10-Q 1 xwes-10q_20140331.htm 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014; 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: 001-34289

World Energy Solutions, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

04-3474959

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

100 Front Street

Worcester, Massachusetts 01608

(Address of principal executive offices)

508-459-8100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 past 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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨

 

Accelerated filer  ¨

 

 

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

 

 

Smaller reporting company  x

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

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

As of May 2, 2014, the registrant had 12,630,250 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I.

 

Financial Information

 

Item 1

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

4

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2.

 

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

12

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

19

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

19

 

PART II.

 

 

 

Other Information

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

21

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

21

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

21

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

22

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures (Not applicable)

22

Item 5.

 

Other Information

22

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

22

 

 

 


 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

WORLD ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

ASSETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,578,970

 

 

$

1,725,136

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

7,439,892

 

 

 

7,738,141

 

Inventory

 

365,197

 

 

 

415,770

 

Current portion of deferred tax asset

 

895,350

 

 

 

901,350

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

589,829

 

 

 

477,406

 

Total current assets

 

11,869,238

 

 

 

11,257,803

 

Property and equipment, net

 

558,052

 

 

 

573,778

 

Intangible assets, net

 

14,267,320

 

 

 

15,193,965

 

Goodwill

 

16,167,834

 

 

 

16,167,834

 

Deferred tax asset, net of current portion

 

7,147,984

 

 

 

7,198,984

 

Other assets, net

 

753,569

 

 

 

687,098

 

Total assets

$

50,763,997

 

 

$

51,079,462

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

1,421,918

 

 

$

1,697,798

 

Accrued commissions

 

1,597,493

 

 

 

1,567,839

 

Accrued compensation

 

1,545,965

 

 

 

2,119,784

 

Accrued contingent consideration

 

928,000

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

1,318,482

 

 

 

1,242,274

 

Deferred revenue and customer advances

 

4,438,499

 

 

 

3,546,380

 

Related party subordinated notes payable

 

500,000

 

 

 

500,000

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

755,165

 

 

 

477,712

 

Total current liabilities

 

12,505,522

 

 

 

12,151,787

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

5,244,835

 

 

 

5,522,288

 

Subordinated note payable

 

4,000,000

 

 

 

4,000,000

 

Deferred revenue and customer advances, net of current portion

 

3,714,029

 

 

 

3,910,035

 

Other liabilities

 

13,764

 

 

 

14,768

 

Total liabilities

 

25,478,150

 

 

 

25,598,878

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares

   issued or outstanding

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;

   12,222,566 shares issued and 12,164,500 shares outstanding at March

   31, 2014, and 12,178,366 shares issued and 12,120,338 shares

   outstanding at December 31, 2013

 

1,216

 

 

 

1,212

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

45,198,189

 

 

 

44,894,961

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(19,654,025

)

 

 

(19,156,245

)

Treasury stock, at cost; 58,066 shares at March 31, 2014 and 58,028

   shares at December 31, 2013

 

(259,533

)

 

 

(259,344

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

25,285,847

 

 

 

25,480,584

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

50,763,997

 

 

$

51,079,462

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


 

 

WORLD ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brokerage commissions, transaction fees and efficiency projects

$

9,338,164

 

 

$

8,470,959

 

Management fees

 

182,189

 

 

 

186,523

 

Total revenue

 

9,520,353

 

 

 

8,657,482

 

Cost of revenue

 

2,312,313

 

 

 

2,233,151

 

Gross profit

 

7,208,040

 

 

 

6,424,331

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

4,761,991

 

 

 

4,978,081

 

General and administrative

 

2,684,475

 

 

 

2,061,673

 

Total operating expenses

 

7,446,466

 

 

 

7,039,754

 

Operating loss

 

(238,426

)

 

 

(615,423

)

Interest expense, net

 

(200,397

)

 

 

(202,737

)

Other income (expense)

 

4,043

 

 

 

(7,420

)

Loss before income taxes

 

(434,780

)

 

 

(825,580

)

Income tax expense

 

63,000

 

 

 

131,305

 

Net loss

$

(497,780

)

 

$

(956,885

)

Net loss per common share — basic and diluted

$

(0.04

)

 

$

(0.08

)

Weighted average shares outstanding —  basic and diluted

 

12,133,752

 

 

 

11,966,108

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

3


 

WORLD ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(497,780

)

 

$

(956,885

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

993,121

 

 

 

1,038,934

 

Deferred income taxes

 

57,000

 

 

 

108,805

 

Stock-based compensation

 

161,903

 

 

 

145,986

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

4,273

 

 

 

10,377

 

Non-cash interest expense on warrants related to debt discount

 

-

 

 

 

9,968

 

Interest on accrued contingent consideration

 

-

 

 

 

9,863

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

298,249

 

 

 

(3,754

)

Inventory

 

50,573

 

 

 

(277,374

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(55,748

)

 

 

(70,949

)

Accounts payable

 

(275,880

)

 

 

500,275

 

Accrued commissions

 

29,654

 

 

 

301,742

 

Accrued compensation

 

(573,819

)

 

 

(531,422

)

Accrued contingent consideration

 

(72,000

)

 

 

-

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

76,113

 

 

 

(621,659

)

Deferred revenue and customer advances

 

696,113

 

 

 

1,001,490

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

891,772

 

 

 

665,397

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(80,036

)

 

 

13,075

 

Purchases of property and equipment, net of disposals

 

(41,458

)

 

 

(9,216

)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(121,494

)

 

 

3,859

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

84,654

 

 

 

66,900

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(189

)

 

 

(41

)

Principal payments on long term debt

 

-

 

 

 

(500,000

)

Payments of contingent consideration

 

-

 

 

 

(1,435,548

)

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 

(909

)

 

 

(5,143

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

83,556

 

 

 

(1,873,832

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

853,834

 

 

 

(1,204,576

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

1,725,136

 

 

 

3,307,822

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

2,578,970

 

 

$

2,103,246

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash paid for interest

$

195,800

 

 

$

233,420

 

Net cash paid for income taxes

$

1,300

 

 

$

30,550

 

Non-cash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment acquired under capital leases

$

-

 

 

$

21,416

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

4


 

WORLD ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2014

 

1.

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

World Energy Solutions, Inc. (“World Energy” or the “Company”) offers a range of energy management solutions to commercial and industrial businesses, institutions, utilities, and governments to reduce their overall energy costs. The Company comes to market with a holistic approach to energy management helping customers a) contract for a competitive price for energy, b) engage in energy efficiency projects to minimize quantity used and c) pursue available rebate and incentive programs. The Company made its mark on the industry with an innovative approach to procurement via its online auction platform, the World Energy Exchange®. With recent investments and acquisitions, World Energy is building out its energy efficiency practice engaging new customers while also pursuing more cross-selling opportunities for its procurement services.

 

2.

Interim Financial Statements

The December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheet has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying March 31, 2014 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014.

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2014 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.

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 the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company’s most judgmental estimates affecting its condensed consolidated financial statements are those relating to revenue recognition and the estimate of actual energy delivered from the bidder to the lister of such energy; stock-based compensation; the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill; the valuation of contingent consideration; impairment of long-lived assets; and estimates of future taxable income as it relates to the realization of our net deferred tax assets. The Company regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. To the extent actual results differ from those estimates, future results of operations may be affected.

 

3.

Loss Per Share

As of March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company only had one issued and outstanding class of stock – common stock. As a result, the basic loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

5


 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the denominators of the Company’s reported basic and diluted earnings per share computation for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Weighted number of common shares - basic

 

12,133,752

 

 

 

11,966,108

 

Common stock equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted number of common and common equivalent shares - diluted

 

12,133,752

 

 

 

11,966,108

 

 

The computed loss per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent exercise of securities that would have an antidilutive effect on loss per share. As the Company was in a net loss position for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, all common stock equivalents in those periods were anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended March 31, 2014, 722,429, 49,545 and 265,750 shares issuable relative to common stock options, common stock warrants and restricted stock, respectively, were excluded from net loss per share since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, 755,506, 49,545 and 145,000 shares issuable relative to common stock options, common stock warrants and restricted stock, respectively, were excluded from net loss per share since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. The Company did not declare or pay any dividends in 2014 or 2013.

 

4.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Off-Balance Sheet Risk

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company has no material off-balance sheet risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts, or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with two institutions, which management believes are of high credit quality. As of March 31, 2014, all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held in interest bearing accounts.

The Company provides credit in the form of invoiced and unbilled accounts receivable in the normal course of business. Collateral is not required for trade accounts receivable, but ongoing credit evaluations are performed. While the majority of the Company’s revenue is generated from retail energy transactions where the winning bidder pays a commission to the Company, commission payments for certain auctions can be paid by the lister, bidder or a combination of both.

The following represents revenue and trade accounts receivable from bidders exceeding 10% of the total in each category:

 

 

Revenue for the three months ended

March 31,

 

 

Trade accounts receivable as of

March 31,

 

Bidder

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

A

 

19%

 

 

 

17%

 

 

 

21%

 

 

 

16%

 

B

 

9%

 

 

 

10%

 

 

 

11%

 

 

 

12%

 

C

 

7%

 

 

 

10%

 

 

 

11%

 

 

 

12%

 

 

Two bidders merged at the end of 2013 and have been combined for presentation purposes above. In addition to its direct relationship with bidders, the Company also has direct contractual relationships with listers for the online procurement of certain of their energy, demand response or environmental needs. These listers are primarily large businesses and government organizations and do not have a direct creditor relationship with the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, no lister represented more than 10% individually of the Company’s aggregate revenue.

 

5.

Trade Accounts Receivable, Net

The Company does not invoice bidders for the commissions earned on retail electricity, certain natural gas and demand response transactions and, therefore, reports a significant portion of its receivables as “unbilled.” Unbilled accounts receivable represent management’s best estimate of energy provided by the energy suppliers to the energy consumers for a specific completed time period at contracted commission rates.

6


 

The Company generally invoices bidders for commissions earned on wholesale and a substantial portion of retail natural gas transactions as well as energy efficiency customers, which are reflected as billed accounts receivable. For natural gas and wholesale transactions, the total commission earned on these transactions is recognized upon completion of the procurement event and are generally due within 30 days of invoice date. For efficiency projects, revenue is recognized and invoiced upon project installation and acceptance, as required, and are generally due within 30 days of invoice date. In addition, the Company invoices the bidder, lister or combination of both for certain auctions performed for environmental commodity product transactions. These transactions are earned and invoiced either upon lister acceptance of the auction results or, in some cases, upon delivery of the credits or cash settlement of the transaction. Management provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts on a specifically identified basis, as well as through historical experience applied to an aging of accounts, if necessary. Trade accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. To date, write-offs have not been material. Trade accounts receivable, net consists of the following:

 

 

March 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

Unbilled accounts receivable

$

6,606,411

 

 

$

6,070,227

 

Billed accounts receivable

 

1,208,660

 

 

 

1,993,093

 

 

 

7,815,071

 

 

 

8,063,320

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(375,179

)

 

 

(325,179

)

Trade accounts receivable, net

$

7,439,892

 

 

$

7,738,141

 

 

 

 

6.

Inventory

Inventory is maintained in the Company’s Energy efficiency services segment and consists of prepaid expendables and project materials. Prepaid expendables represents consumable components that are used in project installations and are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Historical inventory usage and current trends are considered in estimating both excess and obsolete inventory. To date, there have been no material write-downs of inventory and therefore no allowance for excess or obsolete inventory was recorded at March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. Project materials represent direct costs incurred on projects-in-process as of each reporting period. Inventory consists of the following:

 

 

March 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

Prepaid expendables

$

63,109

 

 

$

55,563

 

Project materials

 

302,088

 

 

 

360,207

 

Total inventory

$

365,197

 

 

$

415,770

 

 

 

 

7.

Intangibles, Net

Intangibles, net with finite lives are summarized as follows as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

Estimated Useful Life

 

Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net

 

 

Carrying Amount

 

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

 

Net

 

Customer contracts

1 - 4 years

 

$

5,276,000

 

 

$

3,393,000

 

 

$

1,883,000

 

 

$

5,276,000

 

 

$

3,017,000

 

 

$

2,259,000

 

Customer relationships

7 - 10 years

 

 

13,792,000

 

 

 

5,166,000

 

 

 

8,626,000

 

 

 

13,792,000

 

 

 

4,812,000

 

 

 

8,980,000

 

Non-compete agreements

5 years

 

 

2,585,000

 

 

 

1,091,000

 

 

 

1,494,000

 

 

 

2,585,000

 

 

 

962,000

 

 

 

1,623,000

 

Trade names

4 years

 

 

1,090,000

 

 

 

562,000

 

 

 

528,000

 

 

 

1,090,000

 

 

 

494,000

 

 

 

596,000

 

Total

 

 

$

22,743,000

 

 

$

10,212,000

 

 

$

12,531,000

 

 

$

22,743,000

 

 

$

9,285,000

 

 

$

13,458,000

 

 

The Company also recorded acquisition related intangible assets with indefinite lives in the amount of $1,736,000 pertaining to customer relationships, which is not reflected in the above tables.

7


 

Amortization expense was approximately $927,000 and $975,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The approximate future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows:

 

Remainder of 2014

$

2,443,000

 

2015

 

2,801,000

 

2016

 

2,416,000

 

2017

 

1,273,000

 

2018

 

915,000

 

2019 and thereafter

 

2,683,000

 

 

$

12,531,000

 

 

 

8.

Deferred Revenue and Customer Advances

Deferred revenue and customer advances arise when energy suppliers pay the Company a commission prior to the Company meeting all the requirements necessary to recognize revenue. In addition, deferred revenue and customer advances includes cash received for Energy efficiency services projects that have not been completed. Deferred revenue and customer advances expected to be recognized as revenue by year are approximately as follows:

 

 

Amount

 

Remainder of 2014

$

3,703,000

 

2015

 

2,668,000

 

2016

 

1,256,000

 

2017

 

325,000

 

2018 and thereafter

 

201,000

 

Total deferred revenue and customer advances

$

8,153,000

 

The following table provides a rollforward of deferred revenue and customer advances:

 

 

Amount

 

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

7,456,000

 

Cash received

 

1,920,000

 

Revenue recognized

 

(1,223,000

)

Balance at March 31, 2014

$

8,153,000

 

 

 

9.

Segment Reporting

The Company operates its business based on two industry segments: Energy procurement and Energy efficiency services. The Company delivers its Energy procurement services to four markets: retail energy, wholesale energy, demand response and environmental commodity. The Energy procurement process is substantially the same regardless of the market being serviced and is supported by the same operations personnel utilizing the same basic technology and back office support. There is no discrete financial information for these product lines nor are there segment managers who have operating responsibility for each product line. Energy efficiency services focuses on turn-key electrical, mechanical and lighting energy efficiency measures servicing commercial, industrial and institutional customers.

Segment operating income represents income from operations, including share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets and depreciation. The following tables present certain continuing operating division information in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting”.

8


 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Consolidated revenue from external customers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy procurement

$

7,969,644

 

 

$

7,421,159

 

Energy efficiency services

 

1,550,709

 

 

 

1,236,323

 

Consolidated total revenue

$

9,520,353

 

 

$

8,657,482

 

Consolidated loss before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy procurement

$

(160,425

)

 

$

(625,539

)

Energy efficiency services

 

(274,355

)

 

 

(200,041

)

Consolidated loss before income taxes

$

(434,780

)

 

$

(825,580

)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Energy Procurement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

$

900,921

 

 

$

943,976

 

Depreciation

$

46,059

 

 

$

48,564

 

Interest expense, net

$

200,397

 

 

$

202,737

 

Energy Efficiency Services:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

$

39,289

 

 

$

39,289

 

Depreciation

$

6,852

 

 

$

7,105

 

Interest expense, net

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

Consolidated total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy procurement

$

45,341,888

 

 

$

44,898,931

 

Energy efficiency services

 

5,422,109

 

 

 

6,180,531

 

Consolidated total assets

$

50,763,997

 

 

$

51,079,462

 

 

 

10.

Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company follows ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) for fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on an exit price, which is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standard also prioritizes, within the measurement of fair value, the use of market-based information over entity specific information and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date.

The hierarchy established under ASC 820 gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. As required by ASC 820, the Company does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices for similar investments, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term through corroboration with observable market data. Level 2 includes investments valued at quoted prices adjusted for legal or contractual restrictions specific to these investments.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment, that is, inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Level 3 includes investments that are supported by little or no market activity.

9


 

Assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair values on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

 

March 31, 2014

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration

$

928,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

928,000

 

Total Liabilities

$

928,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

928,000

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration

$

1,000,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,000,000

 

Total Liabilities

$

1,000,000

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,000,000

 

The Company determines the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration based on assessment of the probability that the Company would be required to make such future payment. Changes to the fair value of contingent consideration are recorded in general and administrative expense. The Company settled its contingent consideration obligations subsequent to quarter end. As part of the settlement, the Company issued 200,000 shares of common stock to GSE Consulting, L.P. (“GSE”) that had a fair value of $928,000 on the date of issuance.

The following table provides a rollforward of the fair value, as determined by Level 3 inputs, of the contingent consideration.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

 

Beginning balance

$

1,000,000

 

Additions

 

 

Payments

 

 

Change in fair value included in earnings

 

(72,000

)

Accrued interest

 

 

Ending balance

$

928,000

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s debt obligations are as follows:

 

 

March 31, 2014

 

 

December 31, 2013

 

 

Carrying Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Carrying Value

 

 

Fair Value

 

Long-term debt

$

6,000,000

 

 

$

6,000,000

 

 

$

6,000,000

 

 

$

6,000,000

 

Subordinated notes payable

 

4,000,000

 

 

 

4,000,000

 

 

 

4,000,000

 

 

 

4,000,000

 

Related party subordinated notes payable

 

500,000

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

500,000

 

Total debt obligations

$

10,500,000

 

 

$

10,500,000

 

 

$

10,500,000

 

 

$

10,500,000

 

The carrying amount for fixed rate long-term debt and variable rate long-term debt approximate fair value because the underlying instruments are primarily at current market rates available to the Company for similar borrowings. The interest rate on the Commerce Bank and Trust Company (“Commerce”) debt is tied to the prime rate and will fluctuate with changes in that rate. Related party notes payable are classified as short-term on the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

11.

Credit Arrangements

Credit Facility

The Company has a $8.5 million credit facility with Commerce consisting of a revolving credit facility of up to $2.5 million (the “Revolver”) that matures on December 30, 2016 and a 60-month term loan of $6.0 million (the “Term Loan”).

The Revolver bears interest at the prime rate plus 1.75% (totaling 5% at March 31, 2014) and is adjusted every six months for any change in the prime rate. In addition to changes in the Prime Rate, the rate can be reduced by up to .50% based on certain EBITDA achievement levels. Under the Revolver, the Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow an amount not to exceed the lesser of $2,500,000 or the total of 80% of eligible billed and unbilled accounts receivable (less the aggregate outstanding on any letters of

10


 

credit). There have been no borrowings under the Revolver. The Term Loan bears interest for the first 6 months at the prime rate plus 2.75% (totaling 6% at March 31, 2014), and is adjusted every six months for any change in the prime rate. In addition to changes in the prime rate, the rate can be reduced by up to .50% based on certain EBITDA achievement levels. The Term Loan is interest only for six months followed by 54 principal and interest payments commencing on July 30, 2014 with a balloon payment for any remaining principal balance at maturity.

Subordinated Notes

On October 3, 2012, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Massachusetts Capital Resource Company (“MCRC”), in which the Company entered into an 8-year, $4 million Subordinated Note due 2020 with MCRC (the “MCRC Note”). The MCRC Note bears interest at 10.5% and is interest only for the first four years followed by 48 equal principal payments commencing October 31, 2016. The Company must pay a premium of 3% if it prepays the MCRC Note before October 1, 2014 and a 1% premium if it prepays the MCRC Note before October 1, 2015. The MCRC Note is subordinated to the Company’s credit facility with Commerce and contains a Minimum Fixed Charge Ratio covenant that the Company is in compliance with at March 31, 2014.

 

12.

Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

Two former employees/consultants of GSE have filed two separate complaints in Texas County Court alleging, among other things, claims related to breach of contract, quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, and tortious interference. Each plaintiff claims that GSE and/or the Company failed to pay commissions due for services that they provided prior to the date of the Company’s purchase of certain GSE assets, based on their respective employment or independent contractor agreements with GSE. Each plaintiff has also asserted claims for recovery of their attorneys’ fees. The Company denies the allegations and has filed counterclaims for damages, asserting claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, misappropriation of confidential information, and violation of the Texas Theft Liability Act against each of the plaintiffs. The Company has also filed a counterclaim against one of the plaintiffs for her breach of a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement, based on her working for a competitor of the Company’s during her one-year restrictive period and her improper solicitation of former GSE customers on behalf of the competitor.  The plaintiffs have also asserted claims against the GSE affiliates and their individual principals. The court has assigned a trial date of September 29, 2014 for one of the cases. The remaining case is awaiting assignment of a trial date. The Company’s motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of all claims against one of the two plaintiffs has been denied.  The Company’s motion for summary judgment against the other plaintiff has been filed and is awaiting oral argument.  

The Company has estimated the potential commissions allegedly due to the two plaintiffs to be approximately $0.3 million. The Company has not recorded any accrual for contingent liabilities associated with these legal proceedings based on its belief that any potential loss, while reasonably possible, is not probable. The Company intends to continue to defend these actions vigorously and is currently unable to estimate a range of payments, if any, it may be required to pay, with respect to these claims.  Further, the Company believes that the resolution of these matters will not result in a material effect to its condensed consolidated financial statements.  However, due to uncertainties that accompany litigation of this nature, there could be no assurance that the Company will be successful, and the resolution of the lawsuits could have a material effect on its accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

In addition, the Company had filed cross claims against GSE for indemnification under the Asset Purchase Agreement in each of the plaintiffs’ cases.  The GSE affiliates and principals had also asserted cross claims against the Company seeking indemnification under the Asset Purchase Agreement.  In December 2013, GSE had amended its cross claims in one of the matters to include claims asserting breach of the earnout provisions in the Asset Purchase Agreement.  Subsequent to quarter end, the Company and GSE settled all claims against each other related to these lawsuits and the earnout provisions and filed with the court agreed motions to dismiss all claims against one another.  The settlement calls for the Company to issue 200,000 shares of common stock to GSE and its affiliates that had a fair value of $0.9 million on the date issued.  This amount is reflected as a current liability in accrued contingent consideration as of March 31, 2014.

From time to time, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including litigation related to employment matters. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits, management believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on its condensed consolidated financial position and/or results of operations. It is possible, however, that future financial position or results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions or strategies related to those contingencies or changes out of its control.

 

 

11


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q including this Item 2, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which involve risks and uncertainties. Readers can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue” or similar words. Our actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from the results and timing discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed or referred to in this report and in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and any later publicly available filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in light of those factors and in conjunction with our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Overview

World Energy offers a range of energy management solutions to commercial and industrial businesses, institutions, utilities, and governments to reduce their overall energy costs. We come to market with a holistic approach to energy management helping customers a) contract for a competitive price for energy, b) engage in energy efficiency projects to minimize quantity used and c) pursue available rebate and incentive programs. We made our mark on the industry with an innovative approach to procurement via our online auction platform, the World Energy Exchange®. With recent investments and acquisitions, we are building out our energy efficiency practice by engaging new customers while also pursuing more cross-selling opportunities for our procurement services.

We provide energy management services utilizing state-of-the-art technology and the experience of a seasoned management team to bring lower energy costs to its customers. We use a simple equation

E = P · Q - i

to help customers to understand the holistic nature of the energy management problem. Total energy cost (E) is a function of Energy Price (P) times the Quantity of Energy Consumed (Q), minus any rebates or incentives (i) the customer can earn. This approach not only makes energy management more approachable for customers, simplifying what has become an increasingly dynamic and complex problem, it also highlights the inter-related nature of the energy management challenge. We assert that point solution vendors may optimize one of the three elements, but we believe it takes looking at the problem holistically to unlock the most savings.

Acquisitions are an important component of our business strategy. Our focus is on both our core procurement business as well as new product lines within the energy management services industry such as energy efficiency services.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain obligations of Northeast Energy Partners, LLC (“NEP”) pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) between us, NEP, and its members. NEP was a Connecticut based energy management and procurement company. During the third and fourth quarters of 2011 we acquired the energy procurement business of Co-eXprise, Inc. (“Co-eXprise”), Northeast Energy Solutions, LLC (“NES”) and GSE Consulting, LP (“GSE”). These acquisitions expanded our capabilities in the Energy efficiency services segment, enabled us to enter the growing small- and medium-sized customer Energy procurement marketplaces, and consolidate the large commercial, industrial and government auction space. With the acquisition of NES, we are managing the business as two business segments: Energy procurement and Energy efficiency services.

Our business model is heavily dependent on our people. We have significantly grown our employee base from 20 at the time of our initial public offering in November 2006 to 127 at March 31, 2014. This planned investment in staffing has been, and will continue to be, a key component of our strategic initiatives and revenue growth. These infrastructure investments will result in increased operating costs in the short–term, but in the long-term we expect them to generate cash flow and profitability as we build incremental revenue. To date we have funded our acquisitions and strategic investments primarily with cash on-hand, notes payable, cash from operations and long-term debt. We have also deferred portions of the purchase prices through the use of earnouts that are tied to the ongoing performance of the acquired entity. Through the utilization of seller notes and earnouts, we have been able to finance a portion of the cost of the acquisitions over time with the targets’ ongoing cash flow. These acquisition activities will increase our operating costs both in the short and long-term and may require us to borrow against our current credit facility and/or raise funds through additional capital raises.

12


 

Operations

Revenue

Retail Electricity Transactions

We earn a monthly commission on energy sales contracted through our online auction platform from each bidder or energy supplier based on the energy usage transacted between the bidder and lister or energy consumer. Our commissions are not based on the retail price for electricity; rather on the amount of energy consumed. Commissions are calculated based on the volume of energy usage transacted between the energy supplier and energy consumer multiplied by our contractual commission rate. Our contractual commission rate is negotiated with the energy consumer on a procurement-by-procurement basis based on energy consumer specific circumstances, including the size of auction, the effort required to organize and run the respective auction and competitive factors, among others. Once the contractual commission is agreed to with the energy consumer, all energy suppliers participating in the auction agree to that rate. That commission rate remains fixed for the duration of the contractual term regardless of energy usage. Energy consumers provide us with a letter of authorization to request their usage history from the local utility. We then use this data to compile a usage profile for that energy consumer that will become the basis for the auction. This data may also be used to estimate revenue on a going forward basis, as noted below.

Historically, our revenue and operating results have varied from quarter-to-quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations are primarily due to the buying patterns of our wholesale and natural gas customers, which tend to have large, seasonal purchases during the fourth and first quarters and electricity usage having higher demand in our second and third quarters. In addition, the activity levels on the World Energy Exchange® can fluctuate due to a number of factors, including market prices, weather conditions, energy consumers’ credit ratings, the ability of suppliers to obtain financing in credit markets, and economic and geopolitical events. To the extent these factors affect the purchasing decisions of energy consumers, our future results of operations may be affected. Contracts between energy suppliers and energy consumers are signed for a variety of term lengths, with a one to two year contract term being typical for commercial and industrial energy consumers, and government contracts typically having two to three year terms.

We do not invoice our electricity energy suppliers for monthly commissions earned and, therefore, we report a substantial portion of our receivables as “unbilled.” Unbilled accounts receivable is based on management’s best estimate of energy provided by the energy suppliers to the energy consumers for a specific completed time period at contracted commission rates and is made up of two components. The first component represents energy usage for which we have received actual data from the supplier and/or the utility, but for which payment has not been received at the balance sheet date. The majority of our contractual relationships with energy suppliers require them to supply actual usage data to us on a monthly basis and remit payment to us based on that usage. The second component represents energy usage for which we have not received actual data, but for which we have estimated usage. Commissions paid in advance by certain bidders are recorded as deferred revenue and amortized to commission revenue on a monthly basis on the energy exchanged that month.

Retail Natural Gas Transactions

There are two primary fee components to our retail natural gas services: transaction fees and management fees. Transaction fees are billed to and paid by the energy supplier awarded business on the platform. These fees are established prior to award and are the same for each supplier. For the majority of our natural gas transactions, we bill the supplier upon the conclusion of the transaction based on the estimated energy volume transacted for the entire award term multiplied by the transaction fee. Management fees are paid by our energy consumers and are generally billed on a monthly basis for services rendered based on terms and conditions included in contractual arrangements. While substantially all of our retail natural gas transactions are accounted for in accordance with this policy, a significant percentage is accounted for as the natural gas is consumed by the energy consumer and recognized as revenue in accordance with the retail electricity transaction revenue recognition methodology described above.

13


 

Mid-Market Transactions

We earn a monthly commission on energy sales from each energy supplier based on the energy usage transacted between the energy supplier and energy consumer. The commissions are not based on the retail price for electricity but rather on the amount of energy consumed. Commissions are calculated based on the energy usage transacted between the energy supplier and energy consumer multiplied by our contractual commission rate. Revenue from commissions is recognized as earned over the life of each contract as energy is consumed, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the fee is reasonably assured, and customer acceptance criteria, if any, has been successfully demonstrated. We generally recognize revenue on these transactions when we have received verification from the electricity supplier of the end-users power usage and electricity supplier’s subsequent collection of the fees billed to the end user. The verification is generally accompanied with payment of the agreed upon fee to us, at which time the revenue is recognized. Commissions paid in advance are recorded as customer advances and are recognized monthly as commission revenue based on the energy exchanged that month. To the extent we do not receive verification of actual energy usage or we cannot reliably estimate what actual energy usage was for a given period, revenue is deferred until usage and collection data is received from the energy supplier. To the extent that we do not receive actual usage data from the energy supplier, we will recognize revenue at the end of the contract flow date.

Demand Response Transactions

Demand response transaction fees are recognized when we have received confirmation from the demand response provider (“DRP”) that the energy consumer has performed under the applicable Regional Transmission Organization (“RTO”) or Independent System Operator (“ISO”) program requirements. The energy consumer is either called to perform during an actual curtailment event or is required to demonstrate its ability to perform in a test event during the performance period. For the PJM Interconnection (“PJM”), an RTO that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia, the performance period is June through September in a calendar year. Test results are submitted to the PJM by the DRPs and we receive confirmation of the energy consumer’s performance in the fourth quarter. DRPs typically pay us ratably on a quarterly basis throughout the demand response fiscal (June to May) year. As a result, a portion of the revenue we recognize is reflected as unbilled accounts receivable.

Wholesale and Environmental Commodity Transactions

Wholesale transaction fees are invoiced upon the conclusion of the auction based on a fixed fee. These revenues are not tied to future energy usage and are recognized upon the completion of the online auction. For reverse auctions where our customers bid for a consumer’s business, the fees are paid by the bidder. For forward auctions where a lister is selling energy products, the fees are typically paid by the lister.

Environmental commodity transaction fees are accounted for utilizing two primary methods. For regulated allowance programs like Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. (“RGGI”), fees are paid by the lister and are recognized quarterly as revenue as auctions are completed and approved. For most other environmental commodity transactions both the lister and the bidder pay the transaction fee and revenue is recognized upon the consummation of the underlying transaction as credits are delivered by the lister and payment is made by the bidder.

Energy Efficiency Services

Our Energy efficiency services segment is primarily project driven where we identify efficiency measures that energy consumers can implement to reduce their energy usage. We present retrofit opportunities to customers, get approval from them to proceed and submit the proposal to the local utility for cost reimbursement. Once the utility approves funding for the project, we install the equipment, typically new heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment, or replace lighting fixtures to more efficient models. We recognize revenue for Energy efficiency services when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Due to the short-term nature of projects (typically two to three weeks), we utilize the completed-contract method. We also assess multiple contracts entered into by the same customer in close proximity to determine if the contracts should be combined for revenue recognition purposes. Revenues are recognized based upon factors such as passage of title, installation, payments and customer acceptance.

Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of:

salaries, bonus and commissions, employee benefits and share-based compensation associated with our auction management and efficiency services, which are directly related to the development and production of the online auction and maintenance of market-related data on our auction platform and monthly management fees (our supply desk function);

project costs including direct labor equipment and materials directly associated with efficiency projects; and

14


 

rent, depreciation and other related overhead and facility-related costs.

Sales and marketing

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of:

salaries, bonus and commissions, employee benefits and share-based compensation related to sales and marketing personnel;

third party commission expenses to our channel partners;

travel and related expenses;

amortization related to customer relationships and contracts;

rent, depreciation and other related overhead and facility-related costs; and

general marketing costs such as trade shows, marketing materials and outsourced services.

General and administrative

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of:

salaries, bonus and commissions, employee benefits and share-based compensation related to general and administrative personnel;

accounting, legal, investor relations, information technology, insurance and other professional fees; and

rent, depreciation and other related overhead and facility-related costs.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net consists primarily of:

interest income earned on cash held in the bank; and

interest expense related to bank term loans, notes payable and contingent consideration.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense reflects the release of our deferred tax assets to apply to projected annualized taxable income, federal alternative minimum tax liability and state income taxes.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain items as a percent of revenue for the periods presented:

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Revenue

 

100

%

 

 

100

%

Cost of revenue

 

24

 

 

 

26

 

Gross profit

 

76

 

 

 

74

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

50

 

 

 

57

 

General and administrative

 

29

 

 

 

24

 

Operating loss

 

(3

)

 

 

(7

)

Other expense, net

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

Income tax expense

 

0

 

 

 

(2

)

Net loss

 

(5

%)

 

 

(11

%)

15


 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

Revenue

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

Increase

 

Energy procurement

$

7,969,644

 

 

$

7,421,159

 

 

$

548,485

 

 

 

7

%

Energy efficiency services

 

1,550,709

 

 

 

1,236,323

 

 

 

314,386

 

 

 

25

 

Total revenue

$

9,520,353

 

 

$

8,657,482

 

 

$

862,871

 

 

 

10

%

Revenue increased 10% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as revenue from both segments increased as compared to the same period in 2013. Energy procurement segment revenue increased 7% due to increased revenue in our retail product line from both our auction and mid-market customers. These increases were partially offset by decreases in wholesale and gas transaction activity in the first quarter of 2014 as increased commodity prices during the quarter resulted in delayed contracting decisions by listers. Energy efficiency services segment revenue increased 25% as the reorganization of the Massachusetts sales team in 2013 resulted in increased revenue in the NSTAR territory in Massachusetts in the first quarter of 2014.

Cost of revenue

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

% of Revenue

 

 

$

 

 

% of Revenue

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Energy procurement

$

1,045,371

 

 

 

13

%

 

$

1,248,503

 

 

 

17

%

 

$

(203,132

)

 

 

(16

%)

Energy efficiency services

 

1,266,942

 

 

 

82

 

 

 

984,648

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

282,294

 

 

 

29

 

Total cost of revenue

$

2,312,313

 

 

 

24

%

 

$

2,233,151

 

 

 

26

%

 

$

79,162

 

 

 

4

%

Cost of revenue increased 4% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to increases in equipment, material and labor costs associated with projects completed by our Energy efficiency services segment. Cost of revenue for our Energy procurement segment decreased 16% due to decreases in payroll reflecting our integration, automation and reorganization efforts. Cost of revenue associated with our Energy procurement segment as a percent of revenue decreased by 4% primarily due to the cost decreases described above and, to a lesser extent, the 7% increase in Energy procurement revenue. Cost of revenue associated with our Energy efficiency services segment increased 29% primarily due to an increase in project costs associated with the 25% increase in revenue. Cost of revenue associated with our Energy efficiency services segment as a percent of revenue increased by 2% primarily due to slightly lower contribution margins on projects completed in the first quarter of 2014.

Operating expenses

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

% of Revenue

 

 

$

 

 

% of Revenue

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Sales and marketing

$

4,761,991

 

 

 

50

%

 

$

4,978,081

 

 

 

57

%

 

$

(216,090

)

 

 

(4

%)

General and administrative

 

2,684,475

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

2,061,673

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

622,802

 

 

 

30

 

Total operating expenses

$

7,446,466

 

 

 

79

%

 

$

7,039,754

 

 

 

81

%

 

$

406,712

 

 

 

6

%

Sales and marketing expenses decreased 4% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 primarily due to decreases in internal commissions and amortization of intangible assets. Internal commissions decreased due to the change in commission policy for our mid-market group we implemented in the second quarter of 2013. Under the revised policy, we continued to pay commissions based on cash received from mid-market transactions that are deferred for revenue purposes and provided for a bookings bonus to offset the impact of the change in our policy. We converted the bookings bonus to a draw program in 2014, eliminating that component of commission expense. Amortization expense related to intangible assets decreased as certain intangible assets related to our acquisitions became fully amortized in 2014. Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue decreased 7% due to the decrease in costs described above, and the 10% increase in total revenue.

The 30% increase in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to increased legal and consulting costs of approximately $0.4 million primarily related to a shareholder action during the first quarter of 2014. In addition, payroll costs increased due to investments in our product development

16


 

team. General and administrative expenses as a percent of revenue increased 5% primarily due to the cost increases described above, partially offset by the 10% increase in total revenue.

Other income (expense), net

Net interest expense was approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, as our outstanding indebtedness and interest rates were relatively the same for both periods.

Income tax expense

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively. In the first quarter of both periods income tax expense reflects a deferred tax provision, federal alternative minimum tax liability and state income taxes.

Net loss

We reported a net loss of approximately $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and a net loss of approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The net loss decreased $0.5 million primarily due to the increase in revenue, improved gross margin and the decrease in sales and marketing expenses. These reductions in net loss were partially offset by the increase in general and administrative expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2014, we had no commitments for material capital expenditures. We have identified and executed against a number of strategic initiatives that we believe are key components of our future growth, including: making strategic acquisitions; entering into other energy-related markets including energy efficiency; expanding our community of listers, bidders and channel partners on our exchanges; strengthening and extending our long-term relationships with government agencies; and growing our direct and inside sales force. As of March 31, 2014 our workforce numbered 127, an increase of one from the number that we employed at December 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014, we had 59 professionals in our sales and marketing and account management groups, 41 in our supply desk group and 27 in our general and administrative group.

We paid $10.4 million to acquire three businesses in 2011 through the use of cash on hand, cash flow from ongoing operations as well as cash flow generated by the acquisitions. In addition, we have paid $6.7 million in seller notes and contingent consideration bringing the total cash paid for the 2011 acquisitions to $17.1 million. We borrowed $8.0 million in long-term bank debt to acquire NEP in October 2012 and entered into a $2.0 million seller note with NEP. While the expansion/addition of these debt instruments significantly increased our commitments, we believe we have the resources to meet both our short- and long-term obligations under these arrangements based on cash on-hand, operating cash flows from our base business and cash expected to be generated from all of our acquired businesses. During 2013, we paid an additional $1.3 million in cash related to NEP contingent consideration and $1.5 million against the NEP seller note. As of March 31, 2014 we have substantially retired all of our obligations related to these acquisitions. We have $0.9 million of accrued contingent consideration recorded within current liabilities related to the GSE acquisition and $0.5 million remaining on the NEP Seller note that was due April 1, 2014. Subsequent to quarter end we repaid the remaining $0.5 million NEP Seller note and settled all outstanding earnout claims with GSE by issuing 200,000 shares of common stock, which had a fair value of approximately $0.9 million. During the first three months of 2014 we generated cash flow from operations of $0.9 million and ended the quarter with $2.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Comparison of March 31, 2014 to December 31, 2013

 

 

March 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,578,970

 

 

$

1,725,136

 

 

$

853,834

 

 

 

49

%

Trade accounts receivable, net

 

7,439,892

 

 

 

7,738,141

 

 

 

(298,249

)

 

 

(4

)

Days sales outstanding

 

70

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(8

)

Working capital (deficit)

 

(636,284

)

 

 

(893,984

)

 

 

257,700

 

 

 

29

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

25,285,847

 

 

 

25,480,584

 

 

 

(194,737

)

 

 

(1

)

Cash and cash equivalents increased 49% primarily due to cash flows from operations of approximately $0.9 million. Deferred revenue and customer advances increased due to advance payments related to our Energy efficiency services segment. Accrued compensation decreased due to the payment of year-end bonuses for 2013. Trade accounts receivable at March 31, 2014 decreased 4% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 as days sales outstanding decreased 8%. Days sales outstanding (representing accounts receivable outstanding at March 31, 2014 divided by the average sales per day during the current quarter, as adjusted) decreased 8% due to the timing of in-period revenue recognized and cash receipts within the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the fourth quarter

17


 

of 2013. Revenue from bidders representing 10% or more of our revenue decreased to 19% from one bidder during the three months ended March 31, 2014, from an aggregate 37% for three different bidders in the same period of the previous year. Two bidders merged at the end of 2013 and have been combined to determine the percentages above.

The working capital balance at March 31, 2014 (consisting of current assets less current liabilities) improved $0.3 million from December 31, 2013 primarily due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents. Stockholders’ equity decreased 1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due to a $0.5 million net loss, partially offset by share-based compensation and proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $0.9 million compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The 2014 increase was primarily due to an increase of approximately $0.4 million in EBITDA. Cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was approximately $0.1 million which was substantially offset by cash provided by financing activities of approximately $0.1 million. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $1.9 million, primarily resulting from a $1.4 million payment of contingent consideration and $0.5 million of principal payments on long term debt.

EBITDA, representing net loss before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $0.8 million as compared to $0.4 million for the same period in the prior year. Please refer to the section below discussing non-GAAP financial measures for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we provide certain “non-GAAP financial measures”. A non-GAAP financial measure refers to a numerical financial measure that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our financial statements. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we provide EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as additional information relating to our operating results. These non-GAAP measures exclude expenses related to share-based compensation, depreciation related to our fixed assets, amortization expense related to acquisition-related assets and other assets, interest expense on bank borrowings, notes payable to sellers and contingent consideration, interest income on invested funds, and income taxes. Management uses these non-GAAP measures for internal reporting and bank reporting purposes. We have provided these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to GAAP financial results because we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to certain investors and financial analysts in assessing our operating performance due to the following factors:

We believe that the presentation of a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the impact of share-based compensation expenses, depreciation of fixed assets, amortization expense related to acquisition-related assets and other assets, interest expense on bank borrowings, seller notes and contingent consideration, interest income on invested funds, and income taxes, provides investors and financial analysts with a consistent basis for comparison across accounting periods and, therefore, is useful to investors and financial analysts in helping them to better understand our operating results and underlying operational trends;

Although share-based compensation is an important aspect of the compensation of our employees and executives, share-based compensation expense is generally fixed at the time of grant, then amortized over a period of several years after the grant of the share-based instrument, and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the grant;

We do not acquire intangible assets on a predictable cycle. Our intangible assets relate solely to business acquisitions. Amortization costs are fixed at the time of an acquisition, are then amortized over a period of several years after the acquisition and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the acquisition;

We do not regularly incur capitalized software and website costs. Our capitalized software costs relate primarily to the build-out of our exchanges. Amortization costs are fixed at the time the costs are incurred and are then amortized over a period of several years and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the initial costs are incurred;

We do not regularly invest in fixed assets. Our fixed assets relate primarily to computer and office equipment and furniture and fixtures. Depreciation costs are fixed at the time of purchase and are then depreciated over several years and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the purchase;

We do not regularly enter into bank debt, seller notes and/or pay interest on contingent consideration. Our seller notes and contingent consideration relate to acquisition activities. Interest expense is fixed at the time of purchase and recorded over the life of the lease and generally cannot be changed or influenced by management after the purchase;

We do not regularly earn interest on our cash accounts. Our cash is invested in U.S. Treasury funds and has not yielded material returns to date and these returns generally cannot be changed or influenced by management; and

18


 

We do not regularly pay federal or state income taxes due to our net operating loss carryforwards. Our income tax expense reflects the release of our deferred tax assets to apply to projected annualized taxable income, and an anticipated alternative minimum tax liability based on statutory rates that generally cannot be changed or influenced by management.

Pursuant to the requirements of the SEC, we have provided below a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures used to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures may differ from the GAAP information, even where similarly titled used by other companies, and therefore should not be used to compare our performance to that of other companies. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

GAAP net loss

$

(497,780

)

 

$

(956,885

)

Add: Interest expense, net

 

200,397

 

 

 

202,737

 

Add: Income taxes

 

63,000

 

 

 

131,305

 

Add: Amortization of intangibles

 

926,645

 

 

 

974,758

 

Add: Amortization of other assets

 

13,565

 

 

 

8,507

 

Add: Depreciation

 

52,911

 

 

 

55,669

 

Non-GAAP EBITDA

$

758,738

 

 

$

416,091

 

Add: Stock-based compensation

 

161,903

 

 

 

145,986

 

Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA

$

920,641

 

 

$

562,077

 

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.

The most judgmental estimates affecting our consolidated financial statements are those relating to revenue recognition and the estimate of actual energy delivered from the bidder to the lister of such energy; stock-based compensation; the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill; the valuation of contingent consideration; impairment of long-lived assets; and estimates of future taxable income as it relates to the realization of our net deferred tax assets. We regularly evaluate our estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. To the extent actual results differ from those estimates; future results of operations may be affected. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our accompanying consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements within our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014 for a description of our accounting policies.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We currently have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2013. In designing and evaluating the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company and its management recognize

19


 

that there are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their desired control objectives. Additionally, in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures, the Company’s management was required to apply its reasonable judgment. Based upon the required evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2014, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and procedures also were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

20


 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Two former employees/consultants of GSE have filed two separate complaints in Texas County Court alleging, among other things, claims related to breach of contract, quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, and tortious interference. Each plaintiff claims that GSE and/or we failed to pay commissions due for services that they provided prior to the date of our purchase of certain GSE assets, based on their respective employment or independent contractor agreements with GSE. Each plaintiff has also asserted claims for recovery of their attorneys’ fees. We deny the allegations and have filed counterclaims for damages, asserting claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, misappropriation of confidential information, and violation of the Texas Theft Liability Act against each of the plaintiffs. We have also filed a counterclaim against one of the plaintiffs for her breach of a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement, based on her working for a competitor of ours during her one-year restrictive period and her improper solicitation of former GSE customers on behalf of the competitor. The plaintiffs have also asserted claims against the GSE affiliates and their individual principals. The court has assigned a trial date of September 29, 2014 for one of the cases. The remaining case is awaiting assignment of a trial date. Our motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of all claims against one of the two plaintiffs has been denied.  Our motion for summary judgment against the other plaintiff has been filed and is awaiting oral argument.  

We have estimated the potential commissions allegedly due to the two plaintiffs to be approximately $0.3 million. We have not recorded any accrual for contingent liabilities associated with these legal proceedings based on its belief that any potential loss, while reasonably possible, is not probable. We intend to continue to defend these actions vigorously and are currently unable to estimate a range of payments, if any, we may be required to pay, with respect to these claims. Further, we believe that the resolution of these matters will not result in a material effect to our condensed consolidated financial statements. However, due to uncertainties that accompany litigation of this nature, there could be no assurance that we will be successful, and the resolution of the lawsuits could have a material effect on our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

In addition, we had filed cross claims against GSE for indemnification under the Asset Purchase Agreement in each of the plaintiffs’ cases.  The GSE affiliates and principals had also asserted cross claims against us seeking indemnification under the Asset Purchase Agreement.  In December 2013, GSE had amended its cross claims in one of the matters to include claims asserting breach of the earnout provisions in the Asset Purchase Agreement.  Subsequent to quarter end, GSE and we settled all claims against each other related to these lawsuits and the earnout provisions and filed with the court agreed motions to dismiss all claims against one another.  The settlement calls for us to issue 200,000 shares of common stock to GSE and its affiliates that had a fair value of $0.9 million on the date issued.  This amount is reflected as a current liability in accrued contingent consideration as of March 31, 2014.

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims arising from the conduct of its business operations, including litigation related to employment matters. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits, we believe that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial position and/or results of operations. It is possible, however, that future financial position or results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or strategies related to those contingencies or changes out of our control.

 

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2014.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, we did not sell any unregistered equity securities.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

In connection with the vesting of restricted stock granted to employees, we withheld certain shares with value equivalent to employees’ minimum statutory obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes.

21


 

A summary of the shares withheld to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

 

Period

 

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

 

 

Average Price Paid

Per Share

 

 

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

As Part of Publicly

Announced Plans or

Programs

 

 

Maximum Number

of Shares That May

Yet Be Purchased

Under The Plan

 

01/01/14 – 01/31/14

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

02/01/14 – 02/28/14

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/01/14 – 03/31/14

 

 

38

 

 

$

4.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

38

 

 

$

4.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures (not applicable)

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

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

 

32.2

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

 

101

The following materials from World Energy Solutions, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the condensed consolidated balance sheets; (ii) the condensed consolidated statements of operations; (iii) the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows; and (iv) notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

22


 

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.

 

 

World Energy Solutions, Inc.

 

Dated: May 8, 2014

By:

  /s/ Philip Adams 

 

 

Philip Adams

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Dated: May 8, 2014

By:

  /s/ James Parslow 

 

 

James Parslow

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

23