First Quarter Orders Reach Record Level, Supporting Expectations of Top and Bottom-Line Growth in 2018

Tempe, Ariz. (March 29, 2018) – VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI) (the “Company”), a global provider of simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and 12 months ended December 31, 2017. The financial statements are available on VirTra’s website and here.  

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Financial Highlights: 

 Business and Financial Highlights:

• Accepted onto the Nasdaq Capital Market and registered our common stock with the SEC, effective March 29, 2018.
• Received three delivery orders valued at approximately $4.6 million for law enforcement simulators under the previously announced indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the United States Department of State (DOS).
• Formed a strategic partnership with Haley Strategic Partners, a provider of sophisticated firearms training, solutions and accessories, called “D7 Powered by VirTra.”
• Announced an order valued at $1.38 million with delivery to occur to a country in Africa, furthering VirTra’s international expansion.
• Installed a VirTra V-300™ simulator for the O’Fallon (Missouri) Police Department in its newly built Justice Center.
• Net cash provided by operating activities of $2.7 million for 2017 compared to $1.8 million for 2016.
• Cash and cash equivalents increased to $5.1 million at December 31, 2017, up from $3.7 million at December 31, 2016.

“In 2017 not only did we exceed our previous year’s record revenue level but we also invested in improving our ability to serve our customers and shareholders in the future,” commented Bob Ferris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VirTra. “The simulator training industry continues to grow through new customer adoption and interest for our solutions is robust. Orders booked in the first quarter for delivery and recognition during 2018 represent a record for VirTra, bolstering our confidence that 2018 will be another record year with great potential for top and bottom-line growth. This progress validates our decision to invest to improve our entire organization to meet growing demand. Our customers, increasingly, are recognizing the value and benefits of simulations-based training, helping expand our addressable market and reinforcing our confidence in market demand. From that standpoint, 2017 was a year of investment, in people, processes, and enhanced solutions to build on VirTra’s already exceptional reputation in the market. Moving to the Nasdaq is an important step in this process, as a Nasdaq listing – along with our strong balance sheet — provides confidence and comfort to potential customers around the world. In addition, our strong balance sheet and Nasdaq listing increases the number of potential acquisitions for us to carefully consider, creating additional growth opportunity for VirTra. As I look to the future, I have never been more excited about VirTra’s long-term potential, and I believe 2018 has the potential to be a very good year for us and our shareholders.”

“While 2017 was a solid year for VirTra, the fourth quarter was impacted by a combination of accommodating customer delivery schedules that resulted in lower recognized revenue and one-time costs allocated to the fourth quarter,” continued Mr. Ferris. “To be sure, timing of orders and deliveries and revenue recognition rules can result in quarter-to-quarter fluctuations. The shifting of certain deliveries from late 2017 into mid-2018, coupled with continued strong demand and a higher-performing sales organization, bolsters our confidence in VirTra’s future.”

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

Total revenues were $2.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $3.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, a decrease of 20.8%. The year-over-year decrease was due to the timing of certain orders under contracts being delivered ahead of schedule and therefore being recognized during the third quarter 2017, while other orders were delayed by customers, shifting revenue into future periods.

Gross profit was $940,000, or 39.5% gross profit margin, for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to gross profit of $1.9 million, or 62.9% gross margin, for the fourth quarter of 2016, a gross profit decrease of 50%. The year-over-year decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to a non-recurring, non-cash adjustment in the carrying value of certain inventory.

Net operating expense was $2.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. The higher expense was primarily due to expanding staffing levels, annual increases in payroll and benefits for current staff, sales and marketing expansion, increases in non-recurring public company related one-time costs, new research and development work and IT infrastructure upgrades. Approximately $411,000 of these costs are non-recurring in nature.

Loss from operations for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $1.5 million compared to a loss from operations of $303,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to decreases in revenues and increases in net operating expense to include $411,000 of costs that are non-recurring in nature.

During the fourth quarter, VirTra recorded a non-cash, non-recurring income tax benefit of $2.6 million, reflecting a reversal of the Company’s previously established valuation allowance, partially offset by the effect of a change in the federal income tax rate due to federal income tax reform, applied to VirTra’s deferred tax assets and miscellaneous state income taxes.

In addition, management regularly evaluates the recoverability of its investment based on the investee company’s performance and financial position. During the fourth quarter, VirTra recognized an impairment loss of $613,000 related to the investment in Modern Round Entertainment Corporation.

Inclusive of this income tax benefit and the impairment loss, net income for the fourth quarter of 2017 was $470,000, or $(0.06) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $311,000, or ($0.04) per basic and diluted share, for the prior year’s fourth quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA was $(1,553,287) for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $(106,671) for the fourth quarter of 2016, a decrease of 1,356%. 

Financial Results for the 12 Months Ended December 31, 2017

Total revenues were $16.5 million for the full year 2017 compared to $15.7 million for the full year 2016, an increase of 5.6%. Gross profit was $10.2 million, or 61.9% gross profit margin, for the full year 2017 compared to gross profit of $9.7 million, or also 61.9% gross profit margin, for the full year 2016, a gross profit increase of 5.7%. Net operating expense was $8.9 million for the full year 2017 compared to $7.6 million for the full year 2016.

Income from operations for the full year 2017 was $1.3 million compared to $2.1 million for the full year 2016. Inclusive of the $2.5 million income tax benefit and the impairment loss described above, full-year net income was $3.3 million for 2017, or $0.41 per basic and $0.39 per diluted share, compared to $2.1 million, or $0.26 per basic and $0.24 per diluted share, for the full year 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA was $1.8 million for the full year 2017 compared to $2.5 million for the full year 2016, a decrease of 28.0% and includes $411,000 one-time costs and expenses associated with registering the company with the SEC and preparing the company to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

Balance Sheet Summary

Stockholders’ equity increased to $10.5 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2016. Cash and cash equivalents were $5.1 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $3.7 million at December 31, 2016. The Company had essentially no outstanding bank debt at December 31, 2017.

Share Repurchase

Since June, 2017 the Company has been repurchasing shares of its common stock under the current share repurchase authorization approved by its Board of Directors in October of 2016. To date, these shares have been purchased in the open market pursuant to a trading plan that has been adopted in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. On a split-adjusted basis, the Company repurchased 23,467 shares at a cost of $112,109, an average price of $4.78 per share during the 12 months ended December 31, 2017.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a fourth quarter and full year 2017 results and business update investor conference call and webcast on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Individuals interested in listening to the webcast live via the Internet may do so by visiting the Company’s website at www.VirTra.com.  A webcast replay will be available for 60 days.

Date: Thursday, March 29, 2018
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. local
Dial-in Number: (877) 407-8031
International Dial-in Number: (201) 689-8031
Webcast: http://www.investorcalendar.com/event/26948

Participants are recommended to dial-in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after completion through April 12, 2018. To listen to the replay, dial (877) 481-4010 (domestic) or (919) 882-2331 (international) and use replay ID 26948. The webcast replay will be available through June 29, 2018.

About VirTra

VirTra is a global provider of simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The Company’s patented technologies, software and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship and related training that mimics real world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through realistic and highly-effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about VirTra at www.VirTra.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media contact:
VirTra
info@virtra.com
480-968-1488

Investor Relations contact:
Brett Maas
vtsi@haydenir.com
(646) 536-7331

View/Print PDF Version of Press Release/Financials

TEMPE, Ariz., March 31, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VirTra Systems (OTC Pink:VTSI), a leading provider of firearms simulators to military, law enforcement agencies and other organizations, today announced the release of its year end 2014 audited financial statements. Included with the corporate financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, VirTra has released the report of its independent registered public accounting firm, Semple Marchal & Cooper, LLP. The audited financial statements are available on VirTra’s website and here.

Financial Summary:

• Net sales were a record $9.9 million for the year ending December 31, 2014, compared to the previous year’s sales of $9.8 million.
• Gross margin for 2014 was 56% of net sales, compared to 66% last year. The primary drivers for the decrease were client-paid customization projects, with some personnel expenses recorded in cost of products sold versus selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A).
• SG&A expenses of $4.2 million in 2014 decreased 13%, from $4.9 million in 2013. As a percent of revenue, SG&A was 43% for 2014 compared to 50% in the prior year. The change is due to the recording of certain customization project personnel expenses in cost of products sold.
• Income from operations was $1.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2014. Net income for the current year is 13% of net sales.
• Stockholders’ equity increased to $2.7 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $1.4 million at December 31, 2013. The company had no debt as of December 31, 2014.
• Throughout 2014, the company used $0.3 million in cash from operating activities. Cash and cash equivalents were $1.9 million at the end of 2014, down from $2.4 million at December 31, 2013.

Other Significant Events:

• During the second half of 2014, the company signed two new high-profile clients: the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, on October 17, 2014, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on September 22, 2014.
• During third quarter 2014, VirTra received a record $10.7 million in purchase orders.

Mark Skidmore, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer for VirTra, said, “The fourth quarter of 2014 was one of our best quarters ever, as the company generated $3.6 million in revenues and $0.8 million in income from operations. Income from operations for the year declined compared to 2013 primarily as a result of expenditures related to increased investment in personnel, product development, and sales efforts for domestic and international projects.”

Bob Ferris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VirTra, commented, “VirTra laid a strong foundation for growth during 2014 in a number of areas. First, several of the largest and most influential law enforcement agencies selected VirTra as a vendor, propelling us to record financial results. Second, VirTra aggressively pursued business development work in conjunction with highly respected international distributors. Third, we increased the staff, investment dollars and intensity of pace in every area of product development at VirTra. Finally, we negotiated a co-venture agreement with Modern Round for VirTra’s technology to power a commercial market simulator-based shooting concept with industry veterans. Our shareholders enjoyed a 100% increase in our stock price during 2014 and we believe our strong position in multiple markets gives us potential for sustained growth.”

About VirTra Systems

VirTra is a global leading provider of the world’s most realistic and effective shooting simulators. VirTra is the higher standard in firearms training simulators, offering a variety of simulator platforms, powerful gas-powered recoil kits and the patented Threat-Fire(TM) simulated hostile return fire system. VirTra’s products provide the very best simulation training available for personnel that are entrusted with lethal force and critical missions. The Company’s common stock is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company does not currently file periodic or other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

www.VirTra.com

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

– – – -FINANCIALS FOLLOWING- – – –

 View/Print PDF of Financials

Investor Relations Counsel
David J. Bigelow
Lisa Mueller
Financial Profiles, Inc.
(310) 478-2700
vtsi@finprofiles.com