Axon Enterprise Fundamentals Supports the Upside Trend; Here’s Why

Axon Enterprise

Axon Enterprise Inc (NASDAQ: AAXN) provide a network of devices, apps, and people, to aid law enforcement agencies. 

AAXN shares hit the new 52-week high of $34 today after the company has topped the revenue and earnings expectations for the fourth quarter. Additionally, Axon Enterprise added to trader’s sentiments amid a stronger than expected outlook for fiscal 2018. AAXN stock soared close to 26% today, pushing the stock price to $34 and setting the solid uptrend for the following quarters.

Axon Enterprise

Source Image: finviz.com

The company posted a record revenue of $344 million in fiscal 2018, up almost 28% from the past year. Its fourth-quarter revenue of $94.7 million increased 15% year-over-year, exceeding the consensus estimate by $5.27 million.

Its TASER Weapons revenue extended the momentum in the fourth quarter – up 10% to $64.4 million from the same period last year. Higher demand and favorable mix enhanced the gross margin above 70% from 69% in Q4 2016.

Axon partnered with Microsoft and that helped to win several contracts from major city police agencies. This improved its Software & Sensors segment revenue to $30.2 million in Q4 2017 – a growth of 27% year-over-year. Furthermore, the gross margin from this segment improved to 57% from 38% in the prior year period.

Solid Outlook Supports the Uptrend

The company’s investment in products and features expanded its market share, resulting in strong demand for its TASER Weapons and Software & Sensors segment.  Its bookings jumped to $71.2M, while future contracted revenue grew to $536M compared to $494M in Q3 – the full year annual bookings improved 15% Y/Y.

The company said, “Its Q1 2018 is off to a strong start for new orders, including its second largest body camera deployment of 11K to Australia’s Victoria Police backed by Evidence.com.”

The company expects revenue in the range of $399M-$406M for FY2018, relative to analysts estimates of $39M. Although the sharp rally in the AAXN share price increased its valuations from the industry averages, the prospects for revenue growth could be the catalyst for upside trend.

Featured Image: Twitter

About the author: Based in Saudi Arabia, Siraj has a strong understanding of and passion for accounting and finance. He has worked for international clients for many years on several projects related to the stock market, equity research and other business, accounting and finance related projects. Siraj is a published financial analyst on the world's leading websites including SeekingAlpha, TheStreet, MSN, and others.