TASER (TASR) Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, Bookings Surge

TASER International Inc.’s (NASDAQ:TASR) first-quarter 2016 earnings came in at 6 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 3 cents by 100%. This Scottsdale, AZ-based company’s earnings were however down 53.8% year over year. The downside was mainly driven by higher operating expenses.

Total Revenue

In the quarter, the company generated revenues of $55.5 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $52 million by 6.7%. The reported number also increased 24.1% from the first quarter of 2015. The upside was attributable to higher sales from the TASER Weapon as well as Axon segments.

Revenues from the TASER Weapons segment jumped 19.5% year over year to $45.8 million.

AXON and EVIDENCE.com revenues surged 51% to $9.7 million. Segment bookings increased 16.5% to $52.1 million as of Mar 31, 2016, from $44.7 million at 2015 end. Bookings also surged 126.8% year over year in the quarter.

Highlights of the Quarter

The company’s gross margin contracted 20 basis points year over year to 66.5%.

Sales, general and administrative expenses increased $10.3 million year over year to $24.8 million.

Total operating expenses increased 66.1% year over year to $31.8 million.

Financials

The company had cash and cash equivalents of $53.4 million as of Mar 31, 2016, compared with $59.5 million as of Dec 31, 2015. Net cash from operating activities was $7.1 million in the quarter, down from $13 million a year ago. Free cash flow was $5.7 million, down from $12.5 million a year ago.

Zacks Rank

TASER currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors can consider Alarm.Com Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALRM) , ASSA ABLOY AB (OTC:ASAZY) and SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ:SPCB) , all with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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