FBI Reports 13.9% Increase in Firearm Background Checks in March
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Should l Buy SWBI?
Source: seekingalpha
- Background Check Surge: The FBI reported a 13.9% month-over-month increase in firearm background checks in March, totaling 2,450,414, indicating a short-term market rebound despite a 4.8% year-over-year decline.
- Historical Highs: March 2021 saw an all-time high of 4,691,738 background checks, with subsequent declines reflecting market volatility and shifts in consumer confidence over the years.
- Future Demand Outlook: Industry insiders anticipate that firearm demand in 2026 will be broadly similar to 2025, facing macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending pressures rather than a collapse in underlying interest.
- Stock Market Implications: Stocks related to firearm demand, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger, are under scrutiny as the market watches for developments in new products and strategic initiatives that could influence their performance.
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Analyst Views on SWBI
Wall Street analysts forecast SWBI stock price to fall
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 14.330
Low
11.00
Averages
11.00
High
11.00
Current: 14.330
Low
11.00
Averages
11.00
High
11.00
About SWBI
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. is a manufacturer and designer of firearms. The Company is engaged in delivering a portfolio of handgun, long gun, and suppressor products to the global consumer and professional markets under the Smith & Wesson and Gemtech brands. It sells its products to a variety of customers, including firearm enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and throughout the world. It also provides forging and machining services to third parties. It manufactures its products at its facilities in Maryville, Tennessee; Springfield, Massachusetts, and Houlton, Maine. Its products include BodyGuard 2.0, a micro handgun concealed carry pistol; several variants of its Model 1854 Lever-Action Rifle series; M&P FPC in 40 caliber and 10mm; the CSX E-Series; no-lock Classic revolvers and Ultimate Carry revolvers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
FBI Reports 13.9% Increase in Firearm Background Checks in March
- Background Check Surge: The FBI reported a 13.9% month-over-month increase in firearm background checks in March, totaling 2,450,414, indicating a short-term market rebound despite a 4.8% year-over-year decline.
- Historical Highs: March 2021 saw an all-time high of 4,691,738 background checks, with subsequent declines reflecting market volatility and shifts in consumer confidence over the years.
- Future Demand Outlook: Industry insiders anticipate that firearm demand in 2026 will be broadly similar to 2025, facing macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending pressures rather than a collapse in underlying interest.
- Stock Market Implications: Stocks related to firearm demand, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger, are under scrutiny as the market watches for developments in new products and strategic initiatives that could influence their performance.
See More
Smith & Wesson Reports Strong Q3 FY2026 Earnings with Revenue Surge
- Significant Revenue Growth: Smith & Wesson reported Q3 FY2026 revenue of $135.7 million, reflecting a 17.1% year-over-year increase that surpassed the consensus estimate of $112.8 million, indicating strong performance in the firearms market.
- Earnings Per Share Improvement: The adjusted EPS reached $0.08, doubling from $0.03 a year ago and exceeding Wall Street's expectation of $0.04, primarily driven by an expanded gross margin of 26.2%, which increased by 210 basis points.
- Cash Flow Improvement: Operating cash flow improved significantly to $20.5 million, a $30.3 million year-over-year swing, mainly due to a $7.9 million reduction in inventory, showcasing effective inventory management by the company.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management guided for a 10%-12% increase in net sales for Q4 FY2026, citing continued market share growth and new product launches, indicating the company's competitive strength in a stable market.
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Smith & Wesson Declares Quarterly Dividend with 3.83% Yield
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Smith & Wesson Brands (SWBI) declares a quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 3.83% reflects the company's appeal in the current market environment, potentially boosting shareholder confidence and encouraging long-term stock holding.
- Sales Growth Outlook: The company expects Q4 sales growth of 10% to 12%, driven by strong momentum in handgun sales, which will further enhance the company's performance outlook.
- Positive Cash Flow: Smith & Wesson turned free cash flow positive in Q3, indicating that the company has resumed normal operations following its relocation, and is poised to continue improving its financial position and increasing shareholder returns.
See More
Marvell Technology Surges After Strong Q4 Earnings Report
- Strong Earnings Report: Marvell Technology reported fourth-quarter revenue of $2.22 billion, slightly exceeding the market consensus of $2.21 billion, indicating robust performance in the semiconductor sector and reinforcing its market position.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: Adjusted earnings came in at $0.80 per share, surpassing the expected $0.79, demonstrating significant progress in cost control and operational efficiency, which enhances investor confidence.
- Significant Stock Surge: Following the positive earnings report, Marvell's stock price jumped 18.4% to $89.56 during Friday's trading session, reflecting optimistic market expectations regarding the company's future growth potential.
- Positive Market Reaction: Despite a broader market decline with the Dow Jones index falling around 500 points, Marvell's strong earnings attracted investor attention, showcasing its resilience in an uncertain market environment.
See More
Smith & Wesson Stock Rises 11.2% in Premarket Trading Following Q3 Sales Increase
- Company Performance: Smith & Wesson's shares increased by 11.2% following a rise in sales reported for the third quarter.
- Market Reaction: The pre-market response indicates positive investor sentiment towards the company's financial results.
See More
Smith & Wesson Exceeds Q3 Earnings Expectations
- Significant Sales Growth: Smith & Wesson reported third-quarter sales of $135.71 million, reflecting a 17.1% year-over-year increase, surpassing the market expectation of $125.59 million, indicating strong growth momentum in a competitive market.
- Improved Profitability: The company posted earnings per share of $0.08, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.05, showcasing enhanced cost control and operational efficiency, which boosts investor confidence in future profitability.
- Stock Price Surge: Following the earnings report, Smith & Wesson's shares jumped 10.8% in pre-market trading to $13.06, indicating a positive market reaction to its performance, potentially attracting more investor interest.
- Enhanced Market Outlook: The better-than-expected results may improve market optimism regarding the company's future performance, further driving stock price increases and strengthening its competitive position in the industry.
See More
FBI Reports 13.9% Increase in Firearm Background Checks in March
- Background Check Surge: The FBI reported a 13.9% month-over-month increase in firearm background checks in March, totaling 2,450,414, indicating a short-term market rebound despite a 4.8% year-over-year decline.
- Historical Highs: March 2021 saw an all-time high of 4,691,738 background checks, with subsequent declines reflecting market volatility and shifts in consumer confidence over the years.
- Future Demand Outlook: Industry insiders anticipate that firearm demand in 2026 will be broadly similar to 2025, facing macroeconomic challenges such as inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending pressures rather than a collapse in underlying interest.
- Stock Market Implications: Stocks related to firearm demand, including Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger, are under scrutiny as the market watches for developments in new products and strategic initiatives that could influence their performance.
See More
Smith & Wesson Reports Strong Q3 FY2026 Earnings with Revenue Surge
- Significant Revenue Growth: Smith & Wesson reported Q3 FY2026 revenue of $135.7 million, reflecting a 17.1% year-over-year increase that surpassed the consensus estimate of $112.8 million, indicating strong performance in the firearms market.
- Earnings Per Share Improvement: The adjusted EPS reached $0.08, doubling from $0.03 a year ago and exceeding Wall Street's expectation of $0.04, primarily driven by an expanded gross margin of 26.2%, which increased by 210 basis points.
- Cash Flow Improvement: Operating cash flow improved significantly to $20.5 million, a $30.3 million year-over-year swing, mainly due to a $7.9 million reduction in inventory, showcasing effective inventory management by the company.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Management guided for a 10%-12% increase in net sales for Q4 FY2026, citing continued market share growth and new product launches, indicating the company's competitive strength in a stable market.
See More
Smith & Wesson Declares Quarterly Dividend with 3.83% Yield
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Smith & Wesson Brands (SWBI) declares a quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 3.83% reflects the company's appeal in the current market environment, potentially boosting shareholder confidence and encouraging long-term stock holding.
- Sales Growth Outlook: The company expects Q4 sales growth of 10% to 12%, driven by strong momentum in handgun sales, which will further enhance the company's performance outlook.
- Positive Cash Flow: Smith & Wesson turned free cash flow positive in Q3, indicating that the company has resumed normal operations following its relocation, and is poised to continue improving its financial position and increasing shareholder returns.
See More
Marvell Technology Surges After Strong Q4 Earnings Report
- Strong Earnings Report: Marvell Technology reported fourth-quarter revenue of $2.22 billion, slightly exceeding the market consensus of $2.21 billion, indicating robust performance in the semiconductor sector and reinforcing its market position.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: Adjusted earnings came in at $0.80 per share, surpassing the expected $0.79, demonstrating significant progress in cost control and operational efficiency, which enhances investor confidence.
- Significant Stock Surge: Following the positive earnings report, Marvell's stock price jumped 18.4% to $89.56 during Friday's trading session, reflecting optimistic market expectations regarding the company's future growth potential.
- Positive Market Reaction: Despite a broader market decline with the Dow Jones index falling around 500 points, Marvell's strong earnings attracted investor attention, showcasing its resilience in an uncertain market environment.
See More
Smith & Wesson Stock Rises 11.2% in Premarket Trading Following Q3 Sales Increase
- Company Performance: Smith & Wesson's shares increased by 11.2% following a rise in sales reported for the third quarter.
- Market Reaction: The pre-market response indicates positive investor sentiment towards the company's financial results.
See More
Smith & Wesson Exceeds Q3 Earnings Expectations
- Significant Sales Growth: Smith & Wesson reported third-quarter sales of $135.71 million, reflecting a 17.1% year-over-year increase, surpassing the market expectation of $125.59 million, indicating strong growth momentum in a competitive market.
- Improved Profitability: The company posted earnings per share of $0.08, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.05, showcasing enhanced cost control and operational efficiency, which boosts investor confidence in future profitability.
- Stock Price Surge: Following the earnings report, Smith & Wesson's shares jumped 10.8% in pre-market trading to $13.06, indicating a positive market reaction to its performance, potentially attracting more investor interest.
- Enhanced Market Outlook: The better-than-expected results may improve market optimism regarding the company's future performance, further driving stock price increases and strengthening its competitive position in the industry.
See More
