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VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Aerospace & Defense
Security & Protection Services
VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace & Defense | Aerospace & Defense | Security & Protection Services |
| Market Cap | $49M | $34.40B | $2M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $24M | $2.98B | $19M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-586K | $206M | $-11M |
| Gross Margin | 68.0% | 59.3% | 25.2% |
| Operating Margin | 2.2% | 1.3% | -68.3% |
| Forward P/E | 36.5x | 55.0x | — |
| Total Debt | $8M | $1.91B | $9M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $18M | $1.20B | $454K |
VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) | 100 | 193.0 | +93.0% |
| Axon Enterprise, In… (AXON) | 100 | 562.0 | +462.0% |
| Digital Ally, Inc. (DGLY) | 100 | 0.0 | -100.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
VTSI is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.73, Low D/E 18.1%, current ratio 4.61x
- Better valuation composite
- -2.4% vs DGLY's -73.9%
AXON carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- beta 1.19
- Rev growth 33.5%, EPS growth -68.5%, 3Y rev CAGR 32.7%
- 22.0% 10Y total return vs VTSI's 51.0%
DGLY plays a supporting role in this comparison — it may shine differently against other peers.
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 33.5% revenue growth vs VTSI's -32.1% | |
| Value | Better valuation composite | |
| Quality / Margins | 6.9% margin vs DGLY's -59.7% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.19 vs DGLY's 3.58 | |
| Dividends | Tie | None of these 3 stocks pay a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | -2.4% vs DGLY's -73.9% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 3.1% ROA vs DGLY's -42.8%, ROIC -1.3% vs -114.7% |
VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 3 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Who Leads Where
VTSI leads in 1 of 6 categories
AXON leads 1 • DGLY leads 0 • 3 tied
Explore the data ↓Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — VTSI and AXON each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
AXON is the larger business by revenue, generating $3.0B annually — 160.3x DGLY's $19M. AXON is the more profitable business, keeping 6.9% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to DGLY's -59.7%. On growth, AXON holds the edge at +33.7% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $24M | $3.0B | $19M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $2M | $97M | -$11M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$585,514 | $206M | -$11M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $1M | $20M | -$11M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +68.0% | +59.3% | +25.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +2.2% | +1.3% | -68.3% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -2.4% | +6.9% | -59.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +5.6% | +0.7% | -57.7% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -28.5% | +33.7% | +0.3% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -157.5% | +89.8% | -84.5% |
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — VTSI and DGLY each lead in 2 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 36.5x trailing earnings, VTSI trades at a 87% valuation discount to AXON's 282.7x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, VTSI's 11.6x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than AXON's 1664.9x.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $49M | $34.4B | $2M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $40M | $35.1B | $11M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 36.50x | 282.71x | -0.23x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 54.97x | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 11.61x | 1664.88x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.88x | 12.37x | 0.12x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.07x | 13.16x | — |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 458.11x | — |
Profitability & Efficiency
VTSI leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
AXON delivers a 6.6% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $7 in annual profit, vs $-136 for DGLY. VTSI carries lower financial leverage with a 0.18x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to AXON's 0.59x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), AXON scores 6/9 vs DGLY's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -1.3% | +6.6% | -136.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -0.9% | +3.1% | -42.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +4.3% | -1.3% | -114.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +3.6% | -1.5% | -135.2% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.18x | 0.59x | — |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$10M | $709M | $8M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $18M | $1.2B | $454,314 |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $8M | $1.9B | $9M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | 1.18x | -3.40x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
AXON leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in AXON five years ago would be worth $31,683 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $0 for DGLY. Over the past 12 months, VTSI leads with a -2.4% total return vs DGLY's -73.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors AXON at 24.4% vs DGLY's -94.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -0.7% | -24.2% | +93.9% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -2.4% | -29.1% | -73.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -21.8% | +92.4% | -100.0% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -22.5% | +216.8% | -100.0% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +51.0% | +2200.0% | -100.0% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -7.9% | +24.4% | -94.2% |
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — VTSI and AXON each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
AXON is the less volatile stock with a 1.19 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than DGLY's 3.58 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. VTSI currently trades 58.6% from its 52-week high vs DGLY's 8.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.73x | 1.19x | 3.58x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $7.47 | $885.92 | $15.61 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.55 | $339.01 | $0.60 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +58.6% | +48.2% | +8.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 53.4 | 40.5 | 42.6 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 57K | 1.0M | 161K |
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy | — |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $726.71 | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 21 | — |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | — | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
VTSI leads in 1 of 6 categories (Profitability & Efficiency). AXON leads in 1 (Total Returns). 3 tied.
VTSI vs AXON vs DGLY: Key Questions Answered
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is VTSI or AXON or DGLY a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Axon Enterprise, Inc.
(AXON) is the stronger pick with 33. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -32. 1% for VirTra, Inc. (VTSI). VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) offers the better valuation at 36. 5x trailing P/E, making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON) a "Buy" — based on 21 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — VTSI or AXON or DGLY?
On trailing P/E, VirTra, Inc.
(VTSI) is the cheapest at 36. 5x versus Axon Enterprise, Inc. at 282. 7x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — VTSI or AXON or DGLY?
Over the past 5 years, Axon Enterprise, Inc.
(AXON) delivered a total return of +216. 8%, compared to -100. 0% for Digital Ally, Inc. (DGLY). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: AXON returned +22. 0% versus DGLY's -100. 0%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — VTSI or AXON or DGLY?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Axon Enterprise, Inc.
(AXON) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 19β versus Digital Ally, Inc. 's 3. 58β — meaning DGLY is approximately 200% more volatile than AXON relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 18% versus 59% for Axon Enterprise, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — VTSI or AXON or DGLY?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Axon Enterprise, Inc.
(AXON) is pulling ahead at 33. 5% versus -32. 1% for VirTra, Inc. (VTSI). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Digital Ally, Inc. grew EPS 39. 5% year-over-year, compared to -84. 4% for VirTra, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, AXON leads at 32. 7% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — VTSI or AXON or DGLY?
VirTra, Inc.
(VTSI) is the more profitable company, earning 5. 2% net margin versus -101. 0% for Digital Ally, Inc. — meaning it keeps 5. 2% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: VTSI leads at 7. 6% versus -77. 4% for DGLY. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — VTSI leads at 73. 7%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Which pays a better dividend — VTSI or AXON or DGLY?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
08Is VTSI or AXON or DGLY better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Axon Enterprise, Inc.
(AXON) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 19)). Digital Ally, Inc. (DGLY) carries a higher beta of 3. 58 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (AXON: +22. 0%, DGLY: -100. 0%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
09What are the main differences between VTSI and AXON and DGLY?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: VTSI is a small-cap quality compounder stock; AXON is a mid-cap high-growth stock; DGLY is a small-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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