Ultralife(US:ULBI)2025-05-09 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 sales of $50.7 million, an increase from $41.9 million in the same quarter last year, representing a year-over-year growth of 21% [10] - Operating income for Q1 was $3.4 million, down from $4.1 million in the previous year, leading to a decrease in operating margin to 6.7% from 9.7% [15] - Net income was $1.9 million or $0.11 per share on a GAAP basis, compared to $2.9 million or $0.18 per share for the same quarter last year [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $5.4 million, or 10.7% of sales, compared to $5.2 million or 12.5% for the prior year quarter [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues from the Battery and Energy Products segment were $46.3 million, up from $35 million last year, with a 10.6% organic growth excluding Electrochem sales [10][11] - Government defense sales in the Battery segment increased by 53.6%, while medical battery sales decreased by 12.3% [11] - The Communications Systems segment saw revenues decline by 36.2% to $4.4 million, primarily due to large shipments in the prior year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sales split between commercial and government defense for the battery business was 64% to 36%, with a domestic to international sales split of 78% to 22% [11] - The total backlog exiting Q1 was $95 million, representing 55% of trailing twelve-month sales, indicating a healthy demand outlook [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on completing the integration of the Electrochem acquisition, including ERP system setup, by the end of Q2 [18][26] - There is a commitment to improve sales pipelines and stabilize gross margins through pricing adjustments and lean productivity projects [19][20] - The company aims to leverage vertical integration opportunities from the Electrochem acquisition to enhance product offerings and market reach [18][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in profitable growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties, citing a strong backlog and expected recovery in medical sales in the latter half of the year [40][52] - The government defense sector is expected to remain robust, with potential increases in spending due to global conflicts and NATO commitments [52] - The company anticipates consistent free cash flow throughout 2025, with plans to pay down acquisition debt ahead of schedule [53][54] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing tariff impacts by passing along known costs as surcharges and exploring alternative supply sources [8][34] - The integration of Electrochem is expected to yield favorable contribution margins and enhance overall profitability [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: How have conversations with customers on tariff pass-throughs evolved? - Management noted that customers are concerned about cash flow impacts due to tariffs, which could affect their ability to invest in product development [32][33] Question: What are the major milestones left for the Electrochem integration? - The integration is on track, with most systems set up and the focus now on finalizing the ERP system [35][36] Question: What markets are targeted for the IVAS battery? - The primary focus is on foreign military markets, with some commercial engagements anticipated [39] Question: Can you discuss trends across key end markets? - The medical market is steady with known replacement cycles, while government defense remains strong with no expected downturn [50][52] Question: How do you expect free cash flow to trend over 2025? - Free cash flow is expected to be consistent, with a focus on maintaining a positive cash gap and paying down debt [53][54]