Latest news with #TASER
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Axon Enterprise Trades Near 52-Week High: Should You Buy Now or Wait?
Shares of Axon Enterprise, Inc. AXON have been showing impressive gains of late, trading close to its 52-week high of $765.00. The stock closed at $758.57 on Monday, 0.8% below the highest point. Shares of the conducted energy devices (CEDs) manufacturer have surged 27.7% year to date, outpacing the Zacks sub-industry's and the S&P 500's growth of 14.4% and 0.1%, company's peers, including Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. KTOS and Teledyne Technologies Incorporated TDY, have gained 44.2% and 6.5%, respectively, over the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The stock is also trading above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating solid upward momentum and price stability. This reflects a positive market sentiment and confidence in the company's financial health and long-term prospects. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The strongest driver of Axon Enterprise's business at the moment is solid momentum in its Connected Devices segment. The segment's revenues increased 26.1% year over year in the first quarter of 2025. The company continues to witness growing popularity for its next-generation TASER 10 products, whose shipment began in 2023. Growth in cartridge revenues, driven by the higher adoption of the TASER products, has been driving the segment's Enterprise introduced its next-generation body-worn camera, Axon Body 4, in April 2023. With upgraded features such as a bi-directional communications facility and a point-of-view camera module option, this body camera is generating significant demand, thus bolstering the segment's growth. Shipment of this body camera began in June 2023 and the customer response has been impressive so increase in the aggregate number of users to the Axon Enterprise network is aiding the Software & Services segment. After witnessing a year-over-year 33.4% jump in 2024, revenues from the segment also increased 39% in the first quarter. Continued momentum in digital evidence management and increased demand for premium add-on features are driving the segment's of premium subscription plans also continues to rise as more customers recognize the value of enhanced capabilities. This ongoing expansion supports a growing base of annual recurring revenues (ARR). Strong customer alignment, broader adoption across sectors and continuous product innovation led Axon Enterprise to raise its guidance for now expects revenues to be in the band of $2.60-$2.70 billion compared with $2.55-$2.65 billion expected earlier, indicating growth of approximately 27% year over year at the company's strategic partnership with other companies enables it to expand its product offerings and customer base. In June 2024, Axon Enterprise entered into a partnership with Skydio (a leading U.S. drone manufacturer) to introduce a comprehensive line of drones in public safety that includes a scalable Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution. The combined offering will support the company's DFR programs across its customer base and strengthen its market position in this category. Axon Enterprise's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is indicative of its growth potential. ROE for the trailing 12 months is 21.98%, higher than the industry's 11.08%. This reflects the company's efficient usage of shareholder funds. In comparison, ROE for its peers, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Teledyne Technologies, is pegged at 5.68% and 9.95%, respectively. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Earnings estimates for AXON have moved north over the past 30 days, reflecting analysts' optimism. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.)The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at $6.15 per share, reflecting an increase of 0.7% in the past 30 days. The figure indicates year-over-year growth of 3.5%. The consensus mark for 2026 earnings is pinned at $7.55 per share, increasing 0.3% in the past 30 days. The figure also indicates year-over-year growth of 22.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Despite the positives, the escalating costs and expenses are a concern for Axon Enterprise's bottom line. In 2024, its cost of sales soared 39% year over year on higher wages and stock-based compensation expenses. The metric, as a percentage of sales, was 40.4% in the year, up 160 basis points. The trend followed in first-quarter 2025, with the cost of sales increasing 18.2% year over year. Also, the company's quarterly selling, general and administrative expenses increased 48% year over year. AXON's lofty valuation remains another concern. The stock is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 112.59X, significantly higher than the industry average of 42.04X. This elevated valuation could make the stock vulnerable to further pullbacks if market sentiment sours. In comparison with AXON's valuation, Kratos Defense & Security and Teledyne Technologies are trading at 67.16X and 22.07X. Strong momentum across the Connected Devices and Software & Services segments, along with its investments in the AI space, drones and robotics, positions AXON favorably for impressive growth in the long run. Also, its collaboration with other companies to enhance public safety offerings and positive earnings estimates instill investor confidence. However, a few challenges, such as escalating operating expenses and premium valuation, are limiting this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company's near-term current shareholders should hold their positions, new investors should wait for the stock to retract some of its recent gains and provide a better entry point. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (TDY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Axon Enterprise, Inc (AXON) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SLCPD releases bodycam footage from officer-involved shooting along train tracks
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SALT LAKE CITY () — Roughly two weeks after an , the Salt Lake City Police Department has released body camera footage from the night of May 12. Carlos Felipe Ocampo-Flores, 18, has been identified as the suspect. He is facing 12 charges, including one count of failure to respond to officers' signal to stop, a third-degree felony; three counts of assault on a peace officer, all class A misdemeanors; and numerous other charges. According to the bodycam footage, approximately three shots were fired at the suspect before an officer used a TASER on him. The suspect was taken to the hospital with injuries after the shooting and later released on May 23, and he was taken into custody after being discharged. PREVIOUSLY: SLCPD identify suspect in officer-involved shooting on May 12 On May 12, around 11 p.m., two officers attempted to perform a traffic stop after seeing a car 'driving without working lights,' according to SLCPD. Ocampo-Flores is accused of accelerating past several cars at a train crossing, driving through the crossing, and losing control of the vehicle. The suspect reportedly crashed into several parked vehicles and a pole before being abandoned near 70 South 600 West. Officers searched the vehicle and found 'a small amount of marijuana.' Shortly before midnight, an officer observed a man, later identified as Ocampo-Flores, running along nearby train tracks. The officer reportedly gave several commands to stop, and the officer yelled at Ocampo-Flores not to reach for his waistband. SLCPD said the footage shows the suspect raising his right hand but holding his left arm across his waist. 'The suspect maintained his hand near his waistband area while keeping his other hand raised – appearing to have an unknown object in his hand while taking an aggressive posture,' SLCPD said. After that point, the officer fired their weapon, causing Ocampo-Flores to fall. SLCPD said the suspect appeared to throw something at the responding officer, and when additional officers arrived, the suspect was Tased. Ocampo-Flores was taken to a local hospital in stable condition and discharged on May 23. After being discharged, Ocampo-Flores was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. The officer who fired at the suspect is on paid administrative leave. Ocampo-Flores is facing the following charges: 1 count of failure to respond to officers' signal to stop, a third-degree felony 1 count of failure to stop at the command of law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor 3 counts of assault on peace officer or military service member in uniform, all class A misdemeanors 2 counts of assault/threat of violence on healthcare provider/EMS, both class B misdemeanors 1 count of failure to comply with duties at vehicle accident/property damage, a class B misdemeanor 1 count of possession or use of a controlled substance, a class B misdemeanor 1 count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor 1 count of interfering with a peace officer, a class B misdemeanor 1 count of reckless driving, a class B misdemeanor Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's Why Baron Discovery Fund Sold Axon Enterprise (AXON)
Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its 'Baron Discovery Fund' first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the first quarter, the fund was down 6.17% (Institutional Shares), outperforming the -11.12% return for the Russell 2000 Growth Index. The market began strong in February but faded due to Trump's serious tariff enactment, which the market perceives as inflationary and slowing economic growth. The decline accelerated after April 2nd, causing fears of a trade war and global recession. In addition, please check the fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron Discovery Fund highlighted stocks such as Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON). Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) manufactures conducted energy devices (CEDs) under the TASER brand. The one-month return of Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) was 33.63%, and its shares gained 157.79% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On May 19, 2025, Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) stock closed at $742.32 per share with a market capitalization of $57.788 billion. Baron Discovery Fund stated the following regarding Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "We will miss our investment in Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON). Axon is a truly fantastic company, with an incredible management team, and has been one of the best investments we have ever made. Our rationale in selling our investment was two-fold. First, we believed at the time we sold that valuation had exceeded our long-term estimates. Second, the company's market capitalization at over $50 billion had become too large for our small-cap mandate. The Fund's investors reaped huge returns from Axon. Our initial investment in January 2022 was made when the company traded at $128 per share, with our last sale at over $700 per share. This is exactly the type of company we want to find, and we believe it benefits our investors that we have the flexibility to hold companies even as they become mid-caps as long as the overall market cap in the Fund remains in the small-cap domain. Our work on this investment has also benefited other Baron Funds that continue to hold the investment, and we suspect that this will become an even larger company over time." A technician in a white coat testing an in-car system on a modern military vehicle. Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 64 hedge fund portfolios held Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) at the end of the fourth quarter compared to 46 in the third quarter. In the first quarter, Axon Enterprise, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AXON) revenue grew 31% year-over-year to $604 million. While we acknowledge the potential of Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the undervalued AI stock set for massive gains. In another article, we covered Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXON) and shared the list of stocks with consistent growth you want to buy. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: Michael Burry Is Selling These Stocks and A New Dawn Is Coming to US Stocks. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
TASER maker Axon raises annual revenue forecast, shares jump
People gathers at the Axon booth on the exhibit floor during the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in San Diego, California, U.S.,October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake (Reuters) -TASER maker Axon Enterprise raised its full-year revenue forecast on Wednesday, banking on sustained demand for its software products and security devices, sending its shares up more than 7% after the bell. The Arizona-based company makes law enforcement technology such as body cameras, drones and sensors. Axon expects 2025 revenue to be between $2.60 billion and $2.70 billion, compared with its prior range of $2.55 billion to $2.65 billion. Analysts on average estimate of $2.62 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company is the leading maker of police body cameras in the U.S. and supplies drones to law enforcement authorities across North America, Europe and Australia. Capital expenditure for the year is expected to be in the range of $160 million to $180 million, excluding costs related to investments in a new headquarters, the company said. On an adjusted basis, Axon earned $1.41 per share for the first quarter ended March 31, while analysts estimated $1.27 per share. Its quarterly revenue was $603.6 million, compared with the estimate of $583.8 million. (Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta and Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TASER maker Axon raises annual revenue forecast, shares jump
(Reuters) -TASER maker Axon Enterprise raised its full-year revenue forecast on Wednesday, banking on sustained demand for its software products and security devices, sending its shares up more than 7% after the bell. The Arizona-based company makes law enforcement technology such as body cameras, drones and sensors. Axon expects 2025 revenue to be between $2.60 billion and $2.70 billion, compared with its prior range of $2.55 billion to $2.65 billion. Analysts on average estimate of $2.62 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company is the leading maker of police body cameras in the U.S. and supplies drones to law enforcement authorities across North America, Europe and Australia. Capital expenditure for the year is expected to be in the range of $160 million to $180 million, excluding costs related to investments in a new headquarters, the company said. On an adjusted basis, Axon earned $1.41 per share for the first quarter ended March 31, while analysts estimated $1.27 per share. Its quarterly revenue was $603.6 million, compared with the estimate of $583.8 million. (Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta and Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
