VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTSI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTSI) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Transcript May 12, 2025

VirTra, Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $0.11, expectations were $0.01.

Operator: Good afternoon, and welcome to VirTra’s First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. My name is Maria, and I will be your operator for today’s call. Joining us for today’s presentation are the company’s CEO, John Givens; and CFO, Alanna Boudreau. Following their remarks, we will open the call for questions. Before we begin the call, I would like to provide VirTra’s Safe Harbor statement that includes cautions regarding forward-looking statements made during this call. During this presentation, management may discuss financial projections, information, or expectations about the company’s products and services, or markets or otherwise make statements about the future, which are forward-looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made.

The company does not undertake any obligation to update them as required by law. Finally, I’d like to remind everyone that this call will be made available for replay via a link in the investor relations section on the company’s website at www.virtra.com. Now, I’d like to turn the call over to VirTra’s CEO, Mr. John Givens. Thank you, and you may proceed, sir.

John Givens: Thank you, Maria, and thank you everyone for joining us this afternoon. After the markets closed today, we issued a press release that provided our financial results for the first quarter ending March 31st of 2025, along with the highlighted business accomplishments. We began the year with a continued focus on operational execution and saw encouraging signs across several areas. While the quarter was not without its challenges, we posted a return to GAAP profitability, strong gross margins, and continued progress in both sales efficiencies and operational scalability. In today’s environment where many customers are still facing delayed budget approvals and grant allocations, I view this as a positive step forward.

The broader operating environment, including economic uncertainty, shifting agency priorities and tightening government budget demands proactive focus and adaptability. At VirTra, we view these challenges as opportunities to sharpen our value proposition and reinforce our role as a trusted training partner. By aligning our offerings and high priority agency needs, anticipating procurement cycles and maintaining fiscal discipline, we continue to strengthen our market position, while delivering mission critical solutions that meet the evolving demands of law enforcement, military, and federal agencies. While it was a productive Q1, we remained fully aware of the macro headwinds shaping our customers’ decisions. The reality is that, many government agencies are still navigating uncertainty around appropriations and budget cuts.

Sales cycles are taking longer. In some cases, funding is being held back entirely, while internal reviews or leadership transitions play out. That said, training mandates are not going away. If anything, they are becoming more urgent. Agencies still need to demonstrate readiness, meet annual certification standards, and manage escalating risks within their communities. What’s changing is, how they plan for that training. We’re seeing more interest in flexible purchasing pathways, including subscription-based models like our STEP and bundled offerings that eliminate friction during the approval process. We believe that our immersive training solution and industry-leading content library are increasingly aligned with what agencies need in their environment, systems that are effective, affordable, and easy to deploy.

Our ability to support both large capital projects and reoccurring lower footprint programs allows us to remain engaged across a range of buyer profiles, even as broader spending softens. Despite ongoing pressures on federal and state agency budgets, we successfully expanded our presence through targeted engagements, disciplined pipeline management, and deep alignment with procurement schedules. Key actions include early coordination with agencies during their budgeting process, allowing us to shape requirements and provide tailored solutions aligned with upcoming funding allocations. For example, our government sales team collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies seeking to utilize fiscal year 2024, Byrne JAG and Homeland Security grant funding, positioning VirTra Systems as priority [Technical Difficulty].

Additionally, we strategically timed proposal submissions in alignment with key procurement windows such as DHS SAFER Grant and DOD’s Q1 obligation targets, resulting in increased quote activity and new contract awards. By maintaining active communications with procurement officers and leveraging our GSA schedule and social pathways where applicable, we minimize delays and maximize contract efficiencies. Alanna will walk you through in detail our financials. We ended Q1 with $6.4 million in bookings and a $21.2 million backlog. From a strategic standpoint, these numbers are encouraging as they show the trust our customers continue to place in VirTra, even amidst a slower contracting environment. So while the top line revenue can still fluctuate quarter to quarter based on delivery, timing and funding schedules, the underlying [engine] bookings, backlog and pipeline momentum, they continue to reinforce our forward trajectory.

We’ve made notable progress restructuring our sales organization. Entering the year, our key sales initiatives were to expand our high performing sales force, optimize sales efficiency, and increase our market presence through a revamped marketing strategy. In respect to our expanding our high performance sales force, we transitioned to a regional sales model with new leadership, improving both accountability and responsiveness across key territories. This structure ensures that our top performers are empowered to lead within their zones and that customers benefit from closer, more consistent engagement. In regards to optimizing sales efficiency, our team is now operating with more focus, supported by improved leadership management systems, refined outreach strategies, and clearer follow-up processes.

These changes are already driving higher quality engagements and shortening the average time between first contact and signed contract. To further reduce friction, we’ve entered the GSA, General Services Administration procurement channel in Q1. This enabled agencies at all levels of government to purchase directly from a pre-approved federal catalog, eliminating the need for lengthy negotiations. In tandem, we introduced standardized product bundles that streamline quoting and speed up fulfillment, improvements that enhance predictability and scalability across our pipeline. To increase our market presence, we’ve taken steps to improve our marketing function. We’ve started by overhauling our digital strategy, rebuilding our corporate website to improve usability and lead capture, enhancing how we track engagements from campaigns and increasing return on investment from partner platforms.

Early signs are encouraging, our team captured more than double the expected number of qualified leads at recent events like Border Expo and SHOT Show and we’re seeing increased traction from previously underperforming channels. VirTra continues to build a disciplined, data-driven approach to lead generation and customer acquisition with a sharp focus on maximizing return on investment. We have implemented structured lead capture methods supported by detailed systematic follow-up to ensure each opportunity is matured with purpose and clarity. This deliberate approach allows us to improve conversion rates, while maintaining a strong pipeline of qualified prospects. Our marketing efforts are guided by common sense, targeted campaigns that speak directly to the needs of law enforcement and military agencies.

These campaigns are closely aligned with our sales strategies, ensuring we are not only attracting the right leads, but doing so efficiently, fully aware of the cost required to capture and sustain each customer relationship. To this end, we’ve invested in specialized personnel with the expertise to design and execute these critical initiatives. We are also fostering a more collaborative relationship between sales, marketing and our customers. This integrated approach has led to increase internal alignment, improve messaging consistency, and more meaningful engagement throughout the customer journey. Through the use of our enhanced CRM reporting, we’ve added greater accountability and visibility, allowing us to track touch points, monitor performance, and continuously improve the customer experience.

As we move forward, this strategic focus on high quality lead generation, campaign precision, and customer alignment will be key to sustaining momentum and driving long-term growth. Our V-XR extended reality platform continues to generate growing interest. Two units have been sold to date with the first customer deliveries expected in Q2. Several more are in active quote discussions with customers responded positively to the system’s flexibility, accessibility, and immersive fidelity. We’re also working to expand headset compatibility and streamline deployment, ensuring the system scales efficiently across varied training environments. As we discussed in recent quarters, V-XR reflects our long-term strategy to lead the industry in next generation headset-based immersive training.

These early sales are encouraging and we’re actively gathering customer feedback to help refine the V-XR platform and support broader adoption. For many agencies, incorporating XR-based training into their long-term plans requires budget alignment, grant application updates, and internal approvals. VirTra will continue to play a key role in that process by helping agencies understand how V-XR meets evolving training mandates and equipping them with the data and documentation needed to pursue grant funding and approvals. We continue to focus on the V-XR content library, converting our massive scenario-based training for the use of our headset. We are receiving continued interest in the approach and we’ll see more sale conversion as funding lines start to flow.

Beyond the XR, we continue to strengthen our core technology platform. In Q1, we expanded scenario packaging efforts to better match customer needs with relevant real-world training modules. We also continue to increase the use of our AI tools to accelerate content development, cutting production time significantly, and allowing our team to generate higher volumes of certified training faster than ever before. VirTra is proud to report significant progress in the expansion of our certified training content with over 120 hours of certified courses now available. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high impact, standards aligned training that directly addresses the needs of our law enforcement and military partners. We remain focused on building scenarios that are not only realistic, but shaped by the evolving challenges faced in the field.

From emerging threat dynamics to community interactions and de-escalation, our scenarios developed — development is informed by current events and direct customer feedback ensuring maximum relevance and training effectiveness. Our content library continues to grow at an accelerated pace, both in size and in quality, driven by the integration of advanced video production, motion capture, and AI enhanced animation tools. This unexpected acceleration and scenario creation is allowing us to respond more quickly to shifting training demands, offering a broader range of immersive experience with a higher level of realism than previously possible. VirTra’s commitment to content excellence supported by innovation and direct agency collaboration positions us as a clear leader in scenario-based training solutions.

As part of our broader operational upgrades, we’re reconfiguring our facility to support future scalability, adding dedicated space for reliability testing and expanding our assembly line and integrating lean manufacturing processes speed throughout. These changes were informed by lessons learned during last year’s testing cycles related to IVAS and they will help ensure consistent quality as volumes grow. Speaking of IVAS, we continue to advance our partnership with US Army during Q1. We completed advanced recoil kit validation and began implementing reliability testing protocols as we prepare for potential production. The army has now officially novated the IVAS contract from Microsoft to Anduril, a key milestone that clarifies next steps for the program’s future.

As we shared last quarter, our technology performed exceptionally well during the final R&D phases, with the Army conducting soldier assessments — concluding soldier assessments early due to our system’s exceeding expectations. With the DOD now evaluating overlapping programs for consolidation, our track record and strong technical performance leaves us well positioned to support expanded work under IVAS or similar initiatives. The Department of Defense is undergoing a strategic shift in acquisition priorities emphasizing speed, modernization, and mission readiness. Key initiatives such as DOD’s adaptive acquisition framework and the increased use of other transaction authority agreements, and the push for modular open system architecture are accelerating procurement timelines and enabling faster adoption of innovative technologies like those developed by VirTra.

This alignment directly benefits VirTra by reducing traditional barriers to entry and allowing for more agile contracting mechanisms. As a technology forward company delivering mission critical training solutions, VirTra is well positioned to take advantage of these changes. Our emphasis on modular scalable systems combined with growing partnerships and sole-sort opportunities enables us to more efficiently meet evolving training requirements across the services. Additionally, DOD’s focus on readiness and immersive training to address modern threats environments increases demand for realistic high fidelity simulation, VirTra’s core competency. As acquisitions reform continues to prioritize capability over bureaucracy, VirTra expects to see stronger engagement, faster procurement cycles, and expanded market access within the defense sector.

Overall, Q1 reflected continuing progress in our operational execution. While funding constraints remain a headwind for the industry at large, we’re building a more agile and effective organization. We are better equipped to convert backlog, support scalable growth, and meet the evolving training needs of our customers. We are executing these actions decisively, confident they will deliver measurable results and enhance returns for our shareholders as the macro environment shift. With that, I will turn it over to Alanna for a detailed financial review. Alanna?

Alanna Boudreau: Thank you, John, and good afternoon, everyone. Now let’s review our unaudited financial results for the first quarter, ended March 31, 2025. Our total revenue for the first quarter was $7.2 million compared to $7.3 million in the prior year period. This 3% decrease was primarily due to delayed deliveries on several customer orders booked in late Q4 2024, which pushed revenue recognition into future quarters. If we break this down by market, we’ve got, government revenue for the first quarter was $5.2 million compared to $6.7 million in the prior year period and international revenue for the quarter was $1.9 million compared to $550,000 in the prior year period. Our gross profit for the first quarter improved to $5.2 million, or 73% of total revenue, compared to $4.7 million, or 64% in the prior year period.

The increase in gross margin reflects a 25% decrease in cost of sales, driven by greater operational efficiencies. Our net operating expense for the quarter was $3.8 million, a 6% decrease from $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2024. This decrease reflects our drive to maintain or lower overhead costs as we mitigate challenges associated with potential government pauses on contracts. We are optimizing internal resources, while preserving investment in key growth initiatives. Our operating income for the quarter increased 110% to $1.4 million compared to $650,000 in the prior year period. Net income for the quarter was $1.3 million or $0.11 per diluted share based on 11.3 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding. This represents 170% increase from $470,000 or $0.04 per diluted share based on 11 million diluted shares outstanding in Q1 of 2024.

Our adjusted EBITDA increased 22% to $1.7 million compared to $1.4 million in the prior year period, reflecting improved operating leverage and gross margin strength. As of March 31, cash and cash equivalents totaled $17.6 million compared to $18 million at December 31. Working capital increased to $35.3 million and we maintain a debt-light capital structure giving us both stability and flexibility as we execute against our growth strategies. VirTra defines our bookings as the total of newly signed contracts, awarded RFPs, and purchase orders received in a given period. Bookings for the quarter totaled $6.4 million, more than double the $2.9 million recorded in Q1 of 2024. This strong year-over-year growth contributed to $33.4 million in total bookings over the trailing 12 months and reflects continued traction despite the ongoing funding uncertainties.

VirTra defines backlog as the accumulation of bookings from signed contracts and purchase orders that are not yet started or are incomplete performance obligations and therefore cannot be recognized as revenue until delivered in a future period. We segment backlog into three primary categories. Capital, which includes our simulators, accessories, installation, training, custom content work, and design work. Two, our services, which are primarily extended warranties and support contracts. And then third is our STEP, which is our long-term subscription-based program. Our backlog then at March 31, 2025 stood at $21.2 million. This included $9.9 million in capital, $5.8 million in service, and $5.5 million in STEP contracts. Additionally, we continue to track approximately $5 million in renewable STEP contract options, which are not included in the backlog total.

Most of our new capital bookings from Q1 are expected to convert to revenue within the current calendar year. However, a portion of those, particularly from international customers, have requested deferred delivery into 2026. As always, our ability to convert backlog into revenue remains dependent on customer-driven installation timelines, which are subject to change due to factors outside of our control. Looking forward, we believe the combination of our disciplined cost management, enhanced contract structures, and ongoing demand recovery will support continued progress. In particular, recent updates to our STEP program, which now feature full three-year commitments, transform what was previously considered optional renewal potential into high confidence recurring revenue.

Renewal trends remain strong, with performance tracking around 95%, both within our older structured contract terms, as well as our first-year sub-customers who are now signing new three-year agreements. And that concludes my prepared remarks. I will now turn the call back over to John for his closing comments. John?

John Givens: Thank you, Alanna. We know the path forward requires both heightened focus and flexibility. Our customers continue to navigate uncertainty, but they’re still training, still evaluating, and still planning for the future. We are staying ready to deliver when funding is released to adapt as priorities evolve and to continue building trust throughout the execution. The progress we’ve made in sales, product development, and operations reflects that mindset, and we believe it puts us in a stronger position with each passing quarter. We’ll keep listening, adjusting, and moving deliberately. That concludes my prepared remarks. Operator?

Q&A Session

Operator: Thank you. We will now be conducting a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from Jaeson Schmidt with Lake Street Capital Markets. Please proceed with your question.

Jaeson Schmidt: Hey guys, congrats on strong results in a challenging environment. Just want to start with some of those macro dynamics. Do you think that contributed to any orders being pulled into Q1?

John Givens: Not really sure if the macros did that. I think there were monies that were in budgets that they were trying to spend before it got swept or totally shut down. I think that there were some grants that — grant monies that were awarded and then there was one set of grants that they actually distributed funding even during the shutdown or the hold back or no delivery of the funding. So I’m not quite sure. Each agency is different. That’s why it’s hard to answer. And there’s just so much dynamics. Some of the agencies have their leadership in place and others are dealing with an assistant to the assistant to the assistant, so some are kind of shy of putting stuff out, approving budgets, or approving any of the funding releases or purchases.

Jaeson Schmidt: Okay. That makes sense. And then looking at the V-XR, I know the healthcare market was a vertical that this made a lot of sense in, but are you seeing demand from other end market verticals? And I guess relatedly, is some of this demand being driven by any grant activity?

John Givens: Yes. Two separate questions, but good ones. So, grant activity under de-escalation and training curriculum absolutely are driving the V-XR for us. Secondly is some of the adjacent markets, healthcare and — it depends on what the — what training objective that police, even fire and even the military will be using the headset for. So we’re seeing interest in a lot of areas. Some of them are asking for things that the technology just doesn’t do yet, but we’re making note of that as the technology catches up, we’ll be able to adapt quickly to those needs. So we’re keeping that backlog and those leads as part of our development cycle and requirements. But I think there’s other markets that are opening up, private security and others that a headset just makes much more sense.

Jaeson Schmidt: Okay. That’s good to hear. And just the last one from me and I’ll jump back into queue. On the staff program and sort of these three-year agreements. Just want to clarify, are you forcing all customers over to these three-year agreements or is it now just an option?

John Givens: Well, we’re kind of forcing them into a three-year to move the purchase cycle forward with all the technologies and the advances that are being made both in hardware and software and the advent of AI. Some of the things that we’ll produce, not just us, but others in any industry are finding that any equipment that’s older than three years has a problem running and maintaining a level of performance that’s acceptable. So two things, main reason. Move our sales cycle in from five years to three and see where they go. We do give them an option, it’s more of a sales tactic that year four and five can be purchased if they’re running — if they’re having problems with their funding or it’s taking longer than it was taking before.

We just have a lot of new technology that we want to get out there in their hands and keeping the system five years just — it’s moving faster about 18 months where it used to be three years. So we’re just trying to get ahead of the technology curve and then bring the customers along and its financial reasons for both bookings and opportunities. So it’s combination.

Alanna Boudreau: Can I add to that as well? I would add, Jaeson, that the reason we changed our terms to that three year was not giving them an easy out. Like they had a little bit too much of an easy out in my opinion for the original ones. And it was — we were potential revenue, potential future revenue as opposed to now where I feel we’re way more confident in what those terms say that it’s guaranteed for three years.

Jaeson Schmidt: Okay. That’s really helpful. Thanks a lot, guys.

John Givens: Thanks, Jason.

Operator: At this time, this concludes our question-and-answer session. And I’d now like to turn the call back over to Mr. Givens for his closing remarks.

John Givens: Thank you. As we wrap up our Q1 2025 call, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made and the promising journey ahead. Thanks for all your unwavering support and dedication. We’ve achieved remarkable milestones that position us strongly for the future. Our commitment to innovation and excellence continues to drive our success and the strategies we’ve implemented are beginning to bear fruit. With a talented team and a clear vision, we are confident that the best is yet to come. As we look forward, the opportunities ahead are vast, and I truly believe that together we will navigate the challenges and celebrate future successes. Thank you for your trust and partnership. The future looks bright and I’m excited in what lies ahead. God bless you all and let’s continue to make great strides together.

Operator: Thank you for joining us today for VirTra’s first quarter 2025 conference call. You may now disconnect.