Key Takeaways AXON is seeing solid demand for TASER, cameras and software, but rising costs and higher debt pressure marginsWWD is gaining from growth in aerospace and industrial units, led by defense demand and power generation needsWoodward's shares have outperformed, aided by improving earnings estimates and a lower valuation versus peers.Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON) and Woodward, Inc. (WWD) are two prominent names operating in the aerospace and defense equipment industry. As rivals, these companies are ...

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise, Inc. is experiencing strong growth in its Connected Devices segment, with revenues increasing 26% year over year in the first nine months of 2025, driven by demand for TASER 10 products, virtual reality training services, and counter-drone equipment [1][10] Segment Performance - The TASER product line saw a revenue increase of 17% year over year in Q3 2025, primarily due to the TASER 10 [3] - Revenues from Personal Sensors surged 20%, led by the Axon Body 4, which has received strong orders since its launch [2][3] - Platform Solutions revenues soared 71%, supported by counter-drone, virtual reality, and fleet services, contributing to a 23.6% year-over-year increase in the Connected Devices segment's total revenues, reaching $405.4 million [3][10] Market Trends - The rise in terrorism and criminal activities is expected to positively impact demand for Axon's Connected Devices unit in the upcoming quarters [4][10] Peer Comparison - Teledyne Technologies' Digital Imaging segment reported a 2.2% revenue increase year over year to $785.4 million in Q3 2025, while Woodward, Inc.'s Industrial business segment saw a 10.6% increase in net sales to $334 million in Q4 2025 [5][6] Valuation and Estimates - Axon is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 72.32X, significantly above the industry average of 43.63X, and carries a Value Score of F [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Axon's 2025 earnings has decreased by 8.1% over the past 60 days [13]

Core Viewpoint - Axon Enterprise reported mixed results in its Q3 2025 earnings, with adjusted earnings per share missing estimates while revenues exceeded expectations, indicating a complex financial landscape for the company moving forward [2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q3 2025 were $1.17 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.63, reflecting a 19.3% year-over-year decline due to rising operating costs [2]. - Total revenues reached $710.6 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $700 million and marking a 31% increase year-over-year, driven by strong demand for TASER 10, Axon Body 4, and counter-drone equipment [3]. Business Segment Analysis - The Connected Devices segment generated revenues of $405.4 million, a 23.6% year-over-year increase, with a decrease in adjusted gross margin to 52.1% from 54.5% [5]. - The Software & Services segment saw revenues rise by 41.1% year-over-year to $305.2 million, with an adjusted gross margin increase to 76.8% from 76.3% [6]. Cost and Margin Profile - Cost of sales increased by 32.7% year-over-year to $283.3 million, while total operating expenses climbed 40% to $429.5 million, leading to a decrease in adjusted gross margin to 62.7% from 63.2% [7]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of Q3 2025, Axon had cash and cash equivalents of $1.42 billion, a significant increase from $454.8 million at the end of 2024 [8]. - The company reported a negative adjusted free cash flow of $71.4 million for the first nine months of 2025, compared to a positive $117.5 million in the prior-year period [9]. Future Outlook - For Q4 2025, Axon anticipates revenues between $750 million and $755 million, indicating a 31% increase at the midpoint, with projected adjusted EBITDA of $178-$182 million [10][11]. - For the full year 2025, Axon expects revenues of approximately $2.74 billion, reflecting about 31% year-over-year growth, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 25% [12]. Estimate Trends - Recent estimates for Axon have shown a downward trend, with a significant shift of -283.33% in consensus estimates over the past month [14]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [16]. Industry Comparison - Axon operates within the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, where competitor ATI reported revenues of $1.13 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.1% [17]. - ATI's expected earnings for the current quarter are $0.88 per share, indicating a year-over-year change of +11.4%, with a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [18].

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON) has experienced a 31.1% decline in stock price over the past six months, underperforming both the industry and the S&P 500, which grew by 3.8% and 17.9% respectively [1][2] - Despite the recent decline, AXON has delivered a 134.6% shareholder return over the past couple of years, indicating strong long-term performance [3] - The company is facing near-term challenges due to rising costs, increased debt levels, and a high valuation, which may weigh on its prospects [8] Financial Performance - Axon's cost of sales increased significantly, with year-over-year increases of 18.2%, 34.4%, and 32.7% in the first three quarters of 2025, and a 39% increase in 2024 [4] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses surged by 48%, 41.7%, and 31.5% in the first three quarters of 2025, with a 49.8% increase in 2024 [5] - The company's long-term notes payable reached $1.73 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2025, up from zero at the end of 2024, primarily due to strategic investments and expansion activities [6] Valuation Concerns - AXON's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 71.25X, significantly higher than the industry average of 42.55X, making it vulnerable to market sentiment shifts [9] Growth Prospects - The Connected Devices segment is a key growth driver, with revenues increasing by 26% year over year in the first nine months of 2025, supported by the popularity of the TASER 10 products [10] - The introduction of the Axon Body 4 camera in April 2023 has generated significant demand, contributing to a 17% year-over-year revenue increase from the TASER product line [11] - The Software & Services segment also showed strong growth, with a 39.6% revenue increase in the first nine months of 2025, driven by digital evidence management and premium features [12] - Axon raised its revenue guidance for 2025 to approximately $2.74 billion, indicating a growth of about 31% year over year [13] Return on Equity - Axon's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) was 20.84%, significantly higher than the industry's 9.44%, reflecting efficient use of shareholder funds [14] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is $6.35 per share, reflecting a decrease of 8.1% in the past 60 days but indicating a year-over-year growth of 6.9% [17]

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON) reported an adjusted EBITDA of $503.8 million for the first nine months of 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 32.6% with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 25.4% [1][8] - The company's gross margin improved to 60.4%, driven by strong sales of TASER 10, Axon Body 4, and platform solutions, despite rising operating expenses [2][8] - Axon has updated its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $682-$686 million, indicating a margin of approximately 25% [3][8] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Axon achieved revenues of $710.6 million, reflecting a 31% increase year-over-year [2] - The company’s focus on cost management and revenue growth is expected to enhance its margin performance moving forward [3][4] Peer Comparison - While Axon is improving its margins, peers like Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) and Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (TDY) are facing challenges, with Kratos experiencing a 22% increase in cost of sales and a decline in gross margin by 310 basis points to 22.4% [5][6] - Teledyne Technologies reported a 6.8% rise in cost of sales and a 40 basis point decline in adjusted operating margin to 22.1% [6] Valuation and Market Performance - Axon shares have declined by 10.2% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry growth of 23.1% [7] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 69.96X, significantly above the industry average of 43.80X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Axon's 2025 earnings has decreased by 8.1% over the past 60 days [11]

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise Inc. is recognized as a strong investment opportunity by Wall Street analysts, with RBC Capital initiating coverage with an Outperform rating and a price target of $860, citing expected sustained revenue growth of 25% due to a robust market position [1][3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Axon reported total revenue of $711 million, reflecting a 31% year-over-year increase, driven primarily by the SaaS segment which grew 41% to $305 million [2] - Connected Devices revenue increased by 24% year-over-year to $405 million [2] - For Q4, Axon provided revenue guidance of $750 to $755 million, with a full-year revenue guidance of approximately $2.74 billion, indicating a 31% growth at the midpoint [3] Product Growth Drivers - Key product growth drivers include TASER 10, contributing to a 17% increase in TASER revenue, and Axon Body 4, which drove a 20% increase in Personal Sensors revenue [3] - The Platform Solutions Revenue experienced significant growth, surging 71%, fueled by advancements in counter-drone technology, virtual reality, and fleet products [3] Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) - The company's ARR grew by 41% to $1.3 billion, with a strong net revenue retention rate of 124% [3]

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise, Inc. is experiencing significant growth, particularly in its Connected Devices segment, with a price target set at $860 by RBC Capital, indicating a potential increase of 55.13% from its current price of $554.37 [1][5] Financial Performance - The Connected Devices segment reported a revenue increase of 24% year over year, reaching $405 million in Q3 2025, driven by strong demand for the TASER 10 and Axon Body 4 camera [2][5] - The TASER and Personal Sensors businesses grew by 17% and 20%, respectively, while the Platform Solutions segment saw a remarkable 71% increase [2] Product Innovations - The TASER 10 and Axon Body 4 camera are key contributors to Axon's success, featuring advanced capabilities that have led to strong order volumes [3] - The Axon Body 4 camera includes bi-directional communication and a point-of-view camera module, supporting the expansion of Axon's product portfolio [3] Market Position - Despite a slight decrease of 0.52% in stock price, Axon's market capitalization remains robust at approximately $43.75 billion [4][5] - The stock has traded between $546.64 and $569.04, with a 52-week high of $885.92 and a low of $469.24, indicating active investor interest with a trading volume of 823,617 shares on NASDAQ [4]

Core Viewpoint - Axon Enterprise, Inc. is a leading provider of public safety technology, expanding its product portfolio and experiencing significant revenue growth in various segments [1][3]. Company Performance - RBC Capital initiated coverage on Axon with an "Outperform" rating, noting a stock price of $554.37 at the time of initiation [2][6]. - The Connected Devices segment saw a 24% year-over-year revenue increase to $405 million in Q3 2025, driven by demand for TASER 10 and Body 4 products [2][6]. - The TASER and Personal Sensors businesses grew by 17% and 20%, respectively, while the Platform Solutions segment experienced a 71% increase [3]. Market Sentiment - Wall Street analysts have a positive outlook on Axon, with an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.45, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy [4]. - Out of 19 brokerage firms, 13 rated Axon as a Strong Buy and three as a Buy, reflecting strong investor interest [4]. Stock Performance - As of the latest data, AXON's stock price is $554.37, with a slight decrease of 0.52% or $2.92 [5]. - The stock has traded between $546.64 and $569.04 on the day, with a market capitalization of approximately $43.75 billion [5].

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON) is experiencing strong performance in its Connected Devices segment, driven by robust demand for its TASER 10 products and other advanced technologies [1][4] Segment Performance - The Connected Devices segment's revenues increased by 24% year over year, reaching $405 million in Q3 2025, with TASER and Personal Sensors businesses growing by 17% and 20%, respectively, while Platform Solutions surged by 71% [3][8] - The introduction of the Axon Body 4 body-worn camera in April 2023 has led to strong orders, contributing positively to segment growth [2] Market Demand - The demand for Axon's public safety technologies is expected to remain strong due to rising global terrorism and criminal activities, positioning the Connected Devices portfolio for sustained growth [4] Peer Comparison - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. reported a 23% year-over-year revenue increase in its Government Solutions segment, while Teledyne Technologies Incorporated's Digital Imaging segment saw a 2.2% increase [5][6] Valuation and Estimates - Axon is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 72.59X, which is above the industry average of 46.27X, and it carries a Value Score of F [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Axon's fourth-quarter 2025 earnings has decreased by 0.6% over the past 60 days [11]

Core Insights - Axon Enterprise, Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $1.17 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.63, with a year-over-year decrease of 19.3% due to rising operating costs and expenses [1][6] Revenue Performance - Total revenues reached $710.6 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $700 million, and reflecting a 31% year-over-year increase driven by strong demand for TASER 10, Axon Body 4, and counter-drone equipment, along with growing adoption of premium software solutions [2] Business Segment Performance - **Connected Devices**: Revenues increased by 23.6% year over year to $405.4 million, driven by demand for TASER 10 devices and Axon Body 4, although adjusted gross margin decreased to 52.1% from 54.5% [4] - **Software & Services**: Revenues surged 41.1% year over year to $305.2 million, supported by an increase in users and premium software adoption, with adjusted gross margin improving to 76.8% from 76.3% [5] Margin Profile - Cost of sales rose 32.7% year over year to $283.3 million, while total operating expenses climbed 40% to $429.5 million, leading to a decrease in adjusted gross margin to 62.7% from 63.2% [6] Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - At the end of Q3 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.42 billion, a significant increase from $454.8 million at the end of 2024. However, net cash used from operating activities was $5.9 million compared to $158.1 million generated in the previous year [7] - Adjusted free cash flow was negative $71.4 million in the first nine months of 2025, down from $117.5 million in the prior-year period [8] Outlook - For Q4 2025, Axon anticipates revenues between $750 million and $755 million, indicating a 31% increase at the midpoint, with projected adjusted EBITDA of $178-$182 million [9] - For the full year 2025, revenues are expected to be around $2.74 billion, reflecting approximately 31% year-over-year growth, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of about 25% [11] Major Developments - Axon signed a definitive agreement to acquire Carbyne for $625 million, expected to close in Q1 2026, pending customary closing conditions [13]