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    OneSpan (OSPN)

    Q1 2025 Earnings Summary

    Reported on May 3, 2025
    Pre-Earnings PriceN/ADate unavailable
    Post-Earnings PriceN/ADate unavailable
    Price ChangeN/A
    • Strong Bookings and ARR Growth: The Q&A highlighted that bookings in Q1 were very good and Q2 appears solid, supporting a 9% ARR growth in Q1 and an optimistic outlook for further expansion, despite macro uncertainties.
    • Healthy Cash Generation and Capital Return Strategy: The discussion pointed to robust cash generation, with over $105 million in cash and a commitment to returning capital via recurring dividends and potential buybacks, emphasizing financial strength.
    • Strategic Expansion through Targeted M&A: Executives emphasized a focus on acquisitions in the security business—where they serve 60 of the world's 100 largest banks—to enhance capabilities and fuel efficient growth, positioning the firm well for future expansion.
    • Tariff and Hardware Exposure: Tariff-related costs could add up to $1 million for full-year 2025, which, combined with continued hardware headwinds—especially in Europe where the company has significant exposure—may pressure margins if tariffs persist or worsen.
    • Lumpy ARR Growth: The delay of two large deals from Q1 to Q2 raises concerns about the timing and consistency of ARR contributions. Such delays could lead to uneven revenue recognition and increased risk if similar postponements occur in the future.
    • Potential Margin Compression: Q1's record adjusted EBITDA and high margins were driven by a favorable revenue mix. However, the anticipated shift from high-margin software to lower-margin hardware and related products in later quarters could compress overall margins.
    MetricYoY ChangeReason

    Total Revenue

    Down 3.5% (from $64.843M to $63.400M)

    Total Revenue declined slightly by 3.5% YoY primarily because the strong performance in Digital Agreements revenue (up 8.9%) was more than offset by a decline in Security Solutions revenue (down 5.4%), demonstrating a shift in product mix and customer demand compared to the previous period.

    Digital Agreements Revenue

    Up 8.9% (from $14.414M to $15.700M)

    Digital Agreements grew by 8.9% YoY driven by increased cloud subscription adoption and new customer wins, which helped to partially mitigate weaknesses in other revenue streams observed in the prior period.

    Security Solutions Revenue

    Down 5.4% (from $50.429M to $47.700M)

    Security Solutions revenue declined by 5.4% YoY with a critical factor being the dramatic 29.8% drop in its subscription component (from $39.994M to $28.100M), compounded by declines in related services, indicating challenges in sustaining legacy revenue streams compared to previous periods.

    Security Solutions: Subcomponents

    Maintenance -24.3%, Professional Services -64.7%, Hardware -11.8%

    Subcomponents under Security Solutions weakened considerably: Maintenance & Support fell 24.3% ($10.571M to $8.000M), Professional Services dropped 64.7% ($1.702M to $0.600M), and Hardware Products declined 11.8% ($12.576M to $11.100M). These declines highlight a broader trend of reduced demand for traditional and legacy solutions as the company shifts focus, although this transformation lagged behind expectations in Q1 2025 relative to past performance.

    Operating Loss

    Operating loss of $17,182K and net loss of $14,505K in Q1 2025

    Operating and net losses in Q1 2025 reflect ongoing margin pressure as the impact of decreased Security Solutions revenue (especially in high-volume, low-margin segments) continues to weigh on overall profitability, despite improvements in product mix observed in earlier periods.

    Cash from Operating Activities

    $29,366K generated in Q1 2025

    Robust operating cash flow of $29,366K in Q1 2025 was driven by operational efficiencies and improved working capital management, even as revenue declined; this builds on past improvements seen in previous periods where cash flow turned positive from negative levels.

    Net Cash Increase

    $22,051K increase (ending with $105,211K)

    Net cash increased by $22,051K due to strong cash generation from operations coupled with disciplined capital and financing management, highlighting a robust liquidity position compared to prior weak periods.

    Balance Sheet (Assets, Liabilities, Equity)

    Total assets of $333,810K; liabilities $102,691K; equity $231,119K

    A strong balance sheet in Q1 2025 is evident from total assets of $333,810K, liabilities of $102,691K, and stockholders’ equity of $231,119K. This stability is primarily attributed to the increase in cash and effective working capital management, in contrast to previous periods when liquidity was lower.

    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Revenue

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    $245M to $251M

    no prior guidance

    Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    $180M to $186M

    no prior guidance

    Adjusted EBITDA

    FY 2025

    Modest increases

    $72M to $76M

    no change

    Hardware Revenue

    Q2 2025

    no prior guidance

    Similar range as prior three quarters

    no prior guidance

    Tariff-Related Costs

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    Up to $1M incremental tariff-related costs

    no prior guidance

    MetricPeriodGuidanceActualPerformance
    Total Revenue Growth
    Q1 2025 YoY
    2% year-over-year growth
    -2.3% YoY (from 64.843MIn Q1 2024 to 63.366MIn Q1 2025)
    Missed
    Hardware Revenue Decline
    Q1 2025 YoY
    8% year-over-year decline
    11.7% YoY decline (from 12.576MIn Q1 2024 to 11.100MIn Q1 2025)
    Missed
    Subscription Revenue Growth
    Q1 2025 YoY
    Double-digit growth
    -29.7% YoY (from 39.994MIn Q1 2024 to 28.100MIn Q1 2025)
    Missed
    Cash Flow Generation
    Q1 2025 YoY
    Modest improvement
    Net cash from operations rose 8.9% YoY (from 26,960KIn Q1 2024 to 29,366KIn Q1 2025)
    Met
    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Recurring Revenue and ARR Growth

    Previously, ARR growth was described as ranging from 8.5% to 15%, with subscription revenue increasing robustly and some lumpy timing issues from delayed large contracts.

    In Q1 2025, ARR grew 9% YOY with subscription revenue growing 9%, while two large security renewal contracts slipped into Q2, highlighting minor timing challenges.

    Steady growth with some timing-related headwinds; expectations for a gradual pickup later in the year.

    Hardware Revenue Dynamics and Transition to Subscription Models

    Earlier periods (Q2–Q4 2024) emphasized a continuing decline in hardware revenue driven by a mobile-first trend, with a clear shift toward higher-margin subscription models and improved margins.

    Q1 2025 reiterated lower hardware revenue due to mobile-first adoption, continued transition from legacy maintenance to SaaS, and a slight gross margin improvement (74% vs 73% previously).

    An ongoing shift from hardware to subscription revenue, with consistent margin improvements despite short-term revenue declines.

    Cost Management and Margin Trends

    Q2–Q4 2024 discussions showcased strong cost reduction initiatives, higher gross margins, and marked improvements in adjusted EBITDA margins, though low margin pressures were noted in parts of Digital Agreements.

    In Q1 2025, cost discipline persisted with a gross margin improvement to 74% and higher operating income; however, future margin compression was flagged due to shifting revenue mix.

    Consistent operational efficiency with robust cost management, while maintaining caution over potential margin compression later on.

    Strategic M&A and Expansion in the Security Segment

    Q4 2024 highlighted targeted, modest acquisitions to enhance technology and expand security capabilities, while earlier periods did not focus on this topic.

    Q1 2025 confirmed a continued interest in strategic, modest M&A activity on the security side, coupled with expansion through existing global bank relationships.

    A consistent, modest strategic focus in security expansion through targeted M&A and customer base expansion.

    Cash Generation and Capital Return Strategies

    Q2–Q4 2024 earnings consistently reported improved cash generation, significant increases in operational cash flow, initiations of dividends, and potential buyback strategies.

    Q1 2025 reported $29 million cash from operations, an increased cash balance of $105.2 million, and the initiation of a recurring dividend program, reinforcing a balanced capital return strategy.

    Sustained strengthening of cash flow with maintained capital return initiatives, demonstrating strong financial discipline.

    Tariff Exposure and External Cost Pressures

    Earlier periods had limited or no detailed discussion of tariffs and external cost pressures; Q4 2024 briefly touched on currency headwinds.

    Q1 2025 provided detailed commentary on tariff exposure (up to $1M in incremental costs) and FX dynamics (with modest headwinds and potential tailwinds due to a weakening dollar).

    An emerging and heightened focus on external cost pressures, particularly tariffs and FX, as part of the broader risk monitoring.

    Channel Partnerships and Product Diversification

    Q3 and Q4 2024 placed emphasis on growing channel partnerships especially for workforce authentication and on digital agreements as a key diversification strategy.

    Q1 2025 did not explicitly discuss channel partnerships; instead, it focused on the performance of the Digital Agreements unit, with less emphasis on distribution channels.

    While product diversification via digital agreements remains important, explicit discussion of channel partnerships has diminished in Q1 2025.

    Currency Headwinds and European Market Risks

    Q4 2024 mentioned significant currency headwinds linked to euro-dollar fluctuations, and earlier periods noted the importance of the European market without extensive risk commentary.

    Q1 2025 maintained attention on FX challenges, noting minor headwinds and the impact of a weak dollar on costs due to a large European employee base; market risks continue due to high EMEA exposure.

    A steady vigilance over currency risks and European market dependencies, reflecting consistent caution without dramatic shifts.

    Customer Retention, Churn, and New Logo Acquisition

    Q2–Q4 2024 showed strong retention with NRR around 106–112%, improvements in on-time renewals, and digital agreements growth driven by expansions, though churn from product sunsetting was noted.

    In Q1 2025, customer retention remains robust with an NRR of 107% and some renewal timing delays from large contracts, while churn from sunsetted products continues to pose headwinds.

    Retention remains strong with minor execution variances; growth via expansions is steady despite ongoing challenges from churn in sunset products.

    Sales Momentum and Demand versus Execution Uncertainty

    Q2 and Q3 2024 highlighted robust sales performance with strong bookings and improved execution, though questions were raised about distinguishing underlying demand from execution excellence.

    Q1 2025 reported good bookings and strong sales momentum but acknowledged uncertainty in projecting later-year performance due to an unpredictable external environment.

    Continued strong sales momentum, with an increasing awareness of execution uncertainty amid a dynamic and unpredictable market environment.

    1. Capital Allocation
      Q: How will you return excess cash to shareholders?
      A: Management outlined a balanced approach including ~$20 million in dividends, potential buybacks, and modest targeted M&A on the security side to expand capabilities.

    2. Guidance Outlook
      Q: What gives confidence to maintain current guidance?
      A: They noted a strong start to the year with robust bookings in Q1 and promising Q2 results, supporting their unchanged revenue and margin outlook despite macro uncertainty.

    3. ARR Growth
      Q: What are net new ARR expectations this year?
      A: They reported Q1 net additions of about $700K and expect a strong Q2 from several large deals, with a mid- to low-single digit growth in subsequent quarters before rebounding later in the year.

    4. Margin Outlook
      Q: Why might Q1 margins not sustain full-year levels?
      A: Q1 benefited from a superior software mix boosting adjusted EBITDA margins to a record 36.4%, but a shift toward lower-margin hardware later in the year is expected to temper full-year margins.

    5. Geographic Revenue
      Q: What’s the share of revenue from outside the U.S.?
      A: On the security side, nearly 90% of revenue is generated internationally, contrasting with the Digital Agreements unit which has a more North American focus.

    6. Deal Timing
      Q: How did delayed deals affect ARR?
      A: Two large deals postponed from Q1 had no negative ARR impact in Q1 since their start dates were in April, ensuring continuity in subscription growth measurements.

    7. Buying Behavior
      Q: How have customer buying patterns behaved?
      A: Management observed steady demand with consistent booking performance in Q1 and promising early trends in Q2, reflecting healthy customer momentum.

    8. Tariff Impact
      Q: How are tariffs affecting hardware revenue?
      A: U.S. exposure remains minimal, with Europe—its largest market for hardware, accounting for over 50% of related revenue—largely shielded by domestic production and no current tariff impact.

    9. Macro Environment
      Q: Are macro factors slowing customer actions?
      A: Despite global economic noise, customers remain engaged; the weakening dollar has mixed effects due to offsetting European costs, so management remains focused on consistent execution.

    Research analysts covering OneSpan.