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BKTI Stock Gains Post Strong Q1 Earnings, Margins and Radio Demand

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Shares of BK Technologies Corporation (BKTI - Free Report) have gained 0.96% since the company reported its earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. This compares with the S&P 500 Index’s 0.98% gain over the same period. Over the past month, BKTI has advanced 1.4%, significantly underperforming the broader S&P 500, which jumped 11.6% during that time.

Improved Profitability and Margin Expansion

BK Technologies posted solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenues rising 4.5% year over year to $19.1 million from $18.2 million in the first quarter of 2024. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) surged 189.5% to $0.55 from $0.19 in the year-ago period, while non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS jumped 126.7% to $0.68 from $0.30.

Operating income surged to $2.9 million from $0.9 million in the year-ago period, and net income rose to $2.1 million from $0.7 million. Gross margin also saw a notable expansion, increasing to 47% from 34.5%, reflecting a favorable product mix and benefits from BK Technologies’ transition to contract manufacturing with East West Manufacturing.

Key Business Metrics and Segment Performance

The first quarter marked BK Technologies’ seventh consecutive quarter of profitability. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 128.8% to $3.2 million from $1.4 million posted in the same quarter last year. The company’s order backlog stood at $18.8 million at the end of March 2025, slightly down from $19 million a year ago.

Working capital rose to $24.6 million as of March 31, 2025, up from $23 million at year-end 2024. This increase was supported by a stronger cash position, which grew to $8.9 million from $7.1 million at the end of Dec. 31, 2024. Total shareholders’ equity also increased from $29.8 million at the end of Dec. 31, 2024, to $32.4 million at the end of March 31, 2025. BK Technologies maintained a debt-free balance sheet, providing financial flexibility to pursue growth initiatives.

Revenue growth was driven primarily by continued demand for the BKR Series radios, particularly the BKR 9000 multiband radio, which is becoming an increasingly significant contributor to total revenues. The BKR 9000’s higher average selling price compared to the BKR 5000 is expected to support future margin and revenue expansion as its adoption scales further.

BK Technologies Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

BK Technologies Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

BK Technologies Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | BK Technologies Corporation Quote

Management Commentary

CEO John Suzuki emphasized that the strong first-quarter results underscore BKTI’s operational and strategic progress. He credited the gross margin improvement to a favorable sales mix, cost-reduction initiatives and the successful transition to a contract manufacturing model through East West Manufacturing, which also enabled BK Technologies to avoid tariffs under the USMCA agreement.

Suzuki noted that while federal orders were light in the first quarter due to the delayed passing of a full-year continuing resolution, this has since been resolved, and BKTI has begun to see increased federal order activity. He expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead and reiterated the company’s full-year guidance targets.

Management noted that the first and fourth quarters are typically softer due to seasonal factors, including limited wildland fire activity and the federal fiscal year-end cycle. Nonetheless, the company saw solid traction from state and local government customers during the quarter, although federal orders were modest due to a delay in the passing of a continuing resolution by Congress.

Factors Influencing Results

Gross margin improvement, from 34.5% to 47%, played a pivotal role in the bottom-line growth. This margin expansion was supported by cost containment, enhanced manufacturing efficiencies and product mix optimization, particularly with the increased contribution from higher-margin products, such as the BKR 9000.

On the cost side, selling, general, and administrative expenses rose 13.7% to $6 million from $5.3 million a year ago. However, this increase was more than offset by higher revenue and improved cost structure, allowing for a significant boost in operating income.

Guidance

BK Technologies reaffirmed its full-year 2025 targets of GAAP diluted EPS exceeding $2.40 and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS above $2.80. Management expects single-digit revenue growth and aims for gross margins of at least 42% for the year, supported by scaling sales of the BKR 9000 and continued operational improvements.

Additionally, BKTI outlined plans to incrementally invest in sales and marketing to accelerate adoption of the BKR 9000 and to strengthen its software capabilities via expanded R&D and engineering efforts. Development of the next-generation BKR 9500 mobile radio is also underway, with revenue contribution expected in 2027.

Other Developments

No acquisitions, divestitures or major restructuring activities were reported during the quarter. However, BKTI emphasized a strengthened balance sheet, ending the quarter with $24.6 million in working capital, including $19.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and receivables, up from $23 million at the end of 2024. BK Technologies also reported no outstanding debt, giving it financial flexibility to support its growth strategy.


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