GlobeNewswire Inc | Feb 4, 2021 07:00AM EST

February 04, 2021

NEWARK, N.Y., Feb. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultralife Corporation (NASDAQ: ULBI) reported GAAP EPS of $0.13, Adjusted EPS of $0.17 and operating income of $1.2 million on revenue of $29.0 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to GAAP EPS of $0.10, Adjusted EPS of $0.13 and operating income of $2.5 million on revenue of $31.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

For fiscal 2020, Ultralife produced GAAP EPS of $0.33, Adjusted EPS of $0.41 and operating income of $5.7 million on revenue of $107.7 million compared to GAAP EPS of $0.32, Adjusted EPS of $0.40 and operating income of $7.4 million on revenue of $106.8 million for 2019. In addition, during 2020, the Company reduced the debt related to its May 2019 acquisition of Southwest Electronic Energy Corporation by $15.8 million, or 91.5%, to $1.5 million as of December 31, 2020 while increasing its year-end cash-on-hand by $3.2 million, or 43.9%, to $10.7 million.

Fourth quarter operating results were in line with our internal expectations and reflect the continuing negative economic impact of the global pandemic, including oil & gas market sluggishness. Battery & Energy Products medical sales were up 94% and government/defense sales were up 19%, yet these were offset by reductions in oil & gas and Communications Systems sales. During the quarter, we also recognized a $1.6 million gain upon resolution of Ultralifes claim in a class action lawsuit, said Michael D. Popielec, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges we faced during 2020, results for the year demonstrate the resiliency of our business model, the efficacy of our end-market diversification strategy and the strength of our balance sheet. We grew total year sales to the highest level in nine years, sustained profitability, generated operating cash flow and repaid nearly all of the SWE acquisition-related debt, added Popielec. While the outlook for demand in our end markets is less visible than we would like, we will remain focused on what we can control: organic growth initiatives, including completing transformational new product development projects and investments in strategic capital expenditure, and synergistic acquisitions.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Revenue was $29.0 million, a decrease of $2.0 million or 6.6%, compared to $31.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, as a 25.7% increase in core battery sales across diversified end markets was offset by lower oil & gas market and Communications Systems sales. Battery & Energy Products revenues increased 0.7% to $25.3 million, compared to $25.1 million last year, as a 94.3% increase in medical battery sales, especially those used in ventilators, respirators and infusion pumps, and an 18.8% increase in government/defense sales, were offset by a 67.4% decline in oil & gas market sales. Communications Systems sales decreased 37.6% to $3.7 million compared to $5.9 million for the same period last year, primarily reflecting 2019 shipments of vehicle amplifier-adaptor systems to support the U.S. Armys Network Modernization initiatives under the delivery orders announced in October 2018. These orders were completed in the second quarter of 2020. The net adverse impact of COVID-19 on revenues for the 2020 fourth quarter was approximately $2.6 million as a substantial increase in demand for medical batteries was more than offset primarily by weakened demand in the oil & gas and international industrial markets. Gross profit was $7.4 million, or 25.4% of revenue, compared to $9.4 million, or 30.2% of revenue, for the same quarter a year ago. Battery & Energy Products gross margin was 25.2%, compared to 26.4% last year, primarily reflecting lower volume for oil & gas market batteries. Communications Systems gross margin was 26.3% compared to 46.1% last year, due to sales mix and lower volume in 2020.

Operating expenses were $6.1 million compared to $6.9 million last year, a reduction of 10.9%. Operating expenses were 21.2% of revenue compared to 22.2% for the year-earlier period.

Operating income was $1.2 million compared to $2.5 million last year, and operating margin was 4.2% compared to 8.0% last year. The net adverse impact of COVID-19 on operating income for the 2020 fourth quarter was approximately $1.2 million.

Other income of $1.6 million compared to other expense of $0.3 million last year, primarily reflecting a $1.6 million gain realized during the fourth quarter upon favorable resolution of Ultralifes claim in a class action lawsuit.

Net income was $2.1 million or $0.13 per diluted share on a GAAP basis using the U.S. statutory tax rate, compared to net income of $1.6 million, or $0.10 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted EPS was $0.17 on a diluted basis for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to $0.13 for the 2019 period. Adjusted EPS excludes the provision for deferred taxes of $0.6 million which primarily represents non-cash charges for U.S. taxes which we expect will be fully offset by net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits for the foreseeable future. The net adverse impact of COVID-19 on Adjusted EPS for the 2020 fourth quarter was approximately $0.07.

Adjusted EBITDA, defined as EBITDA including non-cash, stock-based compensation expense and excluding the $1.6 million gain on the class action settlement, for the fourth quarter was $2.2 million or 7.6% of sales and for the 2020 trailing twelve-month period was $9.7 million or 9.0% of sales.

See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this release for a reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to EPS and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income Attributable to Ultralife Corporation.

About Ultralife Corporation

Ultralife Corporation serves its markets with products and services ranging from power solutions to communications and electronics systems. Through its engineering and collaborative approach to problem solving, Ultralife serves government, defense and commercial customers across the globe.

Headquartered in Newark, New York, the Company's business segments include Battery & Energy Products and Communications Systems. Ultralife has operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.ultralifecorporation.com.

Conference Call Information

Ultralife will hold its fourth quarter earnings conference call today at 8:30 AM ET. To participate in the live call, please dial (800) 915-4836 at least ten minutes before the scheduled start time, identify yourself and ask for the Ultralife call.A live webcast of the conference call will be available to investors in the Events & Presentations section of the Company's website at http://investor.ultralifecorporation.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call at the same location.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include the impact of COVID-19, potential reductions in revenues from key customers, acceptance of our new products on a global basis and uncertain global economic conditions. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's analysis only as of today's date. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Further information on these factors and other factors that could affect Ultralifes financial results is included in Ultralifes Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(Dollars in Thousands)(Unaudited)

ASSETS

December 31, December 31, 2020 2019Current Assets: Cash $ 10,653 $ 7,405 Trade Accounts Receivable, Net 21,054 30,106 Inventories, Net 28,193 29,759 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 4,596 3,103 Total Current Assets 64,496 70,373 Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net 22,850 22,525 Goodwill 27,018 26,753 Other Intangible Assets, Net 9,209 9,721 Deferred Income Taxes, Net 11,836 13,222 Other Non-Current Assets 2,292 1,963 Total Assets $ 137,701 $ 144,557

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:Accounts Payable $ 10,839 $ 9,388 Current Portion of Long-Term Debt, Net 1,361 1,372 Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits 1,748 1,655 Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities 4,758 4,775 Total Current Liabilities 18,706 17,190 Long-Term Debt - 15,780 Deferred Income Taxes 515 559 Other Non-Current Liabilities 1,557 1,278 Total Liabilities 20,778 34,807 Shareholders' Equity: Common Stock 2,037 2,026 Capital in Excess of Par Value 185,464 184,292 Accumulated Deficit (47,598 ) (52,830 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (1,782 ) (2,531 ) Treasury Stock (21,321 ) (21,231 ) Total Ultralife Equity 116,800 109,726 Non-Controlling Interest 123 24 Total Shareholders? Equity 116,923 109,750 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 137,701 $ 144,557

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)(Unaudited)

Three-Month Period Year Ended Ended December December December December 31, 31, 31, 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019Revenues: Battery & Energy Products $ 25,291 $ 25,120 $ 91,907 $ 83,996Communications Systems 3,685 5,903 15,805 22,799Total Revenues 28,976 31,023 107,712 106,795 Cost of Products Sold: Battery & Energy Products 18,910 18,489 68,507 61,183Communications Systems 2,715 3,179 10,046 14,447Total Cost of Products Sold 21,625 21,668 78,553 75,630 Gross Profit 7,351 9,355 29,159 31,165 Operating Expenses: Research and Development 1,518 2,153 5,947 6,805Selling, General and 4,618 4,730 17,511 16,992AdministrativeTotal Operating Expenses 6,136 6,883 23,458 23,797 Operating Income 1,215 2,472 5,701 7,368 Other (Income) Expense: Gain on Litigation Settlement (1,593 ) - (1,593 ) -Other Expense, Net 9 296 271 597Total Other (Income) Expense (1,584 ) 296 (1,322 ) 597 Income Before Income Taxes 2,799 2,176 7,023 6,771

Income Tax Provision 682 515 1,692 1,457 Net Income 2,117 1,661 5,331 5,314 Net Income Attributable to 9 35 99 109Non-Controlling Interest Net Income Attributable to $ 2,108 $ 1,626 $ 5,232 $ 5,205Ultralife Corporation Net Income Per ShareAttributable to Ultralife $ .13 $ .10 $ .33 $ .33Common Shareholders ? Basic Net Income Per ShareAttributable to Ultralife $ .13 $ .10 $ .33 $ .32Common Shareholders ? Diluted Weighted Average Shares 15,940 15,861 15,902 15,783Outstanding ? Basic Weighted Average Shares 16,122 16,205 16,096 16,179Outstanding ? Diluted

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

In evaluating our business, we consider and use Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP financial measure, as asupplemental measure of our business performance in addition to GAAP financial measures. We define Adjusted EPS as net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation excluding the provision for deferred taxes divided by our weighted average shares outstanding on both a basic and diluted basis. We believe that this information is useful in providing period-to-period comparisons of our results by reflecting the portion of our tax provision that we expect will be offset by our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits for the foreseeable future. We reconcile Adjusted EPS to EPS, the most comparable financial measure under GAAP. Neither current nor potential investors in our securities should rely on Adjusted EPS as a substitute for any GAAP measures and we encourage investors to review the following reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to EPS and net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation.

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCALCULATION OF ADJUSTED EPS(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)(Unaudited)

Three-Month Period Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Per Per Per Per Amount Basic Diluted Amount Basic Diluted Share Share Share ShareNet IncomeAttributable to $2,108 $.13 $.13 $1,626 $.10 $.10UltralifeCorporationDeferred Tax 565 .04 .04 410 .03 .03ProvisionAdjusted Net Income $2,673 $.17 $.17 $2,036 $.13 $.13 Weighted Average 15,940 16,122 15,861 16,205Shares Outstanding

Year Ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Per Per Per Per Amount Basic Diluted Amount Basic Diluted Share Share Share ShareNet IncomeAttributable to $5,232 $.33 $.33 $5,205 $.33 $.32UltralifeCorporationDeferred Tax 1,386 .09 .08 1,211 .08 .08ProvisionAdjusted Net $6,618 $.42 $.41 $6,416 $.41 $.40Income Weighted AverageShares 15,902 16,096 15,783 16,179Outstanding

Adjusted EBITDA

In evaluating our business, we consider and use Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of our operating performance in addition to GAAP financial measures. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation before net interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation expense, plus/minus expense/income that we do not consider reflective of our ongoing continuing operations. We reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation, the most comparable financial measure under GAAP. Neither current nor potential investors in our securities should rely on Adjusted EBITDA as a substitute for any GAAP measures and we encourage investors to review the following reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation.

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESCALCULATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA(Dollars in Thousands)(Unaudited)

Three-Month Period Ended Year Ended December 31, December December 31, December 2020 31, 2020 31, 2019 2019 Net Income Attributable $ 2,108 $ 1,626 $ 5,232 $ 5,205to Ultralife CorporationAdjustments: Interest and Financing 64 200 436 539Expense, NetIncome Tax Provision 682 515 1,692 1,457Depreciation Expense 597 672 2,340 2,220Amortization ofIntangible Assets and 166 165 646 569Financing FeesStock-Based Compensation 187 235 943 753ExpenseGain on Litigation (1,593 ) - (1,593 ) -SettlementNon-Cash Purchase - - - 264Accounting AdjustmentsAdjusted EBITDA $ 2,211 $ 3,413 $ 9,696 $ 11,007

Company Contact: Investor Relations Contact:Ultralife Corporation LHAPhilip A. Fain Jody Burfening(315) 210-6110 (212) 838-3777pfain@ulbi.com jburfening@lhai.com