f8k_021413.htm
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 8-K
 
 
Current Report Pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
February 14, 2013
(Date of Report)
 
 
ULTRALIFE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
000-20852
16-1387013
(State of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
2000 Technology Parkway, Newark, New York
14513
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(315) 332-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 


 
 

 
Item 2.02
Results of Operation and Financial Condition.

Ultralife Corporation (NASDAQ: ULBI) reported an operating profit from continuing operations of $2.4 million on revenue of $29.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2012.  For the fourth quarter of 2011, the company reported operating income from continuing operations of $1.8 million on revenue of $29.5 million.
 
During the quarter, management elected not to renew the lease for its U.K. manufacturing facility which expires on March 24, 2013, and to relocate its sales and services operations to a smaller facility.   As a result of this decision, Ultralife is required to restore the facility back to its original condition per a previous contractual commitment.  The estimated costs associated with the restoration total approximately $950,000 of which $200,000 has been recorded in fourth quarter general & administrative expenses and $750,000 has been recorded as discontinued operations.  In addition, Ultralife expects to realize net savings of approximately $500,000 on an annualized basis beginning in the second quarter of 2013.

Discontinued operations for the fourth quarter of 2011 include the operating results of RedBlack which was sold in the third quarter of 2012 and the final costs associated with exiting the Energy Services business.

All revenue, gross margin and operating expense amounts presented below represent results from continuing operations.
 
Revenue was $29.3 million, compared to $29.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting an increase of $4.8 million in Communications Systems sales offset by a $5.0 million decrease in Battery & Energy Products sales.  Battery & Energy Products sales were $18.8 million, compared to $23.9 million last year, a 21% decline, reflecting for the most part the continued slowdown in the government and defense order rate for rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.  Communications Systems sales were $10.4 million, compared to $5.6 million for the same period last year, an increase of 85%, reflecting the fulfillment of large orders for amplifiers from international defense customers and continued demand for amplifiers from the U.S. military.  New business development during the year has resulted in an increased mix of sales from international customers from 5% to 40% for Communications Systems.

Gross profit was $9.5 million, or 32.3% of revenue, compared to $8.9 million, or 30.0% of revenue, for the same quarter a year ago, an increase of 230 basis points primarily attributable to a higher mix of Communications Systems sales. Battery & Energy Products’ gross margin was 27.0%, compared to 29.1% last year, a 210 basis point decrease due to lower sales volumes partially offset by improved 9-volt margins.  Communications Systems’ gross margin was 41.9%, an increase of 790 basis points over the 34.0% gross margin reported last year, which resulted from higher volumes and favorable sales mix.

Operating expenses were $7.1 million, compared to $7.1 million a year ago, reflecting lower discretionary spending and headcount reductions completed in the first half of 2012 offset by increases in selling and new product development expenses. Included in the 2012 operating expenses is a $200,000 charge related to the non-renewal of the company’s U.K. lease described above.   As a percent of revenue, operating expenses were 24.3%, compared to 24.0% a year ago.

Although revenue was flat year-over-year for the fourth quarter, operating income increased 32% to $2.4 million from $1.8 million on the strength of gross margin gains.  Likewise, operating margin was 8.0%, compared to 6.0% for the year-earlier period, an increase of 200 basis points.

Net income from continuing operations was $2.1 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $0.08 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2011.  Net loss from discontinued operations was $0.7 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to a net income of $0.4 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same quarter last year.
 
The information set forth in this Form 8-K and the attached exhibit is being furnished to and not filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent specifically provided in any such filing.
 
Item 9.01
Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financials and Exhibits.

(a)  
Exhibits

99.1 Press Release of Ultralife Corporation dated February 14, 2013
 
 
 

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
Date:  February 14, 2013
 
ULTRALIFE CORPORATION
     
 
By:
/s/ Philip A. Fain                             
   
Philip A. Fain
   
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
     

 
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX

 
Exhibit
Number
  Description  
       
99.1
 
Press Release of Ultralife Corporation dated February 14, 2013
 
 
 
 
exh_991.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
Company Contact:    Investor Relations Contact:
Ultralife Corporation   Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Philip Fain   Jody Burfening
(315) 332-7100    (212) 838-3777
pfain@ulbi.com   jburfening@lhai.com
 
Ultralife Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter Results

NEWARK, N.Y. – February 14, 2013 -- Ultralife Corporation (NASDAQ: ULBI) reported an operating profit from continuing operations of $2.4 million on revenue of $29.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2012.  For the fourth quarter of 2011, the company reported operating income from continuing operations of $1.8 million on revenue of $29.5 million.

“Ultralife’s fourth quarter results demonstrate the earnings power of our business model.  Although revenue was flat year-over-year with a sizeable increase in Communications Systems sales neutralized by ongoing weakness in U.S. government spending for Battery & Energy Products, we generated gross margin above 30% for the second consecutive quarter and operating margin of 8%, a 200 basis point improvement.  We achieved these margin gains while continuing to invest in sales and new product development.  In addition, we continued to drive working capital efficiency, generating free cash flow and ending the year with cash of $10 million,” said Michael D. Popielec, Ultralife’s president and chief executive officer.

“During 2013 we intend to further invest in new product development and broadening our sales reach ahead of revenue generation, and funding these investments through continued manufacturing productivity gains and reductions in discretionary spending.  With a significantly lower cost infrastructure, an expanding set of global project opportunities for our new products and new sales leadership, we are looking forward to the further operating leverage revenue growth will bring,” concluded Popielec.
 
Fourth Quarter 2012 Financial Results

During the quarter, management elected not to renew the lease for its U.K. manufacturing facility which expires on March 24, 2013, and to relocate its sales and services operations to a smaller facility.   As a result of this decision, Ultralife is required to restore the facility back to its original condition per a previous contractual commitment.  The estimated costs associated with the restoration total approximately $950,000 of which $200,000 has been recorded in fourth quarter general & administrative expenses and $750,000 has been recorded as discontinued operations.  In addition, Ultralife expects to realize net savings of approximately $500,000 on an annualized basis beginning in the second quarter of 2013.

Discontinued operations for the fourth quarter of 2011 include the operating results of RedBlack which was sold in the third quarter of 2012 and the final costs associated with exiting the Energy Services business.

All revenue, gross margin and operating expense amounts presented below represent results from continuing operations.

Revenue was $29.3 million, compared to $29.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting an increase of $4.8 million in Communications Systems sales offset by a $5.0 million decrease in Battery & Energy Products sales.  Battery & Energy Products sales were $18.8 million, compared to $23.9 million last year, a 21% decline, reflecting for the most part the continued slowdown in the government and defense order rate for rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.  Communications Systems sales were $10.4 million, compared to $5.6 million for the same period last year, an increase of 85%, reflecting the fulfillment of large orders for amplifiers from international defense customers and continued demand for amplifiers from the U.S. military.  New business development during the year has resulted in an increased mix of sales from international customers from 5% to 40% for Communications Systems.

Gross profit was $9.5 million, or 32.3% of revenue, compared to $8.9 million, or 30.0% of revenue, for the same quarter a year ago, an increase of 230 basis points primarily attributable to a higher mix of Communications Systems sales. Battery & Energy Products’ gross margin was 27.0%, compared to 29.1% last year, a 210 basis point decrease due to lower sales volumes partially offset by improved 9-volt margins.  Communications Systems’ gross margin was 41.9%, an increase of 790 basis points over the 34.0% gross margin reported last year, which resulted from higher volumes and favorable sales mix.

Operating expenses were $7.1 million, compared to $7.1 million a year ago, reflecting lower discretionary spending and headcount reductions completed in the first half of 2012 offset by increases in selling and new product development expenses. Included in the 2012 operating expenses is a $200,000 charge related to the non-renewal of the company’s U.K. lease described above.   As a percent of revenue, operating expenses were 24.3%, compared to 24.0% a year ago.

Although revenue was flat year-over-year for the fourth quarter, operating income increased 32% to $2.4 million from $1.8 million on the strength of gross margin gains.  Likewise, operating margin was 8.0%, compared to 6.0% for the year-earlier period, an increase of 200 basis points.

Net income from continuing operations was $2.1 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $0.08 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2011.  Net loss from discontinued operations was $0.7 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to a net income of $0.4 million, or $0.02 per share, for the same quarter last year.
 
Outlook

For 2013, management expects low- to mid-single digit organic revenue growth reflecting strong growth in Communications Systems sales and modest gains in the Battery & Energy Products business, despite continued constraints on U.S. government spending.  Based on this outlook for revenue growth, ongoing productivity improvements and plans to continue prudently investing in new product development, management expects to increase operating profitability for the year and to generate a mid-single digit operating margin.

Management cautions that the timing of orders and shipments may cause variability in quarterly results.

About Ultralife Corporation

Ultralife Corporation serves its markets with products and services ranging from portable 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.ultralifecorp.com.

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:  potential reductions in U.S. military spending, uncertain global economic conditions and acceptance of our new products on a global basis. 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 Ultralife's financial results is included in Ultralife's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Conference Call Information

Ultralife will hold its fourth quarter earnings conference call today at 10:00 AM ET. To participate, please call (800) 915-4836, identify yourself and ask for the Ultralife call. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet at http://investor.ultralifecorp.com. To listen to the call, please go to the web site at least fifteen minutes early to download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live webcast, a replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call at the same location.
 
 
 

 
ULTRALIFE CORPORATION
 
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
(unaudited)
 
             
             
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2012
   
2011
 
             
Current assets:
           
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 10,078     $ 5,486  
   Trade accounts receivable, net
    20,913       19,903  
   Inventories
    30,370       34,967  
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,461       3,877  
     Total current assets
    63,822       64,233  
                 
Property and equipment
    12,415       12,588  
                 
Other assets:
               
   Goodwill, intangible and other assets
    21,481       23,994  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 97,718     $ 100,815  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
   Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
  $ -     $ -  
   Accounts payable
    11,357       13,766  
   Other current liabilities
    8,540       9,392  
      Total current liabilities
    19,897       23,158  
                 
Long-term liabilities:
               
    Other long-term liabilities
    4,370       4,431  
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
  Ultralife equity:
               
    Common stock, par value $0.10 per share
    1,886       1,874  
    Capital in excess of par value
    173,791       172,309  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (620 )     (985 )
    Accumulated deficit
    (93,883 )     (92,280 )
 
    81,174       80,918  
    Less -- Treasury stock, at cost
    7,658       7,658  
      Total Ultralife equity
    73,516       73,260  
  Noncontrolling interest
    (65 )     (34 )
      Total shareholders' equity
    73,451       73,226  
                 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $ 97,718     $ 100,815  
 
 
 

 
ULTRALIFE CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
                         
   
Three-Month Periods Ended
   
Twelve-Month Periods Ended
 
                         
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Revenues:
                       
  Battery & energy products
  $ 18,846     $ 23,882     $ 71,084     $ 108,203  
  Communications systems
    10,423       5,624       30,573       27,534  
Total revenues
    29,269       29,506       101,657       135,737  
                                 
Cost of products sold:
                               
  Battery & energy products
    13,760       16,936       53,522       83,034  
  Communications systems
    6,058       3,713       19,405       18,512  
Total cost of products sold
    19,818       20,649       72,927       101,546  
                                 
Gross profit
    9,451       8,857       28,730       34,191  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
  Research and development
    1,511       1,680       7,216       8,593  
  Selling, general, and administrative
    5,587       5,401       21,628       23,186  
Total operating expenses
    7,098       7,081       28,844       31,779  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    2,353       1,776       (114 )     2,412  
                                 
Other income (expense):
                               
  Interest income
    -       1       4       5  
  Interest expense
    (124 )     (115 )     (440 )     (559 )
  Miscellaneous
    (41 )     (168 )     (24 )     171  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    2,188       1,494       (574 )     2,029  
 
                               
Income tax provision-current
    152       (101 )     539       32  
Income tax provision - deferred
    (35 )     297       15       448  
  Total income taxes
    117       196       554       480  
                                 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    2,071       1,298       (1,128 )     1,549  
                                 
Discontinued operations:
                               
  Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (680 )     440       (501 )     (3,819 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
    1,391       1,738       (1,629 )     (2,270 )
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    -       19       31       58  
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife
  $ 1,391     $ 1,757     $ (1,598 )   $ (2,212 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
  Foreign currency translation adjustments
    446       9       365       277  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ultralife
  $ 1,837     $ 1,766     $ (1,233 )   $ (1,935 )
                                 
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - basic
                               
  Continuing operations
  $ 0.12     $ 0.08     $ (0.06 )   $ 0.09  
  Discontinued operations
  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.22 )
  Total
  $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ (0.09 )   $ (0.13 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife common shareholders - diluted
                               
  Continuing operations
  $ 0.12     $ 0.08     $ (0.06 )   $ 0.09  
  Discontinued operations
  $ (0.04 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.22 )
  Total
  $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ (0.09 )   $ (0.13 )
                                 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
    17,443       17,331       17,403       17,304  
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
    17,443       17,347       17,403       17,336