization of implementation costs associated with certain cloud computing arrangements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to adopt the guidance effective May 1, 2020 using the prospective approach. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The adoption method is dependent on the specific amendment included in this update as certain amendments require retrospective adoption, modified retrospective adoption, an option of retrospective or modified retrospective, and prospective adoption. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815). This ASU clarifies accounting certain topics impacted by Topic 321 Investments—Equity Securities. These topics include measuring equity securities using the measurement alternative, how the measurement alternative should be applied to equity method accounting, and certain forward contracts and purchased options which would be accounted for under the equity method of accounting upon settlement or exercise. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be adopted prospectively. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this adoption on its consolidated financial statements.