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Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
Notes to Financial Statements |
Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] | Note 1 - Summary of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies
a. | Description of Business
As used in this annual report, unless otherwise indicated, the terms the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to Ultralife Corporation (“Ultralife”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries ABLE New Energy Co., Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary ABLE New Energy Co., Ltd (collectively “ABLE”); Ultralife UK LTD and its wholly owned subsidiary Accutronics Ltd (collectively “Accutronics”); Ultralife Batteries (UK) Ltd.; Southwest Electronic Energy Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, CLB, Inc. (collectively “SWE”); Ultralife Excell Holding Corp. (“UEHC”) and its wholly owned subsidiary Excell Battery Corporation USA (collectively “Excell USA”), Ultralife Canada Holding Corp (wholly owned by UEHC, “UCHC”) and its wholly owned subsidiary Excell Battery Canada ULC (“Excell Canada,” and collectively “Excell”); and its majority-owned joint venture Ultralife Batteries India Private Limited (“Ultralife India”). We offer products and services ranging from power solutions to communications and electronics systems. Through our engineering and collaborative approach to problem solving, we serve government, defense and commercial customers across the globe. We design, manufacture, install and maintain power and communications systems including rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, charging systems, communications and electronics systems and accessories, and custom engineered systems. 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.
b. | Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Ultralife Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries ABLE, Accutronics, Ultralife Batteries (UK) Ltd., SWE, Excell, and its majority-owned joint venture Ultralife India. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
c. | Management's Use of Judgment and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at year end and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Key areas affected by estimates include: (a) carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets; (b) reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, deferred tax assets, warranties, and bad debts; (c) valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; (d) various expense accruals; and (e) stock-based compensation. Our actual results could differ from these estimates.
d. | Reclassifications
Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions are reclassified to conform to the current presentation. There were no material reclassifications for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
e. | Cash
Our cash balances may at times exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in these accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant risk with respect to cash.
f. | Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral. Payment terms are generally thirty (30) to sixty (60) days. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts, net of allowance for expected credit losses. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Accounts outstanding for longer than contractual payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed for collectability. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses based upon our historical experience, aging profile and general market conditions. Receivable balances are written off when collection is deemed unlikely.
g. | Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined under the first‑in, first‑out (FIFO) method. We record provisions for excess, obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on changes in customer demand, technology developments or other economic factors.
h. | Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives are as follows (in years):
Buildings |  |  | 10 | – | 40 |
Machinery and Equipment |  |  | 5 | – | 10 |
Furniture and Fixtures |  |  | 3 | – | 10 |
Computer Hardware and Software |  |  | 2 | – | 5 |
Leasehold Improvements |  | Lesser of useful life or lease term |
Betterments, renewals and extraordinary repairs that extend the life of the assets are capitalized. Other repairs and maintenance costs are expensed when incurred. When disposed, the cost and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized in operating income.
i. | Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangibles
We assess our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, this is accomplished by comparing the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the assets with the respective carrying amount as of the date of assessment. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows exceed the respective carrying amount as of the date of assessment, no impairment is recognized. Should aggregate undiscounted future cash flows be less than the carrying value, a write-down would be required, measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. Fair value is estimated as the present value of expected discounted future cash flows. The discount rate used in our evaluation is an industry-based weighted average cost of capital. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price paid, or the total consideration transferred, to consummate the acquisition is allocated to the identified tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair values as of the acquisition date with the residual amount recorded to goodwill. We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, but instead evaluate these assets for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. We amortize intangible assets that have definite lives so that the economic benefits of the intangible assets are being recognized over their estimated useful life. The annual impairment test for goodwill consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value for each reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned to the carrying value of the respective reporting unit. The annual impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of each asset to the carrying value of the respective asset. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit or other indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its respective carrying value, the goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered not impaired. If carrying value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value, the excess carrying value of the respective goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset is recognized as an impairment loss.
j. | Translation of Foreign Currency
The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated from the functional currency into U.S. dollar equivalents, with translation adjustments recorded as the sole component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Exchange gains and losses related to foreign currency transactions and balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in net income (loss).
k. | 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. 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. 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. Separately priced extended warranty contracts are offered on certain Communications Systems products for a duration of up to eight (8) years. Extended warranties are treated as separate performance obligations and recognized to revenue evenly over the term of the respective contract. Revenue not yet recognized on extended warranty contracts is recorded as deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023, there was deferred revenue on extended warranty contracts of $1,407, comprised of $287 expected to be recognized as revenue within one (1) year and classified as accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, and $1,120 expected to be recognized as revenue over the remaining duration of the respective contracts and classified as other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no other 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.
l. | Warranty Reserves
We typically offer standard warranties against product defects that range from ninety (90) days to three (3) years from the date of purchase. We also offer separately priced extended warranty contracts on certain products. Warranty costs expected to be incurred are estimated based on the Company’s experience and recorded as costs of products sold. Standard warranty costs are recognized upon product sale. Extended warranty costs are recognized over the term of the contract. Provision for warranty costs is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet based on the duration of the warranty.
m. | Shipping and Handling Costs
Costs incurred by us related to shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold. Amounts charged to customers pertaining to these costs are reflected as revenue.
n. | Sales Commissions
Sales commissions are expensed as incurred for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. There were no sales commissions capitalized as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
o. | Research and Development
Research and development expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. The majority of research and development expenses pertain to salaries and benefits, developmental supplies, depreciation and other contracted services. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we expended $8,587 and $7,874, respectively, on research and development, including costs of $1,056 and $793, respectively, on customer sponsored research and development activities, which are included in cost of products sold.
p. | Environmental Costs
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed. Remediation costs that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations are accrued when it is probable that these costs will be incurred and can be reasonably estimated.
q. | Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Pursuant to ASC 740, a valuation allowance is recognized when the realizability of deferred tax assets is not more likely than not, based all available evidence, both positive and negative, weighted based on objective verifiability.
r. | Concentration Related to Customers and Suppliers
One of our customers, a large global defense primary contractor, comprised 15% and 17% of our total consolidated revenues for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Revenues for this customer represented 18% and 19% of our total Battery & Energy Products segment revenues for 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no other customers that comprised greater than 10% of our total consolidated revenues during these years.
s. | Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
| Level 1: | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
| Level 2: | Observable inputs, other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or that we corroborate with observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities.
| Level 3: | Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The fair value of financial instruments approximated their carrying values at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The fair value of cash, accounts receivable, 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.
t. | Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Ultralife Corporation by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed exercise and conversion of dilutive outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock, if any, applying the treasury stock method. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were 111,247 outstanding stock options and 4,029 unvested restricted stock awards included in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as such securities were dilutive, resulting in 12,661 potential common shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS. There were 1,139,348 outstanding stock options for the year ended December 31, 2023 not included in EPS as the effect would be antidilutive. For the comparable year ended December 31, 2022, there were no potential common shares included in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding and diluted EPS, as no outstanding securities were dilutive. There were 1,425,693 outstanding stock options and 2,500 unvested restricted stock awards not included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2022, as the effect would be antidilutive.
u. | Stock-Based Compensation
We have various stock-based employee compensation plans that are described more fully in Note 5. The compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award).
v. | Segment Reporting
We have two operating segments – Battery & Energy Products and Communications Systems. The basis for determining our operating segments is the manner in which financial information is used in monitoring our operations. Management operates and organizes itself according to business units that comprise unique products and services across geographic locations.
w. | Business Combinations
We allocate the purchase price of acquired businesses to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Any excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of the separately identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. Management determines the fair values of identifiable intangible assets acquired based on historical data, estimated discounted future cash flows, expected royalty rates for trademarks and trade names, as well as certain other information. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to change as additional information about the fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but unknown to us at that time, may become known during the remainder of the measurement period. This measurement period may not exceed twelve months from the acquisition date. We will recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Additionally, in the same period in which adjustments are recognized, we will record the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of any change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting adjustment had been completed at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The results of operations and cash flows of acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
x. | Leases
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 for operating leases 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. See Note 7 for further disclosure regarding lease accounting.
y. | Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 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 date 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 was effective for the Company for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The adoption of this new accounting standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topics 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for our annual periods beginning January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential effect that the updated standard will have on our financial statement disclosures.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the business description and accounting policies concepts. Business description describes the nature and type of organization including but not limited to organizational structure as may be applicable to holding companies, parent and subsidiary relationships, business divisions, business units, business segments, affiliates and information about significant ownership of the reporting entity. Accounting policies describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//235/tableOfContent Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 275 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//275/tableOfContent + Details
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