NEWARK, N.Y., Feb. 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ultralife Corporation (Nasdaq:ULBI) reported operating income of $1.0 million on revenue of $19.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. For the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company reported operating income of $0.2 million on revenue of $20.2 million.

"Consistent with our objectives, in 2014 we realized initial returns on the new product development investments made in power systems designed for medical devices and carts, portable power solutions, and integrated communications systems, while we expanded our global sales footprint. Battery & Energy Products contributed profitable growth with sales of commercial products increasing 32% and representing 62% of the segment's sales mix for the year, further diversifying its non-government/defense revenue base," said Michael D. Popielec, Ultralife's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"Financially, our fourth quarter results reflect successful execution and demonstrate the operating leverage of our business model. We generated a consolidated gross margin of 31.7%, up 400 basis points over last year, and an operating income of $1.0 million.  Having brought 2014 to a close on a strong note, the elements of our long-term strategic and operational plans are coalescing, and we are heading in the right direction to generate organic top-line growth and profitability in 2015," concluded Popielec. 

Fourth Quarter 2014 Financial Results

Revenue was $19.9 million, compared to $20.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, a $0.2 million or 1% decline reflecting an increase of $0.9 million in Battery & Energy Products sales, offset by a $1.1 million decrease in Communications Systems sales.  Battery & Energy Products sales were $16.8 million, compared to $15.9 million last year, a 6% increase, with sales to commercial customers increasing 47% and Government/Defense sales decreasing 24%. Communications Systems sales were $3.2 million, compared to $4.3 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 26% reflecting ongoing soft order flow for amplifiers for U.S. Government/Defense tactical radios. On a consolidated basis, sales to commercial customers accounted for 49% of total revenue, up from 33% last year.

Gross profit was $6.3 million, or 31.7% of revenue, compared to $5.6 million or 27.7% of revenue for the same quarter a year ago. The 400 basis point increase primarily reflects the increased sales of higher margin commercial products, favorable mix of new products and increased production volumes leading to Lean productivity gains and overhead leverage. Battery & Energy Products gross margin was 30.0%, 390 basis points higher than the 26.1% reported last year, and Communications Systems gross margin was 40.6%, a 710 basis point improvement from the 33.5% reported last year.

Operating expenses were $5.3 million compared to $5.4 million last year reflecting ongoing discretionary spending discipline while investing in new product development.  Operating expenses were 26.5% of revenue, compared to 26.6% for the year earlier period.  

As a result of the increase in gross profit and lower operating expenses, the Company reported operating income of $1.0 million compared to $0.2 million last year and a 410 basis point improvement in the operating margin to 5.2% from 1.1% last year.  Adjusted EBITDA, defined as EBITDA including non-cash, stock based compensation, was $2.1 million, or 10.4% of revenue, compared to $1.4 million, or 6.9% of revenue for the same quarter a year ago. And, net income was $0.9 million, or $0.05 per share, compared to $0.1 million, or $0.01 per share for the fourth quarter of 2013.      

During the fourth quarter, Ultralife repurchased 56,197 shares under its 1.8 million share repurchase program.

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.ultralifecorp.com.

Conference Call Information

Ultralife will hold its fourth quarter earnings conference call today at 10:00 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: 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. 

CONTACT: Company Contact:

         Ultralife Corporation

         Philip A. Fain

         (315) 210-6110

         pfain@ulbi.com

         

         Investor Relations Contact:

         LHA

         Jody Burfening

         (212) 838-3777

         jburfening@lhai.com