Axon(AXON) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter revenue reached $711 million, a 31% year-over-year increase, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of 30% or greater growth [31] - Software and services revenue increased 41% year-over-year to $305 million, driven by both new and existing customers [31] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew 41% to $1.3 billion, with a strong net revenue retention rate of 124% [32] - Adjusted gross margin was 62.7%, a decrease of 50 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to tariffs [33] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 24.9%, reflecting the impact of tariffs and planned increased R&D investments [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Connected Devices revenue grew 24% year-over-year to $405 million, reflecting broad-based demand [32] - TASER revenue increased by 17%, led by TASER 10, while Personal Sensors grew 20% driven by Axon Body 4 [32] - Platform Solutions revenue surged 71%, driven by Counter Drone, Virtual Reality, and Fleet [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date bookings were up over 30%, with significant contributions from corrections and international markets [28] - International deals included a notable nine-figure cloud deal in Europe, indicating a shift in some countries towards cloud products [28][67] - The company reported strong growth in the corrections segment, with year-to-date bookings up more than 2x from last year [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its ecosystem, particularly through the integration of Prepared and Carbine, which are expected to enhance 911 call response capabilities [10][20] - The strategy includes leveraging AI to improve communication and response times in emergency situations, aiming to create a more efficient and connected public safety system [16][44] - The company is also investing in new product lines and acquisitions to drive long-term growth and innovation [34][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving another record year in 2026, with expectations for continued strong growth driven by AI tools and efficient decentralized ownership [29][92] - The company highlighted the importance of customer success as a key driver of its own success, emphasizing a relentless focus on customer needs [22][23] - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs but maintained a positive outlook on gross margins as the software business continues to grow [33][108] Other Important Information - The company is excited about the upcoming launch of the Axon Body Workforce Mini, which is expected to significantly expand its enterprise opportunities [20][72] - Recent acquisitions, including Prepared and Carbine, are seen as strategic moves to enhance the company's capabilities in the 911 space and voice communications [20][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI's contribution to total bookings and any delays in contract decisions - Management confirmed that bookings growth is expected to remain strong, with a belief that high thirties year-over-year growth will continue into Q4 [39][40] Question: Rationale behind acquiring Prepared and Carbine - The acquisitions are aimed at enhancing the company's ecosystem, particularly in the 911 space, where there is significant room for innovation and improvement [42][46] Question: Interplay between software and services, and connected devices - Management indicated that software and services are expected to continue growing at a higher-than-average rate, driven by increasing user counts and upselling [50][54] Question: International deals and pipeline outlook - Management reported strong momentum in international markets, particularly in Europe, with expectations for continued growth [66][70] Question: Competitive landscape for body cameras and response to Motorola's new product - Management emphasized a focus on their own product development and customer satisfaction, asserting confidence in their body camera offerings [84][86] Question: Guidance for Q4 revenue acceleration and backlog - Management expressed strong visibility into Q4 bookings and confidence in achieving a significant bookings quarter [88][90]