Ultralife (NasdaqGM:ULBI) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 18, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsPhilip Fain - CFOJody Burfening - Head of Investor RelationsMike Manna - President and CEOOperatorGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Ultralife Corporation Third Quarter 2025 results call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star 11 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record quarterly revenue of $6.7 million for Q1 2026, a 46% increase compared to the same quarter a year ago [6][25] - Gross margins were 14.4%, up from 12.9% in the prior quarter but down from 26.6% in the same quarter last year [26] - The net loss for the quarter was $1.6 million, compared to a loss of $1.3 million in the year-ago quarter [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production revenue was approximately $6 million, significantly up from $2.6 million in the year-ago quarter [25] - Aerospace program revenue reached $2.7 million, while the cystoscope program achieved $1.9 million [25] - Engineering revenue decreased to $656,000 from $1.6 million in the year-ago quarter [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace program revenue net of tariffs was $2.5 million, representing an 800% increase year-over-year [11] - The cystoscope program revenue was $1.5 million net of tariff reimbursements, an 180% increase year-over-year [13] - The Ross Optical Division saw a 10% revenue increase quarter-over-quarter, reaching over $1 million [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in the defense and aerospace markets while maintaining its commitment to the medical device sector [33] - New product development programs are expected to ramp up, with two significant agreements recently signed [10][20] - The company anticipates fiscal year 2026 revenue to exceed $25 million, with a positive adjusted EBITDA of approximately $500,000 [10][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about ongoing higher top-line revenue and improving gross margins, indicating a transition to a new operational level [11][30] - The company expects significant increases in product development revenues in the upcoming quarters, driven by new orders and a recovering optical components market [26][19] - Management acknowledged challenges in ramping production but believes that improvements in infrastructure and processes will yield long-term benefits [9][30] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress in improving production efficiency and expects to see benefits from recent investments in infrastructure [15][30] - Cash at the end of September was approximately $1.4 million, with debt at $1.7 million [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the company pivoting towards defense and aerospace applications? - Management clarified that while they are promoting themselves more in the defense aerospace marketplace, this is in addition to their medical device focus [33] Question: Can you discuss capacity utilization and revenue support? - Management indicated that facility updates are ongoing, and they expect to have sufficient capacity to double current production levels without significant additional costs [35] Question: Can you break out COGS in terms of labor versus materials versus overhead? - Management explained that different divisions have varying cost structures, with manufacturing having significant material costs and micro-optics being labor-intensive [39] Question: What is the cause for the delay in the legacy defense program reorder? - Management speculated that the delay might be related to government activities but confirmed they do not have definitive information [42] Question: What are the average lifespans of defense versus medical programs? - Management noted that medical devices typically last at least five years, while defense programs also tend to have long lifespans, often in the 5-10 year range [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loar Holdings achieved record sales of $127 million in Q3 2025, representing a 15% increase compared to the prior year [14] - Net organic sales increased by 11.1% over the prior period, with gross profit margin rising by 380 basis points [16] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $11 million in Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margins reaching a record 38.7% [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial aftermarket sales increased by 19% in Q3 2025, driven by strong demand for commercial air travel and an aging fleet [14] - Commercial OEM sales rose by 11% in Q3 2025, supported by higher sales across various platforms [15] - Defense sales surged by 70% due to strong demand across multiple platforms and increased market share from new product launches [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial aftermarket is expected to grow at low double-digit rates in 2026, reflecting strong demand and an aging fleet [22][24] - Defense end markets are projected to grow mid-single digits, indicating a normalization after a strong growth year [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on creating shareholder value through an entrepreneurial environment and solving pain points in the aerospace industry [6][7] - New product growth is expected to contribute 3% to top-line growth over the next two years, with a pipeline of opportunities worth over $600 million [9][10] - Continuous improvement in margins is a priority, with initiatives aimed at enhancing data management and productivity [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of their proprietary portfolio and the execution of value drivers, expecting to exceed previous guidance for 2025 [19][20] - The company anticipates no material reduction in demand across end markets, despite potential supply chain challenges [19][20] - For 2026, net sales are projected between $540 million and $550 million, with adjusted EBITDA between $209 million and $214 million [25] Other Important Information - The company has increased its guidance for the commercial aftermarket to low double-digit growth from high single-digit growth [20] - The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 25%, with capital expenditures around $17 million for 2026 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the operating and integration playbook after a deal? - The integration process varies by business, with a focus on listening and observing initially, followed by identifying top-line synergies [30][31] Question: Can you provide details on the underlying production rates for your commercial aerospace outlook? - Production rates for Boeing 737 MAX and A320 family are projected at 38 and 54 respectively, adjusted for supply chain challenges [33][34] Question: Why is there a deceleration in defense growth guidance? - The deceleration is attributed to market normalization after a strong growth year, with improved bookings for ground vehicle products noted [39][40] Question: Where is the new product growth coming from? - New product growth is expected from PMA brake applications and cockpit door barriers, contributing to higher growth rates [43][44] Question: What is driving the aftermarket growth expectations? - The aftermarket growth is volume-driven across all products, with no specific standout products identified [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2026, net sales were $110.4 million, a growth of 6.2% compared to $104 million in the prior year quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of sales growth [20][21] - Operating margin was 8.1%, up 230 basis points from 5.8% in the prior year quarter, representing the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted operating margin improvement [5][21] - GAAP operating income was $9.0 million, exceeding the top end of the guidance range of 6.0%-7.3% of sales [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was primarily driven by source soft seating products, partially offset by lower unit volume in made-to-order soft seating products and Home Styles branded ready-to-assemble category [20] - The current quarter included approximately $2.4 million in pricing from tariff surcharges [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weekly consumer traffic and sales were uneven, with significant volatility observed during the quarter, particularly around Labor Day [27][28] - The company anticipates that the new Section 232 tariffs will lead to broad price increases for furniture in the U.S., dampening consumer demand and compressing industry margins [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growth strategies that include investments in consumer research, new product development, innovation, and marketing [5][12] - A total of 26 new product groups and 226 unique SKUs are being introduced, with a long-term goal of 30%-40% of sales derived from new products launched within the last three years [14][33] - The company is pursuing a multipronged response plan to mitigate tariff impacts, including increasing tariff surcharges and evaluating structural cost reduction opportunities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed confidence in navigating the challenging environment while maintaining a focus on growth investments [24] - Despite near-term challenges from tariffs and macroeconomic conditions, the company remains optimistic about long-term industry growth drivers [12][24] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $38.6 million and no bank debt, indicating a solid balance sheet [22] - The management has decided to pause on providing forward-looking guidance due to uncertainty regarding the impact of tariffs [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the uneven demand during the quarter? - Management noted that weekly store traffic and sales were volatile, with weak performance leading up to Labor Day followed by strong sales around the holiday [27][28] Question: What was the level of the tariff surcharges and their impact? - The company implemented an 8.5% surcharge for the previous 20% tariff, which increased to 15% in anticipation of the new 30% tariff [30] Question: What percentage of sales does the company aim to derive from new products? - The long-term goal is for 30%-40% of sales to come from new products launched within the last three years, with current sales comprising over 50% from new products [33] Question: How does the company view the case goods business moving forward? - The case goods category has been more challenged, but the company is pleased with the quality of new products and believes it will be a critical growth driver [35] Question: What factors contributed to the lower tax rate this quarter? - The lower tax rate was influenced by changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions and higher R&D tax credits, with expectations for a slight increase in the tax rate for the remainder of the year [36]

Core Insights - Solitron Devices, Inc. reported a revenue increase in fiscal 2026 second quarter to $3.99 million, up from $2.70 million in the first quarter, indicating a positive sales trend [1][8] - The company's backlog reached a record level of $18.64 million at the end of the fiscal 2026 second quarter, up from $18.26 million in the first quarter [2] - Despite increased sales, the company experienced a net loss of $0.23 million in the fiscal 2026 second quarter, attributed to a one-time stock grant and other costs impacting gross margin [3][8] Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 11% to approximately $3.99 million in the fiscal 2026 second quarter compared to $3.58 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2025 [8] - Net bookings surged by 147% to $4.32 million in the fiscal 2026 second quarter, compared to $1.75 million in the prior year [8] - The gross profit for the fiscal 2026 second quarter was $835,000, compared to $738,000 in the same quarter of the previous year [7] Operational Developments - The company anticipates receiving an AMRAAM Lot 39 order in the fiscal 2026 third quarter, with expected order quantities approximately 10% above the previous year's order [4] - There is increased interest in new product development, particularly in silicon carbide, with various prototypes being tested by potential customers [5] - Solitron completed the acquisition of Micro Engineering Inc. (MEI) on September 1, 2023, which specializes in design layout and manufacturing challenges [11]

Summary of StarPower Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: StarPower (603290.SS) - **Industry**: Semiconductor, specifically focusing on SiC (Silicon Carbide) and IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) technologies for automotive, home appliances, and photovoltaic (PV) applications Key Financial Highlights - **2Q25 Net Income**: Rmb172 million, up +53% YoY and +66% QoQ, exceeding expectations by 8% compared to Goldman Sachs estimates and 23% compared to consensus [1][2] - **Revenue**: Rmb1 billion, reflecting a +40% YoY growth and +11% QoQ, aligning closely with consensus estimates [2][3] - **Gross Margin**: Decreased to 29.2% from 30.4% in the previous quarter, attributed to pricing pressures in automotive markets [1][2][3] - **Operating Expenses**: Lower than expected at Rmb139 million, down 23% QoQ, as R&D expenses normalized after new product launches [2] Future Outlook - **3Q25 Expectations**: Anticipated revenue growth of 41% YoY and a slight increase in gross margin to 30.4% as in-house SiC production ramps up [1] - **Long-term Projections**: Despite a cautious outlook on pricing pressures and competition, net income is expected to grow by 40%/30%/26% YoY from 2025 to 2027 [9] Market Dynamics - **SiC Adoption**: Management noted an increase in the adoption of SiC in vehicles, driven by mass production of new car models [4][8] - **Server Market Opportunities**: Management sees potential in the server power supply market, although current revenue contributions are minimal [13] - **PV Market**: Significant growth in PV revenues in 1H25, but a pull-forward of orders may impact demand in 2H25 [13] Risks and Challenges - **Pricing Pressure**: Ongoing pricing pressures in automotive and industrial control markets could affect margins [1][19] - **Competition**: Increased competition from matured nodes capacity expansion in China and among automotive OEMs [19][22] - **Operational Risks**: Risks associated with the pace of new design wins and product development [22][24] Valuation and Rating - **Current Stock Valuation**: Trading at 21x 2026E PE, close to the target PE multiple of 27x [1] - **Target Price**: Raised to Rmb105.9 from Rmb92.5, based on a revised 27.4x target P/E multiple for 2026E EPS [12][23] - **Investment Rating**: Maintained at Neutral due to the balance of growth potential and risks [1][19] Conclusion - StarPower is positioned for growth in the SiC and IGBT markets, particularly in automotive and clean energy applications. However, the company faces challenges from pricing pressures and competition, necessitating a cautious investment approach.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the fourth quarter, total revenue increased approximately 23.2% year on year to $222 million, reflecting a 23.4% benefit from recent acquisitions and a 1.2% benefit from foreign currency, partially offset by an organic revenue decline of 1.4% [18] - Adjusted operating margin increased 350 basis points year on year to a record 20.6% [18] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 20.6% year on year to a record $2.28 [19] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $33.4 million compared to $28.7 million a year ago [19] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $24.9 million compared to $22.2 million a year ago [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Electronics Segment**: Revenue increased 43.2% year on year to $115.2 million, driven by a 41% benefit from acquisitions and organic growth of 0.3% [19] - **Engineering Technologies Segment**: Revenue increased 26.8% to $32 million, driven by a 25% benefit from the recent NexStarlight acquisition and organic growth of 0.9% [22] - **Scientific Segment**: Revenue increased 2.3% to $17.9 million, due to a 16.1% benefit from recent acquisition, partially offset by an organic decline of 13.9% [23] - **Engraving Segment**: Revenue increased 0.6% to $33 million, driven by a 1.2% benefit from foreign currency, partially offset by an organic decline of 0.6% [24] - **Specialty Solutions Segment**: Revenue decreased 1.2% year on year to $23.9 million, primarily due to general market softness [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales into fast growth markets were approximately $184 million, exceeding the fiscal year expectation of $170 million, driven by growth in data center demand and grid modernization [29] - In fiscal year 2026, sales into fast growth markets are expected to grow approximately 45% year on year and exceed $265 million [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four sources of growth: new product sales, presence in fast growth markets, support for recent acquisitions, and winning new awards through commercial excellence [11][17] - The company plans to launch more than 15 new products in fiscal year 2026, which are expected to contribute over 300 basis points of incremental sales growth [10][29] - The company aims to achieve fiscal year 2028 targets of sales greater than $1.15 billion and adjusted operating margin greater than 23% [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving over $100 million in incremental sales for fiscal year 2026, driven by acquisitions, new products, and fast growth markets [9][29] - The company remains well-positioned in a fluid economic environment due to strong customer relationships and disciplined pricing strategies [30] - Management noted that the company has successfully navigated challenges in the past and is prepared for future uncertainties [76] Other Important Information - The company declared its 244th consecutive cash dividend of 32¢ per share, representing a 6.7% increase year on year [26] - The company paid down approximately $27 million in debt during the fiscal fourth quarter [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on the $100 million revenue increase in fiscal year 2026? - Management indicated that the full year impact of acquisitions could bring over $60 million, with new products contributing around $20 million, and fast growth markets adding approximately $38 million, suggesting potential upside to the $100 million estimate [35][37] Question: How is the EV business performing amid market challenges? - Management noted that while EV sales dipped slightly in 2025, they anticipate growth in 2026 due to new model introductions and a shift towards electric vehicles [38][39] Question: What is the expected ramp-up for the new facility in Croatia? - Management expects to ship single-digit millions in fiscal year 2026, with potential growth to over $30 million in three years as customer commitments are fulfilled [42][43] Question: What is the outlook for the electronics segment's demand? - Management reported a 16% year-on-year increase in orders, primarily driven by OEMs, indicating a sustainable demand trend [51][54] Question: How are scientific segment margins expected to perform? - Management expects scientific margins to hold steady due to pricing and productivity actions, despite the lower margin from recent acquisitions [102] Question: What is the company's approach to managing working capital and cash flow? - Management is focused on improving collections and working capital efficiency, aiming to reduce days sales outstanding (DSO) back to the low 60s [106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.8 billion, a decline of 3.5% from $1.9 billion in the previous year, driven by a 3% decline in units and a 1% decline in pricing [22][24] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 15% to $174 million, with the adjusted EBITDA margin falling to 9.5% from 10.7% a year ago [22][23] - Earnings per share for the quarter were $1.7, reflecting ongoing pressures from weaker demand and competitive pricing [7][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail sales declined by 3% to $788 million, primarily due to a 7% decline in unit sales, offset by a 4% increase in pricing [24][14] - Packaging sales decreased by 2% to $429 million, with a 4% decrease in selling prices and 2% unit growth from recent acquisitions [29] - Construction sales fell by 4% to $552 million, with a 6% decline in selling prices partially offset by a 2% increase in units [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced low single-digit unit volume declines across each segment, with competitive pricing pressures and softer demand in several end markets [6][38] - The retail segment faced a 7% decline in pro wood volume due to higher interest rates and weaker consumer sentiment [24][14] - The construction segment's site-built business was impacted by weak builder sentiment and higher inventories of new and existing homes [18][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing $1 billion in growth capital over the next five years, focusing on innovation, automation, and expanding value-added product offerings [10][36] - Strategic initiatives include managing manufacturing footprint, reducing SG&A costs, and exiting underperforming businesses [8][9] - The company aims for long-term targets of 7% to 10% unit growth and 12.5% EBITDA margins while maintaining a strong return on capital profile [20][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the business conditions affecting the first half of the year are expected to persist through the remainder of 2025, with ongoing competitive pricing pressures [19][38] - The company remains confident in its ability to navigate potential tariff impacts and is well-positioned to take advantage of favorable trends across many growth runways [20][19] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining cost discipline while advancing long-term objectives, including product innovation and market share expansion [32][38] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress on a $60 million cost-out program, with plans to realize full savings by the end of 2026 [9][34] - The company completed the divestiture of a small industrial components business and is in the process of selling certain real estate assets, which could provide up to $15 million in one-time gains [9][10] - The company plans to spend approximately $300 million to $325 million on capital expenditures for the year, focusing on expanding capacity and achieving efficiencies [35][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the sequential improvement in construction gross margins? - Management indicated that while site-built business faced challenges, improvements were seen in concrete forming and commercial sectors, contributing to overall margin stability [43][44] Question: Is the current environment posing more risk than in the past regarding lumber pricing? - Management acknowledged that the weak demand environment makes it harder to pass along pricing increases, indicating a more challenging landscape [45][46] Question: What are the expectations for market share gains in the Deckorators business? - Management expects modest market share gains in the back half of the year, with improvements in the decking market anticipated [46][50] Question: How is the company positioning itself regarding upcoming lumber duties? - Management noted that most purchases are domestic, and they are exploring alternatives to mitigate the impact of potential duties on Canadian lumber [75][76] Question: What is the company's approach to capital allocation moving forward? - Management emphasized a preference for growth investments and M&A opportunities, but will also consider share buybacks if suitable opportunities do not arise [78][80]

SPX Technologies (SPXC) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - SPX Technologies operates in niche industrial applications across HVAC and detection and measurement markets [2][4] - The company has a strong track record for margin expansion and has executed 16 acquisitions over the past four and a half years [2][17] - SPX is predominantly North American, with about 83% of its revenue from this region, but is expanding in Europe and Asia [4] Core Business Segments HVAC Segment - HVAC constitutes about two-thirds of SPX's business, generating approximately $1.5 billion in revenue this year [9][31] - The segment has a margin of around 22% and is characterized by a significant portion of replacement revenue, approximately 60% [10][32] - SPX focuses on engineered products in high-tech niches, avoiding competition with larger players like Carrier and Trane [11] Detection and Measurement Segment - This segment includes technologies for underground inspections and monitoring, with a revenue target of around $710 million [34][37] - SPX is a leader in outdoor technologies, particularly in precision locators and inspection robots for water and gas infrastructure [8][34] Financial Performance and Growth Strategy - SPX aims to double its EBITDA from $483 million to approximately $1 billion over the next four to five years [12][18] - The company has a strong focus on strategic M&A, with a capital allocation strategy that prioritizes growth investments over dividends [26][39] - SPX has a robust balance sheet, with a pro forma leverage ratio of around 1.9 after recent acquisitions [40] Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The company has seen double-digit organic growth driven by better product offerings, particularly in healthcare and institutional markets [56][57] - SPX is optimistic about entering the adiabatic and dry cooling tower markets, which could significantly expand its total addressable market (TAM) [61][62] - The company anticipates meaningful revenue opportunities from new products in the data center market by 2026 [66] Competitive Landscape - SPX competes with private companies in the cooling tower market but believes it has a competitive edge due to superior mechanical equipment [73][74] - The detection and measurement segment is expected to benefit from federal funding for infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation [75] Key Takeaways - SPX Technologies is well-positioned for growth in both HVAC and detection and measurement markets, with a clear strategy focused on engineered products and strategic acquisitions [2][17] - The company is leveraging its strong brand equity and market leadership to capture additional market share and drive revenue growth [10][11] - Future growth is expected to be supported by new product launches and increased federal funding for infrastructure projects [75]

Core Insights - Solitron Devices, Inc. reported its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and full year results, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in its operations [1] Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter Highlights - Revenue for the fourth quarter was $3.13 million, a decrease of 22% compared to $4.00 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2024 [5][8] - Net bookings increased significantly by 301% to $8.92 million from $2.23 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 [8] - The backlog rose by 62% to $18.11 million at the end of the fourth quarter compared to $11.21 million at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 [8] - The company reported a net loss of $0.37 million, or $0.18 per share, contrasting with a net income of $5.80 million, or $2.78 per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 [8] Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights - For the full fiscal year 2025, net sales increased by 10% to approximately $14.05 million from $12.76 million in fiscal year 2024 [8] - Net bookings for the year rose by 62% to $20.76 million compared to $12.84 million in fiscal year 2024 [8] - The backlog at the end of fiscal year 2025 was $18.11 million, up 62% from $11.21 million at the end of fiscal year 2024 [8] - Net income for fiscal year 2025 decreased to $0.82 million, or $0.39 per share, from $5.80 million, or $2.78 per share, in fiscal year 2024, which had benefited from non-recurring events [8] Market and Product Development - The company experienced substantial bookings related to major defense programs, with expectations for future production levels to increase, particularly for the AMRAAM and HIMARS programs [4] - There is a growing interest in new product development, including silicon carbide, with various prototypes being tested for potential customers [6]