Core Viewpoint - Axon Enterprise, Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding consensus estimates, driven by robust demand for its products and services [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $1.41, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.27, marking a 22.6% year-over-year increase [1]. - Total revenues reached $603.6 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $589 million and reflecting a 31.3% year-over-year growth [2]. Business Segment Performance - **Connected Devices**: Revenues increased by 26% year over year to $340.9 million, driven by demand for TASER 10 devices and Axon Body 4 [3]. - **Software & Services**: Revenues rose 39% year over year to $262.7 million, attributed to a growing user base and increased adoption of premium features [4]. Cost and Margin Analysis - Cost of sales increased by 18.2% year over year to $237.9 million, while total operating expenses climbed 54.7% to $374.5 million [5]. - Adjusted gross margin improved slightly to 63.6% from 63.2% in the previous year [5]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2025 were $1.09 billion, up from $454.8 million at the end of 2024 [6]. - The company generated net cash of $25.8 million from operating activities, compared to a cash outflow of $15.9 million in the previous year [6]. Free Cash Flow - Adjusted free cash flow for the first three months of 2025 was $932 million, a significant increase from $32.1 million in the prior year [7]. Outlook for 2025 - Axon expects revenues to be between $2.60 billion and $2.70 billion, indicating approximately 27% year-over-year growth at the midpoint [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be in the range of $650 million to $675 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of about 25% [8]. - Capital expenditures are anticipated to be between $160 million and $180 million, focusing on R&D and capacity expansion [9].

Financial Performance - Revenues increased 10% year over year to a record $444 million in Q3, with growth in all three divisions, including a 10% increase in the Security division and a 15% increase in the Opto division [6][20] - Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share reached a record $2.44, and the company finished the quarter with a record backlog exceeding $1.8 billion [6][27] - Operating cash flow for Q3 was a record $82 million, a significant improvement from negative cash flow of $52 million in the same quarter last year [6][25] Business Line Performance - Security division revenues increased 10% year over year to $315 million, driven by strong demand and significant new orders, including a $76 million order for explosive detection systems [20][12] - Optoelectronics and Manufacturing division achieved a 15% revenue growth year over year, surpassing $100 million in sales, with strong operating margin expansion [14][15] - Healthcare division saw a 5% year-over-year increase in revenues, with a new president leading efforts for long-term growth [16][17] Market Data - The company is actively addressing challenges posed by evolving global trade environments, particularly U.S. tariff policies, while maintaining strong international revenue generation [9][10] - The backlog is diversified across various sectors, including cargo, aviation, and security, providing confidence for sustained growth [49][90] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on cost optimization and strategic pricing discussions to mitigate impacts from trade frictions, leveraging a diversified portfolio and strong customer relationships [9][10] - Anticipated growth in defense and security funding is expected to benefit the company, with ongoing investments in R&D to support innovative product development [18][24] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate tariff impacts and highlighted a strong pipeline of opportunities for future growth [10][18] - The company is increasing its revenue and non-GAAP EPS guidance for fiscal year 2025, reflecting a positive outlook based on current performance and backlog [27][28] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate under GAAP was reported at 14.3%, down from 22.6% in the previous year, while the adjusted operating margin improved to 14.2% [24][25] - The RF Solutions acquisition contributed $29 million to the top line in Q3, indicating strong growth from this segment [79] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on segments - Management indicated no anticipated impact from tariffs on Q4 results, with limited exposure in the largest divisions [30][31] Question: Strength in services revenue - Services revenue saw significant growth due to an increasing installed base of security products rolling off warranty, leading to higher recurring revenue [32][34] Question: RF Solutions acquisition growth potential - The acquisition is expected to provide a long runway for growth, particularly with established products like over-the-horizon radars [36][37] Question: Cash flow expectations - Strong cash flow is anticipated to continue into Q4 and fiscal year 2026, with opportunities for improvement in working capital [38][39] Question: Mexico contract trends - Revenue from Mexico is expected to decline year over year, but overall security division growth is anticipated due to strong bookings in other areas [57][59] Question: Opportunities in border security funding - The upcoming budget reconciliation includes significant funding for border security, which is expected to provide multi-year visibility for the company [61][75] Question: Pipeline for security projects - The pipeline of opportunities is strong and growing, with increased diversification in backlog across various sectors [90]