Taser International Inc. (TASR) opened at 13.20. So far today, the stock has hit a low of 10.11 and a high of 13.45. TASR is now trading at 11.20, down 2.08 (-15.76%). The stock hit its 52 week high of 19.36 in July and set its 52 week low of 7.44 in March. TASR has been moving upwards for most of the past year. Stinger Systems Inc. (STIY) announced today that has sent documents to the United States Patent and Trademark Office requesting a reexamination of Taser International's intellectual property. Technical indicators for the stock are bearish and steady. If you’re looking for a hedged play on this stock, consider a February bear-call credit spread above the $15 range. TASR stock could rise up to 33.9% before expiration and this position would still be profitable. [RHF - Seven Summits Strategic Investments NewsBite]
TASER International, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:TASR) just like every other stock has fallen due to the massive market drop. Now that TASER shares are just $1 away from a new 52-week low and selling at $8.45, it's time to review if there is a possible buying opportunity. Over the last 3 months TASR shares are down 51% and the only reason besides this bear market are the lawsuits being thrown out on a daily basis.
Taser International Inc. said back on Nov 14th that they tased three "significant" orders from law-enforcement agencies in Texas, Virginia and Tennessee. The Houston police department ordered 480 X26 electronic weapons and accessories; the police department in Suffolk, Va., ordered 140 of the stun guns and 140 cameras; and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department in Chattanooga, Tenn., ordered 110 stun guns and 110 camera systems.
Taser doesn't report earnings until next month, but YTD things are going very well:
In Millions of USD (except for per share items)
3 months Ending 2007-09-30
3 months Ending 2007-06-30
3 months Ending 2007-03-31
3 months Ending 2006-12-31
3 months Ending 2006-09-30
Revenue
28.53
25.86
15.30
19.29
18.31
Other Revenue, Total
-
-
-
-
-
Total Revenue
28.53
25.86
15.30
19.29
18.31
Cost of Revenue, Total
12.53
10.33
6.41
7.09
6.68
Gross Profit
16.01
15.53
8.89
12.20
11.63
So if you not buying guns and night sticks, you buy Tasers. TASER's competition? That would be Stinger Systems Inc. (OTCBB:STIY) and if you never heard of them that's because no one is buying their product. Fellow Masters, TASER owns the market place for non lethal force and they have solutions for the general public, law enforcement, and the military.
Co-founders Rick Smith and Tom Smith formed AIR TASER, Inc. in 1993 with the initial TASER inventor Jack Cover. In 1998 AIR TASER, Inc. became TASER International, Inc. in response to the Company's international expansion and increased market share. TASER International, Inc. became a public company in May 2001, and began public trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol TASR.
TASER doesn't have to worry about any significant players stealing their market share right now and that selling point is not priced in today's $8.22 share price (and falling).
However investing in anything right now is tough to do and buying a new stock is not on most people yet alone investors "to do" list. What I don't like about the stock is the 25% Short float as of Dec 11th, which combined with horrible trading conditions is pushing shares down.
The bottom line: Keep an eye on TASER shares and when we cross a new 52-week low I would suggest taking a serious look at TASR shares and making the proper risk/reward call for your portfolio.
Article written by Ted Gottsegen
Contributor at TheStockMasters.com
Disclaimer: The Author does not hold any positions or shares in the securities mentioned in this publication.