UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)                     

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 29March 31, 20192020

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

 

Commission file number: 0-20852

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation of organization)

 

2000 Technology Parkway Newark, New York 14513

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

16-1387013

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

(315) 332-7100 

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code:)

 

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, $0.10 par value per share

ULBI

NASDAQ

(Title of each class)

(Trading Symbol)

(Name of each exchange on which registered)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data file required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes☐ No

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS: Indicate by check mark whether theAs of April 28, 2020, the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.   Yes ☐    No ☐  had Not applicable15,879,284

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

As of outstandingOctober 29, 2019, the registrant had 15,856,907 shares of common stock outstanding..

 



 


1

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

  

Page

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
   

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

 
   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 20182019 

3

   
 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine-MonthThree-Month Periods Ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018 

4

   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine-MonthThree-Month Periods Ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018

5

   
 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine-MonthThree-Month Periods Ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018

6

   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

   

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2018

   

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

2925

   

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 
   

Item 2.1A.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsRisk Factors

2926

   

Item 6.

Exhibits

3027

   
 

Signatures

3128

 


2

 

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)In Thousands except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     

December 31,

 
 

September 29,

  

2018

  

March 31,

  

December 31

 
 

2019

  

Adjusted (1)

  

2020

  

2019

 
ASSETSASSETS ASSETS 

Current assets:

                

Cash

 $7,089  $25,934  $6,109  $7,405 

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $322 and $296, respectively

  26,573   16,015 

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $311 and $324, respectively

  35,750   30,106 

Inventories, net

  32,396   22,843   28,979   29,759 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  2,949   2,368   2,730   3,103 

Total current assets

  69,007   67,160   73,568   70,373 

Property, equipment and improvements, net

  22,599   10,744 

Property, plant and equipment, net

  22,039   22,525 

Goodwill

  26,373   20,109   26,468   26,753 

Other intangible assets, net

  9,683   6,504   9,405   9,721 

Deferred income taxes, net

  13,556   15,444   12,887   13,222 

Other noncurrent assets

  2,086   887   1,783   1,963 

Total Assets

 $143,304  $120,848  $146,150  $144,557 
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

Current Liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

 $10,451  $9,919  $11,731  $9,388 

Current portion of long-term debt

  1,326   -   1,467   1,372 

Accrued compensation and related benefits

  1,534   1,494   1,597   1,655 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  4,962   3,973   4,133   4,775 

Total current liabilities

  18,273   15,386   18,928   17,190 

Long-term debt

  16,257   -   15,354   15,780 

Deferred income taxes

  504   591   496   559 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  1,419   408   1,103   1,278 

Total liabilities

  36,453   16,385   35,881   34,807 
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

                
                

Shareholders' equity:

                

Preferred stock – par value $.10 per share; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued

  -   -   -   - 

Common stock – par value $.10 per share; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued – 20,253,889 shares at September 29, 2019 and 20,053,335 shares at December 31, 2018; outstanding – 15,852,707 shares at September 29, 2019 and 15,920,585 shares at December 31, 2018

  2,025   2,005 

Common stock – par value $.10 per share; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued – 20,281,516 shares at March 31, 2020 and 20,268,050 shares at December 31, 2019; outstanding – 15,879,284 shares at March 31, 2020 and 15,866,868 shares at December 31, 2019

  2,028   2,026 

Capital in excess of par value

  183,995   182,630   184,550   184,292 

Accumulated deficit

  (54,456)  (58,035)  (51,771)  (52,830)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (3,471)  (2,786)  (3,338)  (2,531)

Treasury stock - at cost; 4,401,182 shares at September 29, 2019 and 4,132,750 shares at December 31, 2018

  (21,231)  (19,266)

Treasury stock - at cost; 4,402,232 shares at March 31, 2020 and 4,401,182 shares at December 31, 2019

  (21,239)  (21,231)

Total Ultralife Corporation equity

  106,862   104,548   110,230   109,726 

Non-controlling interest

  (11)  (85)  39   24 

Total shareholders’ equity

  106,851   104,463   110,269   109,750 
                

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 $143,304  $120,848  $146,150  $144,557 

(1)

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 (ASC 842), Leases. Prior period balances have been adjusted for the effects of the new standard. See Note 1 for further information.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


3

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands except per share amounts)amounts)

(Unaudited)

  

Three-month period ended

 
  

March 31,

2020

  

March 31,

2019

 
         

Revenues

 $25,814  $18,882 

Cost of products sold

  18,480   13,798 

Gross profit

  7,334   5,084 
         

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

  1,548   1,036 

Selling, general and administrative

  4,301   3,500 

Total operating expenses

  5,849   4,536 
         

Operating income

  1,485   548 
         

Other (expense) income:

        

Interest and financing expense

  (174)  (5)

Miscellaneous income (expense)

  82   (53)

Total other expense

  (92)  (58)
         

Income before income taxes

  1,393   490 

Income tax provision

  319   41 
         

Net income

  1,074   449 
         

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

  (15)  (24)
         

Net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

  1,059   425 
         

Other comprehensive (loss) gain:

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (807)  435 
         

Comprehensive income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $252  $860 
         

Net income per share attributable to Ultralife common shareholders – basic

 $.07  $.03 
         

Net income per share attributable to Ultralife common shareholders – diluted

 $.07  $.03 
         

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

  15,875   15,740 

Potential common shares

  212   485 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

  16,087   16,225 

4

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

  

Three-Month Period Ended

  

Nine-Month Period Ended

 
  

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

  

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

 
                 

Revenues

 $27,493  $20,330  $75,772  $66,263 

Cost of products sold

  19,632   14,289   53,962   46,390 

Gross profit

  7,861   6,041   21,810   19,873 
                 

Operating expenses:

                

Research and development

  2,029   1,099   4,652   3,417 

Selling, general and administrative

  4,526   3,442   12,262   10,968 

Total operating expenses

  6,555   4,541   16,914   14,385 
                 

Operating income

  1,306   1,500   4,896   5,488 
                 

Other expense (income):

                

Interest and financing expense

  220   13   339   67 

Miscellaneous

  (60)  (34)  (38)  (40)

Total other expense (income)

  160   (21)  301   27 
                 

Income before income tax provision

  1,146   1,521   4,595   5,461 

Income tax provision

  225   86   942   219 
                 

Net income

  921   1,435   3,653   5,242 
                 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

  23   27   74   57 
                 

Net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

  898   1,408   3,579   5,185 
                 

Other comprehensive loss:

                

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (668)  (436)  (685)  (862)
                 

Comprehensive income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $230  $972  $2,894  $4,323 
                 

Net income per share attributable to Ultralife common shareholders – basic

 $.06  $.09  $.23  $.33 
                 

Net income per share attributable to Ultralife common shareholders – diluted

 $.06  $.09  $.22  $.32 
                 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

  15,785   15,952   15,756   15,859 

Potential common shares

  377   571   382   548 

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

  16,162   16,523   16,138   16,407 
  

Three-month period ended

 
  

March 31,

2020

  

March 31,

2019

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net income

 $1,074  $449 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation

  579   447 

Amortization of intangible assets

  149   92 

Amortization of financing fees

  12   9 

Stock-based compensation

  230   185 

Deferred income taxes

  242   (5)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (5,764)  2,076 

Inventories

  596   (4,963)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  604   (1)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  1,913   1,166 

Net cash used in operating activities

  (365)  (545)
         

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

  (565)  (2,581)

Proceeds from sale of equipment

  120   - 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (445)  (2,581)
         

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Payment of credit facilities

  (343)  - 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  29   356 

Tax withholdings on stock-based awards

  (8)  (8)

Repurchase of common stock

  -   (1,957)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (322)  (1,609)
         

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  (164)  41 
         

DECREASE IN CASH

  (1,296)  (4,694)
         

Cash, Beginning of period

  7,405   25,934 

Cash, End of period

 $6,109  $21,240 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


5

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

  

Nine-Month Period Ended

 
  

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

        

Net income

 $3,653  $5,242 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation

  1,548   1,476 

Amortization of intangible assets

  372   300 

Amortization of financing fees

  32   27 

Stock-based compensation

  519   707 

Deferred income taxes

  801   54 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (7,022)  (8)

Inventories

  (5,021)  2,947 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  (1,547)  (338)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

  1,818   (2,876)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  (4,847)  7,531 
         

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

        

Purchase of SWE, net of cash acquired

  (25,248)  - 

Purchases of property, equipment and improvements

  (4,846  (1,994)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (30,094)  (1,994)
         

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

  10,182   - 

Proceeds from term loan facility

  8,000   - 

Payment of term loan facility

  (423)  - 

Repurchase of common stock

  (1,957)  - 

Payment of debt issuance costs

  (157)  - 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  866   1,357 

Tax withholdings on stock-based awards

  (8)  - 

Proceeds from government grant

  -   397 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  16,503   1,754 
         

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  (407)  (167)
         

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH

  (18,845)  7,124 
         

Cash, Beginning of period

  25,934   18,330 

Cash, End of period

 $7,089  $25,454 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in Thousands)In Thousands except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

          

Capital

  

Accumulated

                 
  

Common Stock

  

in Excess

  

Other

          

Non-

     
  

Number of

      

of Par

  

Comprehensive

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury

  

Controlling

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Value

  

Income (Loss)

  

Deficit

  

Stock

  

Interest

  

Total

 
                                 

Balance – December 31, 2017

  19,670,928  $1,966  $180,211  $(1,611) $(82,894) $(18,469) $(154) $79,049 

Cumulative effect adjustment (1)

                  (71)          (71)

Net income

                  5,185       57   5,242 

Stock option exercises

  305,460   32   1,358                   1,390 

Stock-based compensation - stock options

          653                   653 

Stock-based compensation - restricted stock

          54                   54 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

              (862)              (862)

Cash settlement of outstanding options

          (33)                  (33)

Other

          3                   3 

Balance – September 30, 2018 (1)

  19,976,388  $1,998  $182,246  $(2,473) $(77,780) $(18,469) $(97) $85,425 
                                 
                                 

Balance – December 31, 2018 (1)

  20,053,335  $2,005  $182,630  $(2,786) $(58,035) $(19,266) $(85) $104,463 

Net Income

                  3,579       74   3,653 

Share repurchases

                      (1,957)      (1,957)

Stock option exercises

  194,720   20   846                   866 

Stock-based compensation - stock options

          433                   433 

Stock-based compensation - restricted stock

  5,834       86                   86 

Tax withholdings on restricted stock

                      (8)      (8)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

              (685)              (685)

Balance – September 29, 2019

  20,253,889  $2,025  $183,995  $(3,471) $(54,456) $(21,231) $(11) $106,851 
                                 
                                 

Balance – July 1, 2018 (1)

  19,961,404  $1,996  $181,818  $(2,036) $(79,188) $(18,469) $(124) $83,997 

Net income

                  1,408       27   1,435 

Stock option exercises

  14,984   2   62                   64 

Stock-based compensation - stock options

          344                   344 

Stock-based compensation - restricted stock

          19                   19 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

              (437)              (437)

Other

          3                   3 

Balance – September 30, 2018 (1)

  19,976,388  $1,998  $182,246  $(2,473) $(77,780) $(18,469) $(97) $85,425 
                                 

Balance – June 30, 2019

  20,163,756  $2,016  $183,457  $(2,803) $(55,354) $(21,231) $(34) $106,051 

Net income

                  898       23   921 

Stock option exercises

  90,133   9   379                   388 

Stock-based compensation - stock options

          117                   117 

Stock-based compensation - restricted stock

          42                   42 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

              (668)              (668)

Balance – September 29, 2019

  20,253,889  $2,025  $183,995  $(3,471) $(54,456) $(21,231) $(11) $106,851 
          

Capital

  

Accumulated

                 
  

Common Stock

  

in Excess

  

Other

          

Non-

     
  

Number of

      

of Par

  

Comprehensive

  

Accumulated

  

Treasury

  

Controlling

     
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Value

  

Income (Loss)

  

Deficit

  

Stock

  

Interest

  

Total

 
                                 

Balance – December 31, 2018

  20,053,335  $2,005  $182,630  $(2,786) $(58,035) $(19,266) $(85) $104,463 

Net income

                  425       24   449 

Share repurchases

                      (1,957)      (1,957)

Stock option exercises

  75,427   8   348                   356 

Stock-based compensation – stock options

          174                   174 

Stock-based compensation – restricted stock

  5,834       11                   11 

Tax withholdings on restricted stock

                      (8)      (8)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

              435               435 

Balance – March 31, 2019

  20,134,596  $2,013  $183,163  $(2,351) $(57,610) $(21,231) $(61) $103,923 
                                 
                                 

Balance – December 31, 2019

  20,268,050  $2,026  $184,292  $(2,531) $(52,830) $(21,231) $24  $109,750 

Net income

                  1,059       15   1,074 

Stock option exercises

  7,633   1   28                   29 

Stock-based compensation – stock options

          192                   192 

Stock-based compensation – restricted stock

  5,833       38                   38 

Tax withholdings on restricted stock

      1               (8)      (7)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

              (807)              (807)

Balance – March 31, 2020

  20,281,516  $2,028  $184,550  $(3,338) $(51,771) $(21,239) $39  $110,269 

(1)

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 (ASC 842), Leases. Prior period balances have been adjusted for the effects of the new standard. See Note 1 for further information.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


6

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts inIn thousands except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of Ultralife Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Ultralife”) and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements have been included. Results for interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for a full year. Reference should be made to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

 

The December 31, 20182019 consolidated balance sheet datainformation referenced herein was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

 

Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

OurEffective January 1, 2020, the Company’s interim fiscal periods are reported on a calendar month-basis to better align with fiscal period changes of our customer base. Prior to 2020, the Company’s monthly closing schedule iswas a 4/4/5 weekly-based cycle for each fiscal quarter, as opposed to a calendar month-basedweek-based cycle for each fiscal quarter. While the actual dates for the quarter-ends willWe do not believe this change slightly each year, we believe that there are not any material differences when makingmaterially impacts quarterly comparisons.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019,2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-02(“ASU”) 2017-04, “IntangiblesLeasesGoodwill and Other (Topic 842)350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”.  The new standard eliminates the two-step process that required the identification of potential impairment and a separate measure of the actual impairment. Adoption of the new standard didwill not materially impact the prior yearCompany’s consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The prior year consolidated balance sheet has been revised for the effects of the new standard. The effects to our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 are presented below.financial statements.

 

The Company adopted the new standard applying the modified retrospective approach. The Company measured and recognized leases upon adoption which had commenced as of the beginning or during the prior year. The package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance of the new standard was elected which allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification and determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease on existing leases. The use-of-hindsight transition practical expedient was applied to determine the lease term for existing leases, which resulted in the lengthening of the lease term at commencement for one of our operating facilities.

At contract inception, the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease and determines the lease classification. The lease term is determined based on the non-cancellable term of the lease adjusted to the extent optional renewal terms and termination rights are reasonably certain. Lease expense is recognized evenly over the lease term. Variable lease payments are recognized as period costs. The present value of remaining lease payments is recognized as a liability on the balance sheet with a corresponding right-of-use asset adjusted for prepaid or accrued lease payments. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate for the discount rate, unless the interest rate implicit in the lease contract is readily determinable. The Company has adopted the practical expedients to not separate non-lease components from lease components and to not present short-term leases on the balance sheet.

The impact on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 is shown below.


Impact to Previously Reported Results

Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018:

  

As

Previously

Reported

  

Lease

Standard

Adjustment

  

As

Adjusted

 

Other noncurrent assets

 $82  $805  $887 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  2,429   (61)  2,368 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  3,534   439   3,973 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  32   376   408 

Accumulated deficit

  (57,964)  (71)  (58,035)

See Note 9 for further disclosure regarding lease accounting.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting data based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

7

2.     SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program Loan

 

There have been no developmentsOn April 14, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with KeyBank National Association (“Lender”) under the terms of which the Lender agreed to recentlymake a loan to the Company in an aggregate principal amount of $3,459 (“PPP Loan”) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP Loan is evidenced by a promissory note containing the terms and conditions for repayment of the PPP Loan.

On April 27, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with the Lender to repay the PPP loan proceeds of $3,459, which were received by the Company on April 16, 2020 and not used, to ensure compliance with the Frequently Asked Questions and revised guidelines issued accounting standards, includingby the expected datesU.S. Department of adoptionTreasury and anticipated effectsthe Small Business Administration on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, from those disclosed in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.April 23, 2020.

 

 

3.     2.     ACQUISITIONACQUISITION

 

On May 1, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Southwest Electronic Energy Corporation, a Texas corporation (“SWE”), for an aggregate purchase price of $26,190 inclusive of $942 cash acquired and post-closing adjustments.

 

SWE is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of high-performance smart battery systems and battery packs to customer specifications using lithium cells. SWE serves a variety of industrial markets, including oil & gas, remote monitoring, process control and marine, which demand uncompromised safety, service, reliability and quality. The Company acquired SWE as a bolt-on acquisition to further support our strategy of commercial revenue diversification by providing entry to the oil and gas exploration and production, and subsea electrification markets, which are currently unserved by Ultralife. Another key benefit includes obtaining a highly valuable technical team of battery pack and charger system engineers and technicians to add to our new product development-based revenue growth initiatives in our commercial end-markets particularly asset tracking, smart metering and other industrial applications.

 

The acquisition of SWE was completed pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 1, 2019 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) by and among Ultralife, SWE, Southwest Electronic Energy Medical Research Institute, a Texas non-profit (the “Seller”), and Claude Leonard Backstein, an individual (the “Shareholder”). The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary terms and conditions including representations, warranties and indemnification provisions. A portion of the consideration paid to the Seller is being held in escrow for indemnification purposes.

 

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition was funded by the Company through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Credit Facilities (see Note 3)4).

 

The purchase price allocation was determined in accordance with the accounting treatment of a business combination pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805). Accordingly, the fair value of the consideration was determined, and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded at their fair values at the date of the acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values has been recorded as goodwill.

 


8

 

The allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition is presented in the table below. Management is responsible for determining the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition. Management considered several factors, including reference to an analysis performed under ASC 805 solely for the purpose of allocating the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company’s estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions, which would not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. The resulting purchase price allocation is considered preliminary and could differ materially from the final allocation based on further analysis and future events.  The final purchase price allocation may include changes in the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including intangible assets, inventories, fixed assets, deferred taxes and residual goodwill.

 

Cash

 $942  $942 

Accounts receivable

  3,621   3,621 

Inventories

  4,685   4,685 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  431 

Property, equipment and improvements

  9,177 

Other current assets

  431 

Property, plant and equipment

  9,177 

Goodwill

  6,474   6,534 

Other intangible assets

  3,649 

Customer relationships

  2,522 

Trade name

  1,127 

Accounts payable

  (1,060

)

  (1,060)

Other current liabilities

  (718

)

  (778)

Deferred tax liability, net

  (1,011

)

  (1,011)

Net assets acquired

 $26,190  $26,190 

 

The goodwill included in the Company’s purchase price allocation presented above represents the value of SWE’s assembled and trained workforce, the incremental value that SWE engineering and technology will bring to the Company and the revenue growth which is expected to occur over time which is attributable to increased market penetration from future new products and customers. The goodwill acquired in connection with the acquisition is not deductible for income tax purposes.

 

The operating results and cash flows of SWE are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. SWE is included in the Battery & Energy Products segment.

 

For the ninethree months ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, SWE contributed revenue of $11,993$5,437 and net income of $740, inclusive of a $264 increase in cost of products sold for the fair value step-up of acquired inventory sold during the period, non-recurring expenses of $165 directly related to the acquisition, interest expense of $289 directly related to the financing of the SWE acquisition, amortization expense of $101 on acquired identifiable intangible assets, a $55 reduction of depreciation expense as a result of fair value adjustments and useful life changes, and stock-based compensation charges of $49 for stock options and restricted stock awarded to certain SWE employees.$271.

During the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019, the Company incurred non-recurring transaction costs of $322 directly attributable to the acquisition. Debt issuance costs of $157, including placement, renewal and legal fees, are amortized to interest expense over a weighted average life of 4.6 years based on the terms of the related Credit Facilities. Other non-recurring transaction costs of $165, including one-time accounting, legal and due diligence services, were expensed during the nine-month period. There were no non-recurring transaction costs incurred during the three-month period ended September 29, 2019.

The following supplemental pro forma information presents the combined results of operations, inclusive of the purchase accounting adjustments and one-time acquisition-related expenses described above, as if the acquisition of SWE had been completed on January 1, 2018, the beginning of the comparable prior period.

The supplemental pro forma results do not reflect the agreed upon departure of the Shareholder from SWE and dissolution of the SWE Board of Directors upon consummation of the acquisition or the realization of any expected synergies or other cost reductions following the completion of the business combination. The supplemental pro forma results are presented for informational purposes only and should not be considered indicative of the financial position or results of operations had the acquisition been completed as of the dates indicated and does not purport to indicate the future combined financial position or results of operation.


 

Set forth below are the unaudited supplemental pro forma results of the Company and SWE for the nine-month periods ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 as if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2018.

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 30,

2018

  

September 29,

2019

 

Revenue

 $86,506  $84,567 

Operating income

  4,397   5,536 

Net Income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

  4,009   3,900 

Net income per share attributable to Ultralife Corporation:

        

Basic

 $.25  $.25 

Diluted

 $.25  $.24 

 

 

4.     3.     CREDIT FACILITY

 

On May 1, 2019, Ultralife, SWE, and CLB, INC., a Texas corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of SWE (“CLB”), as borrowers, entered into the First Amendment Agreement (the “First Amendment Agreement”) with KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank” or the “Bank”), as lender and administrative agent, to amend the Credit and Security Agreement by and among Ultralife and KeyBank dated May 31, 2017 (the “Credit Agreement”, and together with the First Amendment Agreement, the “Amended Credit Agreement”).

 

The Amended Credit Agreement, among other things, provides for a five-year, $8,000 senior secured term loan (the “Term Loan Facility”) and extends the term of the $30,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”, and together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) through May 31, 2022. Up to six months prior to May 31, 2022, the Revolving Credit Facility may be increased to $50,000 with the Bank’s concurrence.

 

Upon closing of the SWE acquisition on May 1, 2019, the Company drew down the full amount of the Term Loan Facility and $6,782 under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company had $7,577$6,791 outstanding principal on the Term Loan Facility, of which $1,326$1,467 is included in current portion of long-term debt on the balance sheet, and $10,182 outstanding principal on the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, total unamortized debt issuance costs of $176$152 associated with the Amended Credit Agreement are classified as a reduction of long-term debt on the balance sheet.

 

The Company is required to repay the borrowings under the Term Loan Facility in sixty (60) equal consecutive monthly payments commencing on May 31, 2019, in arrears, together with applicable interest. All unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to the Term Loan Facility is due and payable in full on April 30, 2024. All unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility is due and payable in full on May 31, 2022. The Company may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding at any time subject to certain restrictions.

 

In addition to the customary affirmative and negative covenants, the Company must maintain a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of equal to or greater than 1.15 to 1.0, and a consolidated senior leverage ratio of equal to or less than 2.5 to 1.0, each as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The Company was in full compliance with its covenants as of September 29, 2019.March 31, 2020.

9

 

Borrowings under the Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to certain borrowing base limits based on receivables and inventories.

 

Interest will accrue on outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facilities at the Base Rate or the Overnight LIBOR Rate, as selected by the Company, plus the applicable margin. The Base Rate is the higher of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 50 basis points, and (c) the Overnight LIBOR Rate plus one hundred basis points. The applicable margin ranges from zero to negative 50 basis points for the Base Rate and from 185 to 215 basis points for the Overnight LIBOR Rate and are determined based on the Company’s senior leverage ratio.

 

The Company must pay a fee of 0.1% to 0.2% based on the average daily unused availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

Payments must be made by the Company to the extent borrowings exceed the maximum amount then permitted to be drawn on the Credit Facilities and from the proceeds of certain transactions. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations may be accelerated and the Bank will have other customary remedies including resort to the security interest the Company provided to the Bank.

 


 

 

4.     SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On October 31, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) which became effective on November 1, 2018, under which the Company is authorized to purchase up to 2.5 million shares of its outstanding common stock over a period not to exceed twelve months.

Under the Share Repurchase Program, shares may be purchased in open market transactions, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchase will be determined at the Company’s discretion and the Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, terminated or modified by the Company’s Board of Directors at any time for any reason and does not obligate the Company to purchase any specific number of shares. Under the Program, all purchases will be made in accordance with Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b-18, which sets certain restrictions on the method, timing, price and volume of open market stock repurchases.

For the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019, we repurchased a total of 267,300 shares of our common stock for an aggregate consideration (including fees and commissions) of $1,957. There were no shares repurchased during the three-month period ended September 29, 2019.

From the inception of the Share Repurchase Program on November 1, 2018, we repurchased a total of 372,974 shares of our common stock for an aggregate consideration (including fees and commissions) of $2,699.

5.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing earnings attributable to the Company’s common shareholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of securities, if any, and is calculated using the treasury stock method. For the three-month period ended September 29, 2019, 914,535March 31, 2020, 878,408 stock options and 31,66625,833 restricted stock awards were included in the calculation of Diluted EPS as such securities are dilutive. Inclusion of these securities resulted in 377,200211,286 additional shares in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share. For the comparable three-month period ended September 30, 2018, 1,252,502March 31, 2019, 1,052,410 stock options and 17,50011,666 restricted stock awards were included in the calculation of Diluted EPS resulting in 571,829484,843 additional shares in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share. For the nine-month periods ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018, 914,535 and 1,252,502 stock options and 31,666 and 17,500 restricted stock awards, respectively, were included in the calculation of Diluted EPS as such securities are dilutive. Inclusion of these securities resulted in 382,711 and 548,004 additional shares, respectively, in the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share.

 

There were 266,000653,500 and 502,250448,250 outstanding stock options for the three-month periods ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, and September 30, 2018, respectively, which were not included in EPS as the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were 266,000 and 502,250 outstanding stock options for the nine-month periods ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively, which were not included in EPS as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

 

6.     SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

The fair value of financial instruments approximated their carrying values at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.  The fair value of cash, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and the current portion of long-term debt approximates carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.  The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value, as the variable interest rates approximate current market rates.

Cash

 

The composition of the Company’s cash was as follows:

 

 

September 29,

  

December 31,

  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash

 $6,824  $25,583  $5,862  $7,135 

Restricted cash

  265   351   247   270 

Total

 $7,089  $25,934  $6,109  $7,405 


10

 

As of September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, restricted cash included $184$166 and $266,$188, respectively, relating to a government grant awarded in the People’s Republic of China to fund specified technological research and development initiatives. The grant proceeds are realized to income as a direct offset to expense as the related expenditures are incurred. For the nine-monththree-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, grant proceeds of $72$20 were realized to income. As of September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018,2019, restricted cash included euro-denominated deposits of $81 and $85,$82, respectively, withheld by the Dutch tax authorities and third-party VAT representatives in connection with a previously utilized logistics arrangement in the Netherlands. Restricted cash is included as a component of the cash balance for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, net of obsolescence reserves, with cost determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The composition of inventories, net was:

 

 

September 29,

  

December 31,

  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Raw materials

 $19,004  $13,274  $18,354  $18,485 

Work in process

  2,998   2,016   3,036   2,548 

Finished goods

  10,394   7,553   7,589   8,726 

Total

 $32,396  $22,843  $28,979  $29,759 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, and Improvements, Net

 

Major classes of property, equipmentplant and improvementsequipment consisted of the following:

 

 

September 29,

  

December 31,

  

March 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Land

 $1,273  $123  $1,273  $1,273 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

  15,257   8,267   8,096   8,148 

Machinery and equipment

  54,530   51,261   62,239   62,562 

Furniture and fixtures

  2,176   2,058   2,105   2,112 

Computer hardware and software

  6,672   5,590   6,520   6,528 

Construction in process

  4,757   4,302   5,078   4,730 
  84,665   71,601   85,311   85,353 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

  (62,066)  (60,857)  (63,272)  (62,828)

Property, equipment and improvements, net

 $22,599  $10,744 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 $22,039  $22,525 

 

Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $579 and improvements was as follows:$447 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

 

  

Three-month period ended

  

Nine-month period ended

 
  

September 29,

  

September 30,

  

September 29,

  

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

Depreciation expense

 $586  $496  $1,548  $1,476 


Goodwill

 

The following table summarizes the goodwill activity by segment for the nine-month periodsthree-month period ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018:March 31, 2020.

 

  

Battery &

Energy

  

Communications

     
  

Products

  

Systems

  

Total

 

Balance – December 31, 2017

 $8,965  $11,493  $20,458 

Effect of foreign currency translation

  (257)  -   (257)

Balance – September 30, 2018

  8,708   11,493   20,201 

Effect of foreign currency translation

  (92)  -   (92)

Balance – December 31, 2018

  8,616   11,493   20,109 

Acquisition of SWE

  6,474   -   6,474 

Effect of foreign currency translation

  (210)  -   (210)

Balance – September 29, 2019

 $14,880  $11,493  $26,373 
  

Battery &

Energy

  

Communications

     
  

Products

  

Systems

  

Total

 

Balance – December 31, 2019

  15,260   11,493   26,753 

Effect of foreign currency translation

  (285)  -   (285)

Balance – March 31, 2020

 $14,975  $11,493  $26,468 

 

11

Other Intangible Assets, Net

 

The composition of other intangible assets was:

 

 

at September 29, 2019

  

at March 31, 2020

 
     

Accumulated

          

Accumulated

     
 

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

 

Trademarks

 $3,401  $-  $3,401  $3,402  $-  $3,402 

Customer relationships

  8,907   4,586   4,321   8,922   4,768   4,154 

Patents and technology

  5,452   4,810   642   5,458   4,874   584 

Distributor relationships

  377   377   -   377   377   - 

Trade name

  1,485   166   1,319   1,487   222   1,265 

Total

 $19,622  $9,939  $9,683  $19,646  $10,241  $9,405 

 

 

at December 31, 2018

  

at December 31, 2019

 
     

Accumulated

          

Accumulated

     
 

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

  

Cost

  

Amortization

  

Net

 

Trademarks

 $3,405  $-  $3,405  $3,403  $-  $3,403 

Customer relationships

  6,471   4,392   2,079   9,080   4,721   4,359 

Patents and technology

  5,486   4,725   761   5,521   4,869   652 

Distributor relationships

  377   377   -   377   377   - 

Trade name

  370   111   259   1,511   204   1,307 

Total

 $16,109  $9,605  $6,504  $19,892  $10,171  $9,721 

 

The increasechange in the carrying valuecost of othertotal intangible assets from December 31, 20182019 to September 29, 2019 reflects the preliminary valuation of identifiable intangible assets acquired in the Company’s acquisition of SWE. The table below summarizes the estimated fair value, useful life and annual amortization for the identifiable intangible assets resulting from the preliminary valuation analysis. Amortization for the SWE intangible assetsMarch 31, 2020 is recognized as selling, general and administrative expense.

         Annual 
      

Estimated

  

Estimated

 
  

Estimated Fair

  

Useful Lives

  

Amortization

 
  

Value

  

in Years

  

Expense

 

Customer relationships

 $2,522   15  $168 

Trade name

  1,127   15   75 

Total

 $3,649      $243 

The remaining change in the carrying value of other intangible assets from December 31, 2018 to September 29, 2019 is thea result of the effect of foreign currency translations.

 


Amortization expense for other intangible assets was as follows:$149 and $92 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. Amortization included in research and development expenses was $31 and $33 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. Amortization included in selling, general and administrative expenses was $118 and $59 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

  

Three-month period ended

  

Nine-month period ended

 
  

September 29,

  

September 30,

  

September 29,

  

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 

Amortization included in:

                

Research and development

 $32  $36  $98  $111 

Selling, general and administrative

  116   61   274   189 

Total amortization expense

 $148  $97  $372  $300 

 

 

 

7.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We recorded non-cash stock compensation expense in each period as follows:

 

 

Three-month period ended

  

Nine-month period ended

  

Three-month period ended

 
 

September 29,

  

September 30,

  

September 29,

  

September 30,

  

March 31,

  

March 31,

 
 

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Stock options

 $117  $344  $433  $653  $192  $174 

Restricted stock grants

  42   19   86   54   38   11 

Total

 $159  $363  $519  $707  $230  $185 

 

We have stock options outstanding from various stock-based employee compensation plans for which we record compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in our financial statements. As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, there was $924$557 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.1.0 year.

12

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 29, 2019:March 31, 2020:

 

  

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining Contractual

Term (years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2019

  1,576,087  $6.58         

Granted

  282,500   8.27         

Exercised

  (194,720)  4.45         

Forfeited or expired

  (46,082)  7.04         

Outstanding at September 29, 2019

  1,617,785  $7.12   3.38  $3,192 

Vested and expected to vest at September 29, 2019

  1,518,161  $7.05   3.21  $3,113 

Exercisable at September 29, 2019

  1,095,661  $6.29   2.31  $2,870 

The following assumptions were used to value stock options granted during the nine months ended September 29, 2019:

Risk-Free Interest Rate

1.8%

Volatility Factor

48%

Weighted Average Expected Life (Years)

5.3

Dividends

0.0%

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 29, 2019 was $3.77.


  

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term (years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2020

  1,541,792  $6.88         

Granted

  -   -         

Exercised

  (7,633)  3.75         

Forfeited or expired

  (4,751)  8.12         

Outstanding at March 31, 2020

  1,529,408  $6.89   2.98  $478 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2020

  1,438,369  $6.80   2.81  $478 

Exercisable at March 31, 2020

  1,092,278  $6.29   1.89  $478 

 

Cash received from stock option exercises under our stock-based compensation plans for the three-month periods ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 was $29 and September 30, 2018 was $388 and $64, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercises under our stock-based compensation plans for the nine-month periods ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018 was $866 and $1,357,$356, respectively.

 

In April 2019, 20,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to certain of our employees at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $11.12 per share. In January 2018, 17,500 shares of restricted stock were awarded to certain of our employees at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $7.16 per share. All outstanding restricted shares vest in equal annual installments over three years. Unrecognized compensation cost related to these restricted shares was $188$107 at September 29, 2019.March 31, 2020, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

 

 

 

8.     INCOME TAXES

 

Our effective tax rate for the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 was 22.9% and September 30, 2018 was 20.5% and 4.0%8.4%, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate for the current period compared to the prior periodperiod-over-period change was primarily dueattributable to the reversal of the valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018.

Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 29, 2019 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due todiscrete tax benefits relating to the exerciserealized on disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options exercised by employees during the period.three-month period ended March 31, 2019.

 

As of December 31, 2018,2019, we have domestic net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $63,388,$58,400, which expire 20192020 thru 2035, and domestic tax credits of $1,817,$1,907, which expire 2028 thru 2037,2039, available to reduce future taxable income. As of March 31, 2020, Management has concluded it is more likely than not that these domestic NOL and credit carryforwards will be fully utilized.

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, for certain past operations in the U.K., we continue to report a valuation allowance for NOL carryforwards of approximately $10,000, nearly all of which can be carried forward indefinitely. Utilization of the net operating losses may be limited due to the change in the past U.K. operation and cannot currently be used to reduce taxable income at our other U.K. subsidiary, Accutronics Ltd.

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, we have not recognized a valuation allowance against our other foreign deferred tax assets, as realization is considered to be more likely than not.

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company maintains its assertion that all foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested in those operations.

 

There were no unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2018.2019.

 

As a result of our operations, we file income tax returns in various jurisdictions including U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. We are routinely subject to examination by taxing authorities in these various jurisdictions. Our U.S. tax matters for the years 2000 through 20182019 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) due to our net operating loss carryforwards. Our U.S. tax matters for the years 2000 through 20182019 remain subject to examination by various state and local tax jurisdictions due to our net operating loss carryforwards. Our tax matters for the years 2010 through 20182019 remain subject to examination by the respective foreign tax jurisdiction authorities.

13

 

 

9.     OPERATING LEASES

The Company has operating leases predominantly for operating facilities. As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, the remaining lease terms on our operating leases range from less than one yearapproximately 1 to approximately 54 years. Renewal options to extend our leases have been exercised. Termination options are not reasonably certain of exercise by the Company. There is no transfer of title or option to purchase the leased assets upon expiration. There are no residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.


The components of lease expense for the current and prior-year comparative periods were as follows:

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

  

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

 

Operating lease cost

 $168  $145  $459  $445 

Variable lease cost

  21   21   63   69 

Total lease cost

 $189  $166  $522  $514 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

        

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $447  $457 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:

 $1,586  $- 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

  

Balance Sheet Classification

 

September 29,

2019

  

December 31,

2018

 

Assets:

          

Operating lease right-of-use asset

 

Other noncurrent assets

 $1,989  $805 
           

Liabilities:

          

Current operating lease liability

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 $600  $439 

Operating lease liability, net of current portion

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  1,387   376 
Total operating lease liability   $1,987  $815 
           
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)    3.9   2.1 
           
Weighted-average discount rate    4.5%  4.5%

Future minimum lease payments as of September 29, 2019 are as follows:

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities

    

2019

 $163 

2020

  673 

2021

  459 

2022

  347 

2023

  356 

Thereafter

  178 

Total lease payments

  2,176 

Less: Imputed interest

  (189)

Present value of remaining lease payments

 $1,987 

In July 2019, the Company entered into a five-year agreement to extend the operating lease term of its Shenzhen facility.

 

The components of lease expense for the current and prior-year comparative periods were as follows:

  

Three-month period ended March 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Operating lease cost

 $168  $145 

Variable lease cost

  18   21 

Total lease cost

 $186  $166 

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

  

Three-month period ended

March 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

        

Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $164  $150 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:

 $-  $131 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

  

Balance sheet classification

 

March 31,

2020

  

December 31,

2019

 

Assets:

          

Operating lease right-of-use asset

 

Other noncurrent assets

 $1,685  $1,866 
           

Liabilities:

          

Current operating lease liability

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 $621  $620 

Operating lease liability, net of current portion

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  1,072   1,247 

Total operating lease liability

   $1,693  $1,867 
           

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)

    3.5   3.7 
           

Weighted-average discount rate

    4.5%  4.5%


14

 

Future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2020 are as follows:

Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities

    

2020

  512 

2021

  461 

2022

  348 

2023

  358 

2024

  179 

Total lease payments

  1,858 

Less: Imputed interest

  (165)

Present value of remaining lease payments

 $1,693 

 

10.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

a. Purchase Commitments

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, we have made commitments to purchase approximately $1,030$1,253 of production machinery and equipment.

 

b. Product Warranties

 

We estimate future warranty costs to be incurred for product failure rates, material usage and service costs in the development of our warranty obligations. Estimated future costs are based on actual past experience and are generally estimated as a percentage of sales over the warranty period. Changes in our product warranty liability during the first ninethree months of 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:

 

 

Nine-Month Period Ended

  

Three-month period ended March 31,

 
 

September 29,

2019

  

September 30,

2018

  

2020

  

2019

 

Accrued warranty obligations – beginning

 $95  $149  $195  $95 

Assumed warranty obligations – SWE

  145   - 

Accruals for warranties issued

  152   (9)  27   5 

Settlements made

  (167)  (54)  (12)  (5)

Accrued warranty obligations – ending

 $225  $86  $210  $95 

 

c. Contingencies and Legal Matters

 

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise from time to time in the normal course of business.  We believe that the final disposition of any such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  However, recognizing that legal matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, there exists the possibility that ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows in the period in which any such effects are recorded.flows. We are not aware of any such situations that are reasonably possible at this time.

 

 

 

11.     REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenues are generated from the sale of products.  Performance obligations are met and revenue is recognized upon transfer of control to the customer, which is generally upon shipment.  When contract terms require transfer of control upon delivery at a customer’s location, revenue is recognized on the date of delivery.  Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for shipped product. Sales, value-added and other taxes billed and collected from customers are excluded from revenue.  Customers, including distributors, do not have a general right of return.  For products shipped under vendor managed inventory arrangements, revenue is recognized and billed when the product is consumed by the customer, at which point control has transferred and there are no further obligations by the Company. 

Revenues recognized from prior period performance obligations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were not material.  Deferred revenue, unbilled revenue and deferred contract costs recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were not material.  As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had no unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year. Pursuant to Topic 606, we have applied the practical expedient with respect to disclosure of the deferral and future expected timing of revenue recognition for transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations.

15

12.     BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

We report our results in two operating segments: Battery & Energy Products and Communications Systems. The Battery & Energy Products segment includes: lithiumLithium 9-volt, cylindrical and various other non-rechargeable batteries, in addition to rechargeable batteries, uninterruptable power supplies, charging systems and accessories. The Communications Systems segment includes: RF amplifiers, power supplies, cable and connector assemblies, amplified speakers, equipment mounts, case equipment, man-portable systems, integrated communication systems for fixed or vehicle applications and communications and electronics systems design. We believe that reporting performance at the gross profit level is the best indicator of segment performance. As such, we report segment performance at the gross profit level and operating expenses as corporate charges.


 

The components of segment performance were as follows:

 

Three-Month Period Ended Three-September 29m, 2019:onth period ended March 31, 2020:

 

 

Battery &

Energy

Products

  

Communications

Systems

  

Corporate

  

Total

  

Battery & Energy Products

  

Communications

Systems

  

Corporate

  

Total

 

Revenues

 $22,578  $4,915  $-  $27,493  $20,761  $5,053  $-  $25,814 

Segment contribution

  6,117   1,744   (6,555)  1,306   5,316   2,018   (5,849)  1,485 

Other expense

          (160)  (160)          (92)  (92)

Tax provision

          (225)  (225)          (319)  (319)

Non-controlling interest

          (23)  (23)          (15)  (15)

Net income attributable to Ultralife

             $898              $1,059 

 

Three-Month Period Ended Three-September 30m, 2018:onth period ended March 31, 2019:

 

  

Battery &

Energy

Products

  

Communications

Systems

  

Corporate

  

Total

 

Revenues

 $17,289  $3,041  $-  $20,330 

Segment contribution

  4,702   1,339   (4,541)  1,500 

Other income

          21   21 

Tax provision

          (86)  (86)

Non-controlling interest

          (27)  (27)

Net income attributable to Ultralife

             $1,408 

Nine-Month Period Ended September 29, 2019:

  

Battery &

Energy

Products

  

Communications

Systems

  

Corporate

  

Total

 

Revenues

 $58,876  $16,896  $-  $75,772 

Segment contribution

  16,182   5,628   (16,914)  4,896 

Other expense

          (301)  (301)

Tax provision

          (942)  (942)

Non-controlling interest

          (74)  (74)

Net income attributable to Ultralife

             $3,579 

Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018:

  

Battery &

Energy

Products

  

Communications

Systems

  

Corporate

  

Total

 

Revenues

 $52,344  $13,919  $-  $66,263 

Segment contribution

  14,664   5,209   (14,385)  5,488 

Other expense

          (27)  (27)

Tax provision

          (219)  (219)

Non-controlling interest

          (57)  (57)

Net income attributable to Ultralife

             $5,185 


  

Battery & Energy Products

  

Communications

Systems

  

Corporate

  

Total

 

Revenues

 $15,998  $2,884  $-  $18,882 

Segment contribution

  4,410   674   (4,536)  548 

Other income

          (58)  (58)

Tax provision

          (41)  (41)

Non-controlling interest

          (24)  (24)

Net income attributable to Ultralife

             $425 

 

The following tables disaggregate our business segment revenues by major source and geography.

 

Commercial and Government/Defense Revenue Information: 

 

Three-Month Period Ended September 29, 2019:

 

Total

Revenue

  

Commercial

  

Government/

Defense

 

Three-month period ended March 31, 2020:

 

Total

Revenue

  

Commercial

  

Government/

Defense

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $22,578  $17,677  $4,901  $20,761  $14,802  $5,959 

Communications Systems

  4,915   -   4,915   5,053   -   5,053 

Total

 $27,493  $17,677  $9,816  $25,814  $14,802  $11,012 
      64%  36%      57%  43%

 

Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018:

 

Total

Revenue

  

Commercial

  

Government/

Defense

 

Three-month period ended March 31, 2019:

 

Total

Revenue

  

Commercial

  

Government/

Defense

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $17,289  $10,127  $7,162  $15,998  $10,010  $5,988 

Communications Systems

  3,041   -   3,041   2,884   -   2,884 

Total

 $20,330  $10,127  $10,203  $18,882  $10,010  $8,872 
      50%  50%      53%  47%

 

             

Nine-Month Period Ended September 29, 2019:

 

Total

Revenue

  

Commercial

  

Government/

Defense

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $58,876  $42,736  $16,140 

Communications Systems

  16,896   -   16,896 

Total

 $75,772  $42,736  $33,036 
       56%  44%
16


Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018:

 

Total

Revenue

  

Commercial

  

Government/

Defense

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $52,344  $30,007  $22,337 

Communications Systems

  13,919   -   13,919 

Total

 $66,263  $30,007  $36,256 
       45%  55%

 

U.S. and Non-U.S. Revenue Information1:

 

Three-Month Period Ended September 29, 2019:

 

Total

Revenue

  

United

States

  

Non-United

States

 

Three-month period ended March 31, 2020:

 

Total

Revenue

  

United States

  

Non-United States

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $22,578  $11,459  $11,119  $20,761  $11,284  $9,477 

Communications Systems

  4,915   4,397   518   5,053   4,354   699 

Total

 $27,493  $15,856  $11,637  $25,814  $15,638  $10,176 
      58%  42%      61%  39%

 

Three-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018:

 

Total

Revenue

  

United

States

  

Non-United

States

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $17,289  $9,389  $7,900 

Communications Systems

  3,041   2,140   901 

Total

 $20,330  $11,529  $8,801 
       57%  43%

Nine-Month Period Ended September 29, 2019:

 

Total

Revenue

  

United

States

  

Non-United

States

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $58,876  $29,869  $29,007 

Communications Systems

  16,896   15,748   1,148 

Total

 $75,772  $45,617  $30,155 
       60%  40%

Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2018:

 

Total

Revenue

  

United

States

  

Non-United

States

 

Three-month period ended March 31, 2019:

 

Total

Revenue

  

United States

  

Non-United States

 

Battery & Energy Products

 $52,344  $29,451  $22,893  $15,998  $7,567  $8,431 

Communications Systems

  13,919   12,747   1,172   2,884   2,454   430 

Total

 $66,263  $42,198  $24,065  $18,882  $10,021  $8,861 
      64%  36%      53%  47%

 

1 Sales classified to U.S. include shipments to U.S.-based prime contractors which in some cases may serve non-U.S. projects.

 


17

 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. This report contains certain forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. The statements contained in this report relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the effects of the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19); our reliance on certain key customers; possible future declines in demand for the products that use our batteries or communications systems; the unique risks associated with our China operations; potential costs because of the warranties we supply with our products and services; potential disruptions in our supply of raw materials and components; our efforts to develop new commercial applications for our products; reduced U.S. and foreign military spending including the uncertainty associated with government budget approvals; possible breaches in security and other disruptions; variability in our quarterly and annual results and the price of our common stock; safety risks, including the risk of fire; our entrance into new end-markets which could lead to additional financial exposure; fluctuations in the price of oil and the resulting impact on the level of downhole drilling; our ability to retain top management and key personnel; our resources being overwhelmed by our growth prospects; our inability to comply with changes to the regulations for the shipment of our products; our resources being overwhelmed by our growth prospects; our ability to retain top management and key personnel; possible impairments of our goodwill and other intangible assets; our customers’ demand falling short of volume expectations in our supply agreements; possible impairments of our goodwill and other intangible assets; negative publicity concerningof Lithium-ion batteries; our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; the risk that we are unable to protect our proprietary and intellectual property; rules and procedures regarding contracting with the U.S. and foreign governments; our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards; exposure to possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act or other anti-corruption laws; our ability to comply with government regulations regarding the use of “conflict minerals;”minerals”; possible audits of our contracts by the U.S. and foreign governments and their respective defense agencies; known and unknown environmental matters; technological innovations in the non-rechargeable and rechargeable battery industries; and other risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those forward-looking statements described herein. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “seek,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “should,” or words of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For further discussion of certain of the matters described above and other risks and uncertainties, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019, and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Part II of this Form 10-Q.

 

Although we base these forward-looking statements on assumptions that we believe are reasonable when made, we caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industries in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained herein. In addition, even if our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industries in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

 

Undue reliance should not be placed on our forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to update any risk factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 to reflect new information or risks, future events or other developments.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, the Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, and the Risk Factors and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto containedand Risk Factors in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

 

The financial information in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in thousands of dollars, except for share and per share amounts.

 


18

 

General

 

We offer products and services ranging from power solutions to communications and electronics systems to customers across the globe in the government, defense and commercial sectors. With an emphasis on strong engineering and a collaborative approach to problem solving, we design and manufacture power and communications systems including: rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, charging systems, communications and electronics systems and accessories, and custom engineered systems. We continually evaluate ways to grow, including the design, development and sale of new products, expansion of our sales force to penetrate new markets and geographies, as well as seeking opportunities to expand through acquisitions.

 

We sell our products worldwide through a variety of trade channels, including original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), industrial and defense supply distributors, and directly to U.S. and international defense departments. We enjoy strong name recognition in our markets under our Ultralife®Ultralife® Batteries, Lithium Power®Power®, McDowell Research®Research®, AMTI™AMTITM, ABLE™ABLETM, ACCUTRONICS™, ACCUPRO™, ENTELLION™, SWE Southwest Electronic Energy Group™, SWE DRILL-DATA™, and ENTELLION™SWE SEASAFE™ brands.  We have sales, operations and product development facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

 

We report our results in two operating segments: Battery & Energy Products and Communications Systems. The Battery & Energy Products segment includes: Lithium 9-volt, cylindrical, thin cell and other non-rechargeable batteries, in addition to rechargeable batteries, uninterruptable power supplies, charging systems and accessories. The Communications Systems segment includes: RF amplifiers, power supplies, cable and connector assemblies, amplified speakers, equipment mounts, case equipment, man-portable systems, integrated communication systems for fixed or vehicle applications and communications and electronics systems design. We believe that reporting performance at the gross profit level is the best indicator of segment performance.  As such, we report segment performance at the gross profit level and operating expenses as Corporate charges. See Note 1112 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements of this Form 10-Q.

 

Our website address is www.ultralifecorporation.com. We make available free of charge via a hyperlink on our website (see Investor Relations link on the website) our annual reports on Form 10-K, proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports and statements as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We will provide copies of these reports upon written request to the attention of Philip A. Fain, CFO, Treasurer and Secretary, Ultralife Corporation, 2000 Technology Parkway, Newark, New York, 14513. Our filings with the SEC are also available through the SEC website at www.sec.gov or at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

COVID-19

The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has created significant economic disruption and uncertainty around the world.  The Company continues to closely monitor the developments surrounding COVID-19 and take actions to mitigate the business risks involved.  During this challenging time, we remain focused on ensuring the health and safety of our employees by implementing the protocols established by public health officials and meeting the demand of our customers.  As an essential supplier currently exempt from government-mandated shutdown directives, we are striving to ensure an uninterrupted flow of our mission critical products serving medical device, first responder, public safety, energy and national security customers. We have maintained normal operations at all our facilities with the exception of an approximately one-month closure of our China facility as was mandated by the Chinese government through early March 2020. 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, our operating results were adversely affected by COVID-19, particularly as a result of the temporary shutdown of our China operation and supply chain disruptions.  We estimate the effects of COVID-19 adversely impacted net income by approximately $500.

Refer to Item 1A “Risk Factors” in Part II of this Form 10-Q for risks and uncertainties related to COVID-19.

19

Overview

 

Consolidated revenues of $27,493$25,814 for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, increased by $7,163$6,932 or 35.2%36.7%, from $20,330over $18,882 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, due to higherMarch 31, 2019, reflecting the revenues from our Battery & Energy Products business reflectingof SWE, which was acquired by the Company on May 1, 2019, acquisition of SWE and from ourhigher Communications Systems business driven bysales primarily due to shipments of vehicle amplifier adapteramplifier-adaptor systems to support the U.S. Army’s Network Modernization initiatives under the delivery orders receivedannounced in October 2018.

 

Gross profit for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019 was $7,861$7,334, or 28.6%28.4% of revenues,revenue, compared to $6,041$5,084, or 29.7%26.9% of revenues,revenue, for the same quarter a year ago.  The 110-basis150-basis point decrease in gross margin for both businessesimprovement resulted from incremental costs associated withefficiencies in the transitioningtransition of new products to higher volume production, late cycle product changes and rework associated with vehicle amplifier adapteramplifier-adaptor systems for the U.S. Army and sales mix.  The gross margin forto higher volume production partially offset by the third quarterimpact of 2019 was reducedan approximately one-month shutdown of our China operation as mandated by 21 basis points resulting from the completion of the sell-through of acquired SWE inventory written upChinese government in response to fair market value as required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) purchase accounting.COVID-19.  

 

Operating expenses increased to $6,555$5,849 during the three-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, compared to $4,541$4,536 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.  The increase of $2,014$1,313 or 44.3%28.9% was primarily attributable to SWE which contributed$1,180 of operating expenses of $1,494 forincurred by SWE during the third quarter 2019.  Excluding SWE, operating expenses increased $5202020 period, and a $122 or 11.5% due primarily to an11.8% increase of $353 or 32.1% in core business researchengineering and developmenttechnology expenses for new product development and testing.  Both periods reflect continued tight control over discretionary spending.  Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased 150decreased 130 basis points from 22.3%24.0% for the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to 23.8%22.7% for the current quarter. 


 

Operating income for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 was $1,306$1,485 or 4.8%5.7% of revenues compared to $1,500$548 or 7.4%2.9% of revenues for the year-earlier period. The decrease170.5% increase in operating income primarily resulted from the lower gross marginhigher sales in our Communications Systems business and the higher research and development costs associated with new product transitions to manufacturing and final development testing.  Operating incomeprofitability for the three-month period ending September 29, 2019 includes a $59 purchase accounting adjustment related to the completion of the sell-through of acquired SWE inventory. Net of this adjustment, SWE contributed $1,010 of operating income for the current period.SWE.

 

Net income attributable to Ultralife was $898,$1,059, or $0.06$0.07 per share – basic and diluted, for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, compared to $1,408,$425, or $0.09$0.03 per share – basic and diluted, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018. AsMarch 31, 2019.  Adjusted EPS was $0.08 on a resultdiluted basis for the first quarter of our reversal2020, representing a 212.4% increase over Adjusted EPS on a diluted basis of $0.03 for the allowance on2019 period.  Adjusted EPS excludes the provision for deferred income taxes which primarily represents non-cash charges (benefits) of $242 and ($5) for the 2020 and 2019 periods, respectively, for income taxes which will be fully offset by deferred tax assets at year-end 2018, we utilizedincluding past U.S. net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.  See the section “Adjusted EPS” on Page 23 for a statutory tax ratereconciliation of 19.6% to record our tax provision for the third quarter of 2019 compared to an effective rate of 5.7% for the year-earlier quarter. Since we do not expect to pay cash taxes in the U.S. for the foreseeable future due to the usage of our deferred tax assets, we have estimated an effective tax rate of 5.2% resulting in Adjusted EPS of $0.07 for the 2019 third quarter. Including the one-time adjustment and the use of the U.S. statutory tax rate, SWE was accretive by approximately $0.05 of EPS for the quarter.to EPS.

 

Adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income attributable to Ultralife before net interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation expense, plus/minus expenses/income that we do not consider reflective of our ongoing operations, amounted to $2,307$2,522 or 9.8% of revenues in the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 compared to $2,472$1,204 or 6.4% of revenues for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. See the section “Adjusted EBITDA” beginning on page 26Page 22 for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to Ultralife.

 

AsWith a backlog increasing approximately 20% over year-end 2019 to over $50 million, ample liquidity, end-market diversity and tight control over discretionary spending, we near the end of 2019, we remain focused on delivering profitableare well positioned to both sustain operations and continue investing in growth in 2019 by continuing to fulfill Communications Systems’ vehicle amplifier adapter system orders in our backlog, solid SWE performance, and ongoing new product development projects in our end markets.

initiatives.

 

20

Three-Month Periods Ended September 29,March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and September 30, 2018

Revenues. Consolidated revenues for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019 were $27,493,March 31, 2020 amounted to $25,814, an increase of $7,163,$6,932 or 35.2%36.7%, from the $20,330 reportedover $18,882 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. Overall, commercial sales increased 74.6% and47.9% while government/defense sales decreased 3.8%increased 24.1% from the 20182019 period. Revenues for the 20192020 period include revenues of SWE which was acquired by the Company on May 1, 2019.

 

Battery & Energy Products revenues increased $5,289,$4,763, or 30.6%29.8%, from $17,289$15,998 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 to $22,578$20,761 for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019.March 31, 2020.  The increase was attributable to the $7,243$5,437 revenue of SWE and a $307 or 3.0% increase in core commercial sales partially offset by a $2,261$674 or 31.6%4.2% reduction in government/defensecore sales due primarily reflecting the absenceto an approximately one-month shutdown of revenueour China operation and supply chain disruptions resulting from a large 5390 battery order completed in 2018 and the timing of sales to certain defense prime contractors.COVID-19. 

 

Communications Systems revenues increased $1,874,$2,169, or 61.6%75.2%, from $3,041$2,884 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2019 to $4,915$5,053 for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019.March 31, 2020. This increase is primarily attributable to higher shipments of vehicle amplifier adapteramplifier-adaptor systems to support the U.S. Army’s Network Modernization and other initiatives under the delivery orders announced in October 2018, shipments of vehicle communication kits under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a major defense prime contractor announced in October 2018  and shipments of Universal Vehicle Adapters under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division announced in June 2019.  These shipments exceeded several non-recurring orders shipped in the 2018 third quarter. 2018.

 

Cost of Products Sold / Gross Profit.  Cost of products sold totaled $19,632$18,480 for the quarter ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, an increase of $5,343,$4,682, or 37.4%33.9%, from the $14,289$13,798 reported for the same three-month period a year ago. Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of total revenue increased to 71.4%decreased from 73.1% for the three-month period ended September 29,March 31, 2019 from 70.3%to 71.6% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2020. Correspondingly, consolidated gross margin was 28.6%increased from 26.9% for the three-month period ended September 29,March 31, 2019, compared with 29.7%to 28.4% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2020, primarily reflecting incremental costs associated withefficiencies in the transition of new products to higher volume production, late cycle product changes and rework relating to vehicle amplifier adapteramplifier-adaptor systems for the U.S. Army to higher volume production and productfavorable sales mix. The gross marginmix for our Communications Systems business.  This increase was partially offset by the 2019 period includesimpact of an approximately one-month shutdown of our China operation as mandated by the completion of the sell-through of the acquired SWE inventory which had been adjustedChinese government in response to fair market value in accordance with purchase accounting and resulted in a 21-basis point reduction in reported gross margin.COVID-19. 


 

For our Battery & Energy Products segment, gross profit for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 was $6,117,$5,316, an increase of $1,415$906 or 30.1%20.5% from gross profit of $4,702$4,410 for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. Battery & Energy Products’ gross margin of 27.1%25.6% decreased by 10200 basis points from the 27.2%27.6% gross margin for the year-earlier period, reflecting the temporary shutdown of our China operation in response to COVID-19, as well as the transitioning of new products to higher volume production and the completion of the sell-through of acquired SWE inventory adjusted to fair market value which resulted in a $59 charge to cost of products sold in the third quarter of 2019.  Excluding this adjustment, the gross margin for Battery & Energy Products would have been 27.4%.production. 

 

For our Communications Systems segment, gross profit for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 was $1,744$2,018 or 35.5%39.9% of revenues, an increase of $405$1,344 or 30.2%199.4%, from gross profit of $1,339,$674, or 44.0%23.4% of revenues, for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. The 850-basis1,650-basis point decreaseincrease in gross margin during 20192020 is driven by late cycle product changes and rework relating to the transition of vehicle amplifier adapteramplifier-adaptor systems for the U.S. Army to higher volume production and the largerfavorable sales mix of competitively bid awards.mix.

 

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 were $6,555,$5,849, an increase of $2,014$1,313 or 44.3%28.9% over the $4,541$4,536 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. The increase is primarily attributable to $1,180 of operating expense incurred by SWE during the acquisition of SWE, which contributed operating expenses of $1,494 in the third quarter,2020 period, and a $353$122 or 32.1%11.8% increase in core researchengineering and development expensetechnology expenses for new product development and testing.  Excluding SWE, operatingOperating expenses increased $520 or 11.5% due primarilyas a percentage of sales decreased 130 basis points from 24.0% for the first quarter of 2019 to 22.7% for the higher research and development expenses.  Both periods reflect continued tight control over discretionary spending.2020 first quarter. 

 

Overall, operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were 23.8%22.7% for the quarter ended September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 compared to 22.3%24.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. Amortization expense associated with intangible assets related to our acquisitions was $148$149 for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 ($116117 in selling, general and administrative expenses and $32 in research and development costs), including $60$61 for SWE ($6061 in selling, general and administrative expenses), compared with $97$92 for the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 ($6159 in selling, general, and administrative expenses and $36$33 in research and development costs). Research and development costs were $2,029$1,548 for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, an increase of $930$512 or 84.6%49.4%, from $1,099$1,036 for the three-months ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. The increase is attributable to $577$390 of research and development costs incurred by SWE and a $353$122 increase in core business investments for new product development and testing. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $1,084$801 or 31.5%22.9%, to $4,526$4,301 for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 from $3,442$3,500 for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018.2019. The increase is primarily attributable to the acquisition of SWE which contributed $917,$790 of direct costs, including intangible asset amortization of $60,$61, for the thirdfirst quarter of 2019.2020.

21

 

Other Expense (Income).Expense. Other expense totaled $160$92 for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 compared to other income of $21$58 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. Interest and financing expense, net of interest income, increased $207,$169, from $13$5 for the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to $220$174 for the comparable period in 2019.2020. The increase is due primarily to the financing for the SWE acquisition, which was $179 for the third quarter of 2019.acquisition. Miscellaneous income amounted to $60$82 for the thirdfirst quarter of 20192020 compared with miscellaneous expense of $34$53 for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018,2019, primarily due to transactions impacted byrepresenting foreign currency fluctuationsgains and losses, respectively, realized on the translation of U.S.-denominated transactions and balances of Accutronics (U.K.). The gains realized in the U.S. dollar relativefirst quarter of 2020 were attributable to the Pound Sterling, and the strengthening of the U.S dollar to the Pound Sterling by 3% from6.2% (from the end of the second quarterbeginning to the end of the third quarterquarter), versus losses realized in the year-earlier period due to a 2.4% weakening of 2019 and 2% from the end of second quarterU.S dollar to the end of the third quarter in 2018.Pound Sterling.

 

Income Taxes. The tax provision for the 2019 third2020 first quarter was $225$319 compared to $86$41 for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018. As a result of reversing the allowance on deferred tax assets at year-end 2018, a statutory-based2019. Our effective tax rate increased to 22.9% for the first quarter of 19.6% was used2020 as compared to record our8.4% for the first quarter of 2019, primarily due to discrete tax benefits realized on disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options exercised by employees during the three-month period ended March 31, 2019. The income tax provision for the thirdfirst quarter of 2019 compared2020 is comprised of a $77 current provision for taxes expected to an effective tax rate of 5.7% for the year-earlier quarter.  We expect thatbe paid on income from our deferred taxes will offset U.S. taxes for the foreseeable future, and thatforeign operations, representing a cash-based effective tax rate of 5.5%, and a non-cash $242 deferred provision for taxes to be fully offset by deferred tax assets including past U.S. net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards which we expect to carryforward to offset U.S. income taxes for the 2019 third quarter would be approximately 5.2%.foreseeable future. See Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding our income taxes.

 

Net Income Attributable to Ultralife. Net income attributable to Ultralife was $898,$1,059, or $0.06$0.07 per share – basic and diluted, for the three-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, compared to $1,408,$425, or $0.09$0.03 per share – basic and diluted, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2019. Adjusted EPS was $0.08 on a diluted basis for the first quarter of 2020, representing a 212.4% increase over Adjusted EPS on a diluted basis of $0.03 for the 2019 period. Adjusted EPS excludes the provision for deferred income taxes which represents non-cash charges (benefits) of $242 and ($5) for the 2020 and 2019 periods, respectively, for income taxes which will be fully offset by deferred tax assets including past U.S. net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. See the section “Adjusted EPS” on Page 23 for a reconciliation of Adjusted EPS to EPS. Average weighted common shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share decreased from 16,523,43316,224,790 in the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 to 16,162,05516,086,744 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2019.2020. The decrease in 20192020 is attributable to share repurchases under the Company’s Share Repurchase Program which commenced on November 1, 2018, partially offset by stock option exercises since the thirdfirst quarter of 20182019 and a decrease in the weighted average stock price used to compute diluted shares from $9.29 for the third quarter of 2018 to $8.73 for the third quarter of 2019.


Nine-Month Periods Ended September 29, 2019 and September 30, 2018

Revenues. Consolidated revenues for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019 amounted to $75,772, an increase of $9,509 or 14.4%, from the $66,263 reported for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. Overall, commercial sales increased 42.4% from $30,007 for the 2018 nine-month period to $42,736 for the nine-month 2019 period, and government/defense sales decreased 8.9% from $36,256 for the 2018 period to $33,036 for the 2019 period. Revenues for the nine-month 2019 period include SWE which was acquired by the Company on May 1, 2019.

Battery & Energy Products revenues increased $6,532, or 12.5%, from $52,344 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 to $58,876 for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019. The increase was attributable to the $11,993 revenue contribution from the operations of SWE and a $736 or 2.5% increase in core battery commercial sales partially offset by a $6,197 or 27.7% reduction in government/defense sales primarily reflecting the absence of revenue from a large 5390 battery order completed in 2018 and the timing of sales from certain large defense prime contractors.

Communications Systems revenues increased $2,977, or 21.4%, from $13,919 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 to $16,896 for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019. This increase is primarily attributable to shipments of mounted power amplifiers and vehicle amplifier adapter systems to support the U.S. Army’s Network Modernization and other initiatives under the delivery orders announced in October 2018, shipments of vehicle communication kits under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with an major defense prime contractor announced in October 2018 and shipments of Universal Vehicle Adapters under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division announced in June 2019.

Cost of Products Sold / Gross Profit.  Cost of products sold totaled $53,962 for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019, an increase of $7,572 or 16.3%, from the $46,390 reported for the same nine-month period a year ago.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of total revenue increased from 70.0% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 to 71.2% for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019.  Correspondingly, consolidated gross margin was 28.8% for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019, compared with 30.0% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to product mix.  The gross margin for the 2019 period includes an adjustment to increase the book value of the acquired SWE inventory to fair market value in accordance with purchase accounting which resulted in a 40-basis point reduction in reported gross margin$9.40 for the first nine monthsquarter of 2019 recognized on the sell through of product.

For our Battery & Energy Products segment, the cost of products sold increased $5,014 or 13.3%, from $37,680 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 to $42,694 during the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019. Battery & Energy Products’ gross profit for the 2019 nine-month period was $16,182 or 27.5% of revenues, an increase of $1,518 or 10.4% from gross profit of $14,664, or 28.0% of revenues, for the 2018 nine-month period. Battery & Energy Products’ gross margin decreased for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019 by 50 basis points, primarily due to the purchase accounting adjustment described above which accounted for 40 basis points of the reduction.

For our Communications Systems segment, the cost of products sold increased by $2,558 or 29.4% from $8,710 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 to $11,268 during the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019. Communications Systems’ gross profit$6.71 for the first nine monthsquarter of 2019 was $5,628 or 33.3% of revenues, an increase of $419 or 8.0% from gross profit of $5,209 or 37.4% of revenues, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to costs incurred to transition new products to high volume production to fulfill large program awards during 2019.

Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019 totaled $16,914, an increase of 2,529 or 17.6% from the $14,385 recorded during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. The increase is fully attributable to the acquisition of SWE on May 1, 2019, which contributed operating expenses of $2,650 including $165 of one-time direct acquisition costs and $101 of intangible asset amortization. Excluding SWE results, operating expenses decreased $121 or 0.8% due to lower corporate expenses. Both periods reflected continued tight control over discretionary spending.


Overall, operating expenses as a percentage of revenues were 22.3% for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019 compared to 21.7% for the comparable 2018 period.  Amortization expense associated with intangible assets related to our acquisitions was $372 for the first nine months of 2019 ($274 in selling, general and administrative expenses and $98 in research and development costs), including $101 for SWE ($101 in selling, general and administrative expenses), compared with $300 for the first nine months of 2018 ($189 in selling, general, and administrative expenses and $111 in research and development costs).  Research and development costs were $4,652 for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019, an increase of $1,235 or 36.1% over $3,417 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2018.  The increase is attributable to $960 of research and development costs incurred by SWE and a $275 increase in core business new product development and testing.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $1,294 or 11.8%, from $10,968 during the first nine months of 2018 to $12,262 during the first nine months of 2019.  The increase is fully attributable to the inclusion of SWE results which contributed $1,690, including one-time acquisition costs of $165 and intangible asset amortization of $101, partially offset by lower corporate spending.

Other Expense. Other expense totaled $301 for the nine-month period ended September 29, 2019 compared to $27 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018. Interest and financing expense, net of interest income, increased $272 to $339 for the 2019 period from $67 for the comparable period in 2018, as a result of the financing for the SWE acquisition. Miscellaneous expense amounted to $38 for the first nine months of 2019 compared with income of $40 for the first nine months of 2018, primarily due to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar relative to the Pound Sterling.

Income Taxes. We recognized a tax provision of $942 for the first three quarters of 2019 compared with a tax provision of $219 for the first three quarters of 2018. As a result of reversing the allowance on deferred tax assets at year-end 2018, a statutory-based tax rate of 20.5% was used to record our tax provision for the first nine months of 2019 compared to an effective tax rate of 4.0% for the year-earlier period. We expect that our deferred taxes will offset U.S. taxes for the foreseeable future, and that a cash-based effective tax rate for the 2019 first nine months would be approximately 3.1%. See Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our income taxes.

Net Income Attributable to Ultralife.  Net income attributable to Ultralife and net income attributable to Ultralife common shareholders per diluted share was $3,579 and $0.22, respectively, for the nine months ended September 29, 2019, compared to $5,185 and $0.32, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Average common shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share decreased from 16,407,121 in the 2018 period to 16,138,335 in the 2019 period, mainly due to share repurchases under the Company’s Share Repurchase Program which commenced on November 1, 2018, partially offset by stock option exercises under our Long-Term Incentive Plans.2020.

 

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 U.S. GAAP financial measures.performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Ultralife before net interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation expense, plus/minus expenses/income that we do not consider reflective of our ongoing continuing operations.expense. We also use Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure to review and assess our operating performance and to enhance comparability between periods. We also believe the use of Adjusted EBITDA facilitates investors’ useunderstanding of operating performance comparisons from period to period by backing out potential differences caused by variations in such items as capital structures (affecting relative interest expense and stock-based compensation expense), the book amortization of intangible assets acquired through our business acquisitions (affecting relative amortization expense)expense and provision (benefit) for income taxes), the age and book value of facilities and equipment (affecting relative depreciation expense) and other significant non-operating expenses or income.one-time charges/benefits relating to income taxes. We also present Adjusted EBITDA from operations because we believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance. We reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to net income attributable to Ultralife, the most comparable financial measure under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).GAAP.

22

 

We use Adjusted EBITDA in our decision-making processes relating to the operation of our business together with U.S. GAAP financial measures such as income from operations.operating income. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA permits a comparative assessment of our operating performance, relative to our performance based on our U.S. GAAP results, while isolating the effects of depreciation and amortization, which may vary from period to period without any correlation to underlying operating performance, and of stock-based compensation, which is a non-cash expense that varies widely among companies. We believe that by providingpresenting Adjusted EBITDA, we assist investors in gaining a better understanding of our business on a going forward basis. We provide information relating to our Adjusted EBITDA so that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties have the same data that we employ in assessing our overall operations. We believe that trends in our Adjusted EBITDA are a valuable indicator of our operating performance on a consolidated basis and of our ability to produce operating cash flows to fund working capital needs, to service debt obligations and to fund capital expenditures.

 


The term Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under U.S. GAAP, and is not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and when assessing our operating performance, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income attributable to Ultralife or other consolidated statement of operations data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect (1) our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; (2) changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; (3) the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debt; (4) income taxes or the cash requirements for any tax payments; and (5) all of the costs associated with operating our business;

 

 

althoughAlthough depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

 

 

whileWhile stock-based compensation is a component of cost of products sold and operating expenses, the impact on our consolidated financial statements compared to other companies can vary significantly due to such factors as assumed life of the stock-based awards and assumed volatility of our common stock; and

 

 

otherOther companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 

We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally.on a supplemental basis. 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.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as follows for the periods presented:

 

  

Three-Month Period Ended

  

Nine-Month Period Ended

 
  

September 29,

  

September 30,

  

September 29,

  

September 30,

 
  

2019

  

2018

  

2019

  

2018

 
                 

Net income attributable to Ultralife

 $898  $1,408  $3,579  $5,185 

Add:

                

Interest and financing expense, net

  220   13   339   67 

Income tax provision

  225   86   942   219 

Depreciation expense

  586   496   1,548   1,476 

Amortization of intangible assets and financing fees

  160   106   404   327 

Stock-based compensation expense

  159   363   519   707 

Non-cash purchase accounting adjustments

  59   -   264   - 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $2,307  $2,472  $7,595  $7,981 


  

Three-month period

ended

 
  

March 31,

  

March 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
         

Net income attributable to Ultralife

 $1,059  $425 

Add:

        

Interest expense

  174   5 

Income tax provision

  319   41 

Depreciation expense

  579   447 

Amortization of intangible assets and financing fees

  161   101 

Stock-based compensation expense

  230   185 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $2,522  $1,204 

 

Adjusted EPS

 

In evaluating our business, we consider and use Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP financial measure, as a supplemental measure of our business performance in addition to U.S. 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 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 U.S. 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.

 

23

Adjusted EPS is calculated as follows for the periods presented:

 

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CALCULATION OF ADJUSTED EPS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

  

Three-Month Period Ended

 
  

September 29, 2019

  

September 30, 2018

 
  

Amount

  

Per

Basic

Share

  

Per

Diluted

Share

  

Amount

  

Per

Basic

Share

  

Per

Diluted

Share

 

Net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $898  $.06  $.06  $1,408  $.09  $.09 

Deferred tax provision

  165   .01   .01   18   -   - 

Adjusted net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $1,063  $.07  $.07  $1,426  $.09  $.09 
                         

Weighted average shares outstanding

      15,785   16,162       15,952   16,523 

  

Nine-Month Period Ended

 
  

September 29, 2019

  

September 30, 2018

 
  

Amount

  

Per

Basic

Share

  

Per

Diluted

Share

  

Amount

  

Per

Basic

Share

  

Per

Diluted

Share

 

Net income attributable to Ultralife Corporate

 $3,579  $.23  $.22  $5,185  $.33  $.32 

Deferred tax provision

  801   .05   .05   54   -   - 

Adjusted net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $4,380  $.28  $.27  $5,239  $.33  $.32 
                         

Weighted average shares outstanding

      15,756   16,138       15,859   16,407 


  

Three-month period ended

 
  

March 31, 2020

  

March 31, 2019

 
  

Amount

  

Per Basic Share

  

Per Diluted Share

  

Amount

  

Per Basic Share

  

Per Diluted Share

 

Net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $1,059  $.07  $.07  $425  $.03  $.03 

Deferred tax provision

  242   .01   .01   (5)  -   - 

Adjusted net income attributable to Ultralife Corporation

 $1,301  $.08  $.08  $420  $.03  $.03 
                         

Weighted average shares outstanding

      15,875   16,087       15,740   16,225 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, cash totaled $7,089,$6,109, a decrease of $18,845$1,296 as compared to $25,934$7,405 of cash held at December 31, 2018,2019, primarily driven by the acquisition of SWE on May 1, 2019, the procurement of inventory to fulfill the higher backlog level entering 2019, an increase in accounts receivable due to the timing of shipments and collections, and strategic capital investments for our Battery & Energy Products business, and repurchases of our common stock under our Share Repurchase Program.business.

 

During the nine-monththree-month period ended September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, net cash of $4,847$365 was used in operations, driven by a $7,022$5,764 increase in accounts receivable and $5,021 increase in inventory primarily relating to the timing of collections attributable to the large government and defense program awards announced in October 2018 for our Communications Systems business.  Cash used in operations was largely offset by net income of $3,653,$1,074, non-cash expenses (depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation and deferred taxes) totaling $3,272,$1,212, and a net decrease in other working capital of $271.$3,113 primarily driven by an increase in accounts payable. 

 

Cash used in investing activities for the ninethree months ended September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 was $30,094, consisting of the purchase price$445, which included $565 for SWE of $25,248, net of cash acquired, and capital expenditures of $4,846 primarily due tofor investment in automation equipment pertaining tofor our Battery & Energy Products business, including 3-Volt cell and thionyl chloride cell production.

 

Net cash providedused by financing activities for the nine monthsthree-months ended September 29, 2019March 31, 2020 was $16,503,$322, consisting of $17,759$343 of net borrowings drawnprinciple payments against our Credit Facilities primarilyterm loan used to fund the acquisition of SWE andpartially offset primarily by stock option exercise proceeds of $866, partially offset by repurchases of our common stock under our Share Repurchase Program totaling $1,957 and debt issuance costs of $157.$29.

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company has significant U.S. net operating loss carryforwards available to utilize as an offset to future taxable income. See Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q for additional information.

 

As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, we had made commitments to purchase approximately $1,030$1,253 of production machinery and equipment which we expectglobally. We are also investing approximately $1 million in the second quarter 2020 for additional test equipment to fund through operating cash flows or debt borrowings.meet the increased demand for our power supplies for ventilators, respirators and infusion pumps. 

 

While the COVID-19 pandemic poses a high level of uncertainty, Management expects that cash flow generated from future operations, the collection of accounts receivable for the large government and defense award shipments relating to our Communications Systems business and the remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our general funding requirements and capital investments for the foreseeable future.

24

Debt Commitments

 

On May 1, 2019, in connection with financing the SWE acquisition (see Note 34 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)Statements of this Form 10-Q), the Company drew down $8,000 on its Term Loan Facility and $6,782 under its Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 29, 2019, weMarch 31, 2020, the Company had $7,577$6,791 outstanding principal on the Term Loan Facility, of which $1,326$1,467 is due to be paid overincluded in current portion of long-term debt on the next twelve months,balance sheet, and $10,182 outstanding principal on the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 29, 2019,March 31, 2020, the Company is in full compliance with its debtall covenants under the Credit Facilities. Management believes that cash flow generated from future operations and remaining availability under our Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our general funding requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Management exercises judgment in making important decisions pertaining to choosing and applying accounting policies and methodologies in many areas. Not only are these decisions necessary to comply with U.S. GAAP, but they also reflect management’s view of the most appropriate manner in which to record and report our overall financial performance. All accounting policies are important, and all policies described in Note 1 (“Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies”) to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our 20182019 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be reviewed for a greater understanding of how our financial performance is recorded and reported.

 

During the first nine monthsquarter of 2019,2020, there were no significant changes in the manner in which our significant accounting policies were applied or in which related assumptions and estimates were developed. Refer to Note 1 in the notes to consolidated financial statements for updated accounting policies to reflect the Company’s adoption of Topic 842 - Leases as of January 1, 2019.


 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on this evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

25

 

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 2.Item 1A. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDSRisk Factors

 

Purchases of Equity SecuritiesAs a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by the Issuerthis Item.

 

ReferInvestors should carefully consider the risk factor set forth below in addition to Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Partrisk factors described in Part I, Item 11A “Risk Factors” of thisour Annual Report on Form 10-Q)10-K for further discussion regarding share repurchases.the year ended December 31, 2019, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that are not currently believed by us to be material may also harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

On October 31, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) which became effective on November 1, 2018Our business, operating results and under which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 2.5 million shares of its outstanding common stock over a period not to exceed twelve months.

Share repurchases under this program were made in accordance with SEC Rule 10b-18 using a variety of methods, which included open market purchases and block trades in compliance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. With the exception of repurchases made during stock trading black-out periods under 10b5-1 Plans, the timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases were determined at the Company’s discretion.financial condition may be adversely impacted by COVID-19.

 

The following table sets forth information regardingnovel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has created significant economic disruption and uncertainty around the world.  COVID-19 adversely impacted our repurchases of common stock foroperating results in the first nine monthsquarter of 2019 under this program:2020 primarily as a result of an approximately one-month closure of our China facility as mandated by the China government and supply chain disruptions.  While the Chinese government has lifted the suspension of business operations in China and we have maintained normal business operations at all our other facilities, the extent to which COVID-19 may impact our business is uncertain and will depend on many evolving factors which we continue to monitor but cannot predict, including the duration and scope of the pandemic and actions taken by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the pandemic.  Potential effects of COVID-19 which may adversely impact our business include limited availability and/or increased cost of raw materials and components used in our products, reduced demand and/or pricing for our products, inability of our customers to pay or remain solvent, reduced availability of our workforce, and increased cyber threats to our information technology infrastructure. Prolonged adverse effects of COVID-19 on our business could result in the impairment of long-lived assets including goodwill and other intangible assets.  While we continue to closely monitor the developments surrounding COVID-19 and take actions to mitigate the business risks involved, the potential effects of COVID-19 on our business, alone or taken together, pose material risk to our future operating results and financial condition.

 

  

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

  

Weighted

Average

Price Paid

Per Share

  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased

As Part of

Publicly

Announced

Program

  

Maximum

Number of

Shares That

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Program

 

January 2019

  267,100  $7.29   372,774   2,127,226 

February 2019

  200   7.49   372,974   2,127,026 

March 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

April 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

May 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

June 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

July 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

August 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

September 2019

  -   -   372,974   2,127,026 

Total

  267,300       372,974     

 

All repurchases were made using cash resources. The above table excludes shares repurchased to settle employee tax withholding related to the vesting of stock awards.


26

 

Item 6.     EXHIBITSExhibits

 

Exhibit

Index

 

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

Incorporated by Reference from

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) CEO Certifications

 

Filed herewith

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) CFO Certifications

 

Filed herewith

32

 

Section 1350 Certifications

 

Filed herewith

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

  

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

  

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

  

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

  

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

  

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document

  

 


27

 

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

  

ULTRALIFE CORPORATION

 
  

(Registrant)

 
    
 

Date: October 31, 2019April 30, 2020

By: /s/ Michael D. Popielec                               

 
  

Michael D. Popielec

 
  

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
  

  (Principal(Principal Executive Officer)

 
    
 

Date: October 31, 2019April 30, 2020

By: /s/ Philip A. Fain                                         

 
  

Philip A. Fain

 
  

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 
  

  (Principal(Principal Financial Officer and

 
  

Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 


28

 

Index to Exhibits

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Document

 

 

32

29