UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
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: 000-30939
ACTIVE POWER, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 74-2961657 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
2128 W. Braker Lane, BK 12, Austin, Texas | 78758 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(512) 836-6464
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Class |
Name of Exchange on Which Registered | |
Common Stock, $0.001 per share | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | |
(Nasdaq Global Market) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Preferred Share Purchase Rights
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ¨ Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. ¨ Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ¨ Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
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 the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer þ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
(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 þ No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of its common stock on the last day of registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2008, as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market, was approximately $69.5 million (affiliates being, for these purposes only, directors and executive officers).
As of February 27, 2009, the Registrant had 60,458,311 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Certain information required by Part III of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the Registrants proxy statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the Registrants fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Active Power, Inc.
Unless otherwise indicated, we, us, our, and Active Power mean Active Power, Inc., including our predecessor Texas corporation. References in this report to $ or dollars are to United States of America currency.
ITEM 1. |
Business | 1 | ||
ITEM 1A |
13 | |||
ITEM 1B. |
Unresolved Staff Comments | 21 | ||
ITEM 2. |
Properties | 21 | ||
ITEM 3. |
Legal Proceedings | 22 | ||
ITEM 4. |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 22 | ||
ITEM 5. |
23 | |||
ITEM 6. |
Selected Financial Data | 25 | ||
ITEM 7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 26 | ||
ITEM 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 41 | ||
ITEM 8. |
Financial Statements and Selected Quarterly Financial Data | 41 | ||
ITEM 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 41 | ||
ITEM 9A. |
Controls and Procedures | 41 | ||
ITEM 9B. |
Other Information | 42 | ||
ITEM 10. |
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant | 43 | ||
ITEM 11. |
Executive Compensation | 46 | ||
ITEM 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
46 | ||
ITEM 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions | 46 | ||
ITEM 14. |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 46 | ||
ITEM 15. |
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | 47 |
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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report on Form 10-K 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. All statements other than statements about historical or current facts, including, without limitation, statements about our business strategy, plans and objectives of management and our future prospects, are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following:
| strategic relationships with third parties, including suppliers and channel partners; |
| customer demand for our products; |
| growth and future operating results; |
| developments in our markets; |
| expansion of our product offerings and sales channels; |
| customer benefits attributable to our products; |
| technologies and operations; |
| industry trends; and |
| future economic, business and regulatory conditions. |
You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as may, will, expect, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, continue and other similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our future expectations, make projections of our future results of operations or financial condition, or state other forward-looking information. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or control. The factors listed in the section captioned Risk Factors in Item 1A of this report, as well as any cautionary language in this report, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we described in our forward-looking statements.
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ITEM 1. | Business. |
Overview
Active Power is a manufacturer and provider of critical power solutions incorporating uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems that provide business continuity to enterprises requiring protection against electrical power disturbances. Our products are designed to deliver continuous clean power, protecting customers from voltage fluctuations, such as surges and sags and frequency fluctuations, and also to provide ride-through, or temporary, power to bridge the gap between a power outage and the restoration of utility power. Our target customers are those global enterprises requiring power insurance because they have zero tolerance for downtime in their mission critical operations. The UPS products we manufacture utilize green technology to create a renewable energy source. These products are highly reliable, are energy and space efficient, and significantly reduce client electricity expenses. As of December 31, 2008, we have shipped more than 2,100 flywheels in UPS system installations, delivering more than 525 megawatts of power to customers in more than 40 countries around the world. We are headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international offices in the U.K., Germany and Japan.
Our patented flywheel-based UPS systems store kinetic energy by constantly spinning a compact steel wheel (flywheel) driven from utility power in a low friction environment. When the utility power used to spin the flywheel fluctuates or is interrupted, the flywheels inertia causes it to continue spinning. The resulting kinetic energy of the spinning flywheel generates electricity known as bridging power for short periods, until utility power is restored or a backup electric generator starts and takes over generating longer-term power in the case of an extended electrical outage. We believe our flywheel products provide many competitive advantages over conventional battery-based UPS systems, including substantial space savings; higher power densities, green energy storage, and higher power efficiencies of up to 98%. This high energy efficiency reduces operating costs and provides customers a lower total cost of ownership. We offer our flywheel products with load capabilities from 130 kVA to 8,400 kVA. We typically target higher power applications of 200 kVA and above, largely because a majority of customers in this market segment have backup generators. Our flywheel products are marketed under the brand name CleanSource®. Our continuous power systems are marketed under the name PowerHouse and combine our UPS system with switchgear and a generator to provide complete short- and long-term protection in the event of a power disturbance.
We believe a number of underlying macroeconomic trends place Active Power in a strong position to be one of the leading providers of critical power protection. These trends include:
| the ever-increasing demands placed on the public utility infrastructure; |
| an inadequate investment in global utility infrastructure; |
| rising costs of energy world wide; |
| significant costs of downtime; |
| a rapidly expanding need for data centers that require reliable, efficient power; and |
| an increasing demand for economically green solutions. |
We have evolved significantly since our founding in 1992 as an engineering business focused on research, development and invention. The technological foundation of Active Power has yielded more than 150 worldwide patents and a highly differentiated, cost-efficient product platform. Since 2005, we have changed our business focus to successfully commercialize our technologies by building the Active Power brand, expanding our sales distribution, focusing on product cost reduction, and building technical innovations to serve clients with mission critical power applications globally.
We sell our products to a wide array of commercial and industrial customers and across a variety of vertical markets, including data centers, manufacturing, technology, broadcast and communications, financial, utilities,
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healthcare, government and airports. We have expanded our global sales channels and direct sales force, selling in all major geographic regions of the world, but particularly in North America, Europe and Asia. Our revenue derived from customers outside of the United States was $16.9 million in 2008, representing 39% of our total revenues.
Industry
According to a 2008 report on the World UPS Market by IMS Research, the global UPS market was estimated to be almost $8 billion in 2008. IMS Research projects the market will increase to almost $9 billion in 2010 and expected to grow to more than $10 billion by 2012 with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% .
UPS products can be classified into single phase and three phase systems. Single phase applications are typically for homes or very small businesses with low power requirements. Active Power is engaged in the three phase market and does not offer any systems in the single phase range. The market for three phase systems is typically stratified by kVA (or power level) and by geography. Active Power has refined its focus on customers in the 200 kVA and higher category. In 2008, this category was estimated to be $2.2 billion of the global market, and it is forecasted to be $3.3 billion of the total market opportunity in 2012 according to the 2008 IMS Research report.
There are many market dynamics fueling growth of the global UPS market. These include:
| An increasingly power hungry global market |
| High density computing applications continue to grow where people are requiring more computing power in the same or less physical space |
| Rapid industrialization of highly populated world regions is increasing global energy demand |
| Vertical market growth |
| Continued recovery of the information technology industry |
| Growth in the data center market including new data center facilities and refurbishment of existing data center facilities |
| Increasing cost to produce and consume electricity |
| Instability in oil-producing regions of the world |
| Rapid depletion of finite fossil fuel sources |
| Increasing unreliability of utility infrastructure |
| Lack of investment in grid infrastructure to cope with rising electricity demand |
| More frequent power outages and disturbances |
| Economic development overseas |
| Rapid infrastructure growth and economic expansion in fast growing economies such as China, India, Brazil and Russia |
| Increasing concern over environmental impacts |
| Global warming |
| Carbon footprint of businesses and individuals |
Within the UPS market, we believe a majority of customers are using UPS products to protect their data center and IT applications. The competitive dynamics of the data center market, in particular, provide an excellent platform to successfully market our highly efficient systems.
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First, the market opportunity remains relatively intact despite the current global economic situation. The managed data center sector remains sound as a result of recurring cash flows and the stability of operating results they provide, particularly for collocation hosting.
Second, given the rapidly increasing cost and consumption of energy, there is a significant requirement to improve the efficiency of the infrastructure in the data center. According to Informationweek.com, the national average rate for electricity in the United States has jumped 44% since 2004. Between 2000 and 2006, the amount of energy used to store and handle data doubled, with the average data facility now using as much energy as 25,000 households.
Third, the market is already predisposed to the use of battery-free alternatives due to the physical requirements, replacement cycle and reliability issues associated with conventional battery-based solutions. This is particularly true as customer applications increase in absolute size, specifically above one megawatt because, in general, the savings associated with larger systems is magnified based upon the efficiency of the Active Power system.
Our Solution
We believe our key areas of product differentiation and our market focus align very well with the market drivers described above. We believe our products are:
| Intelligently efficient; |
| Inherently reliable; and |
| Economically green. |
Intelligently Efficient. Our UPS systems are up to 98% energy efficient, as compared to 88% efficiency for conventional battery-based UPS systems. Our flywheel UPS loses only 2% of incoming power compared with as much as a 12% power loss for conventional battery-based UPS systems to protect the same mission critical load. This results in an average utility savings for our customers of approximately 83% as compared to conventional systems. Greater efficiency reduces a customers energy consumption when operating the UPS system, resulting in a decrease in energy expenses. This is a savings that is magnified as the volume and cost of energy increases. Our UPS systems are also extremely power-dense, meaning we can provide more backup power in the same physical space as compared to a conventional battery-based UPS system. Our UPS systems consume one-half to one-quarter of the space of a comparable conventional battery-based UPS system. This space efficiency allows customers to dedicate space to revenue generating operations and/or equipment; to use less space for their UPS needs; or to increase the amount of backup power they can fit into their existing facility. This allows them to take advantage of higher-power computing applications without needing to invest in new infrastructure. Our systems can also operate in temperatures of up to 40 degrees Centigrade (104 degrees Fahrenheit), compared to 24 degrees Centigrade (76 degrees Fahrenheit) for conventional battery-based UPS systems. Our systems can be deployed virtually anywhere due to the minimal requirements the system has in terms of heating or cooling. All of this adds up to a solution delivered with a much lower total cost of ownership for customers that can yield up to 60% cost savings over a systems life.
Inherently Reliable. We believe the Active Power system is more reliable than conventional or chemical-based solutions available in the market today. We can measure the reliability of our UPS products including the short-term energy storage devices, providing our customers a much better indicator of system reliability compared to our competitors. Our competitors quote product reliability measures that exclude the failure rate of their short-term energy storage devices due to the inherent limitations of lead-acid batteries. In comparison to conventional UPS systems that use chemical energy storage technology, the Active Power solution is a precision-engineered mechanical system that delivers predictable, consistent backup power performance. Using aircraft quality steel to harness kinetic energy, our systems deliver peace of mind throughout the course of the products
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20-year plus useful life. By year end 2008, we had shipped more than 2,100 flywheels in UPS installations around the world with more than 54 million hours of reliable run time. We believe, based on a recent independent study by Massachusetts-based MTechnology, Inc., that the Active Power flywheel UPS system is generally seven times less likely to fail versus a conventional battery-based UPS system.
Economically Green. We offer a unique distinction among UPS providers. When a customer selects an Active Power solution, they become part of the growing global movement to reduce industrial impact on the environment. At the same time, the end user saves on energy consumption, resulting in savings on operational expenses. We call it economically green because unlike many other products that are considered green, our solution will improve a customers bottom line with reduced energy expenses and a lower total cost of ownership. Active Powers flywheel UPS systems are also more energy efficient, meaning the end user draws less power from the utility and potentially less hydrocarbon-based utility power, reducing overall CO2 emissions. In addition, there are no environmentally hazardous disposal concerns as compared with battery-based lead and acid materials used in competitive technologies. A green choice delivered at an overall economic advantage to the end user makes for a very compelling offering in todays marketplace.
Strategy
The current company plan is supported by the following primary business strategies:
| Building brand; |
| Geographic expansion; |
| Diversify sales channels; |
| Deliver differentiated solutions; |
| Build service network; and |
| Build for less. |
Building Brand. Brand is keenly important to mission-critical clients, especially in high power applications at 200kVA and above. These clients often prefer direct engagement with the manufacturer for products and services associated with their continuous power solution needs. Active Power continues to gain recognition as an efficient, reliable, and green power solution provider. Historically when we sold through OEM channels, we lacked the ability to develop and promote the Active Power brand with those sales. As we continue to pursue a direct sales strategy, to compete we must have a recognizable brand. We are building our brand identity through the expansion of public relations initiatives, conference presentations, industry awards, white paper and case study publications, and key sales wins. Building the Active Power name in its addressable markets will be paramount to future growth and success in the industry.
Geographic Expansion. Traditionally our sales focus was directed nearly exclusively at the North American market. As recently as 2002, we generated more than 81% of our revenue from North America. However, according to IMS Research data in 2008, North America only represents approximately one-third of the global UPS market, which meant we were not addressing the majority of the available market. Since 2005, we expanded our Active Power branded business by expanding into new and strategically important markets. We now have Active Power branded sales and service operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany and Mexico. We have taken deliberate and methodical action to expand our local sales and service teams into the markets we have designated as the highest potential growth opportunities for Active Power. We believe our commitment to geographic expansion ensures we leverage the right products and services for customer applications around the world.
Diversify Sales Channels. We now bring products to market through a diversified set of sales channels including direct sales, manufacturers representatives, international distributors and original equipment
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manufacturer (OEM) partners. Traditionally, most of our revenues were generated through our OEM channel and as recently as 2005, OEM sales were the majority of our revenues. In 2002, 93% of our business was non-Active Power branded sales. Today, Active Power branded product sales represent 59% of our total sales. We believe the diversification of our sales channels provides us greater market penetration opportunities than we could accomplish alone, while minimizing the adverse impact that any one channel or partner may have on the overall business. Our OEM channel produces lower margin sales than sales we can make directly and, more dramatically, it provides decreased opportunities for us to up sell additional products and services. Our OEM partners historically were able to leverage their own brand equity and client relationships to help accelerate the adoption of our products. While still extremely important to our business, use of other sales channels has helped us build the Active Power brand and increased our opportunity to interact directly with clients in a consultative selling environment, which yields better profitability, longer-term sales opportunities and enhanced relationships with our customers.
Deliver Differentiated Solutions. The global UPS market has been dominated by a handful of providers delivering essentially the same product platform for over a decade a static UPS with batteries for short-term energy storage. Today, Active Power brings a highly differentiated solution that provides clients with a cost-effective alternative to conventional solutions. Our flywheel UPS systems offer significant, measurable advantages in terms of total cost of ownership savings; energy efficiency; space efficiency; 20-year plus useful life; and improved system reliability, each as compared to battery-based systems. This improved performance at a lower cost coupled with the fact our products are economically green delivers distinct rewards to the end user and to the environment.
The same benefits and features of our solutions have enabled the deployment in 2008 of our containerized continuous power system called PowerHouse. PowerHouse is a modular, portable, continuous power system housed in a standard ISO shipping container. It is available in 12 standard power configurations, starting at 200 kW, for fast delivery to customers globally. The system is a differentiated solution that allows clients to deploy their capital promptly to meet current demands versus building out infrastructure to support capacity planned to grow over many years. It also enables clients to maximize the efficient use of their data center space by utilizing higher cost interior space for revenue-generating or critical computing activities and less costly space to house their power and cooling infrastructure. The Active Power flywheel UPS system is ideally suited to be housed in an ISO container because of its small footprint, high efficiency and indifference to temperature.
Build Service Network. We have focused on building our local service capabilities to provide assessment, implementation and life cycle support services to customers buying our UPS systems. As a result of this focus, our service revenue has grown from $1.7 million in 2004 to $7.2 million in 2008, and grew 51% in 2008. Providing clients with consultative and long term services is integral to our strategy to selling directly and delivering overall solutions while building long term customer relationships. Broadening our product portfolio to offer new and value added services also affords us the opportunity to sell more products to individual clients and grow both revenue and contribution margin.
Build for Less. We have deployed a number of cost savings programs to reduce both product and operating costs while preserving, and in some instances enhancing, the quality and reliability of our products. In addition to our cost reduction efforts, we have worked to streamline our product line and leverage the modular nature of the design for our products which has delivered significant efficiencies in the overall manufacturing process and service delivery.
Competition
Active Power competes in three main product areas: UPS systems, DC power systems and critical power solutions.
UPS Systems. CleanSource UPS competes primarily with conventional battery UPS manufacturers such as Emerson/Liebert, Eaton/Powerware and APC/MGE on a global basis. In addition, we compete with rotary UPS
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providers such as Piller, Eurodiesel and Hitec, particularly in Europe. We are largely competing against these same competitors in applications of above one megawatt; however, there is greater market acceptance of battery-free solutions compared to battery-based solutions in this power range, making this an ideal segment for our CleanSource UPS products. Our primary basis of competition in this segment is product differentiation and our advantage in space and power efficiencies.
DC Power Systems. Active Power brings two products to the DC power market CleanSource® DC and CoolAir® DC. CleanSource DC is a battery replacement option for companies with existing UPS and batteries who desire to upgrade to a battery-free technology. Pentadyne and Vycon are two of our U.S.-based competitors in this market. Active Powers CoolAir DC product delivers something truly unique: simultaneous backup power and backup cooling in one device. To our knowledge, no other competitor in the marketplace offers a similar product. We believe CoolAir DC is uniquely positioned to provide not only critical bridging backup power, but also cooling to protect valuable client resources as data centers and other mission critical facilities continue to deploy highly dense computer equipment that generates increasing amounts of heat.
Critical Power Solutions. Critical power solutions are an exciting and growing sector of our business that enable us to leverage the strengths and key benefits of our flagship product, CleanSource UPS. PowerHouse is the brand name for our prepackaged continuous power systems which are delivered in a 20- or 40-foot ISO quality shipping container for fast deployment to space constrained operations, and disaster recovery applications or to accompany a modular data center product. There are a variety of competitors with similar capabilities including system integrators and value added service providers who may procure required system components and assemble custom solutions. We believe that Active Power is one of only a few UPS manufacturers in the world also offering pre-packaged standard systems for quick delivery globally. The power density advantages we enjoy with our UPS products allow us to offer higher backup power levels within the physical constraints of the containerized space compared to our competitors, which we believe will lead to higher revenues from turnkey systems in the future. Also, our ability to operate in temperatures of up to 40 degrees Centigrade in non-air conditioned environments (such as a modular container) acts as a competitive barrier to entry for battery UPS systems which must have sufficient air conditioning to operate properly. Since early 2008, we have entered into agreements to jointly market and sell PowerHouse and related services in conjunction with Sun Microsystems, Inc., Hewlett Packard and Verari Systems. Active Power will support the modular or containerized data center products of each of these partners. We believe our ability to jointly market and leverage the activities of our mutual sales channels increases the revenue potential of PowerHouse for Active Power in future periods.
Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, broader name and brand recognition, and a larger installed base of customers and service infrastructure than we do. As a result, these competitors may have greater credibility with our existing and potential customers. They also may be able to adopt more aggressive pricing policies and devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can, which would allow them to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. In addition, some of our current and potential competitors have established supplier or joint development relationships with our current or potential customers. These competitors may be able to leverage their existing relationships to discourage these customers from purchasing products from us or to persuade them to replace our products with their products. Increased competition could decrease our prices, reduce our sales, lower our margins or decrease our market share. These and other competitive pressures could prevent us from competing successfully against current or future competitors and could materially harm our business.
Products and Services
CleanSource Products
We market our flywheel products under the brand name CleanSource. CleanSource DC is a battery-free replacement for lead-acid batteries used for bridging power. Using our flywheel energy storage technology,
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CleanSource DC is a stand-alone direct current (DC) product compatible with all major brands of UPS systems. We leveraged the technical success of CleanSource DC by creating CleanSource UPS, a battery free UPS system that integrates UPS electronics and our flywheel energy storage system into one compact cabinet. CleanSource UPS represents a majority of our current revenues and represented 75%, 63% and 67% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Combining CleanSource UPS with a generator provides end users with complete short- and long-term protection in the event of a power disturbance. We sell our CleanSource flywheel products to commercial and industrial customers across a variety of vertical markets including data centers, manufacturing, technology, broadcast and communications, financial, utilities, healthcare, government and airports. We sell and market these products across all major regions of the world, but particularly in North America, Europe and Asia.
CoolAir Product
CoolAir DC uses mature thermal and compressed air storage (TACAS) technologies combined in a proprietary manner to produce backup power during an electrical disturbance. As a by-product of its operation, CoolAir DC discharges cool air that can be used by customers during an electrical disturbance as a source of backup cooling to mitigate thermal runaway in their operations.
We are currently contemplating a next generation development of our CoolAir product to deliver a more compelling and differentiated solution to address market needs in the small to medium data center space.
GenSTART
GenSTART is a battery-free, starting modular system designed to ensure a customers diesel generator will start. This unique product takes energy from the flywheel of the CleanSource UPS and provides 1725 cold cranking amps to the generator set starting motor, so the customer can be assured starting power is available when it is most critical at start-up. GenSTART is sold in conjunction with our CleanSource UPS system and is also a critical component in our PowerHouse solution.
PowerHouse Systems
For customers looking for a complete, integrated continuous power system, we packaged our CleanSource UPS into a containerized product offering we call PowerHouse. PowerHouse contains our CleanSource UPS, GenSTART, switchgear, monitoring software and diesel generator, all housed in an ISO container in standard 20- or 40-foot sizes depending upon the power load. These systems are specifically designed to handle the demands of high-tech facilities requiring the highest power integrity available while maximizing up time, useable floor space and operational efficiency. Designed to offer a highly flexible architecture to a clients constantly changing environment, our systems are offered as a containerized solution that are available in a series of modular formats, enabling sizing for infrastructure on demand. These systems are highly differentiated as they offer flexibility in placement, space savings, fast deployment, high energy efficiency, and prompt capital deployment to meet current demands.
Service
We deliver worldwide customer support through our technical services division that offers clients assessment, implementation and lifecycle support services for all Active Power systems. Building a portfolio of services to work with clients through the lifecycle of their power assessment design and implementation process is a key element of our service growth strategy. We offer the following services to our customers:
| Infrastructure Needs Assessment. We work locally through our global network of mission critical infrastructure engineers and project managers to assess the power and cooling needs of a clients facility. |
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| Vetting & Validation. Our teams of experienced application engineers use comprehensive assessments to vet and validate the most optimal solution that complements a clients business continuity plan. |
| Alignment with Business Objectives. Through continuous communication, our teams ensure the solution accurately aligns with the original needs assessment and a clients short-term and projected future business objectives. |
| System Design. We design client solutions to ensure all components are optimized, with a particular focus on reliability, efficiency and cost effectiveness in determining the correct match and interoperability between components. |
| Deployment. Our experienced group of project managers will work with a client to develop a timely deployment schedule with the least impact on day-to-day business. We ensure expectations are clearly defined through the deployment phase. |
| Start-Up & Commissioning. Once the system is deployed, our team takes the system through a rigorous commissioning process to ensure the system is working to specification. Our engineers work closely with the clients team to make certain they are educated and trained on the successful operation of the system. |
| Service, Support & Monitoring. Clients can choose from a variety of comprehensive service and support offerings, tiered to match an organizations internal capabilities and requirements. We offer four tiers of maintenance programs specifically designed to deliver on both the long-term preventive maintenance requirements for the system and a clients need for support. Level of support is at the clients discretion. Ensuring a reliable and efficient operation requires accurate monitoring, which we offer as a hands-off remote monitoring service in our center, locally at the clients facility, or as a combination of both. |
Distribution
We bring products to market through four primary channels:
| Direct sales; |
| Manufacturers representatives; |
| Distributors; and |
| OEM partners. |
Direct Sales. Our direct sales teams are located in the Americas, Europe and Asia markets. We have adopted a strategy of native geographic expansion, meaning we will place local offices in the markets we identify for direct selling activities rather than having personnel travel from the United States to sell into foreign markets. Our direct sales teams have been successful in securing large customer orders, developing the foundation for the long-term client relationships we seek to build.
Manufacturers Representatives. We have both exclusive and non-exclusive relationships in place with a group of manufacturers representatives in North America only. An exclusive representative has been granted exclusive rights to sell Active Power products in a specific geographic territory. In exchange, the representative has agreed to sell a specific volume of our products and not sell any competitive products, all in exchange for compensation at a specified rate that is tied to the profitability of the underlying sales. We also maintain a group of non-exclusive representatives who have been designated a territory in which to sell our products on a non-exclusive basis for a specified commission rate. The manufacturers representative channel remains integral to the distribution of products in North America for us and increases our geographic sales coverage without having to add direct sales personnel. Products are marketed and sold under the Active Power brand through this channel.
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International Distributors. In certain overseas markets, we have elected to recruit and retain specific international distributors to market our products and services into the designated geographic market. The distributor buys products from us and resells them to the end user, often with other services. Distributors may also perform service and warranty work for us under contract. This strategy has proved fruitful for the company in markets where we do not choose to deploy direct sales resources.
OEM Partners. OEM partners provide our longest standing method of distribution and remain key to our overall business strategy. Our primary OEM partner and largest single customer is Caterpillar, Inc. Caterpillar markets Active Power manufactured products under the Caterpillar brand name CAT UPS and as a complement to its electric power product lines. Caterpillar is a global market leader in new generator sales and has the largest installed base of existing standby generators in the world. By offering the CAT UPS with a standby generator and switchgear, Caterpillar can transform a standby power system into a continuous power system (CPS). We believe this total solution gives both Caterpillar and Active Power a significant competitive advantage in the power quality market. In 2008, we signed a new three-year distribution agreement with Caterpillar to continue this important relationship we began in 1999. Our sales to Caterpillar represented 35%, 31%, and 40% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. We continue to maintain a strong relationship with Caterpillar.
Strategic Partners
We have entered into a number of agreements since 2007 with leading global organizations in the data center market who have the ability to collaborate with Active Power on new sales opportunities. These relationships help us expand potential opportunities to market our products and services through all of our distribution channels. Some of the major partnerships we have entered into include the following:
Hewlett Packard (HP). We are a member of HPs Data Center Solution Builders Program. This program is designed to develop and deliver new technologies and products and services that are targeted towards energy conservation and other operational improvements in data center design or operation. The program allows Active Power to promote its PowerHouse solution jointly with HP on a global basis and to support the power infrastructure requirements of HPs Performance Optimized Data Center products. This promotion may be performed directly by Active Power or through any of our channels of distribution, depending upon the location of the opportunity.
Sun Microsystems, Inc (Sun). We have entered into a strategic relationship with Sun whereby we jointly market and promote our PowerHouse and CleanSource UPS products and their Sun Modular Datacenter product on a global basis. We have also entered into global supply and service agreements with Sun to allow Sun to purchase any of our products and services and resell them to Suns customers on a global basis.
Verari Systems, Inc. We have entered into a strategic referral agreement with Verari Systems, Inc., a leading global supplier of blade computing technology, containerized data center products and services to improve data center efficiency. This agreement provides mutual sharing of sales opportunities between our organizations. It also provides compensation to Verari where they have provided assistance and business leads to Active Power and helped Active Power successfully sell products and services directly resulting from those business leads.
Customers and Key Markets
We continue to build deep-seated client relationships by selling directly and through our manufacturer representatives and distributor channels. We are focused on recruiting new representatives and distributors, but also helping those who have been with us for several years to become even more productive. Direct sales and distribution channels have increased our end user interaction and allowed us to respond to customer needs more quickly. Our Active Power branded sales channel contributed 58%, 68% and 59% of our revenues during 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
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Active Power has experienced success in several key vertical markets. The distinct advantages of our products are gaining awareness and have been adopted by organizations within the following key vertical selling segments:
| Data Center |
| Industrial |
| Broadcast |
| Financial |
| Healthcare |
| Airports |
The following table provides a representative sample of customers that use our flywheel products and includes customers to whom such products have been sold directly by us or by our OEM partners:
Industry |
Representative Customers | |||
Data Center |
Terremark Star Technology Services DigiPlex Liberty Lake Internet Exchange Tesco PLC |
Mini Tab Data Center Cegeka Datacenters NV Databank Sun Microsystems CyrusOne | ||
Industrial |
Dupont Chemical Pfizer, Inc PGRD GE Consumer & Industrial Albon Alticor |
Sarah Lee Goodyear Tire and Rubber Fuji Electric Group EverGreen Solar Freescale Semiconductor | ||
Broadcast |
Adventist World Radio Guam WFFF-TV (FOX) WVNY-TV (ABC) Alabama Public Television |
Christian Television Network Univision WAVY-TV (NBC) KBTX-TV (CBS) | ||
Financial |
Royal Bank of Scotland Kookmin Bank IndyMac Bank |
State Employee Credit Union Hillsborough, NC Andrews Federal Credit Union | ||
Healthcare |
Wayne Memorial Hospital CAMC Health System MetroHealth Hospital |
Mercy Hospital Banner Estrella Cardiology Research Hospital Monzino | ||
Airports |
AICM Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de Mèxico Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) Airport Bratislava a.s. (BTS) |
Ciudad Real Airport Sharjah International Airport |
Marketing
Since 2005, we have developed and implemented a variety of marketing programs to build market awareness of our brand name and products and to attract potential customers. We now employ a broad mix of programs to accomplish these goals, including market research; product and strategy updates with industry analysts, public relations activities, advertising, direct marketing and relationship marketing programs, seminars, customer events, user group meetings, trade shows and speaking engagements. Our marketing organization also produces marketing materials in support of sales to prospective customers that include brochures, data sheets, white papers, presentations, sales tools, events and demonstration capabilities.
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Intellectual Property and Assets
Proprietary Rights
We rely upon a combination of patents, trademarks, confidentiality agreements and other contractual restrictions with employees and third parties to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We have filed dozens of applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, of which 44 have been issued as patents. Additionally, we have made a concerted effort to obtain patent protection abroad for our technology by continuing to file patent applications in Europe and Asia. Our patent strategy is critical for preserving our rights in and to the intellectual property embedded in our CleanSource and CoolAir product lines and in newer technologies. As a manufactured, tangible device that is sold, rather than licensed, our products do not qualify for copyright or trade secret protection. To enforce ownership of such technology, we principally rely on the protection obtained through the patents we own and unfair competition laws. We intend to aggressively protect our patents, which would include bringing legal actions if we deem it advisable.
We own the registered trademarks ACTIVE POWER, CLEANSOURCE and COOLAIR in the United States and abroad. The ACTIVE POWER logo, CSVIEW, and MEGAWATT CLASS UPS are trademarks of Active Power. All other trademarks, service marks or trade names referred to in this report are the property of their respective owners.
Research and Development
We believe research and development efforts are essential to our ability to successfully deliver innovative products that address the current and emerging customer, particularly as the power management/quality market evolves. Our research and development team works closely with our marketing and sales teams and OEMs to define product requirements that address specific market needs. Our research and development expenses were $7.9 million, $5.7 million and $5.1 million in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. We anticipate our research and development expenditures in 2009 will remain at similar levels to 2008, and will decrease as a percentage of sales in the future as our revenues grow. This is consistent with our strategy to focus on the three-phase market for which a core platform now exists. As of December 31, 2008, our research, development and engineering teams consisted of 21 engineers and technicians.
We currently hold 44 U.S. patents and more than 150 worldwide patents for the technology utilized in the products we deliver to the marketplace.
Manufacturing
We manufacture our products at our headquarters in Austin, Texas. We are an ISO 9001 quality certified operation which attests to the quality in product and process used to manufacture and deliver products and services to our clients. We source the majority of our components from contract manufacturers to enhance our ability to scale our operations and minimize cost. This approach allows us to respond quickly to customer orders while maintaining high quality standards and optimizing inventory.
Our internal manufacturing process consists of the fabrication of certain critical components and the assembly, functional testing and quality control of our finished products. We also test components, parts and subassemblies obtained from suppliers for quality control purposes.
We have entered into long-term agreements with some of our key suppliers, but currently purchase most of our components on a purchase order basis. Although we use standard parts and components for our products where possible, we currently purchase the flywheel rotor from Canton Drop Forge Inc., a single source supplier. Although we and our rotor supplier currently maintain buffer stocks to avoid potential supply disruptions, we have recently taken further proactive steps to mitigate this risk by identifying potential alternate suppliers. Lead
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times for ordering materials and components vary significantly and depend on factors such as specific supplier requirements, contract terms, production time required and current market demand for such components or commodities.
In 2001, our manufacturing facility was expanded significantly to support projected sales volume; however, much of that capacity was never utilized due to an economic downturn and lower revenue levels than previously projected. This capacity is still currently underutilized even though we have increased production significantly since the expansion. We actively reduced our manufacturing overhead and costs during 2007 and 2008 and subleased a portion of the facility that we were not using. Increased sales in 2008 have also mitigated a certain percentage of this underutilization and we fully expect this trend to continue throughout 2009. We believe our current workforce, facilities and inventory levels will be sufficient to handle our near term sales demand. Over time, we will need to hire additional manufacturing personnel to address anticipated sales volume increases, but we do not anticipate further material capital investments in the near term.
Employees
As of December 31, 2008, we had 149 employees in the following areas:
| 21 in research and development; |
| 72 in manufacturing, sourcing and service; |
| 39 in sales and marketing; and |
| 17 in administration, information technology and finance. |
None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our relations with our employees to be good.
Seasonality
On occasion, our business has experienced seasonal customer buying patterns. In recent years, both the industry and our business generally experienced relatively weaker demand in the first calendar quarter of the year. We believe this pattern, that we attribute to annual capital budgeting procedures, will continue. We anticipate demand for our products in Europe and Africa may decline in the summer months as compared to other regions because of reduced corporate buying patterns during the vacation season.
Where You Can Find Other Information
Active Power is a Delaware corporation originally founded in 1992 as a Texas corporation. We file annual, quarterly, current and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. You may read and copy any materials the company files with the SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SECs Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and other information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Active Power, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.
We maintain a Web site at www.activepower.com. We make available free of charge through this site our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. This information can be found under the heading Financial Reports on our Web site. The Web site and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors |
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making a decision to invest in our common stock or in evaluating Active Power and our business. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know, or that we currently view as immaterial, may also impair our business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.
The actual occurrence of any of the following risks could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
We have incurred significant losses and anticipate losses for at least the next year.
We have incurred operating losses since our inception and expect to continue to incur losses for at least the next year. As of December 31, 2008, we had an accumulated deficit of $238.8 million. To date, we have funded our operations principally through the public and private sale of our stock, from product and service revenue and from $10.0 million in development funding from Caterpillar. We will need to generate significant additional revenue in order to achieve profitability, and we cannot assure you that we will ever realize such revenue levels or achieve profitability. We also expect to incur product development, sales and marketing and administrative expenses in excess of our product revenue after costs, and, as a result, we expect to continue to incur losses for at least the next year.
Our increased emphasis on a direct sales model and our transaction and customer concentration may affect our ability to accurately predict the timing of revenues and to meet short-term expectations of operating results.
Our increased emphasis on a direct sales model since 2005 has increased the effort and time required by us to complete sales to customers. Further, a larger portion of our quarterly revenue is derived from relatively few large transactions with relatively few customers. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2008, our three largest customers contributed 69% of our revenue. Our shift to the direct sales model, or any delay in completing these large sales transactions or reduction in the number of customers or large transactions, may result in significant fluctuations in our quarterly revenue. Further, we use anticipated revenues to establish our operating budgets and a large portion of our expenses, particularly rent and salaries, are fixed in the short term. As a result, any shortfall or delay in revenue could result in increased losses and would likely cause our operating results to be below public expectations. The occurrence of any of these events would likely cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Our business may be affected by general economic conditions and uncertainty that may cause customers to defer or cancel sales commitments previously made to us.
Recent economic difficulties in the Unites States credit markets and certain international markets may lead to an economic recession in some or all of the markets in which we operate. A recession or even the risk of a potential recession may be sufficient reason for customers to delay, defer or cancel purchase decisions, including decisions previously made. This risk is magnified for capital goods purchases such as the UPS products we supply. Although we believe that the higher operating efficiency and lower total cost of ownership would support customers using and purchasing our equipment, and our efforts to broaden the number of different markets in which we sell will help mitigate economic risk from any one country, any customer delays or cancellation in sales orders could materially affect our level of revenues and operating results. Should our financial results not meet the expectations of public market analysts or investors, the market price of our stock would most likely decline.
Our financial results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
Our product revenue, operating expenses and quarterly operating results have varied in the past and may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the future due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside
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of our control. As a result you should not rely on our operating results during any particular quarter as an indication of our future performance in any quarterly period or fiscal year. These factors include, among others:
| timing of orders from our customers and the possibility that customers may change their order requirements with little or no notice to us; |
| rate of adoption of our flywheel-based energy storage system as an alternative to lead-acid batteries; |
| ongoing need for short-term power outage protection in traditional UPS systems; |
| deferral of customer orders in anticipation of new products from us or other providers of power quality systems; |
| timing of deferred revenue components associated with large orders; |
| new product releases, licensing or pricing decisions by our competitors; |
| commodity and raw material component prices; |
| lack of order backlog; |
| loss of a significant customer or distributor; |
| impact of changes to our product distribution strategy and pricing policies; |
| changes in the mix of domestic and international sales; |
| rate of growth of the markets for our products; and |
| other risks described below. |
The market for power quality products is evolving and it is difficult to predict its potential size or future growth rate. Most of the organizations that may purchase our products have invested substantial resources in their existing power systems and, as a result, have been reluctant or slow to adopt a new approach, particularly during a period of reduced capital expenditures. Moreover, our current products are alternatives to existing UPS and battery-based systems and may never be accepted by our customers or may be made obsolete by other advances in power quality technologies.
Significant portions of our expenses are not variable in the short term and cannot be quickly reduced to respond to decreases in revenue. Therefore, if our revenue is below our expectations, our operating results are likely to be adversely and disproportionately affected. In addition, we may change our prices, modify our distribution strategy and policies, accelerate our investment in research and development, sales or marketing efforts in response to competitive pressures or to pursue new market opportunities. Any one of these activities may further limit our ability to adjust spending in response to revenue fluctuations. We use forecasted revenue to establish our expense budget. Because most of our expenses are fixed in the short term or incurred in advance of anticipated revenue, any shortfall in revenue may result in significant losses.
We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from international markets and plan to continue to expand such efforts, which subjects us to additional business risks including increased logistical and financial complexity, managing internal controls and processes, political instability and currency fluctuations.
The percentage of our product revenue derived from customers located outside of the United States was 42%, 45% and 39% in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Our international operations are subject to a number of risks, including:
| foreign laws and business practices that favor local competition; |
| dependence on local channel partners; |
| compliance with multiple, conflicting and changing government laws and regulations; |
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| longer sales cycles; |
| difficulties in managing and staffing foreign operations; |
| foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and the associated effects on product demand and timing of payment; |
| political and economic stability, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa; |
| greater difficulty in the contracting and shipping process and in accounts receivable collection including longer collection periods; |
| greater difficulty in hiring qualified technical sales and application engineers; and |
| difficulties with financial reporting in foreign countries. |
To date, the majority of our sales to international customers and purchases of components from international suppliers have been denominated in U.S. dollars. We have benefited from the decline in value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies over the last several years which has made our products more price competitive in foreign markets. As a result, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies could make our products more expensive for our international customers to purchase, thus rendering our products less competitive. As we increase direct sales in foreign markets, we are making more sales that are denominated in other currencies, primarily euros and British pounds. Those sales in currencies other than U.S. dollars can result in translation gains and losses. Currently, we do not engage in hedging activities for our international operations. However, we may engage in hedging activities in the future.
We are subject to risks relating to product concentration and lack of revenue diversification.
We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from a limited number of products, particularly our 250-900 kVA product family. We expect these products to continue to account for a large percentage of our revenues in the near term. Continued market acceptance of these products is therefore critical to our future success. Our future success will also depend in part on our ability to reduce our dependence on these few products by developing and introducing new products and product or feature enhancements in a timely manner. Specifically, our ability to capture significant market share depends on our ability to develop and market extensions to our existing UPS product line at higher and lower power range offerings and as containerized solutions. Even if we are able to develop and commercially introduce new products and enhancements, they may not achieve market acceptance, which would substantially impair our revenue, profitability and overall financial prospects. Successful product development and market acceptance of our existing and future products depend on a number of factors including:
| changing requirements of customers; |
| accurate prediction of market and technical requirements; |
| timely completion and introduction of new designs; |
| quality, price and performance of our products; |
| availability, quality, price and performance of competing products and technologies; |
| our customer service and support capabilities and responsiveness; |
| successful development of our relationships with existing and potential customers; and |
| changes in technology, industry standards or end-user preferences. |
We must expand our distribution channels and manage our existing and new product distribution relationships to continue to grow our business.
The future growth of our business will depend in part on our ability to expand our existing relationships with distributors, to identify and develop additional channels for the distribution and sale of our products and to
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manage these relationships. As part of our growth strategy, we may expand our relationships with distributors and develop relationships with new distributors. We will also look to identify and develop new relationships with additional parties that could serve as an outlet for our products, or that could provide additional opportunities for our existing sales channels, such as the recent relationships that we have developed with Sun Microsystems, Hewlett Packard and Verari Systems. Our inability to successfully execute this strategy, and to integrate and manage our existing OEM channel partners and our new distributors and manufacturers representatives could impede our future growth.
We must continue to hire and retain skilled personnel.
We believe our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled managerial, engineering and sales and product marketing personnel. There is a limited supply of skilled employees in the power quality marketplace. A decline in our stock price can result in a substantial number of underwater stock options, whereby the exercise price of the option is greater than the current market value of our common stock. As a result, the financial attractiveness of the stock options is substantially diminished, which may cause certain of our employees to seek employment elsewhere as a result of this decreased financial incentive, or impair our ability to recruit new employees. Our efforts to attract and retain highly skilled employees could be harmed by our past or any future workforce reductions. Our failure to attract and retain the highly trained technical personnel who are essential to our product development, marketing, sales, service and support teams may limit the rate at which we can develop new products or generate revenue. If we are unable to retain the personnel we currently employ, or if we are unable to quickly replace departing employees, our operations and new product development may suffer.
We are significantly dependent on our relationship with Caterpillar, our primary OEM customer. If this relationship is unsuccessful, for whatever reason, our business and financial prospects would likely suffer.
Caterpillar and its dealer network is our primary OEM customer and our largest single customer for our flywheel-based products. Caterpillar and its dealer network accounted for 35%, 31% and 40% of our revenue during 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. If our relationship with Caterpillar is not successful, or if Caterpillars distribution of the Cat UPS product is not successful or suffers a material change, our business and financial prospects would likely suffer. Pursuant to our distribution agreement with Caterpillar, they are an OEM distributor of our CleanSource UPS product which is then marketed to Caterpillars dealer network under the brand name CAT UPS. Caterpillar is not obligated to purchase any minimum quantity of CleanSource UPS units from us.
We have underutilized manufacturing capacity and have no experience manufacturing our products in large quantities.
In 2001, we leased and equipped a 127,000 square foot facility used for manufacturing and testing of our three-phase product line, including our DC and UPS products. To be financially successful, and to fully utilize the capacity of this facility and allocate its associated overhead, we must achieve significantly higher sales volumes. We must accomplish this while also preserving the quality levels we achieved when manufacturing these products in more limited quantities. To date, we have not been successful at increasing our sales volume to a level that fully utilizes the capacity of the facility and we may never increase our sales volume to necessary levels. During 2007 we subleased approximately 31,000 feet of our manufacturing facility to help lower our operating costs and to take advantage of surplus space that we leased but were not using. If we do not reach these necessary sales volume levels, or if we cannot sell our products at our suggested prices, our ability to reach profitability will be materially limited.
Achieving the necessary production levels presents a number of technological and engineering challenges for us. We have not previously manufactured our products in high volume. We do not know whether or when we will be able to develop efficient, low-cost manufacturing capability and processes that will enable us to meet the
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quality, price, engineering, design and product standards or production volumes required to successfully manufacture large quantities of our products. Even if we are successful in developing our manufacturing capability and processes, we do not know whether we will do so in time to meet our product commercialization schedule or to satisfy the requirements of our customers.
We must build quality products to ensure acceptance of our products.
The market perception of our products and related acceptance of the products is highly dependent upon the quality and reliability of the products that we build. Any quality problems attributable to the CleanSource DC, CleanSource UPS or CoolAir DC product lines may substantially impair our revenue prospects. Moreover, quality problems for our product lines could cause us to delay or cease shipments of products or have to recall or field upgrade products, thus adversely affecting our ability to meet revenue or cost targets. In addition, while we seek to limit our liability as a result of product failure or defects through warranty and other limitations, if one of our products fails, a customer could suffer a significant loss and seek to hold us responsible for that loss.
We currently operate without a sufficient backlog.
We generally operate our business without a sufficient backlog of orders from customers. Normally our products are shipped and revenue is recognized shortly after the order is received and usually within two quarters of the date of the order. Because our backlog is not sufficient to provide all of the next quarters revenue, revenue in any quarter is substantially dependent on orders booked and shipped throughout that quarter. We are attempting to increase the size of our backlog to allow greater efficiency in production and to facilitate business planning and to improve visibility, but there can be no guarantee that we can successfully build meaningful backlog.
Seasonality may contribute to fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.
Our business has, on occasion, experienced seasonal customer buying patterns. In recent years, the UPS industry has generally experienced relatively weaker demand in the first calendar quarter of the year and we have experienced the same behavior. We believe that this pattern will continue. In addition, we anticipate that demand for our products in Europe and Africa may decline in the summer months, as compared to other regions, because of reduced corporate buying patterns during the vacation season.
We depend on sole and limited source suppliers, and outsource selected component manufacturing.
We purchase several component parts from sole source and limited source suppliers. As a result of our current volumes, we lack significant leverage with these and other suppliers. If our suppliers receive excess demand for their products, we may receive a low priority for order fulfillment as large volume customers may receive priority that may result in delays in our acquiring components. If we are delayed in acquiring components for our products, the manufacture and shipment of our products also will be delayed. We are, however, continuing to enter into long-term agreements with our sole suppliers and other key suppliers, when available, using a rolling sales volume forecast to stabilize component availability. Lead times for ordering materials and components vary significantly and depend on factors such as specific supplier requirements, contract terms, the extensive production time required and current market demand for such components. Some of these delays may be substantial. As a result, we purchase several components in large quantities to protect our ability to deliver finished products. If we overestimate our component requirements, we may have excess inventory, which will increase our costs. If we underestimate our component requirements, we will have inadequate inventory, which will delay our manufacturing and render us unable to deliver products to customers on scheduled delivery dates. If we are unable to obtain a component from a supplier or if the price of a component has increased substantially, we may be required to manufacture the component internally, which will also result in delays or be required to absorb price increases. Manufacturing delays could negatively impact our ability to sell our products and could damage our customer relationships.
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To assure the availability of our products to our customers, we outsource the manufacturing of selected components prior to the receipt of purchase orders from customers based on their forecasts of their product needs and internal product sales revenue forecasts. However, these forecasts do not represent binding purchase commitments from our customers. We do not recognize revenue for such products until we receive an order from the customer and the product is shipped to the customer. As a result, we incur inventory and manufacturing costs in advance of anticipated revenue. As demand for our products may not materialize, this product delivery method subjects us to increased risks of high inventory carrying costs, obsolescence and excess, and may increase our operating costs. In addition, we may from time to time make design changes to our products, which could lead to obsolescence of inventory.
We face significant competition from other companies.
The markets for power quality and power reliability are intensely competitive. There are many companies engaged in all areas of traditional and alternative UPS and backup systems in the United States and abroad, including, among others, major electric and specialized electronics firms, as well as universities, research institutions and foreign government-sponsored companies. There are many companies that are developing flywheel-based energy storage systems and flywheel-based power quality systems. We may face future competition from companies that are developing other types of emerging power technologies, such as high-speed composite flywheels, ultra capacitors and superconducting magnetic energy storage.
Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, broader name and brand recognition and a larger installed base of customers. As a result, these competitors may have greater credibility with our existing and potential customers and greater service infrastructure than we do. They also may be able to adopt more aggressive pricing policies and devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can to ours, which would allow them to respond more quickly than us to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. In addition, some of our current and potential competitors have established supplier or joint development relationships with our current or potential customers. These competitors may be able to leverage their existing relationships to discourage these customers from purchasing products from us or to persuade them to replace our products with their products. Increased competition could decrease our prices, reduce our sales, lower our margins, or decrease our market share. These and other competitive pressures could prevent us from competing successfully against current or future competitors and could materially harm our business.
We may be unable to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to protect our proprietary technology, and we expect that future technological advancements made by us will be critical to sustain market acceptance of our products. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. We also enter into confidentiality or license agreements with our employees, consultants and business partners and control access to and distribution of our software, documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these efforts, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology. Monitoring unauthorized use of our products is difficult, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent unauthorized use of our technology, particularly in foreign countries where applicable laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. In addition, the measures we undertake may not be sufficient to adequately protect our proprietary technology and may not preclude competitors from independently developing products with functionality or features similar to those of our products.
We may be subject to claims by others that we infringe on their proprietary technology.
In recent years, there has been significant litigation in the United States involving patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights. We may become involved in litigation in the future to protect our intellectual
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property or defend allegations of infringement asserted by others. Legal proceedings could subject us to significant liability for damages or invalidate our intellectual property rights. Any litigation, regardless of its merits or its outcome, would likely be time consuming and expensive to resolve and would divert managements time and attention. Any potential intellectual property litigation also could force us to take specific actions, including:
| cease selling our products that use the challenged intellectual property; |
| obtain from the owner of the infringed intellectual property right a license to sell or use the relevant technology or trademark, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all; |
| redesign those products that use infringing intellectual property; or |
| cease to use an infringing trademark. |
Our involvement in any such litigation will cause us to incur unexpected litigation costs, require modifications to or limit our ability to sell our products, and adversely impact our business and reputation.
We have anti-takeover provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent our acquisition.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition that a stockholder may consider favorable. Additionally, in December 2001, our board of directors approved a stockholder rights plan, which would require a potential acquirer to negotiate directly with our board of directors regarding any planned acquisition. We also are subject to the anti-takeover laws of the State of Delaware, which may further discourage, delay or prevent someone from acquiring or merging with us. In addition, our agreement with Caterpillar for the distribution of CleanSource UPS provides that Caterpillar may terminate the agreement in the event we are acquired or undergo a change in control. The possible loss of our most significant customer could be a significant deterrent to possible acquirers and may substantially limit the number of possible acquirers. All of these factors may decrease the likelihood that we would be acquired, which may depress the market price of our common stock.
The trading price of our common stock has been volatile and is likely to be volatile in the future.
Historically the market price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly. In 2008 the sales price of our common stock ranged from $.22 to $2.60. In addition to those risks described earlier in this section, the market price of our common stock can be expected to fluctuate significantly in response to numerous other factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
| actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results; |
| changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or our failure to perform in line with such estimates; |
| changes in market valuations of other technology companies, particularly those that sell products used in power quality systems; |
| announcements by us or our competitors of significant technical innovations, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| introduction of technologies or product enhancements that reduce the need for flywheel energy storage systems; |
| the loss of one or more key OEM customers; |
| inability to successfully expand our distribution channels; |
| departures of key personnel; and |
| changing external capital market conditions. |
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If the market for technology stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, operating results or financial condition. The trading price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry or the stock market generally even if these events do not directly affect us. Each of these factors, among others, could cause our stock price to decline. Some companies that have had volatile market prices for their securities have had securities class actions filed against them. If a suit were filed against us, regardless of its merits or outcome, it could result in substantial costs and divert managements attention and resources.
Securities or industry analysts may not publish research or may publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business.
The trading market for our common stock will continue to depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If we do not continue to maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations.
Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to provide a report by management on internal control over financial reporting, including managements assessment of the effectiveness of such control. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experiences difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed, we could fail to meet our reporting obligations, and there could be a material adverse effect on our stock price.
If we need additional capital in the future, it may not be available to us on favorable terms, or at all.
We have historically relied on outside financing and cash flow from operations to fund our operations, capital expenditures and expansion. We may require additional capital from equity or debt financing in the future to fund our operations or respond to competitive pressures or strategic opportunities. We may not be able to secure timely additional financing on favorable terms, or at all. The terms of any additional financing may place limits on our financial and operating flexibility. If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity, convertible debt securities or other securities convertible into equity, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution in their percentage ownership of our company, and any new securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us, if and when we require it, our ability to grow or support our business and to respond to business challenges could be significantly limited. Should additional funding be required, we may need to raise the required funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt or equity securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted. If we obtain additional debt financing, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow may be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on such indebtedness, and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose significant restrictions on our operations.
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We do not know whether we will be able to secure additional funding, or funding on terms acceptable to us, to continue our operations as planned. If financing is not available, we may be required to reduce, delay or eliminate certain activities or to license or sell to others some of our proprietary technology.
Our common stock could be de-listed from the NASDAQ Global Market if our stock price continues to trade below $1.00 per share.
On August 18, 2008, we received a Staff Deficiency Letter from The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, or NASDAQ, notifying us that we were not in compliance with NASDAQs Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(5), or the Rule, because the closing bid price for our Common Stock had, for the preceding 30 consecutive business days, closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing. In accordance with Marketplace Rule 4450(e)(2) we were provided a period of 180 calendar days, or until February 17, 2009, to regain compliance. On October 16, 2008, NASDAQ announced that they had suspended the enforcement of the Rule until January 19, 2009, and then on December 23, 2008 NASDAQ announced the suspension of enforcement of this rule until April 20, 2009. As a result, the period during which we must regain compliance has been extended to August 20, 2009. If at any time before August 20, 2009, the bid price of our Common Stock closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, NASDAQ will provide written notification that we have achieved compliance with the Rule. If compliance with the Rule cannot be demonstrated by August 20, 2009, our Common Stock will be subject to delisting from The NASDAQ Global Market.
In the event that we receive notice that our common stock is being delisted from The NASDAQ Global Market, NASDAQ rules permit us to appeal any delisting determination by the NASDAQ staff to a NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel. Alternatively, NASDAQ may permit us to transfer the listing of our common stock to The NASDAQ Capital Market if we satisfy the requirements for initial inclusion set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c), except for the bid price requirement. Currently we believe we satisfy these requirements. If our application for transfer is approved, we would have an additional 180 calendar days to comply with the Minimum Bid Price Rule in order to remain on The NASDAQ Capital Market.
We will continue to monitor the bid price for our common stock and consider various options available to us if our common stock does not trade at a level that is likely to regain compliance.
Delisting from The NASDAQ Global Market could have an adverse effect on our business and on the trading of our common stock. If a delisting of our common stock from the NASDAQ Stock Market were to occur, our common stock would trade on the OTC Bulletin Board or on the pink sheets maintained by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. Such alternatives are generally considered to be less efficient markets, and our stock price, as well as the liquidity of our common stock, may be adversely impacted as a result.
ITEM 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. |
None
ITEM 2. | Properties. |
Our corporate headquarters facility is a 127,000 square foot building that we lease in Austin, Texas. We lease this building pursuant to a lease agreement that expires in December 2009, with options to extend through December 2011. Our administrative, information systems, marketing, manufacturing, sales and service groups currently utilize 96,000 square feet of this facility. We sublease the remaining 31,000 square feet of our corporate headquarters facility pursuant to sublease agreements that we entered into during 2007. The sublease agreements have options to extend through December 2011. Our engineering facility of approximately 19,600 square feet is also located in Austin, Texas and is leased pursuant to a lease agreement that expires in March 2010.
In addition to these properties, we lease facilities totaling 10,771 square feet in the United Kingdom, Germany, Algeria and Japan for sales and service activities.
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Our current manufacturing and test facilities located at our corporate headquarters can support a business volume significantly in excess of our current revenues with the addition of direct labor only and no need for additional significant capital investment. We believe our existing facilities are adequate to meet our current needs and plans.
ITEM 3. | Legal Proceedings. |
We are, from time to time, subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe we are party to any currently pending legal proceedings the outcome of which may have a material adverse effect on our operations or consolidated financial position. There can be no assurance that existing or future legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
We did not submit any matters to the vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2008.
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ITEM 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ACPW. The following table lists the high and low per share sales prices for our common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market for the periods indicated:
High | Low | |||||
2008 |
||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | .64 | $ | .22 | ||
Third Quarter |
1.18 | .49 | ||||
Second Quarter |
1.95 | .91 | ||||
First Quarter |
2.60 | 1.38 | ||||
2007 |
||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 2.87 | $ | 1.61 | ||
Third Quarter |
2.30 | 1.28 | ||||
Second Quarter |
2.00 | 1.46 | ||||
First Quarter |
2.81 | 1.80 |
As of February 27, 2009, there were 60,458,311 shares of our common stock outstanding held by 235 stockholders of record.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Future dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors.
We did not repurchase any of our securities during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
Sale of Unregistered Securities
None.
Stock Performance Graph
The graph depicted below shows a comparison of cumulative total stockholder returns for an investment in our common stock, the Nasdaq Stock Market (US) Composite Index, and a peer group of power technology companies having similar market capitalizations.
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COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
(1) | The Power Index peer group consists of an equal weighting of the following companies, all traded on The Nasdaq Global Market: Active Power, Inc. (ACPW), American Superconductor Corp. (AMSC), Beacon Power Corp. (BCON), Capstone Turbine, Inc. (CPST), FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCEL), Plug Power, Inc. (PLUG), Distributed Energy Systems Corp. (DESC), and Satcon Technology Corp. (SATC). |
(2) | The graph covers the period from December 31, 2003, the last trading day before the beginning of our fifth preceding fiscal year, through December 31, 2008, the last trading day of our most recently completed fiscal year. |
(3) | The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock on December 31, 2003 at the closing price on that date of $1.78 per share, in the Nasdaq Stock Market Composite Index and the peer group Power Index, and that all dividends, if any, were reinvested. No cash dividends have been declared or paid on our common stock. |
(4) | Stockholder returns over the indicated period should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns. |
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ITEM 6. | Selected Consolidated Financial Data. |
The following tables include selected consolidated financial data for each of our last five years. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and consolidated balance sheet data as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this document. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the consolidated balance sheet data as at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements not appearing in this document. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 and with the other financial data set forth elsewhere in this report. Our historical results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results of operations to be expected for future periods.
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
In thousands except per share data | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 42,985 | $ | 33,601 | $ | 25,029 | $ | 17,788 | $ | 15,783 | ||||||||||
Total cost of revenue |
34,997 | 30,375 | 24,343 | 18,086 | 18,106 | |||||||||||||||
Gross margin |
7,988 | 3,226 | 686 | (298 | ) | (2,323 | ) | |||||||||||||
Operating expense |
22,074 | 24,579 | 23,545 | 25,037 | 26,980 | |||||||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(14,086 | ) | (21,353 | ) | (22,859 | ) | (25,335 | ) | (29,303 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss |
(13,442 | ) | (20,492 | ) | (21,149 | ) | (22,906 | ) | (28,326 | ) | ||||||||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.38 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) |
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
In thousands | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Cash and investments |
$ | 11,171 | $ | 22,492 | $ | 20,711 | $ | 42,040 | $ | 45,675 | |||||
Working capital |
16,451 | 27,526 | 31,673 | 43,599 | 43,029 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
32,671 | 43,326 | 46,737 | 60,365 | 63,366 | ||||||||||
Long-term obligations . |
521 | 604 | 468 | 414 | 300 | ||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
20,821 | 33,248 | 38,778 | 53,873 | 57,284 |
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ITEM 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This report contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations with respect to future results of operations that may be embodied in oral and written forward-looking statements, including any forward looking statements that may be included in this report, are subject to risks and uncertainties that must be considered when evaluating the likelihood of our realization of such expectations. Our actual results could differ materially. The words believe, expect, intend, plan, project, will and similar phrases as they relate to us are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, please see the risk factors section above for a discussion of items that may affect our future results.
Executive Level Overview
Active Power is a manufacturer and provider of critical power solutions incorporating UPS systems that provide business continuity to enterprises requiring protection against electrical power disturbances. Our products are designed to deliver continuous clean power, protecting customers from voltage fluctuations, such as surges and sags, and frequency fluctuations, and also to provide ride-through, or temporary, power to bridge the gap between a power outage and the restoration of utility power. Our target customers are those global enterprises requiring power insurance because they have zero tolerance for downtime in their mission critical operations. The UPS products we manufacture utilize green technology to create a renewable energy source. These products are highly reliable, are energy and space efficient, and significantly reduce client electricity expenses. As of December 31, 2008, we have shipped more than 2,100 flywheels in UPS system installations, delivering more than 525 megawatts of power to customers in more than 40 countries around the world. We are headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international offices in the U.K., Germany and Japan.
Our primary sales channels in North America have traditionally been through our OEM partners, Caterpillar, Inc. and Eaton Electrical (formerly known as PowerWare). Since 2005, we have developed additional sales channels in North America including direct sales employees and a network of manufacturers representatives. Direct sales tend to improve our relationships with clients, improve our gross margins and add service and other revenue opportunities. Our direct sales channel contributed 58%, 68% and 59% of our revenues during 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Our primary sales channels in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia include selling directly to end users and indirectly through select value added resellers and distributors.
We also provide services including engineering, installation, start-up, monitoring, and repair for our products under contracts with our customers.
Total revenue in 2008 increased 28% from 2007 due to continuing and increased market acceptance of our flywheel-based products, especially our 250-900 kVA product line. We achieved strong growth in both of our primary markets of North America, EMEA and Asia. We believe revenues will continue to grow in 2009 from new product sales as we become more systems focused. In particular, we expect higher sales volume of our megawatt-class UPS products, and of additional variations of our flywheel-based products, including containerized versions such as our PowerHouse product, that we intend to sell in 2009 to industrial manufacturers and IT customers globally. We believe that the investments we made during 2007 and 2008 in our sales organization to increase our level of direct sales staff, particularly in Europe and North America, will contribute to improve sales results in 2009.
Our revenue derived from customers located outside of the United States was $10.5 million, $15.2 million and $16.9 million in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively, representing 42%, 45% and 39%, respectively, of our total revenues. During 2008, in an effort to expand the territories in which we sell our Active Power branded products, we continued to increase our direct sales organization and add new distribution arrangements, particularly in EMEA. Revenues in EMEA and Asia increased by 13% in 2008 as a result of these efforts and we
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anticipate higher sales levels from this region in 2009. In 2007, we also opened a sales office in Japan and began selling directly in the Asia Pacific area. This is still a small part of our total foreign sales, and our revenues in Asia increased by 114% in 2008 from 2007 levels. Sales of Active Power branded products through our direct sales and manufacturers representative channels were 58%, 68%, and 59% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively.
We were able to improve our gross profit in 2008 and for the third consecutive year report a positive gross margin. Our gross profit margin, before an impairment charge for CoolAir Inventory of $1.5 million that we made during 2008, was 22%. After this charge, our reported gross profit margin was 19%, which represents an improvement from the 10% we achieved in 2007 and the 3% in 2006. During our fourth quarter of 2008 we recorded a gross profit margin of 32%, which was our highest to date. This improvement was due primarily to higher sales volumes, higher direct sales, and higher product pricing. Direct sales typically generate higher margins for us than sales that are made through our distribution channels.
Our operating losses were $22.9 million, $21.4 million and $14.1 million in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Excluding the CoolAir related inventory impairment charges of $1.5 million and $2.1 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, we were able to reduce our operating losses by $6.7 million, or 35%, in 2008 after having reduced them 28% in 2007 from 2006. This is primarily due to the gross margin improvements offset slightly by higher sales and marketing expenses due to the increase in our sales organization and lower operating expenses in development and administration. Non-cash stock based compensation expense included in the operating losses was $3.1 million, $2.1 million and $1.7 million in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
We recorded an EBITDA loss of $12.0 million in 2008, compared to an EBITDA loss of $19.3 million in 2007. This reduction of $7.3 million, or 38%, was attributable to our higher revenue levels, higher gross profit margins and lower cash operating expenses. Our Adjusted EBITDA, which is EBITDA less stock-based compensation expense, is a measure we use to approximate cash used in operations and to facilitate comparisons with our competitors. Adjusted EBITDA for 2008 was a loss of $8.7 million, compared to a loss of $15.1 million in 2007, a decrease of 42%. In the fourth quarter of 2008 our Adjusted EBITDA was a positive $374,000. This was the first time that we have achieved a positive Adjusted EBITDA result.
Net cash used in operations increased slightly in 2008 to $11.8 million, compared to $10.4 million in 2007, despite the lower operating losses. This was primarily due to the additional investments that we made in working capital to finance the continued growth of the business, particularly in higher receivables and lower deferred revenues. We were able to offset this use of cash by lowering our levels of inventory and increasing payables. We also drew down $2.0 million against our bank revolving line of credit facility during 2008 to help finance these working capital requirements. We have a history of operating losses and have not yet reached operating profitability. We believe that the success of our flywheel products and our new product developments combined with our focus on direct sales and solution selling to customers will help us to reduce our level of operating losses and the amount of cash that we consume in our operations. This is exemplified by the improvement in net cash used in operations in the second half of 2008, which was $3.7 million, compared to $8.1 million in the first half of 2008. This improvement was driven by higher sales volume and lower operating losses. However, we do expect to continue to incur operating losses for at least the next several quarters and for 2009. This will continue to consume our cash and investments. Our total cash and investments at December 31, 2008 were $11.2 million, compared to $22.5 million at December 31, 2007. Due to the improvements in our operations in the second half of 2008 we believe that our cash and investments are sufficient to meet our operational needs for at least the next twelve months.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We consider an accounting policy to be critical if:
| the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain or require the use of judgment at the time we make that estimate; and |
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| changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we could have reasonably used instead in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. |
Management has reviewed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed these disclosures. In addition, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed critical as defined above. Changes in these and other items could still have a material impact upon our financial statements.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to the customers potential insolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includes a provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet be associated with certain customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, risks unique to particular geographic regions, historical experience and existing economic conditions. Historically, a large portion of our sales have been made through OEM channels to a few large customers, and so our credit losses have been minimal. As we integrate additional distribution channels into our business and increase our direct sales to more and smaller customers, the risk of credit loss may increase.
Inventories
Inventories are priced at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. We estimate inventory reserves on a quarterly basis and record reserves for obsolescence or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about future demand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions, inventory turns and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance, damaged goods or engineering/material changes.
Accrued Warranty Liability
The estimated warranty liability costs are accrued for each of our products at the time of sale. Our estimates are principally based on assumptions regarding the lifetime warranty costs of each product, including where little or no claims experience may exist. Due to the uncertainty and potential volatility of these estimates, changes in our assumptions could have a material effect on our reported operating results. Our estimate of warranty liability is reevaluated on a quarterly basis. Experience has shown that initial data for a new product can be very volatile due to factors such as product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs in correcting product failures; therefore our process relies upon long-term historical averages until sufficient data is available. As actual experience becomes available, it is used to modify the historical averages to ensure that the forecast is within the range of likely outcomes. The resulting balances are then compared to current spending rates to ensure that the accruals are adequate to meet expected future obligations.
Revenue Recognition
In general, revenue for product sales is recognized when title has transferred to the customer as stipulated by the delivery terms in a sales contract. In addition, prior to revenue recognition we require persuasive written evidence of the arrangement, a fixed or determinable price, and a determination that collectibility is reasonably assured.
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We also offer various services to customers depending on the type of product the customer has purchased, which may include on-site services or installation and integration services. Such services are not essential to the functionality of the delivered product. Revenue for services is recognized at the time services are provided. When products and services are contracted under a single arrangement, we allocate the total sales price to the multiple deliverables based on their relative fair values. The fair value of our equipment is based on our average historical selling prices, while the fair value of services is based upon the rates that we charge customers in separately negotiated transactions or based on the market price an independent third party would charge to provide these services. Revenue associated with the sale of extended warranties is recognized ratably over the contract period.
Stock-based Compensation
Beginning in 2006 we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, using the modified prospective application method and began accounting for our stock-based compensation using a fair-value based recognition method. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as an expense ratably over the requisite service period of the award. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates. We develop our estimates based on historical data and market information that can change significantly over time. A small change in estimates used can have a relatively large change in the estimated valuation.
We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards. We estimate stock price volatility based upon our historical volatility. Estimated option life and forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data. For stock-based compensation awards with graded vesting that were granted after 2005, we recognize compensation expense using the straight-line amortization method.
Through 2005, we accounted for our stock plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB 25 and related interpretations and provided the required pro forma income and per share data as if a fair value method had been used to account for stock-based compensation.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of 2008 to 2007
Product revenue
Product revenue primarily consists of sales of our CleanSource power quality products, comprising both UPS and DC product lines, and sales of Continuous Power Systems (CPS) which are comprised of our UPS systems and some combination of third party ancillary equipment, such as engine generators and switchgear. The CPS products may be sold in a containerized solution or as separate equipment. Product revenue also includes sales of our CoolAir DC product and CoolAir UPS products. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated, a year-over-year comparison of our product revenue (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
||||||
2008 |
$ | 35,772 | $ | 6,937 | 24 | % | |||
2007 |
28,835 | 6,451 | 29 | % | |||||
2006 |
22,384 | | |
Product revenue represented 86% and 83% of total revenue for 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase in product revenue from 2007 was due to $4.7 million in increased sales of our 250-900 kVA product line, $3.3 million in increased sales of our megawatt-class product line, as well as $1.0 million in increased sales of ancillary equipment that we sold to customers along with our UPS products. These increases were offset by a decrease in sales of our DC product line, 65-150 kVA product line and CoolAir product line, of $0.9 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, from 2007. The decrease in sales of those product lines was the result of decreased emphasis and channel development of the DC product line compared to our UPS products and a decreased emphasis on sales in the other product lines as we have concentrated on our UPS sales. In 2008, we sold 363 flywheel product units, a 24% increase over the 292 units that we sold in 2007. The average sales price per flywheel increased by 5% to approximately $80,000 in 2008 from approximately $76,000 in 2007. The increase in average selling price is due to price increases, the product mix and proportionately more wheels sold through our direct sales channel. Our direct sales channel typically has higher sales prices and profit margins compared to our OEM channel as we do not have to offer channel discounts on our direct sales. We expect this trend in mix and average selling price to continue.
The frequency and timing of our larger system sales, including megawatt-class UPS products and our containerized products, is more volatile and can result in material changes in period-to-period revenue. Such revenues also can occur in periods other than when originally anticipated, which can add to the potential volatility and affect our ability to meet forecasted targets. Larger system sales may also involve higher amounts of ancillary products upon which we typically generate lower profits when compared to sale of our UPS products only. Therefore, a significant increase in product revenues that was caused by higher sales of ancillary products may not result in a commensurate increase in our gross or operating profit levels.
North America sales were 61% of our total revenue for 2008, compared to 55% for 2007. We continued to expand the sales territories where we sell our Active Power branded products in 2008, as we increased our sales distribution capabilities, particularly in Europe and Asia. We also increased the size of our sales and service organization in the U.K. and Europe. We anticipate higher revenues from these locations in 2009 as a result.
Sales to Caterpillar represented 40% of our revenue in 2008 as compared to 31% of our revenue in 2007 and Caterpillar remains our largest single customer as well as our largest OEM customer. Our revenue from Caterpillar increased by 64% in 2008. This increase was driven by a number of large sales of our megawatt class UPS products through this channel. We expect further growth in sales to Caterpillar in 2009 as they enjoy success with their large engine generators, particularly in the megawatt and larger power applications. We also have seen and anticipate a further increase in capital spending in datacenters where there is a requirement for higher-density power solutions such as flywheels. We believe that we may be able to capitalize on this trend.
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Our products perform well in harsh environments where power quality or reliability is particularly poor, which makes them a good fit for countries with a poor power infrastructure or in harsh manufacturing or process environments, or situations where reliability is paramount, such as mission-critical business applications. Therefore we have traditionally focused our direct sales efforts to these types of customer situations. Due to the large size of some of our customer orders relative to our current total revenue levels, our quarterly total revenue trend and the proportion of sales made directly by us can be expected to fluctuate.
Service and other revenue
Service and other revenue primarily relates to revenue generated from both traditional (after-market) service work and from customer-specific system engineering. This includes revenue from design, installation, startup, repairs or reconfigurations of our products and the sale of spare or replacement parts to our OEM and end-user customers. It also includes revenue associated with the costs of travel of our service personnel and revenues or fees received upon contract deferment or cancellation. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated a year-over-year comparison of our service and other revenue (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
||||||
2008 |
$ | 7,213 | $ | 2,447 | 51 | % | |||
2007 |
4,766 | 2,121 | 80 | % | |||||
2006 |
2,645 | | |
The increase in our installed base of customers, particularly those arising from direct sales made by us, is driving the trend of higher service and spares revenue. Our service and other revenue in 2008 was also helped by our improved level of direct sales and large multi-megawatt sales that affords us the ability to generate higher startup service revenues. We also recorded $0.4 million of fees related to contract cancellation in 2008 by one customer. We anticipate that service and other revenue will continue to grow as our product revenue increases and as our installed base of product expands because as more units are sold to customers, more installation, startup and maintenance services will be required. Where sales are made through an OEM channel, our OEM partner would typically provide these services to their end-user customers. Thus, increasing direct sales gives us a greater opportunity to grow our service and other revenue.
Cost of product revenue
Cost of product revenue includes the cost of component parts of our products or ancillary equipment that are sourced from external suppliers, personnel, equipment and other costs associated with our assembly and test operations including costs from having underutilized facilities, shipping costs, warranty costs, and the costs of manufacturing support functions such as logistics and quality assurance. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated, a year-over-year comparison of our cost of product revenue (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
Gross Margin |
||||||||
2008 |
$ | 29,380 | $ | 2,978 | 11 | % | 18 | % | ||||
2007 |
26,402 | 4,463 | 20 | % | 8 | % | ||||||
2006 |
21,939 | | | 3 | % |
The 11% increase in cost of product revenue was driven by the 24% increase in product revenues that we experienced in 2008. The cost of product revenue did not increase at the same rate as product revenue, as we had lower product costs reflecting the results of product cost reduction programs we have implemented. The 2007 cost of product revenue also included a $2.1 million charge for excess inventory and impairment of manufacturing assets related to our CoolAir product family that was based on the then-current assessment of product demand for CoolAir. In September 2008, we recorded an additional reserve of $1.5 million against the CoolAir inventory as a result of our further diminished expectations of future product demand that potentially would result in excess quantities of CoolAir inventory. Net of current product sales backlog and future spares and support requirements, the CoolAir inventory value was reduced to its salvageable value.
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We have been able to improve our gross product margins by increasing the average selling price of our products that we sell as well as by lowering our product cost. As a result, our product revenue increased more than the increase in the cost of product revenue. This has been part of our strategy to improve the profitability of individual transactions and the profitability of the company as a whole. We believe that as our direct sales and our total revenues continue to increase, our product margins will improve. In 2008, we increased sales of higher margin product options and features with the UPS systems we sold, which lead to a further increase in our average selling price.
We have also continued to improve the efficiency and utilization of our manufacturing facility, which has a large portion of fixed costs. We incur approximately $4.7 million per year in fixed costs for our manufacturing facility that has a capacity in excess of our current business requirements. We expense the excess costs of the underutilization of this facility as part of our cost of product revenues. We now produce more goods with less overhead than in previous years. Some of this efficiency is driven by higher product volumes that allow for better utilization of our test facility and our manufacturing space. We also have ongoing programs within our engineering and manufacturing departments to lower product costs, to identify alternative and cheaper vendors if possible, to reduce our absolute level of overhead spending and headcount, and to improve the manufacturability of our products. During 2008 these efforts have helped reduce our cost of product revenue in spite of the pressures of higher raw material and commodity price increases. For 2009 we anticipate further cost reductions from these ongoing programs.
Cost of service and other revenue
Cost of service and other revenue includes the cost of component parts that we use in service or sell as spare parts to customers, as well as the labor and overhead costs of our service organization, including travel and related costs incurred in fulfilling our service obligations to our customers. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated a year-over-year comparison of our cost of service and other revenue (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
Gross Margin |
||||||||
2008 |
$ | 5,617 | $ | 1,644 | 41 | % | 22 | % | ||||
2007 |
3,973 | 1,569 | 65 | % | 17 | % | ||||||
2006 |
2,404 | | | 9 | % |
The increase of 41% in the cost of service and other revenue in 2008 is driven by the 51% increase in service and other revenue. The increase also reflects the higher headcount and related expenses that we put in place during the year to expand our service capabilities around the world. As our direct sales organization has expanded we have added service and technical personnel, including in many foreign markets, in order to support our selling efforts and to meet our customer responsibilities. Balancing our labor requirements to our customer needs will continue to be a business challenge for our service organization in 2009, as we seek to ensure that we do not incur additional fixed labor costs in advance of anticipated service revenues. Achieving the efficient utilization of our service labor will be key to profitably growing this area of our business. Many of the costs of the service organization are fixed in nature, and higher volume of installation, startup and service work is resulting in improved efficiency and operating results for this group. We expect this trend to continue in 2009.
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Research and development
Research and development expense primarily consists of compensation and related costs of employees engaged in research, development and engineering activities, third party consulting and development activities, as well as an allocated portion of our occupancy costs. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated, a year-over-year comparison of our research and development expense (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
|||||||
2008 |
$ | 5,116 | $ | (633 | ) | (11 | )% | |||
2007 |
5,749 | (2,102 | ) | (27 | )% | |||||
2006 |
7,851 | | |
Our research and development efforts in 2008 were largely focused on new configurations of our existing flywheel technology under development, as well as enhancements to our megawatt-class UPS products and refinement of our containerized product solutions. The decrease in spending compared to 2007 is primarily a result of lower headcount. The 2008 expense included approximately $0.4 million of stock-based compensation. We believe that research and development expenses will remain at current levels in 2009 although this will represent a smaller percentage of our total revenue, and that the spending will be focused on enhancements and cost reductions to our flywheel products.
Selling and marketing
Selling and marketing expenses primarily comprise compensation and related costs for selling and marketing personnel, and related travel, selling and marketing expenses, as well as an allocated portion of our occupancy costs. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated, a year-over-year comparison of our selling and marketing expense (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
||||||
2008 |
$ | 11,839 | $ | 869 | 8 | % | |||
2007 |
10,970 | 745 | 7 | % | |||||
2006 |
10,225 | | |
The increase in selling and marketing expenses in 2008 largely reflects higher variable compensation that was paid to our sales employees on higher revenue levels. Although the total headcount has not changed significantly since 2007, we have changed the composition of our sales organization from supporting OEM partners to supporting more direct selling. We have also increased our marketing department staffing as we concentrate on developing and improving the Active Power brand, and supporting our direct selling activities. The 2008 expense also includes approximately $0.3 million of stock-based compensation. We anticipate that selling and marketing expenses will continue to increase in 2009 but reduce as a percentage of revenues as we expand our direct sales force into new geographies and due to higher variable compensation as our revenues continue to increase.
General and administrative
General and administrative expense is primarily comprised of compensation and related costs for executive and administrative personnel, professional fees, taxes, and the allowance for doubtful accounts expense. The following table summarizes for the periods indicated, a year-over-year comparison of our selling, general and administrative expense (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
|||||||
2008 |
$ | 5,119 | $ | (2,741 | ) | (35 | )% | |||
2007 |
7,860 | 610 | 8 | % | ||||||
2006 |
7,250 | | |
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The decrease in general and administrative expense from 2007 to 2008 was primarily attributable to the absence of $2.9 million in expenses incurred in 2007 related to an investigation into our historical stock option granting procedures that resulted in restatement of prior year financials. We are currently in the process of negotiating to settle outstanding tax matters resulting from the option investigation with the Internal Revenue Service and do not anticipate any further expenses from this investigation. We anticipate that the level of general and administrative expenses in 2009 should remain at similar absolute levels to those in 2008.
Interest income
The following table summarizes the yearly changes in our interest income (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount |
Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
|||||||
2008 |
$ | 348 | $ | (425 | ) | (55 | )% | |||
2007 |
773 | (614 | ) | (44 | )% | |||||
2006 |
1,387 | | |
The decrease in interest income from 2007 to 2008 is primarily attributable to the decrease in the amount of available funds that we had for investment as our operating losses decreased our cash reserves and to the decline in interest rates during 2008. During the year, as part of our investment strategy, we moved more investments into short-term instruments in reaction to the declining interest rate environment. We expect interest income to fluctuate depending on cash and investment balances and trends in interest rates.
Income tax expense
Due to operating losses, we have not recorded any income tax expenses, other than minimum or statutory costs. As of December 31, 2008, our accumulated net operating loss carryforward was $205.3 million and our research and development credit carryforwards were $3.1 million. We anticipate that these loss carryforward amounts may offset future taxable income that we may achieve and future tax liabilities. However, because of uncertainty regarding our ability to use these carryforwards and the potential limitations due to ownership changes, we have established a valuation allowance for the full amount of our net deferred tax assets.
Comparison of 2007 to 2006
Product revenue
Product revenue represented 89% and 86% of total revenue for 2006 and 2007, respectively. The increase in product revenue from 2006 was due to $4.2 million in increased sales of our 250-900 kVA product lines, as well as $3.8 million in increased sales of ancillary equipment that we sold along with our UPS products and $0.9 million from increased CoolAir sales. This was offset by a decrease in sales of our 1200 kVA products of $2.2 million from 2006. In 2007, we sold 292 flywheel product units, a 5% decrease over the 308 units that we sold in 2006. This decrease in volume was offset by an increase in average sales price per 250 kVA flywheel by 13% to approximately $76,000 in 2007 from approximately $67,000 in 2006. The increase in average selling price was due to price increases and proportionately more wheels sold through our direct sales channel.
North America sales were 55% of our total revenue for 2007 compared to 58% for 2006. We continued to expand the sales territories in which our Active Power branded products are sold in 2007 as we increased our direct sales organization, particularly in Europe and Asia. We opened new offices in Japan during the year as part of this effort. We also increased the size of our sales and service organization in the U.K. and Europe. Caterpillar represented 31% of our revenues in 2007 as compared to 35% of our revenue in 2006 and remains our largest single customer as well as our largest OEM customer. Our revenue from Caterpillar increased by 20% in 2007,
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however this increase was smaller than the 56% increase in our direct business in 2007 compared to 2006. As a result, Caterpillar represented a smaller portion of our total revenue in 2007.
In 2006, we began to offer our CoolAir DC product for commercial sale. Sales of this new technology reached $1.0 million in 2007.
Service and other revenue
The increase in our installed base of customers from 2006 to 2007, particularly those arising from direct sales made by us, contributed to higher service and other revenue in 2007. Our service and other revenue in 2007 was also helped by our improved level of direct sales and large multi-megawatt sales that affords us the ability to generate higher startup service revenues.
Cost of product revenue
The 20% increase in cost of product revenue in 2007 was driven by the 29% increase in product revenues that we experienced in 2007. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we evaluated our level of CoolAir inventory compared to our historic and projected product demand and in light of planned future development efforts for the TACAS technology as we migrate a DC-only product into a more compelling customer solution with increased capability and marketability. As a result of this review we reserved $1.8 million for excess inventory charges and recorded a $0.3 million impairment charge against specific CoolAir manufacturing assets.
Our gross product margins improved in 2007 when compared to 2006 as a result of increases in the average selling price of our products that we sell. As a result, our product revenue increased more than the increase in the cost of product revenue. This has been part of our strategy to improve the profitability of individual transactions and the profitability of the company as a whole. We achieved a positive gross margin for the Company for the first time in 2006, and with higher product volume and higher product pricing in 2007, we were able to improve our positive gross margin in 2007 to 10%. In 2007, we increased sales of higher margin product options and features with the UPS systems we sold, which lead to a further increase in our average selling price.
We have also continued to improve the efficiency and utilization of our manufacturing facility, which
has a large portion of fixed costs. These benefits have been mitigated during 2007 by higher raw material
and commodity price increases, but have allowed us to maintain prices despite the higher incoming costs of
materials.
Cost of service and other revenue
The increase of 65% in the cost of service and other revenue in 2007 is driven by the 80% increase in service and other revenue. The increase also reflects the higher headcount and related expenses that we put in place during the year to expand our service capabilities around the world. As our direct sales organization has expanded we have added service and technical personnel, including in many foreign markets, in order to support our selling efforts and to meet our customer responsibilities. This increase in costs compares to the 80% increase in service and other revenue that we achieved in 2007.
Research and development
Our research and development efforts in 2007 were largely focused on new configurations of our existing flywheel technology under development, as well as enhancements to our megawatt-class UPS products. The decrease in spending compared to 2006 is a result of significantly lower prototype expenses with the CoolAir product development as it neared production, and from lower salary expenses following a reduction in headcount that we made in the third quarter of 2006. This 2007 research and development expense included approximately $581,000 of stock-based compensation.
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Selling and marketing
The increase in selling and marketing expenses in 2007 reflects the higher headcount and related costs as we have expanded our direct sales force in EMEA and North America and from higher variable compensation as our total revenues increase. Although the total headcount has not changed significantly, we have changed the composition of our sales organization from supporting OEM partners to one supporting more direct selling during 2007. We have also increased our marketing department staffing as we concentrate on improving the Active Power brand, and supporting our direct selling activities. The 2007 expense also includes approximately $0.4 million of stock-based compensation.
General and administrative
The increase in general and administrative expense from 2006 to 2007 was primarily attributable to $2.9 million in expenses related to an investigation into our historical stock option granting procedures that resulted in restatement of prior year financial statements. Absent these expenses, our general and administrative expenses would have been 32% lower than 2006, reflecting our efforts to control costs and headcount and the resolution of our prior legal issues resulting in lower legal expenses.
Litigation (settlement) expense
In November 2006, we reached a settlement of the litigation with Greenwich Insurance Company whereby Greenwich agreed to pay us $3.0 million in exchange for a full settlement of this case. Accordingly, after $1.2 million was paid to our former Chairman and CEO, pursuant to the reimbursement agreement, we received gross proceeds of $1. 8 million.
Interest income
The decrease in interest income from 2006 to 2007 is primarily attributable to the decrease in the amount of available funds that we had for investment as our operating losses decreased our cash reserves. During the year, as part of our investment strategy, we moved more investments into short-term instruments in reaction to the declining interest rate environment.
Income tax expense
Due to operating losses, we have not recorded any income tax expenses, other than minimum or statutory costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity at December 31, 2008 are our cash and investments on hand, our bank credit facilities and projected cash flows from operating activities. If we meet our cash flow projections in our current business plan, we expect that we will not require additional financing in order to continue operating and growing our business during 2009. Our business plan and our assumptions around the adequacy of our liquidity are based on estimates regarding expected revenues and future costs. However, there are scenarios in which our revenues may not meet our projections or our costs may exceed our estimates. Further, our estimates may change and future events or developments may also affect our estimates. Any of these factors may change our expectation of cash usage in 2009 or significantly affect our level of liquidity, which may require us to seek additional financing or take other measures to reduce our operating costs in order to continue operating. Our cash and investments at December 31, 2008 totaled $11.2 million.
Should additional funding be required, we may need to raise the required funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt or
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equity securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted. If we obtain additional debt financing, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow may be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on such indebtedness, and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose significant restrictions on our operations. We do not know whether we will be able to secure additional funding, or funding on terms acceptable to us, to continue our operations as planned. If financing is not available, we may be required to reduce, delay or eliminate certain activities or to license or sell to others some of our proprietary technology.
In October 2007, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Agreement) with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The Loan Agreement provides for a secured revolving line of credit in an amount of up to $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base formula. In 2008 we modified the Loan Agreement to provide for a U.S. export-import credit facility that would add a U.S. government guarantee to the payments for these foreign shipments and make more of our foreign shipments eligible as security for the credit facility. Prior to this modification, export revenues were not eligible to be included as part of the borrowing base, which may have limited our ability to utilize the revolving credit facility. All amounts borrowed under this facility are subject to a borrowing base formula based on eligible receivables and inventory. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we borrowed $2.0 million under this credit facility and this balance remained outstanding at December 31, 2008. Based on the borrowing base formula, we had an additional $1.9 million available for use at December 31, 2008 under this credit facility.
The Loan Agreement requires us to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio of unrestricted cash to the outstanding amounts under the Loan Agreement of at least 1.35 to 1. In addition, the Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative covenants, including covenants that require, among other things, the delivery of financial statements, compliance with laws, the maintenance of insurance and the protection and registration of intellectual property rights. Further, the Loan Agreement contains customary negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our ability to, among other things, dispose of assets, change our business, change our CEO or CFO, make acquisitions, be acquired, incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, make distributions, repurchase stock, and enter into certain transactions with our affiliates, in each case subject to customary exceptions for a credit facility of this size and type.
Revolving loans under this credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until October 5, 2010, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid and all outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized. Revolving loans bear interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the greater of SVBs prime rate plus 0.25% or 5.25% . A default interest rate shall apply during an event of default at a rate per annum equal to 5.0% above the otherwise applicable interest rate. The revolving loans are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets, provided that such security interest is limited to no more than 65% of the outstanding capital stock held by us of each of our subsidiaries.
Significant uses of cash
Operating Activities
The following table summarizes the yearly changes in cash used in operating activities (in thousands):
Year |
Annual Amount | Change from Prior Year |
Percent Change |
||||||||
2008 |
$ | (11,832 | ) | $ | 1,409 | 14 | % | ||||
2007 |
(10,423 | ) | (11,892 | ) | (53 | )% | |||||
2006 |
(22,315 | ) | | |
Cash used in operating activities in 2008 was $11.8 million, compared to $10.4 million in 2007, an increase of 14%, or $1.4 million, despite a $7 million reduction in operating loss in 2008. This change in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities, or our working capital, resulting in cash used of $3.4 million in 2008, compared to cash provided of $4.7 million in 2007. In 2008, we
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had a significant increase in receivables of $4.3 million compared to the prior year, attributable to the higher revenues we achieved in 2008, with an increase in our fourth quarter sales of 59% compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Receivables at December 31, 2008 were 83% higher than at the end of 2007. We were able to offset this increase in higher receivables with a $1 million decrease in our inventory in 2008, as we shipped more products at the end of the year and were more efficient in our manufacturing operations. Our deferred revenue (customer deposits and advance payments) balance decreased by $0.2 million as compared to 2007. We have not had any material change in the payment cycles for our payables or for our collections in 2008 despite a challenging external environment but will be monitoring this closely in 2009. We do continue to request deposits and periodic payments from large customers where commercially possible, particularly for projects with multiple deliverables. However, the amount of such advance payments can fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis, depending on the size and scope of customer orders at any point in time. Having now grown our quarterly revenues to over $16 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, we anticipate cash used in operating activities for 2009 will decrease from the level in 2008. Having made the necessary investments in inventory and receivables, we believe that we can fund further increases in revenues without having to make significantly more investments in funding working capital. Net cash used in operations decreased from $8.1 million in the first half of 2008 to $3.7 million in the second half of 2008. This marked improvement was the result of an increase in sales volume. This was after consuming $8.1 million in net cash used in operations in the first half of 2008 on lower sales volume. We also anticipate further reductions in operating losses in 2009 which will also alleviate and reduce the cash that we use in operations.
We used $10.4 million of cash in funding our operating activities during 2007, which was $11.9 million, or 53%, lower than the $22.3 million used in 2006. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower operating losses, non-cash impairment charges expensed in 2008, lower levels of stock-based compensation, and better working capital management as reflected in a decrease in outstanding accounts receivable, and higher deferred revenue from maintenance contracts and customer deposits. These were partially offset by decreases in accounts payable as we paid for the expenses of our historical stock option review and higher inventory levels.
Investing Activities
Investing activities primarily consist of sales and purchases of investments and purchases of property and equipment. Fluctuations in the sale and purchase of investments generally reflect our use of these investment funds to finance our ongoing operations. Overall, the cash provided from investing activities remained at $5.4 million in 2008, the same level as in 2007. Capital expenditures were approximately $0.9 million in both 2008 and 2007, increasing less than $0.1 million in 2008 as compared to 2007. This increase was primarily due to investments in our infrastructure to support increased growth, including the upgrade of our current ERP system and equipment for demonstration and sales offices globally.
Financing Activities
Funds provided by financing activities during 2008 were $2.0 million, which reflects the amount that we borrowed from SVB in 2008 under our revolving credit facility. The funds from financing activities in 2007 of $13.1 million reflected the net proceeds we received from a private placement of our common stock in August 2007. We have not sold any equity securities since that transaction. We do not anticipate any new financing from the sale of equities at this time. We are considering further borrowings, including an equipment financing facility, for 2009 to help finance certain property and equipment purchases that are planned for 2009, but we have not yet entered into any borrowing arrangements. To the extent possible, we may further draw down on our credit facility during 2009 to preserve our cash and investments.
Contractual Commitments
In our day-to-day operations, we incur commitments to make future payments for goods and services. These arise from entering into operating leases and as we make commitments to vendors to provide us materials and
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services. The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments at December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 and thereafter | |||||||||||
Operating lease obligations |
$ | 1,383 | $ | 304 | $ | 98 | $ | 70 | $ | 322 | |||||
Purchase obligations |
4,687 | | | | | ||||||||||
Other long-term obligations |
25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 125 |
Our principal lease commitments consist of our lease for our corporate headquarters and engineering facilities and our global sales offices.
In 2007, we entered into a secured revolving line of credit facility of up to $5 million, subject to a borrowing base formula, with SVB. There was $2.0 million and $0 outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Future uses of cash
We believe that our cash and investments on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months We have prepared multiple scenarios for anticipated revenues in 2009, both favorable and unfavorable, to reflect a high level of uncertainty about the future macroeconomic environment in which we operate our business. Our sales cycle is such that we have visibility 2-3 quarters in advance into future orders that allows us to predict revenues over this period of time with some degree of confidence. This window also provides us with some opportunity to adjust expenditures or take other measures to reduce our cash consumption if we can see and anticipate a shortfall in revenues. Based on the different scenarios we modeled for 2009, we believe that we can continue to manage operations and manage our working capital with the cash and investments that we have on hand as at December 31, 2008 without the need for a further capital raise.
We expect the level of capital investments to remain similar in 2009 to those in 2008. We currently intend to invest in several PowerHouse systems to use for demonstration purposes in the U.S. and in the U.K. to help our sales efforts, but are not planning any other major capital investments. We still have outstanding liabilities for tax obligations from the stock option investigation that we expensed in 2007 but that will be paid in 2009.
Beyond the next twelve months, our cash requirements will depend on many factors, including the rate of sales growth, the market acceptance of our products, the gross profit we are able to generate with our sales, the timing and level of development funding, the rate of expansion of our sales and marketing activities, the rate of expansion of our manufacturing processes, and the timing and extent of research and development projects. Although we are not a party to any agreement or letter of intent with respect to a potential acquisition or merger, we may enter into acquisitions or strategic arrangements in the future, which could also require us to seek additional equity or debt financing.
Other factors that may affect liquidity
As noted above, we believe our existing cash and investments balances at December 31, 2008 will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements through at least the next 12 months. Beyond the next 12 months, our cash requirements will depend on many factors, including the rate of sales growth, the success of our direct selling strategy, the continued market acceptance of our products, including in particular the PowerHouse product family, the timing and level of development funding, the rate of expansion of our sales and marketing activities, the efficiency of our manufacturing processes, and the timing and extent of research and development projects. Should additional funding be required, we may need to raise the required funds through borrowings or public or private sales of debt or equity securities. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt or equity securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted. If we obtain additional debt financing, a substantial portion of our operating cash flow may be dedicated to the payment of
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principal and interest on such indebtedness, and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose significant restrictions on our operations. We do not know whether we will be able to secure additional funding, or funding on terms acceptable to us, to continue our operations as planned. If financing is not available, we may be required to reduce, delay or eliminate certain activities or to license or sell to others some of our proprietary technology.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This pronouncement applies under other accounting standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value measurement. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. However, SFAS 157 is amended by FSP FAS 157-1, Application of FASB Statement 157 to FASB Statement 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, which excludes from the scope of this provision arrangements accounted for under SFAS 13, Accounting for Leases. SFAS 157 is also amended by FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. In October 2008, SFAS 157 was amended again by FSP 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active, which clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The FSP is effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in FSP FAS 157-2. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We also adopted FSP 157-3 on September 30, 2008 as required and concluded it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (FAS 159). FAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R (revised 2007), Business Combinations, or SFAS 141(R), which establishes the acquisition method to account for business combinations. SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity to recognize all of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction, establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information they need to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. These rules will be effective for transactions closing after January 1, 2009.
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ITEM 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. |
We invest our cash in a variety of financial instruments, including bank time deposits, and taxable variable rate and fixed rate obligations of corporations, municipalities, and local, state and national government entities and agencies. These investments are denominated in U.S. dollars.
Our interest income is sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, particularly since the majority of our investments are in short-term instruments. We believe that our investment policy is conservative, both in terms of the average maturity of investments that we allow and in terms of the credit quality of the investments we hold. We estimate that a 1% decrease in market interest rates would decrease our annual interest income by approximately $0.1 million. Because of the nature of the majority of our investments, we do not believe a 1% decline in interest rates would have a material effect on their fair value.
Our international sales have historically been made in U.S. dollars. As we have increased sales in foreign markets and opened operations in multiple foreign countries, we have executed more transactions that are denominated in other currencies, primarily euro and British pounds. Those sales and expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars can result in translation gains and losses which have not been significant to date. Currently, we do not engage in hedging activities for our international operations other than an increasing amount of sales and support expenses being incurred in foreign currencies as a natural hedge. However, recent volatility in currencies, particularly with the pound and euro, is increasing the amount of potential translation gains and losses and we may engage in hedging activities in the future to mitigate the risks caused by such currency volatility.
Our international business is subject to the typical risks of any international business, including, but not limited to, the risks described in Item 1A, Risk Factors. Accordingly, our future results could be materially harmed by the actual occurrence of any of these or other risks.
ITEM 8. | Financial Statements and Selected Quarterly Financial Data. |
The Financial Statements and Selected Quarterly Financial Data required by this item are included in Part IV, Item 15(a)(1) and are presented beginning on Page F-1.
ITEM 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. |
None.
ITEM 9A. | Controls and Procedures. |
Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
We are required to maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that the required information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required timeframe, as specified in the rules set forth by the SEC. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that we did maintain effective control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial
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reporting is a process, designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting, and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with the authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention of timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by COSO. A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. Based on our assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, the Companys internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audited our consolidated financial statements, and independently assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP has issued their report, which is included in Part IV of this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Forward looking statements regarding the effectiveness of internal controls during future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of change in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
None.
42
ITEM 10. | Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. |
The following table sets forth certain biographical information concerning our current directors, and executive officers:
Name |
Age | Position(s) | ||
James Clishem |
52 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||
John K. Penver |
46 | Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | ||
James M. Murphy |
44 | Vice President SalesEMEA | ||
Gary P. Rackow |
55 | Vice President SalesAmericas | ||
Lisa M. Brown |
43 | Vice PresidentMarketing & Sales Operations | ||
Karl T. Schuetze |
43 | Vice PresidentEngineering | ||
Uwe Schrader-Hausmann |
54 | Chief Technical Officer | ||
Jason P. Rubin |
40 | Vice PresidentManufacturing | ||
Martin T. Olsen |
47 | Vice PresidentBusiness Development | ||
Ake Almgren |
62 | Director | ||
Richard E. Anderson |
44 | Director | ||
Rodney S. Bond |
64 | Director | ||
James E.deVenny III |
61 | Director | ||
Jan H. Lindelow |
64 | Director | ||
Benjamin L. Scott |
59 | Director |
Executive Officers
James Clishem was hired as our Vice President of Business Development in June 2005. He was promoted to be our President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2005 and promoted to Chief Executive Officer in May 2006. He became one of our directors in June 2006. Mr. Clishem came to Active Power from Peregrine Systems, Inc., a publicly traded enterprise software company, where he served as Vice President of Business Development focusing on global alliances since 2004. From 1999 until it was sold in 2004, he was founder, President & CEO of Xodiax, a profitable managed IT services business, which was recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the country. Mr. Clishem also served as Vice President of Data Services for Broadwing Communications, where he had responsibility for a $150 million business unit. He has also held various senior roles at ntr.net, MCI, Ericsson, and Tandem Computers. Mr. Clishem holds a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisville and an M.B.A from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
John K. Penver was hired in February 2005 as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance. From May 2004 to February 2005, Mr. Penver served as Chief Financial Officer of PerformanceRetail, Inc., a privately held retail management software company. Prior to that, Mr. Penver served as Chief Financial Officer of Factory Logic, Inc., a privately held enterprise-application software company, from September 2002 to April 2004. Prior to this Mr. Penver served as an independent business consultant to several privately held companies and was a senior finance executive for both public and private technology and manufacturing organizations including Yclip Corporation, a privately held internet-marketing software company, and Silicon Gaming, Inc., a publicly traded manufacturer of high-technology slot machines for the gaming industry. Mr. Penver also had 12 years of audit experience with the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP in both the USA and Australia. Mr. Penver is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Accountant, and holds a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from Monash University in Australia and an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University in California.
James M. Murphy joined Active Power in November 2005 as Director of Sales for Northern Europe and was promoted to Vice President of Sales for the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions in March 2007. He is
43
responsible for managing Active Powers customer relationships and sales growth in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Prior to joining Active Power, Mr. Murphy most recently spent 11 years between 1994 and 2005 as a sales director for Piller UK, Ltd., a European manufacturer of rotary UPS products. He also has prior power industry sales experience with Leroy Somer Ltd. and BICC Ltd. in the United Kingdom. Mr. Murphy holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Liverpool University and is a member of the Institute of Electrical Incorporated Engineers.
Gary P. Rackow was hired in October 2006 as Vice President of Sales for the Americas. He is responsible for managing Active Powers multi-channel sales strategy to drive sales growth and market penetration in North America and Latin America. Prior to joining Active Power, Mr. Rackow most recently worked for Piller, Inc., the US subsidiary of RWE Piller GmbH, a European manufacturer of rotary UPS products, for 14 years where he most recently was Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He also has 10 years executive experience with General Electric as a product and application engineer for power distribution equipment, motor drives, Uninterruptible Power Systems and process controls. Mr. Rackow holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. He has been a registered Professional Engineer for more than 20 years and is a member of IEEE Industry Application Society (IAS).
Lisa M. Brown was hired in December 2005 as our Vice President of Marketing and Sales Operations. In this role she is responsible for all of our product and corporate marketing, product development, public relations and sales operations functions. Prior to joining Active Power Ms. Brown spent 14 years with Broadwing Communications, a telecommunications infrastructure provider where she held executive positions including Vice President of Marketing, Sales Operations and Customer Operations. Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Finance, from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania.
Karl T. Schuetze joined Active Power in April 2000 as a development engineer and held several positions, including Manager of Mechanical Systems before being promoted to Vice President of Engineering in July 2007. In this role Dr. Schuetze is responsible for the design and development of all of the Companys products. Prior to joining Active Power Dr. Schuetze had prior engineering and management experience with organizations including Advanced Systems Integration, the University of Texas at Austins Center for Electromechanics, McDonald Douglas, and General Dynamics. He was also an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. Dr. Schuetze holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech University. He also holds several patents relating to fluid pressure technologies.
Uwe Schrader-Hausmann joined Active Power in August 2005 and held various positions in our EMEA sales engineering group and as Managing Director of Active Power (Germany) GmbH before being promoted to Vice President Technical Services in October 2007 and then to Chief Technical Officer in January 2009. In this role he is responsible for all customer-facing technical service functions including applications engineering, project management, project implementation and customer service activities, as well as for the operations of our service business on a global basis. Mr. Schrader-Hausmann has over 28 years experience in the UPS industry. Prior to joining Active Power, he spent 26 years with Piller Power Systems GmbH, a German-based rotary UPS manufacturer, most recently as Chief Technical Officer. He also has UPS experience with Max Mueller Gildemeister GmbH in Germany. Mr. Schrader-Hausman holds a Diplom-Ingeneur (German equivalent of a master of science degree) from The University of Applied Science in Hanover, Germany.
Jason P. Rubin joined Active Power in March 2000 as a production planner and held various positions in our manufacturing group before being promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing in October 2005. In this role Mr. Rubin is responsible for the manufacture and testing of all Active Power products as well as managing all material and logistic requirements to support production. Mr. Rubin has over 15 years of manufacturing experience in multiple industries and immediately prior to joining Active Power was involved in managing operations and manufacturing systems for Windsport, Inc., a fabricated textile manufacturer. Mr. Rubin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Oklahoma at Norman.
44
Martin T. Olsen joined Active Power in April 2007 as a Director of Product Management before being promoted in May 2008 to Vice President of Business Development. In this role Mr. Olsen is responsible for our global business development activities to expand the Companys product and sales distribution channels. Prior to joining Active Power, Mr. Olsen was the Director for the data center group at Wright Line LLC, a global data center infrastructure provider for 4 years, and prior to that was a product marketing manager with American Power Conversion Corp., a global UPS manufacturer in both the USA and Europe and Asia. He also has prior product management experience with Siligen AS, a manufacturer of power availability products in Denmark. A US patent holder, Mr. Olsen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the International Business College at Kolding, Denmark, and diplomas in Logistics and International Business Law from the International Business College at Kolding, Denmark.
Directors
Ake Almgren has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2004. Since May 2003, Dr. Almgren has served as President of his consultant company, ORKAS Corp. From July 1998 to May 2003, Dr. Almgren served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Turbine Corp. Prior to his employment at Capstone, Dr. Almgren had a 26-year career at ASEA Brown Boveri Limited (ABB), a worldwide power solutions company, where he held the position of worldwide Business Area Manager for Distribution Transformers and managed the operation of 36 plants in 28 countries. He also was President of ABB Power T&D Company, President of ABB Power Distribution, and President of ABB Power Systems during his tenure at ABB. Dr. Almgren also serves on the board of managers of PJM Interconnect LLC and on the advisory board of Infinia Corporation. Dr. Almgren holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Linkopings Tekniska Hogskola in Sweden and a Masters of Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.
Richard E. Anderson has served as a member of our Board of Directors since July 1997. In 1992, Mr. Anderson co-founded Hill Partners, Inc., a real estate development and investment company now known as HPI Real Estate Services & Investment, Inc., where he currently serves as partner. Mr. Anderson holds a B.A. in economics from Southern Methodist University.
Rodney S. Bond has served as a member of our Board of Directors since September 1994. From October 2000 to the present, Mr. Bond has served as a principal engaged in financial and strategic planning consulting at Sherman Partners, and has also been the Executive Vice PresidentFinance for Up Link Corporation, a privately held supplier of GPS business solutions for the golf industry. From May 1990 to October 2000, Mr. Bond served in various capacities, including as Chief Strategic Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with VTEL Corporation, a publicly traded digital video communications company. Mr. Bond also serves on several private company boards and holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a M.B.A. from Northwestern University.
James E. deVenny III has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2008. From 1999 until March 2008, Mr. deVenny served as the co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dataside LLC, a Texas-based provider of enterprise data center space and managed network services. Mr. deVenny is now an independent consultant through his business JD Investments. Prior to founding Dataside, Mr. deVenny co-founded Computex Support Systems where he was involved for 15 years in the design and development of mission critical data centers and telecommunications sites. Prior to this he spent five years as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for International Power Machines, a manufacturer of uninterruptible power supply systems. Mr. deVenny also serves on the Board of Directors of Lumenate, a private technology consulting services company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida.
Jan H. Lindelow has served as a member of our Board of Directors since February 1998. Mr. Lindelow joined Tivoli, a unit of the IBM Software Group in June 1997 and served as Chairman and Chief Executive
45
Officer of Tivoli until the spring of 2001. He then became Vice President, Emerging Business Development for IBM until his retirement in 2002. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Lindelow was President and Chief Operating Officer of Symbol Technologies, a leader in handheld computing and scanning technologies. He also served in several senior executive positions with Asea Brown Boveri (ABB), a global company delivering power, energy and automation technologies from 1988 to 1994. Prior to ABB, Mr. Lindelow was President of Worldwide Sales and Service at Unisys/Sperry Computer Systems, a worldwide information technology services and solutions company during which time he spearheaded the companys entry into UNIX and other open markets. Mr. Lindelow joined Unisys/Sperry in his native Sweden where he subsequently became President of Sperrys Nordic Group. Mr. Lindelow holds a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Mr. Lindelow is an active board member of several enterprises, primarily in the high technology industry. During 2007, Mr. Lindelow served on the board of directors for Vignette (Chairman) and the following private companies: Credant Technologies, HyPerformix (Chairman) and Troux Technologies.
Benjamin L. Scott has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2002 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since February 2007. Since May 2002, Mr. Scott has served as a Venture Partner with Austin Ventures, a venture capital firm. From January 2000 to May 2002, Mr. Scott served as a Partner with Quadrant Management, a venture capital firm. From October 1997 to November 1999, Mr. Scott served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IXC Communications, a public provider of data and voice communications services that was subsequently sold to Cincinnati Bell and is now known as Broadwing Communications. Mr. Scott has served as a senior executive with AT&T, PrimeCo and Bell Atlantic. Mr. Scott also serves on the board of directors of several private companies and holds a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
The other information also required under Item 10, including disclosure of delinquent Section 16 filings, our Code of Ethics and audit committee experts will be included under the section captioned Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant in our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this Annual Report by reference.
ITEM 11. | Executive Compensation. |
The information required by this Item will be included under the sections captioned Executive Compensation and Certain Transactions in our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this Annual Report by reference.
ITEM 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The information required by this Item will be included under the section captioned Ownership of Securities in our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this Annual Report by reference.
ITEM 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. |
The information required by this Item will be included under the sections captioned Certain Transactions and Director Independence in our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this Annual Report by reference.
ITEM 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
The information required by this Item will be included under the section captioned Proposal 2: Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors in our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated into this Annual Report by reference.
46
ITEM 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. |
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:
1. Financial Statements.
The following financial statements of Active Power, Inc. are filed as a part of this Form 10-K on the pages indicated:
Page | ||
51 | ||
Financial Statements: |
||
53 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss |
54 | |
55 | ||
56 | ||
57 |
2. Schedules.
All schedules have been omitted since the information required by the schedule is not applicable, or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Financial Statements and notes thereto.
3. Exhibits.
The exhibits listed on the accompanying index to exhibits immediately following the financial statements are filed as part of, or hereby incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-K.
(b) Exhibits
Exhibit |
Description | |
3.1* | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Active Powers IPO Registration Statement on Form S-l (SEC File No. 333-36946) (the IPO Registration Statement)) | |
3.2* | Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Active Powers Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2007) | |
4.1* | Specimen certificate for shares of Common Stock (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
4.2* | Rights Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2001, between the Active Power and EquiServe Trust N.A., which includes the form of Certificate of Designation for the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock as Exhibit C (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Active Powers Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2001) | |
4.3 | See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the registrant defining the rights of holders of common stock | |
10.1* | Form of Indemnity Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.2* | Active Power, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the IPO Registration Statement) |
47
Exhibit |
Description | |
10.3* | Second Amended and Restated Investors Rights Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and certain of its stockholders (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.4* | Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Braker Phase III, Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.5* | First Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Braker Phase III, Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.6* | Second Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Braker Phase III, Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.7* | Third Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Braker Phase III, Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.8* | Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.9* | Fifth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the IPO Registration Statement) | |
10.10* | Sixth Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to Active Powers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (the 2000 10-K)) | |
10.11* | Seventh Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the 2000 10-K) | |
10.12* | Lease Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and BC12 99, Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the 2000 10-K) | |
10.13*+ | Distributor Agreement by and between Active Power, Inc. and Eaton Electical, Inc. dated May 22, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Active Powers Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2006) | |
10.14*+ | Purchase and Sale Agreement between Active Power, Inc. and Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. dated July 23, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Active Powers Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003) | |
10.15* | Long-Term Supply Agreement between Active Power, Inc. and GE Zenith Controls, Inc., dated March 16, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Active Powers Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2005) | |
10.16* | Stock Issuance Agreement with Jim Clishem (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2006) | |
10.17* | Stock Issuance Agreement with Jim Clishem (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2006) | |
10.18* | Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 13, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 12, 2007) | |
10.19* | Loan and Security Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 21, 2007) | |
10.20*+ | Purchase Agreement effective as of January 1, 2008 between Active Power, Inc. and Caterpillar, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008) | |
10.21* | Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008) |
48
Exhibit |
Description | |
10.22 | Severance Benefits Agreement with Jim Clishem dated October 29, 2008 | |
10.23 | Severance Benefits Agreement with John Penver dated October 29, 2008 | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant | |
23.1 | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP | |
24.1 | Power of Attorney, pursuant to which amendments to this Form 10-K may be filed, is included on the signature page contained in Part IV of this Form 10-K | |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
* | Incorporated by reference to the indicated filing. |
+ | Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment previously granted. |
| Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
49
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
ACTIVE POWER, INC. | ||||
Dated: March 3, 2009 | By: | /s/ JAMES A. CLISHEM | ||
James A. Clishem | ||||
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Power of Attorney
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby severally constitutes and appoints, James A. Clishem and John K. Penver, and each or any of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with the power of substitution and resubstitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name |
Title |
Date | ||
/s/ JAMES A. CLISHEM James A. Clishem |
Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) |
March 3, 2009 | ||
/s/ JOHN K. PENVER John K. Penver |
Vice PresidentFinance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (principal financial and accounting officer) |
March 3, 2009 | ||
/s/ BENJAMIN L. SCOTT Benjamin L. Scott |
Chairman of the Board, Director |
March 3, 2009 | ||
/s/ AKE ALMGREN Ake Almgren |
Director |
March 3, 2009 | ||
/s/ RICHARD E. ANDERSON Richard E. Anderson |
Director |
March 3, 2009 | ||
/s/ JAMES E. DEVENNY III James E. deVenny III |
Director |
March 3, 2009 | ||
/s/ JAN H. LINDELOW Jan H. Lindelow |
Director |
March 3, 2009 |
50
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Active Power, Inc.
We have audited Active Power, Inc.s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Active Power, Inc.s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Active Power, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Active Power, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 of Active Power Inc. and our report dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Austin, Texas
February 27, 2009
51
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Active Power, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Active Power, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Active Power, Inc. at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in 2007 the Company changed its method of accounting for income tax uncertainties.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Austin, Texas
February 27, 2009
52
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 10,468 | $ | 15,504 | ||||
Short-term investments in marketable securities |
703 | 6,581 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $413 and $406 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively |
9,450 | 5,177 | ||||||
Inventories |
6,689 | 9,198 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
470 | 540 | ||||||
Total current assets |
27,780 | 37,000 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
4,492 | 5,530 | ||||||
Long-term investments in marketable securities |
| 407 | ||||||
Deposits and other |
399 | 389 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 32,671 | $ | 43,326 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 2,414 | $ | 2,342 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
5,425 | 5,508 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
1,490 | 1,624 | ||||||
Revolving line of credit |
2,000 | | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
11,329 | 9,474 | ||||||
Long term liabilities |
521 | 604 | ||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Common Stock$0.001 par value; 150,000 shares authorized; 60,482 and 60,395 shares issued and 60,420 and 60,359 shares outstanding in 2008 and 2007, respectively |
60 | 60 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost; 62 and 36 shares in 2008 and 2007, respectively |
(59 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital |
260,344 | 258,630 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(238,843 | ) | (225,401 | ) | ||||
Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) |
(681 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
20,821 | 33,248 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 32,671 | $ | 43,326 | ||||
See accompanying notes.
53
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||
Product revenue |
$ | 35,772 | $ | 28,835 | $ | 22,384 | ||||||
Service and spares revenue |
7,213 | 4,766 | 2,645 | |||||||||
Total revenue |
42,985 | 33,601 | 25,029 | |||||||||
Cost of goods sold: |
||||||||||||
Cost of product revenue |
29,380 | 26,402 | 21,939 | |||||||||
Cost of service and spares revenue |
5,617 | 3,973 | 2,404 | |||||||||
Total cost of good sold |
34,997 | 30,375 | 24,343 | |||||||||
Gross profit (loss) |
7,988 | 3,226 | 686 | |||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Research and development |
5,116 | 5,749 | 7,851 | |||||||||
Selling and marketing |
11,839 | 10,970 | 10,225 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
5,119 | 7,860 | 7,250 | |||||||||
Litigation settlement expense (recovery) |
| | (1,781 | ) | ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
22,074 | 24,579 | 23,545 | |||||||||
Operating loss |
(14,086 | ) | (21,353 | ) | (22,859 | ) | ||||||
Interest income |
348 | 773 | 1,387 | |||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
296 | 88 | 323 | |||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (13,442 | ) | $ | (20,492 | ) | $ | (21,149 | ) | |||
Net loss per share, basic & diluted |
$ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.38 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | |||
Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic & diluted |
60,124 | 53,905 | 49,663 | |||||||||
Comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (13,442 | ) | $ | (20,492 | ) | $ | (21,149 | ) | |||
Translation loss on subsidiaries in foreign currencies |
(640 | ) | (193 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments in marketable securities |
(5 | ) | 34 | (64 | ) | |||||||
Realized loss on marketable securities |
| | | |||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
$ | (14,087 | ) | $ | (20,651 | ) | $ | (21,221 | ) | |||
See accompanying notes.
54
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands)
Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Deferred Stock Compensation |
Additional Paid-In Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Other Accumulated Comprehensive Income (loss) |
Total Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares |
Par Value |
Number of Shares |
At Cost |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2005, |
48,864 | $ | 49 | 36 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | (293 | ) | $ | 237,831 | $ | (183,616 | ) | $ | (93 | ) | $ | 53,873 | ||||||||||
Employee stock purchases |
1,259 | 1 | | | | 2,778 | | | 2,779 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred stock compensation |
| | | | 293 | | | | 293 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized loss on investments |
| | | | | | | 64 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net translation loss on foreign subsidiaries |
| | | | | | | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| | | | | 2,910 | | | 2,910 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (21,149 | ) | | (21,149 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
50,123 | $ | 50 | 36 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | | $ | 243,519 | $ | (204,765 | ) | $ | (21 | ) | $ | 38,778 | |||||||||||
Employee stock purchases |
272 | | | | | 27 | | | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sale of common stock, less $973 in issuance costs |
10,000 | 10 | 13,017 | 13,027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized loss on investments |
| | | | | | | 34 | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net translation loss on foreign subsidiaries |
| | | | | | (144 | ) | (49 | ) | (193 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| | | | | 2,067 | | | 2,067 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (20,492 | ) | | (20,492 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
60,395 | $ | 60 | 36 | $ | (5 | ) | $ | | $ | 258,630 | $ | (225,401 | ) | $ | (36 | ) | $ | 33,248 | |||||||||||
Employee stock purchases |
15 | | | | | 18 | | | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares held in treasury |
72 | | 25 | (54 | ) | | | | (54 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized loss on investments |
| | | | | | | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net translation loss on foreign subsidiaries |
| | | | | | | (640 | ) | (640 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| | | | | 1,696 | | | 1,696 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (13,442 | ) | | (13,442 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
60,482 | $ | 60 | 61 | $ | (59 | ) | $ | | $ | 260,344 | $ | (238,843 | ) | $ | (681 | ) | $ | 20,821 | |||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
55
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Operating activities |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (13,442 | ) | $ | (20,492 | ) | $ | (21,149 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation expense |
1,895 | 1,986 | 2,139 | |||||||||
Change in allowance for doubtful accounts |
7 | (950 | ) | 14 | ||||||||
Accretion of premium / discount on investments |
(41 | ) | (48 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
(61 | ) | 234 | | ||||||||
Impairment of inventory and related assets |
1,554 | 2,115 | | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred stock compensation |
| | 293 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
1,696 | 2,067 | 2,910 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(4,279 | ) | 3,444 | (1,916 | ) | |||||||
Inventories |
1,009 | (703 | ) | (6,037 | ) | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
60 | (205 | ) | 60 | ||||||||
Accounts payable |
72 | (321 | ) | 399 | ||||||||
Accrued expenses |
(83 | ) | 1,126 | 755 | ||||||||
Deferred revenue |
(134 | ) | 1,188 | 249 | ||||||||
Long term liabilities |
(83 | ) | 136 | 53 | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(11,830 | ) | (10,423 | ) | (22,315 | ) | ||||||
Investing activities |
||||||||||||
Purchases of marketable securities |
(2,631 | ) | (4,798 | ) | (14,274 | ) | ||||||
Sales/maturities of marketable securities |
8,951 | 10,951 | 35,698 | |||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment |
(948 | ) | (870 | ) | (1,950 | ) | ||||||
Sales of property and equipment |
105 | 131 | | |||||||||
Change in restricted cash |
| | 116 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by investing activities |
5,477 | 5,414 | 19,590 | |||||||||
Financing activities |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from private placement of common stock |
| 14,000 | | |||||||||
Issuance costs of private placement |
| (973 | ) | | ||||||||
Proceeds from employee stock purchases |
18 | 27 | 2,779 | |||||||||
Purchases of treasury stock |
(54 | ) | | | ||||||||
Proceeds from draw on revolving line of credit |
2,000 | | | |||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
1,964 | 13,054 | 2,779 | |||||||||
Translation gain (loss) on subsidiaries in foreign currencies |
(647 | ) | (193 | ) | 8 | |||||||
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
(5,036 | ) | 7,852 | 62 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
15,504 | 7,652 | 7,590 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 10,468 | $ | 15,504 | $ | 7,652 | ||||||
Interest paid |
$ | 9 | $ | | $ | |
See accompanying notes.
56
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Active Power, Inc. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as we, us, Active Power or the Company) designs, manufactures and markets critical power quality solutions that provide business continuity and protect customers in the event of an electrical power disturbance. Our products are designed to provide power quality to protect customers from voltage fluctuations such as surges and sags, frequency fluctuations, and to also provide ride-through, or temporary power to bridge the gap between a power outage and the restoration of utility power, or the time required to switch to electrical generator power. We target global enterprises with zero tolerance for downtime in their mission critical business operations. The Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) products we manufacture utilize green technologies to create a renewable energy source. We sell our products globally through direct, manufacturers representatives and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) channels. Our current principal markets are North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia.
We were founded as a Texas Corporation in 1992 and reincorporated in Delaware in 2000 prior to our initial public offering. Our headquarters are in Austin, Texas with international offices in the UK, Germany, Algeria and Japan.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have also been prepared on the assumption that the Company will continue to operate as a going concern. Accordingly assets and liabilities are recorded on the basis that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The Companys history of operating losses and use of cash, in the absence of other factors, may cause uncertainty as to its ability to continue as a going concern. We have reviewed the current and prospective sources of liquidity, significant conditions and events and forecast financial results and concluded that we have adequate resources to continue to operate as a going concern. Provided we meet our cash flow projections in our current business plan, we expect that we will not require additional financing in order to continue operating and growing our business during 2009. Our business plan and our assumptions around the adequacy of our liquidity are based on estimates regarding expected revenues and future costs. However, our revenues may not meet our projections or our costs may exceed our estimates. Further, our estimates may change and future events or developments may also affect our estimates. Any of these factors may change our expectation of cash usage in 2009 or significantly affect our level of liquidity, which may require us to seek additional financing or take other measures to reduce our operating costs in order to continue operating. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the Company not being able to continue as a going concern.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in the estimates or assumptions used by management could have a material impact upon reported amounts and our results of operations.
57
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue recognition policy is in accordance with the requirements of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition, (SAB 104), Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) No. 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, EITF 01-09 and other applicable revenue recognition guidance and interpretations. In general, revenue is recognized when title has transferred as stipulated by the delivery terms in the sales contract. In addition, prior to revenue recognition we require persuasive evidence of the arrangement, evidence that the price is fixed or determinable, and that collectibility is reasonably assured.
We also offer various services to customers depending on the type of product the customer has purchased, which may include on-site services or installation and integration services. Such services are not essential to the functionality of the delivered product. Revenue for services is recognized at the time services are provided, or is deferred and recognized over the service period (where applicable). When products and services are contracted under a single non-cancellable arrangement, we allocate the total sales price to the multiple deliverables based on their relative fair values. The fair value of our equipment is based on our average historical selling prices, while the fair value of services is based upon the rates that we charge customers in separately negotiated transactions or based on the market price an independent third party would charge to provide these services. Revenue associated with the sale of extended warranties is deferred upon receipt and is recognized ratably over the contract period.
Any taxes imposed by governmental authorities on our revenue-producing transactions with customers are shown in our consolidated statement of operations on a net-basis; that is excluded from our reported revenues.
Shipping and Handling Costs
We classify shipping and handling costs related to product sales as cost of revenue, and any payments from customers for shipping and handling are categorized in revenue. We classify shipping and handling costs associated with receiving production inventory as cost of product revenue. Any materials received or shipped which are related to our engineering, sales, marketing and administrative functions are classified as operating expenses.
Cash Equivalents
Investments with a contractual maturity of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash equivalents.
Investments in Marketable Securities
Investments in marketable securities consist of money-market funds, commercial paper and debt securities with readily determinable fair values. Active Power accounts for investments that are reasonably expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed during the year as short-term investments. We classify investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale and all reclassifications made from unrealized gains/losses to realized gains/losses are determined based on the specific identification method. The carrying amount of investments in marketable securities approximates fair value at December 31, 2008.
In accordance with our investment policy and guidelines, our short-term investments are diversified among and limited to high quality securities with a minimum of investment grade ratings. We actively monitor our investment portfolio to ensure compliance with our investment objective to preserve capital, meet liquidity requirements and maximize return on our investments. We do not require collateral or enter into master netting arrangements to mitigate our credit risk.
58
The carrying value of our investments in marketable securities consists of the following at December 31:
2008 | ||||||||||||
Amortized Cost |
Gross Unrealized Gains |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount) | |||||||||
Corporate Notes |
$ | 703 | $ | | $ | | $ | 703 | ||||
$ | 703 | $ | | $ | | 703 | ||||||
Less: Short-term investments in marketable securities |
703 | |||||||||||
Long-term investments in marketable securities |
$ | | ||||||||||
2007 | ||||||||||||
Amortized Cost |
Gross Unrealized Gains |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Fair Value (Net Carrying Amount) | |||||||||
Corporate Notes |
$ | 856 | $ | 4 | $ | | $ | 860 | ||||
Commercial Paper |
3,728 | | | 3,728 | ||||||||
Auction Rate Securities |
2,400 | | | 2,400 | ||||||||
$ | 6,984 | $ | 4 | $ | | 6,988 | ||||||
Less: Short-term investments in marketable securities |
6,581 | |||||||||||
Long-term investments in marketable securities |
$ | 407 | ||||||||||
The fair value by contractual maturity of our marketable securities at December 31, 2008 is shown below:
Within one year |
$ | 703 | |
$ | 703 | ||
SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under SFAS 157 as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under SFAS 157 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:
Level 1Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
59
In accordance with SFAS 157, the following table represents the Companys fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008:
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using | ||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Money Market funds |
$ | 4,864 | $ | | $ | | $ | 4,864 | ||||
Corporate Notes |
703 | | | 703 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 5,567 | $ | | $ | | $ | 5,567 | ||||
Amounts included in: |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 4,864 | $ | | $ | | $ | 4,864 | ||||
Short-term investments |
703 | | | 703 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 5,567 | $ | | $ | | $ | 5,567 | ||||
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based on factors related to the credit risk of each customer. Historically, credit losses were minimal, primarily because the majority of our revenues were generated from large OEM customers, primarily Caterpillar, Inc. As we began integrating additional distribution channels into our business and selling more of our products directly to customers, our risk of credit losses has increased. We perform credit evaluations of new customers and often require deposits, prepayments or use of trade letters of credit to mitigate our credit risk. Allowance for doubtful account balances are $413 and $406 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Although we have fully provided for these balances, we continue to pursue collection of these receivables.
The following table summarizes the annual changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
$ | 1,342 | ||
Additions charged to expense |
130 | |||
Recovery of amount previously reserved |
(103 | ) | ||
Write-off of uncollectible accounts |
(13 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
$ | 1,356 | ||
Reduction of reserve |
(19 | ) | ||
Recovery of amount previously reserved |
(931 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
$ | 406 | ||
Additions charged to expense |
272 | |||
Recovery of amount previously reserved |
(221 | ) | ||
Write-off of uncollectible accounts |
(44 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 413 | ||
During 2008 and 2007 we recovered equipment from customers that had not previously paid us for the equipment. At this time we reversed the outstanding receivables of $221 and $931, respectively, and the related allowance for doubtful accounts.
60
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in-first-out method, and consist of the following at December 31:
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 5,750 | $ | 6,340 | ||||
Work in process and finished goods |
3,353 | 5,054 | ||||||
Less inventory reserves |
(2,414 | ) | (2,196 | ) | ||||
$ | 6,689 | $ | 9,198 | |||||
Included in inventory at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is $0.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of inventory relating exclusively to our CoolAir family of products. This product was introduced in 2006. In December 2007 we recorded reserves of $1.8 million against our CoolAir inventory as a result of our lowered expectations of product demand and future product developments initiatives that potentially would result in excess quantities of inventory. These costs were included as a component of Cost of Product Revenue in our 2007 Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. In September 2008, we recorded an additional reserve of $1.5 million against the remaining CoolAir inventory as a result of our further diminished expectations of future product demand, potentially resulting in excess quantities of CoolAir inventory. Net of current product sales backlog and future spares and support requirements, the CoolAir inventory value has been reduced to its salvageable value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows (in years):
Equipment |
2 10 | |
Demonstration units |
3 5 | |
Computers and purchased software |
2 3 | |
Furniture and fixtures |
2 5 |
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remainder of the property lease, including renewal options. Repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred.
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate our long-lived assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets (SFAS 144). Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recoverable. When such factors and circumstances exist, we compare the projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets and is recorded in the period in which the determination was made.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, as a result of recording reserves for potential excess inventory related to our CoolAir product family, we were required to follow the guidance of SFAS 144 to test the related long-lived assets used for our CoolAir manufacturing for impairment. As a result of this assessment we recorded an impairment charge of $0.3 million related to CoolAir manufacturing assets. This was included as a component of Cost of Goods Sold in the accompanying 2007 Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
61
Patent Application Costs
We have not capitalized patent application fees and related costs because of uncertainties regarding net realizable value of the technology represented by the existing patent applications and ultimate recoverability. All patent costs have been expensed through December 31, 2008.
Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 31:
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Compensation and benefits |
$ | 2,210 | $ | 1,812 | ||
Warranty liability |
860 | 759 | ||||
Property, income, state, sales and franchise tax |
978 | 1,177 | ||||
Professional fees |
544 | 1,008 | ||||
Other |
833 | 752 | ||||
$ | 5,425 | $ | 5,508 | |||
Warranty Liability
Generally, the warranty period for our power quality products is 12 months from the date of commissioning or 18 months from the date of shipment from Active Power, whichever period is shorter. Occasionally we offer longer warranty periods to certain customers. The warranty period for products sold to our OEM customer, Caterpillar, is 12 months from the date of shipment to the end-user, which may exceed the 18 month limitation from shipment. This is dependent upon Caterpillar complying with our storage requirements for our products in order to preserve this warranty period. We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized and this accrual is included in accrued expenses and long term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Changes in the Companys warranty liability are as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
$ | 644 | ||
Warranty expense |
679 | |||
Warranty charges incurred |
(589 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
$ | 734 | ||
Warranty expense |
404 | |||
Warranty charges incurred |
(319 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
$ | 819 | ||
Warranty expense |
702 | |||
Warranty charges incurred |
(573 | ) | ||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 948 | ||
Warrant liability included in accrued expenses |
$ | 860 | ||
Long term warranty liability |
88 | |||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 948 | ||
62
Long term liabilities
Long term liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Deferred revenue |
$ | 208 | $ | 294 | ||
Technology licensing agreement |
200 | 225 | ||||
Warranty liability |
88 | 60 | ||||
Sublease deposits |
25 | 25 | ||||
$ | 521 | $ | 604 |
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Total stock-based compensation expense relating to our stock plans in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and included the following:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation expense by caption: |
|||||||||
Cost of product revenue |
$ | 275 | $ | 330 | $ | 364 | |||
Cost of service and spares revenue |
36 | 54 | 65 | ||||||
Research and development |
384 | 581 | 726 | ||||||
Selling and marketing |
343 | 447 | 634 | ||||||
General and administrative |
663 | 686 | 1,404 | ||||||
$ | 1,701 | $ | 2,098 | $ | 3,193 | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense by type of award: |
|||||||||
Stock options |
$ | 1,523 | $ | 1,913 | $ | 2,723 | |||
Stock purchase plan |
| | 177 | ||||||
Restricted stock awards |
178 | 185 | 293 | ||||||
$ | 1,701 | $ | 2,098 | $ | 3,193 | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense of $7 and $12 was capitalized and remained in inventory at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Prior to 2006 and as allowed by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123), Active Power accounted for its stock compensation arrangements with employees using the intrinsic value method under the provisions of the Accounting Principles Boards Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Deferred stock-based compensation was amortized over the vesting period, generally four years, utilizing the straight-line method for fixed awards and the accelerated method prescribed in FASB Interpretation No. 28 for variable awards. Beginning in 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective application method and began accounting for our stock-based compensation using a fair-value based recognition method. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair-value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period of the award. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates. We develop our estimates based on historical data and market information that can change significantly over time. A small change in the estimates used can have a relatively large change in the estimated valuation.
63
We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards. We estimate stock price volatility based upon our historical volatility. Estimated option life and forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data. For stock-based compensation awards with graded vesting that were granted after 2005, we recognize compensation expense using the straight-line amortization method.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.
The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. At the adoption date of January 1, 2007 and also at December 31, 2008, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits.
Segment Reporting
Active Powers chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses the performance of its power management product development and sales activities as one segment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. We believe all of these financial instruments are recorded at amounts that approximate their current market values.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject Active Power to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. Active Powers cash and cash equivalents and investments are placed with high credit quality financial institutions and issuers. Active Power performs limited credit evaluations of its customers financial condition. We generally require letters of credit or prepayments from higher-risk customers as deemed necessary to ensure collection. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on factors related to the credit risk of each customer. Individual receivables are written off after they have been deemed uncollectible. We also purchase several components from sole source or limited source suppliers.
Economic Dependence
We are heavily dependent on our relationship with Caterpillar, Inc. If this relationship is unsuccessful or discontinues, our business and revenue may suffer. The loss of or a significant reduction in orders from Caterpillar, or the failure to provide adequate service and support to the end-users of our products by Caterpillar, could significantly reduce our revenue. Our operating results in the foreseeable future will continue to depend on the sales made by a relatively small number of customers, including Caterpillar.
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The following customers accounted for a significant percentage of Active Powers total revenue during each of the years ended December 31:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Caterpillar |
40 | % | 31 | % | 35 | % | |||
European based IT Customer |
11 | % | 13 | % | | % | |||
United States based IT Customer |
11 | % | | % | | % |
No other customer represented more than 10% of our revenues in any of the years reported. Caterpillar represented 30%, 51% and 22% of our outstanding accounts receivable at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. One other US based IT customer accounted for 45% of our outstanding accounts receivable at December 31, 2008. No other customer represented more than 10% of our accounts receivable at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Advertising Costs
We expense advertising costs as incurred. These expenses were approximately $69, $37 and $20 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Net Loss Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the years ended December 31:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (13,442 | ) | $ | (20,492 | ) | $ | (21,149 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted: |
||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding |
60,124 | 53,905 | 49,663 | |||||||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock subject to repurchase |
| | | |||||||||
Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share |
60,124 | 53,905 | 49,663 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.38 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | |||
The calculation of diluted loss per share excludes 5,703,721, 5,172,555 and 5,418,765 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of employee stock options as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 250,000 non-vested shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of restricted stock awards because their inclusion in the calculation would be anti-dilutive.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior period financial information to the current presentation. Certain liabilities were reclassified from current to long term liabilities. These include deferred revenue, warranty liability and a technology licensing agreement.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This pronouncement applies under other
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accounting standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value measurement. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. However, SFAS 157 is amended by FSP FAS 157-1, Application of FASB Statement 157 to FASB Statement 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, which excludes from the scope of this provision arrangements accounted for under SFAS 13, Accounting for Leases. SFAS 157 is also amended by FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). This FSP partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of this FSP. In October 2008, SFAS 157 was amended again by FSP 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active, which clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The FSP is effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as noted in FSP FAS 157-2. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We also adopted FSP 157-3 on September 30, 2008 as required and concluded it did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (FAS 159). FAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (FAS 141R) which replaces FAS No. 141, Business Combinations and FAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (FAS 160). FAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. FAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. FAS 160 clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in the financial statements and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. FAS 141R and FAS 160 are effective for the Companys fiscal year 2009 and must be applied prospectively to all new acquisitions closing on or after January 1, 2009. Upon adoption, these standards will not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial position and result of operations. However, if the Company enters into any business combinations after the adoption of FAS 141R, a transaction may significantly impact its consolidated financial position and results of operations as compared to its recent acquisition, accounted for under existing GAAP requirements, due to the changes described above.
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2. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following at December 31:
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Equipment |
$ | 9,689 | $ | 9,409 | ||||
Demonstration units |
1,044 | 1,082 | ||||||
Computers and purchased software |
2,924 | 2,672 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
353 | 331 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
7,269 | 7,232 | ||||||
Construction in progress |
128 | | ||||||
21,407 | 20,726 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(16,915 | ) | (15,196 | ) | ||||
$ | 4,492 | $ | 5,530 | |||||
3. Stockholders Equity
Preferred Stock
At December 31, 2008, Active Power had 10,420,000 shares of preferred stock authorized and no shares outstanding.
Common Stock
Common stock reserved for future issuance at December 31, 2008 consists of 8,889,072 shares of common stock reserved under our 2000 Stock Option Plan, of which 5,927,398 were subject to outstanding options and 2,961,674 were available for future grants of stock awards. Options are subject to terms and conditions as determined by our Board of Directors. We formerly had an employee stock purchase plan which was cancelled in February 2006.
In August 2007, we completed the private placement of 10,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $1.40 per share, for an aggregate offering price of $14 million before expenses, with certain qualified institutional investors. We paid approximately $983 in expenses, including commissions, in connection with this offering. We filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 2007 that was declared effective on October 29, 2007.
Stockholder Rights Plan
In December 2001, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan in which preferred stock purchase rights will be distributed as a dividend at the rate of one Right for each share of common stock of the Company held by stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 26, 2001. The Rights Plan is designed to deter coercive takeover tactics including the accumulation of shares in the open market or through private transactions and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of the Company without offering a fair price to all of the Companys stockholders. The Rights Plan was not adopted in response to any specific threat or takeover offer. The Rights will expire on December 26, 2011.
Stock Option Plan
Since its inception, we have authorized 15,651,478 shares of common stock for issuance under our 2000 Stock Option Plan. We grant options under these plans that vest over periods ranging from immediate to four years. The term of each option is no more than ten years from the date of grant. We have repurchase rights for any unvested shares purchased by optionees that allow us to repurchase such shares at cost.
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A summary of common stock option activity is as follows:
Number of Shares |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
Weighted- Average Contractual Life |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
(in years) | |||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 |
6,277,316 | 4.55 | |||||||||
Granted |
1,705,500 | 4.42 | |||||||||
Exercised |
(1,072,843 | ) | 2.33 | ||||||||
Canceled |
(1,491,208 | ) | 5.04 | ||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
5,418,765 | $ | 4.82 | ||||||||
Granted |
1,202,950 | 2.13 | |||||||||
Exercised |
(22,501 | ) | 1.20 | ||||||||
Canceled |
(1,426,659 | ) | 4.53 | ||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
5,172,555 | $ | 4.30 | ||||||||
Granted |
1,243,958 | 1.58 | |||||||||
Exercised |
(15,000 | ) | 1.22 | ||||||||
Canceled |
(697,792 | ) | 4.83 | ||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
5,703,721 | $ | 3.66 | 6.77 | $ | | |||||
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2008 |
4,734,088 | $ | 3.66 | 6.77 | $ | | |||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 |
3,553,458 | $ | 4.50 | 5.70 | $ | | |||||
The following is a summary of options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2008:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||
Average | Weighted- | Weighted- | ||||||||||
Remaining | Average | Average | ||||||||||
Number | Contractual | Exercise | Number | Exercise | ||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices |
Outstanding | Life | Price | Exercisable | Price | |||||||
(in years) | ||||||||||||
$ 0.41 $ 1.75 |
993,455 | 8.15 | $ | 1.37 | 253,861 | $ | 1.39 | |||||
$ 1.79 $2.29 |
1,304,226 | 8.49 | 2.07 | 399,845 | 2.16 | |||||||
$ 2.34 $ 3.51 |
1,232,894 | 6.23 | 3.13 | 1,056,777 | 3.17 | |||||||
$ 3.52 $ 4.20 |
1,113,167 | 5.33 | 3.80 | 1,001,676 | 3.79 | |||||||
$ 4.41 $20.00 |
1,004,205 | 5.67 | 7.22 | 785,525 | 7.87 | |||||||
$ 20.31 $68.50 |
55,774 | 2.18 | 25.96 | 55,774 | 25.96 | |||||||
5,703,721 | 6.77 | $ | 3.66 | 3,553,458 | $ | 4.50 | ||||||
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $1.58, $2.13 and $2.82, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the options at the date of exercise) during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, was $17, $12 and $2.0 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the amount of cash received from the exercise of options was $18.
As of December 31, 2008 there was $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested stock options, that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.2 years.
Stock options exercisable but not subject to repurchase (vested) as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were 3,553,458, 2,942,071 and 2,686,454, respectively.
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During the year ended December 31, 2008, we issued 72,000 restricted shares to officers and employees of the Company. The restrictions will lapse as the shares vest over the next three years. We recorded stock compensation of $178 and $185 related to restricted shares in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. Expected volatilities are based on implied and historical volatilities. The expected life of options granted is based on historical experience and on the terms and conditions of the options. The risk-free rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for our stock plans are presented below:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Average expected life in years |
6.30 years | 6.25 years | 6.00 years | |||
Average expected volatility |
65% | 64% | 65% | |||
Weighted average risk-free interest rate |
2.72% | 4.28% | 4.75% | |||
Average expected forfeitures |
15.5% | 12.5% | 6.75% |
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options and requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and estimated option life. For purposes of this valuation model, no dividends have been assumed. Our options have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable.
4. Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2008, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $205,273 and research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $3,121. The net operating loss and credit carryforwards will expire beginning in 2009, if not utilized. Utilization of the net operating losses and credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the change of ownership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credit carryforwards before utilization.
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Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Companys deferred taxes as of December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||
Current deferred tax assets |
||||||
Reserves and allowances |
1,769 | 1,675 | ||||
Deferred revenue |
164 | 142 | ||||
Prepaid expenses |
5 | |||||
Valuation allowance for current deferred tax assets |
(1,936 | ) | (1,814 | ) | ||
Net current deferred tax assets |
2 | 3 | ||||
Noncurrent deferred tax assets |
||||||
Acquired technology |
1,260 | 1,385 | ||||
Capital expenses |
1,647 | 1,443 | ||||
Stock compensation |
775 | 914 | ||||
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards |
76,421 | 74,721 | ||||
Unrealized gains/losses |
| | ||||
Valuation allowance for noncurrent deferred tax assets |
(79,979 | ) | (78,338 | ) | ||
Net noncurrent deferred tax assets |
124 | 125 | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||
Current deferred tax liabilities |
||||||
Prepaid expenses |
(126 | ) | (126 | ) | ||
Total current deferred tax liabilities |
(126 | ) | (126 | ) | ||
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities |
||||||
Unrealized gains/losses |
| (2 | ) | |||
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities |
| (2 | ) | |||
Net current deferred tax asset (liability) |
(124 | ) | (123 | ) | ||
Net noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability) |
124 | 123 | ||||
Net deferred taxes |
| | ||||
The Company has established a valuation allowance equal to the net deferred tax asset due to uncertainties regarding the realization of deferred tax assets based on the Companys lack of earnings history. The valuation allowance increased by approximately $1,763 during 2008. Approximately $6,175 of the total valuation allowance relates to tax benefits for stock option deductions included in the net operating loss carryforward, which when realized, will be allocated directly to contributed capital to the extent the benefits exceed amounts attributable to deferred compensation expense.
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The Companys provision for income taxes differs from the expected tax expense (benefit) amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% to income before taxes due to the following:
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Federal statutory rate |
(34.0 | )% | (34.0 | )% | (34.0 | )% | |||
State taxes, net of federal benefit |
(0.4 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (0.8 | ) | |||
R&D credits |
4.7 | (0.4 | ) | (0.8 | ) | ||||
Change in state rate |
| | | ||||||
Change in Texas tax law |
5.2 | (10.0 | ) | 8.7 | |||||
Stock compensation |
4.7 | 3.3 | 1.6 | ||||||
Effect of foreign operations |
2.9 | ||||||||
Permanent items and other |
3.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | ||||||
Change in valuation allowance |
13.1 | 41.0 | 24.8 | ||||||
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||
The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. The reconciliation of the Companys unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the year is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2008 |
$ | 0 | |
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year |
$ | 17 | |
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
$ | 717 | |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years |
| ||
Settlements |
| ||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
$ | 734 | |
Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, future changes in our unrecognized tax benefits will not impact the Companys effective tax rate. The Companys assessment of its unrecognized tax benefits is subject to change as a function of the Companys financial statement audit.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
The tax years 2004 through 2008 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.
5. Commitments
We lease our office and manufacturing and engineering facilities and our foreign sales offices under operating lease agreements. These facilities leases are non-cancelable and obligate us to pay taxes and maintenance costs. Our corporate headquarters facility is a 127,000 square foot building that we lease pursuant to a lease agreement that expires in December 2009, with options to extend through December 2011. Our administrative, information systems, marketing, manufacturing, sales and service groups currently utilize 96,000 square feet of this facility. We sublease the remaining 31,000 square feet of our corporate headquarters facility pursuant to sublease agreements that we entered into during 2007. The sublease agreements have options to extend through December 2011. Rent expense was offset by $304 and $155 in 2008 and 2007, respectively, for cash received pursuant to these sublease agreements. Our engineering facility of approximately 19,600 square feet is leased pursuant to a lease agreement that expires in March 2010.
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In addition, we lease certain equipment such as copiers and phone systems under non-cancelable leases. Net rent expense was $1,095, $1,158 and $1,163 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
During 2006 we leased 13% of our office space from landlords who have contractual agreements with HPI Real Estate and Investment Services, Inc. (HPI). For 11 months in 2006, HPI was the owner of a facility that we leased, prior to their sale of the facility in November of 2006. Some portions of the Companys lease payments are paid to HPI from our landlord as remuneration for facility management services. One of the Companys directors, Richard Anderson, is a partner of HPI.
Future minimum payments and receipts under these leases at December 31, 2008 are as follows:
Rental | Sub-lease | |||||||||
payments | Income | Net | ||||||||
2009 |
$ | 1,383 | $ | (319 | ) | $ | 1,064 | |||
2010 |
304 | | 304 | |||||||
2011 |
98 | | 98 | |||||||
2012 |
70 | | 70 | |||||||
2013 |
64 | | 64 | |||||||
2014 and thereafter |
258 | | 258 | |||||||
Total future minimum lease payments |
$ | 2,177 | $ | (319 | ) | $ | 1,858 | |||
We enter into certain commitments to purchase inventory and other items in the course of normal operations. At December 31, 2008, the total of these commitments is $4,912, of which $4,712 will mature in 2009 and $25 will mature in each subsequent year through 2017.
We have entered into Change in Control Agreements with our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. These agreements generally provide that, if within 12 months following a change in control the executive officers employment is terminated for reasons other than for cause (as defined in the agreement) or by the executive for good reason, including a significant reduction in the role and/or responsibility of the executive within 12 months of the change in corporate control, then certain amounts of severance pay and/or acceleration and vesting of certain outstanding stock options or benefits would be payable. In the case of our Chief Executive Officer, in the event of termination he would be entitled to a severance payment equal to twelve months of salary and be entitled to receive health benefits for twelve additional months after termination. In the case of our Chief Financial Officer, in the event of a termination he would be entitled to a severance payment equivalent to nine months of salary and be entitled to receive health benefits for nine additional months after termination. There are no other conditions that are required to be met in order for these payments to be made to these executives.
6. Employee Benefit Plan
We maintain a 401(k) Plan that covers substantially all full-time employees. Company contributions to the plan are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors and vest ratably over five years of service starting after the first year of employment. We did not contribute to this plan in 2008, 2007 or 2006.
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7. Geographic Information
Revenues for the year ended December 31 were as follows:
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
United States |
$ | 26,107 | $ | 18,425 | $ | 14,496 | |||
Europe |
12,021 | 11,188 | 4,212 | ||||||
Africa |
17 | 1,084 | 2,606 | ||||||
Asia Pacific |
3,834 | 1,791 | 1,635 | ||||||
Latin America |
1,006 | 1,113 | 2,080 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 42,985 | $ | 33,601 | $ | 25,029 | |||
Revenues from foreign countries above represent shipments to customers located in seventeen countries. Substantially all of our property, plant and equipment is located in the United States.
8. Guarantees
In certain geographical regions, particularly Europe and Africa, we are required to issue performance guarantees to our customers as a condition of sale. These guarantees usually provide financial protection to our customers in the event that we fail to fulfill our warranty obligations. We secure these guarantees with standby letters of credit through our bank. At December 31, 2008 and 2007 we had $491 and $307, respectively, of contingent liabilities outstanding to customers that were secured with letters of credit.
In connection with one sale made in 2008 by our subsidiary company in the United Kingdom, as a condition of sale, we (as parent of the subsidiary) guaranteed the performance of the subsidiary pursuant to the terms and conditions of the sale contract with the UK-based technology customer. We have not recorded any liability on our balance sheet for this guarantee as it provides that we will not have to assume any greater liability under the contract than our subsidiary company, and because we believe that our subsidiary will meet all of its performance obligations relating to the sales contract.
9. Revolving Credit Facility
In October 2007, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Agreement) with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The Loan Agreement provides for a secured revolving line of credit in an amount of up to $5.0 million, subject to a borrowing base formula. The revolving line of credit can be used to borrow revolving loans, issue standby letters of credit, and support certain cash management services. Revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until October 5, 2010, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid and all outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized. Revolving loans will bear interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the greater of SVBs prime rate plus 0.25% or 5.25% (5.25% at December 31, 2008). A default interest rate shall apply during an event of default under the Loan Agreement at a rate per annum equal to 5.0% above the otherwise applicable interest rate. An unused revolving line facility fee is payable quarterly, in arrears, in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum of the average unused portion of the revolving line. We plan to draw upon the line of credit for working capital purposes as required.
In 2008 we modified our secured revolving line of credit facility with SVB to provide for a U.S. export-import credit facility that would add a U.S. government guarantee to the payments for these foreign shipments and make more of our foreign shipments eligible as security for the credit facility. Prior to this modification, export revenues were not eligible to be included as part of the borrowing base, which may have limited our ability to utilize the revolving credit facility. All amounts borrowed under this facility are subject to a borrowing base formula based on eligible receivables and inventory.
The revolving loans under the Loan Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets, provided that such security interest is limited to no more than 65% of the outstanding capital stock held by
73
us of each of our subsidiaries. The obligations under the Loan Agreement are further secured by an Intellectual Property Security Agreement, pursuant to which we granted to SVB a security interest in our registered and unregistered intellectual property.
The Loan Agreement requires us to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio of unrestricted cash to the outstanding amounts under the Loan Agreement of at least 1.35 to 1. In addition, the Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative covenants, including covenants that require, among other things, the delivery of financial statements, compliance with laws, the maintenance of insurance and the protection and registration of intellectual property rights. Further, the Loan Agreement contains customary negative covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our ability to, among other things, dispose of assets, change our business, change our CEO or CFO, make acquisitions, be acquired, incur indebtedness, grant liens, make investments, make distributions, repurchase stock, and enter into certain transactions with our affiliates, in each case subject to customary exceptions for a credit facility of this size and type.
The Loan Agreement includes customary events of default that include among other things, non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants, the occurrence of a material adverse change, bankruptcy and insolvency events, defaults under material agreements, material judgments against us and inaccuracy of representations and warranties. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of any outstanding obligations under the Loan Agreement.
During the year ended December 31, 2008 we borrowed $2.0 million under this credit facility and this balance remained outstanding at December 31, 2008. Based on the borrowing base formula, we had an additional $1.9 million available for use at December 31, 2008 under this credit facility. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2007.
10. Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (unaudited)
The following tables present selected unaudited consolidated statement of operations information for each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, except per share data):
Selected consolidated statement of operations information | ||||||||||||||||
For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 16,211 | $ | 12,448 | $ | 6,788 | $ | 7,538 | ||||||||
Total cost of revenue |
11,071 | 11,325 | 5,846 | 6,755 | ||||||||||||
Gross margin (loss) |
5,140 | 1,123 | 942 | 783 | ||||||||||||
Operating expense |
5,686 | 5,309 | 5,545 | 5,534 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(546 | ) | (4,186 | ) | (4,603 | ) | (4,751 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
(431 | ) | (4,115 | ) | (4,427 | ) | (4,469 | ) | ||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | ||||
Selected consolidated balance sheet information: | ||||||||||||||||
For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
27,780 | 29,076 | 28,158 | 30,336 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
32,671 | 35,218 | 35,029 | 37,419 | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
11,329 | 13,018 | 8,969 | 7,542 | ||||||||||||
Working Capital |
16,451 | 16,058 | 19,189 | 22,794 | ||||||||||||
Long term obligations |
521 | 922 | 614 | 613 | ||||||||||||
Stockholders Equity |
20,821 | 21,278 | 25,446 | 29,264 |
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Selected consolidated statement of operations information | ||||||||||||||||
For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 10,212 | $ | 8,234 | $ | 9,182 | $ | 5,973 | ||||||||
Total cost of revenue |
10,455 | 6,649 | 7,635 | 5,636 | ||||||||||||
Gross margin (loss) |
(243 | ) | 1,585 | 1,547 | 337 | |||||||||||
Operating expense |
5,906 | 5,310 | 6,403 | 6,960 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(6,149 | ) | (3,725 | ) | (4,856 | ) | (6,623 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
(5,910 | ) | (3,512 | ) | (4,646 | ) | (6,424 | ) | ||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share |
$ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.06 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.13 | ) | ||||
Selected consolidated balance sheet information: | ||||||||||||||||
For the Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
December 31 | September 30 | June 30 | March 31 | ||||||||||||
Current assets |
37,000 | 40,977 | 31,891 | 34,494 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
43,326 | 47,624 | 38,588 | 41,685 | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
9,474 | 8,056 | 9,279 | 8,337 | ||||||||||||
Working Capital |
27,526 | 32,921 | 22,612 | 26,157 | ||||||||||||
Long term obligations |
604 | 624 | 640 | 577 | ||||||||||||
Stockholders Equity |
33,248 | 38,944 | 28,669 | 32,771 |
75
Exhibit 10.22
SEVERANCE BENEFITS AGREEMENT
THIS SEVERANCE BENEFITS AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made as of the 29th day of October, 2008 between Active Power, Inc., (the Company), and James Clishem, an individual resident of the State of Texas (Employee). Employee and the Company are collectively referred to herein as the Parties.
1. At-Will Employment Status. Employee is currently employed by the Company. Employee is employed on an at will basis, which means that either the Company or Employee may terminate Employees employment with the Company at any time and for any or no reason.
2. Severance Benefits upon Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. Although Employees employment is at-will, if Employee is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or resigns with Good Reason (as defined below), then Employee shall be entitled to receive:
(a) continuing severance pay at a rate equal to 100% of Employees base salary, as then in effect (less applicable withholding taxes), for a period of twelve months from the date of such termination, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Companys normal payroll practices; and
(b) to the extent such stock options are outstanding and unvested as of the date of such termination, the number of shares of stock issuable upon exercise of options granted to Employee by the Company prior to the termination that would have been vested and exercisable as of the date that is twelve months after the date of such termination shall vest and become exercisable as of the date of the termination, and the shares of stock of the Company that were purchased prior to the termination and that are as of the date of such termination subject to a right of repurchase by the Company (or its successor) shall have such right of repurchase lapse with respect to the number of shares to which such right of repurchase would have lapsed for the period ending as of the date that is twelve months after the date of such termination; and
(c) if Employee elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA) for Employee, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Employee for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Employees termination) until the earlier of (i) a period of twelve months from the last date of employment of the Employee with the Company, (ii) until Employee has secured other employment, or (iii) the date Employee is no longer eligible to receive continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA. COBRA reimbursements shall be made by the Company to Employee consistent with the Companys normal expense reimbursement policy, provided that Employee submits documentation to the Company substantiating Employees payments for such COBRA coverage; and
(d) all or a portion of Employees bonus under the Companys management incentive program for the year in which Employees termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason occurs, determined as follows: (i) with respect to corporate or individual objectives
that are measured over a period of time (such as revenue for a fiscal year), the amount of such bonus with respect to such objective shall be determined based on a comparison of the amount of such objective actually achieved through the date of such termination against a pro rated portion (based on a number of days, weeks or months, as applicable, during the applicable measurement period for which Employee remained a service provider of the Company) of the target objective, and shall be payable on a pro rata basis (based on the number of days during the applicable measurement period for which Employee remained a service provider of the Company), and (ii) with respect to corporate or individual objectives that are measured based on the occurrence of a specific event at a point in time, the full amount of such bonus with respect to such objective shall be payable if such objective is achieved prior to the date of such termination. All determinations of the amount of the achievement of such objectives and the amounts of such bonuses shall be made by the Board of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion.
3. Acceleration Upon Termination After a Change in Control. Although Employees employment is at-will, in the event that Employee is terminated by the Company without Cause or resigns with Good Reason within twelve months after a Change in Control (as defined in the Companys 2000 Stock Incentive Plan), all shares of stock that are issuable upon exercise of all options granted to Employee by the Company prior to the date of the Change in Control shall fully vest as of the date of such termination, to the extent such stock options are outstanding and unvested at the time of such termination, and all shares of stock of the Company that were purchased prior to the Change in Control and that are subject to a right of repurchase by the Company (or its successor) shall have such right of repurchase lapse with respect to all of the shares.
4. Confidential Information/ Non-Competition Agreement.
(a) Employee is employed hereunder by the Company in a confidential relationship wherein Employee, in the course of his employment with the Company, has and will continue to become familiar with and aware of Confidential Information as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement, including but not limited to confidential information regarding the Companys customers and specific manner of doing business, including the processes, techniques and trade secrets utilized by the Company, and future plans with respect thereto. In consideration for Employees promises herein, the Company agrees to provide Employee with such Confidential Information; in return, Employee recognizes and acknowledges that such information must be maintained in confidence, and to further such protection agrees to the restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 4.
(b) Employee acknowledges that Employees fulfillment of the obligations contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Employees obligation neither to use, except for the benefit of the Company, or to disclose the Companys Confidential Information and Employees obligation not to compete contained in this Section 4 is necessary to protect the Companys Confidential Information and to preserve the Companys value and goodwill. Employee further acknowledges the time, geographic and scope limitations of Employees obligations under this Section 4 are reasonable, especially in light of the Companys desire to protect its Confidential Information, and that Employee will not be precluded from gainful employment if Employee is obligated not to compete with the Company during the period and within the Territory as described in Section 4.
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(c) Employee will not, during the period of his employment by or with the Company, and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the termination of his employment with the Company, for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, company, partnership, corporation, business or entity of whatever nature:
(i) engage, as an officer, director, shareholder, owner, partner, joint venturer, or in a managerial capacity, whether as an employee, independent contractor, consultant or advisor, or as a sales representative, in any business selling any products or services in direct competition with the Company, within 100 miles of (i) the principal executive offices of the Company or (ii) any place where the Company conducts business, provides products or services, or in which the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) is in the process of initiating business operations as of the date on which Employees employment by the Company hereunder is terminated (the Territory);
(ii) call upon any person who is, at that time, within the Territory, an employee of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) in a managerial capacity for the purpose or with the intent of enticing such employee away from or out of the employ of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof);
(iii) call upon any person or entity which is, at that time, or which has been, within one (1) year prior to that time, a customer of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) within the Territory for the purpose of soliciting or selling products or services in direct competition with the Company within the Territory;
(iv) call upon any prospective acquisition candidate, on Employees own behalf or on behalf of any competitor, which candidate was either called upon by the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) or for which the Company made an acquisition analysis, for the purpose of acquiring such entity, provided however, that this section (iv) will not apply if the Company affirmatively declined to proceed with the acquisition; or
(v) disclose customers of the Company (or the subsidiaries thereof) to any person, firm, partnership, corporation or business for any competitive reason.
As used in Section 4(c), references to the business, customers, Territory, etc. of the Company refer to the status of the Company prior to any Change in Control (i.e., such breadth of business, customers, Territory, etc. shall not automatically be expanded to include those of a successor to the Company resulting from a Change in Control). Notwithstanding the above, the foregoing covenant shall not be deemed to prohibit Employee from acquiring as an investment not more than three percent (3%) of the capital stock of a competing business, whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
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(d) Because of the difficulty of measuring economic losses to the Company as a result of a breach of the foregoing covenant, and because of the immediate and irreparable damage that could be caused to the Company for which it would have no other adequate remedy, Employee agrees that the foregoing covenant may be enforced by the Company in the event of breach by him by injunctions and restraining orders without the necessity of posting any bond therefor.
(e) In the course of Employees employment with the Company, Employee will become exposed to certain of the Companys confidential information and business relationships, which the above covenants are designed to protect and Employee agrees to keep such confidential information in the strictest confidence. It is agreed by the parties that the foregoing covenants in this Section 4 impose a reasonable restraint on Employee in light of the activities and business of the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) on the date of the execution of this Agreement and the current plans of the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries); but it is also the intent of the Company and Employee that such covenants be construed and enforced in accordance with the changing activities, business and locations of the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) throughout the term of this covenant, subject to the following paragraph. For example, if, during Employees term of employment, the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) engages in new and different activities, enters a new business or established new locations for its current activities or business in addition to or other than the activities or business enumerated under the Recitals above or the locations currently established therefor, then, to the extent described in Section 4(c), Employee will be precluded from soliciting the customers or employees of such new activities or business or from such new location and from directly competing with such new business within 100 miles of its then-established operating locations through the term of this covenant.
It is further agreed by the parties hereto that, in the event that Employee shall cease to be employed by the Company, and shall later enter into a business or pursue other activities not in competition with the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) as of Employees last date of employment with the Company, or similar activities or business in locations the operation of which, under such circumstances, does not violate clause (i) of this Section 4, and in any event such new business, activities or location are not in violation of this Section 4 or of Employees obligations under this Section 4, if any, Employee shall not be chargeable with a violation of this Section 4 if the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) shall thereafter enter the same, similar or a competitive (i) business, (ii) course of activities or (iii) location, as applicable.
(f) The covenants in this Section 4 are severable and separate, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant shall not affect the provisions of any other covenant. Moreover, in the event any court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the scope, time or territorial restrictions set forth are unreasonable, then it is the intention of the parties that such restrictions be enforced to the fullest extent which the court deems reasonable, and the Agreement shall thereby be reformed to such extent.
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(g) All of the covenants in this Section 4 shall be construed as an agreement independent of any other provision in this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of Employee against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of such covenants.
(h) It is specifically agreed that the period of twelve (12) months following Employees employment set forth at the beginning of this Section 4, during which the agreements and covenants of Employee made in this Section 4 shall be effective, shall be computed by excluding from such computation any time during which Employee is in violation of any provision of this Section 4.
5. Conditions Precedent. Any severance payments and/or benefits contemplated by Sections 2 and 3 above are conditional on Employee:
(a) continuing to comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Proprietary Information and Nondisclosure Agreement between Employee and the Company (the Confidentiality Agreement);
(b) delivering prior to or contemporaneously with any such severance payments, and not revoking, a separation agreement including a general release of claims relating to Employees employment and/or this Agreement against the Company or its successor, its subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers and stockholders and affirmation of obligations hereunder and under the Confidentiality Agreement in a form acceptable to the Company or its successor, the key terms of which are included in the attached Exhibit A; and
(c) in the event of a resignation for Good Reason, providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable opportunity for the Company to cure the conditions giving rise to such Good Reason, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days following the date of notice from Employee. If the Company cures the conditions giving rise to such Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the date of such notice, Employee will not be entitled to severance payments and/or benefits contemplated by Sections 2 or 3 above if Employee thereafter resigns from the Company based on such grounds. Unless otherwise required by law, no severance payments and/or benefits under Sections 2 or 3 will be paid and/or provided until after the expiration of any relevant revocation period.
6. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement,
(a) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall mean (i) Employees continued failure to substantially perform the duties and obligations of Employees position (for reasons other than death or Disability), which failure, if curable within the discretion of the Company, is not cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company of such failure; (ii) Employees failure or refusal to comply with reasonable written policies, standards and regulations established by the Company from time to time which failure, if curable in the discretion of the Company, is not cured to the
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reasonable satisfaction of the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such failure from the Company; (iii) any act of personal dishonesty, fraud, embezzlement, misrepresentation, or other unlawful act committed by Employee that results in a substantial gain or personal enrichment of Employee at the expense of the Company; (iv) Employees violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the Companys business, which violation was or is reasonably likely to be materially injurious to the Company; (v) Employees violation of, or a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any state; or (vi) the Employees material breach of the terms of Section 4 of this Agreement or of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(b) Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason shall mean, without Employees written consent: (i) there is a material reduction of the level of Employees compensation (excluding any bonuses) (except where there is a general reduction applicable to the management team generally); (ii) there is a material reduction in Employees overall responsibilities or authority, or scope of duties, it being understood that a reduction in Employees responsibilities or authority following a Change in Control shall not constitute Good Reason unless there also occurs a demotion in Employees title or position; or (iii) a material change in the geographic location at which Employee must perform his services; provided, that in no instance will the relocation of Employee to a facility or a location of fifty (50) miles or less from Employees then current office location be deemed material for purposes of this Agreement. In no instance will a resignation by Employee be deemed to be for Good Reason if it is made more than twenty four (24) months following the initial occurrence of any of the events that otherwise would constitute Good Reason hereunder.
(c) The Board shall make all determinations relating to termination, including without limitation any determination regarding Cause.
7. Tax Treatment. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payment of any sums to Employee under the terms of this Agreement. Employee agrees and understands that, with the exception of the withholdings from the severance payments, Employee is responsible for payment of any local, state and/or federal taxes on the sums paid hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. Employee further agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of Employees failure to pay federal or state taxes or damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including reasonable attorney fees.
8. Section 409A.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Employee is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (Section 409A) at the time of Employees termination (other than due to death), and the continuing severance pay payable to Employee, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, when
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considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits which may be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits) will not and could not under any circumstances, regardless of when such termination occurs, be paid in full by March 15 of the year following Employees termination, then only that portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits which do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) may be made within the first six (6) months following Employees termination of employment in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. For these purposes, each severance payment is hereby designated as a separate payment and will not collectively be treated as a single payment. Any portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits in excess of the Section 409A Limit shall accrue and, to the extent such portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits would otherwise have been payable within the first six (6) months following Employees termination of employment, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Employees termination. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Employee dies following Employees termination but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of Employees termination, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Employees death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.
(b) The foregoing provision is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Employee agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Employee under Section 409A.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, Section 409A Limit will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (A) Employees annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Employee during the Companys taxable year preceding the Companys taxable year of Employees termination of employment as determined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (B) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Employees employment is terminated.
9. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Employee (i) constitute parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the Excise Tax), then Employees benefits under this Agreement shall be either
(a) delivered in full, or
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(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the Excise Tax,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by Employee on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code.
Unless the Company and Employee otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made in writing by the Companys independent public accountants (the Accountants), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Employee and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Section 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Employee shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section.
10. Confidential Information. Employee shall continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement, and maintain the confidentiality of all of the Companys confidential and proprietary information. Such information includes, but is not limited to, all customer lists, equipment, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, or other documents or property belonging to the Company.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) Withholding Taxes. The Company may withhold from all benefits payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
(b) Entire Agreement; Binding Effect. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire understanding between the Parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements, commitments, representations, writings and discussions between them; and neither of the Parties shall be bound by any obligations, conditions, warranties or representations with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein or therein or as duly set forth on or subsequent to the date hereof in a written instrument signed by the proper and fully authorized representative of the party to be bound hereby. This Agreement is binding on Employee and on the Company and his/her and its successors and assigns (whether by assignment, by operation of law or otherwise).
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(c) Arbitration. The Parties agree that, unless otherwise agreed to in a writing signed by the Employee and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, any and all disputes arising out of, or relating to, the terms of this Agreement, their interpretation, and any of the matters herein released, shall be subject to binding arbitration in Travis County, Texas before the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award. The Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be awarded its reasonable attorney fees and costs. The Parties hereby agree to waive their right to have any dispute between them resolved in a court of law by a judge or jury. This section will not prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief (or any other provisional remedy) from any court having jurisdiction over the Parties and the subject matter of their dispute relating to Employees obligations under this Agreement and the agreements incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the employment laws of Texas and the other laws of the State of Texas as they apply to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed therein by residents thereof. In addition, each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any suit, action or other legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement may be brought only in a state or federal court within Texas.
(e) Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable of void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.
(f) Effect of Headings. The Section and subsection headings contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
(g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute but one instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the dates set forth below.
Employee | Active Power, Inc. | |||||||
/s/ James Clishem | By: | /s/ Benjamin Scott | ||||||
Signature | Benjamin Scott, Chairman | |||||||
James Clishem | Dated: October 29, 2008 | |||||||
(Print Name) |
Dated: October 29, 2008
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Exhibit A
ACTIVE POWER, INC.
RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This Release of Claims (Agreement) is made by and between Active Power, Inc. (the Company), and (Employee).
WHEREAS, Employee has agreed to enter into a release of claims in favor of the Company upon certain events specified in the Severance Benefits Agreement by and between Company and Employee (the Severance Agreement).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Termination. Employees employment from the Company terminated on .
2. Confidential Information. Employee shall continue to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and proprietary information of the Company and shall continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Nondisclosure Agreement between Employee and the Company (the Confidentiality Agreement), as well as Section 4 of the Severance Agreement. Employee shall return all the Company property and confidential and proprietary information in his possession to the Company on the Effective Date of this Agreement.
3. Payment of Salary. Employee acknowledges and represents that the Company has paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, commissions and any and all other benefits due to Employee.
4. Release of Claims. Except as set forth in the last paragraph of this Section 4, Employee agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Employee by the Company. Employee, on behalf of himself, and his respective heirs, family members, executors and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases the Company and its past, present and future officers, agents, directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, parents, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns, from, and agrees not to sue or otherwise institute or cause to be instituted any legal or administrative proceedings concerning any claim, duty, obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that he may possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement including, without limitation,
(h) any and all claims relating to or arising from Employees employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;
(i) any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Employees right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
(j) any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; and conversion;
(k) any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, any provisions of the Texas Labor Code, and any other law of the State of Texas;
(l) any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state, constitution;
(m) any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination; and
(n) any and all claims for attorneys fees and costs.
Employee agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. Nothing in this Agreement waives Employees rights to indemnification or any payments under any fiduciary insurance policy, if any, provided by any act or agreement of the Company, state or federal law or policy of insurance.
5. Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Employee acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Employee and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which Employee was already entitled. Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that (a) he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) he has at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) he has seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement by the parties to revoke the Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Employee from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it
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impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. Any revocation should be in writing and delivered to at the Company by close of business on the seventh day from the date that Employee signs this Agreement.
6. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Employee represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any other person or entity referred to herein. Employee also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any other person or entity referred to herein.
7. Application for Employment. Employee understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, he shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, its subsidiaries, or any successor, and he hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company.
8. No Cooperation. Employee agrees that he will not counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against the Company and/or any officer, director, employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of the Company, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so.
9. Cooperation with Company. Employee agrees to cooperate, at the request of the Company, in the defense and/or prosecution of any charges, claims, investigations (internal or external), administrative proceedings and/or lawsuits relating to matters occurring during or relating to Employees period of employment about which Employee may have relevant information. Employee shall further reasonably cooperate with regard to the transition of Employees job duties and business relationships. Employee agrees to respond to reasonable requests for information from the Company in a timely manner.
10. No Admission of Liability. No action taken by the Company, either previously or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any claims heretofore made or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to the Employee or to any third party.
11. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, expert fees, attorneys fees and other fees incurred in connection with this Agreement.
12. Authority. Employee represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
13. No Representations. Employee represents that he has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party has relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
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14. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.
15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement, and Employees written equity compensation agreements with the Company, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Employee concerning Employees separation from the Company.
16. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by Employee and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than Employee).
17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Texas.
18. Effective Date. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Employee signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by both Parties.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.
20. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Parties hereto, with the full intent of releasing all claims. The Parties acknowledge that:
(o) They have read this Agreement;
(p) They have had the opportunity of being represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;
(q) They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains;
(r) They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
Active Power, Inc. | ||||||||
Dated: , 20__ | By | |||||||
__________________, an individual | ||||||||
Dated: , 20__ |
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Exhibit 10.23
SEVERANCE BENEFITS AGREEMENT
THIS SEVERANCE BENEFITS AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made as of the 29th day of October, 2008 between Active Power, Inc., (the Company), and John Penver, an individual resident of the State of Texas (Employee). Employee and the Company are collectively referred to herein as the Parties.
1. At-Will Employment Status. Employee is currently employed by the Company. Employee is employed on an at will basis, which means that either the Company or Employee may terminate Employees employment with the Company at any time and for any or no reason.
2. Severance Benefits upon Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. Although Employees employment is at-will, if Employee is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or resigns with Good Reason (as defined below), then Employee shall be entitled to receive:
(a) continuing severance pay at a rate equal to 100% of Employees base salary, as then in effect (less applicable withholding taxes), for a period of nine months from the date of such termination, to be paid periodically in accordance with the Companys normal payroll practices; and
(b) to the extent such stock options are outstanding and unvested as of the date of such termination, the number of shares of stock issuable upon exercise of options granted to Employee by the Company prior to the termination that would have been vested and exercisable as of the date that is nine months after the date of such termination shall vest and become exercisable as of the date of the termination, and the shares of stock of the Company that were purchased prior to the termination and that are as of the date of such termination subject to a right of repurchase by the Company (or its successor) shall have such right of repurchase lapse with respect to the number of shares to which such right of repurchase would have lapsed for the period ending as of the date that is nine months after the date of such termination; and
(c) if Employee elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA) for Employee, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Employee for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Employees termination) until the earlier of (i) a period of nine months from the last date of employment of the Employee with the Company, (ii) until Employee has secured other employment, or (iii) the date Employee is no longer eligible to receive continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA. COBRA reimbursements shall be made by the Company to Employee consistent with the Companys normal expense reimbursement policy, provided that Employee submits documentation to the Company substantiating Employees payments for such COBRA coverage; and
(d) all or a portion of Employees bonus under the Companys management incentive program for the year in which Employees termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason occurs, determined as follows: (i) with respect to corporate or individual objectives
that are measured over a period of time (such as revenue for a fiscal year), the amount of such bonus with respect to such objective shall be determined based on a comparison of the amount of such objective actually achieved through the date of such termination against a pro rated portion (based on a number of days, weeks or months, as applicable, during the applicable measurement period for which Employee remained a service provider of the Company) of the target objective, and shall be payable on a pro rata basis (based on the number of days during the applicable measurement period for which Employee remained a service provider of the Company), and (ii) with respect to corporate or individual objectives that are measured based on the occurrence of a specific event at a point in time, the full amount of such bonus with respect to such objective shall be payable if such objective is achieved prior to the date of such termination. All determinations of the amount of the achievement of such objectives and the amounts of such bonuses shall be made by the Board of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion.
3. Acceleration Upon Termination After a Change in Control. Although Employees employment is at-will, in the event that Employee is terminated by the Company without Cause or resigns with Good Reason within twelve months after a Change in Control (as defined in the Companys 2000 Stock Incentive Plan), all shares of stock that are issuable upon exercise of all options granted to Employee by the Company prior to the date of the Change in Control shall fully vest as of the date of such termination, to the extent such stock options are outstanding and unvested at the time of such termination, and all shares of stock of the Company that were purchased prior to the Change in Control and that are subject to a right of repurchase by the Company (or its successor) shall have such right of repurchase lapse with respect to all of the shares.
4. Confidential Information/ Non-Competition Agreement.
(a) Employee is employed hereunder by the Company in a confidential relationship wherein Employee, in the course of his employment with the Company, has and will continue to become familiar with and aware of Confidential Information as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement, including but not limited to confidential information regarding the Companys customers and specific manner of doing business, including the processes, techniques and trade secrets utilized by the Company, and future plans with respect thereto. In consideration for Employees promises herein, the Company agrees to provide Employee with such Confidential Information; in return, Employee recognizes and acknowledges that such information must be maintained in confidence, and to further such protection agrees to the restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 4.
(b) Employee acknowledges that Employees fulfillment of the obligations contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, Employees obligation neither to use, except for the benefit of the Company, or to disclose the Companys Confidential Information and Employees obligation not to compete contained in this Section 4 is necessary to protect the Companys Confidential Information and to preserve the Companys value and goodwill. Employee further acknowledges the time, geographic and scope limitations of Employees obligations under this Section 4 are reasonable, especially in light of the Companys desire to protect its Confidential Information, and that Employee will not be precluded from gainful employment if Employee is obligated not to compete with the Company during the period and within the Territory as described in Section 4.
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(c) Employee will not, during the period of his employment by or with the Company, and for a period of nine (9) months immediately following the termination of his employment with the Company, for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, company, partnership, corporation, business or entity of whatever nature:
(i) engage, as an officer, director, shareholder, owner, partner, joint venturer, or in a managerial capacity, whether as an employee, independent contractor, consultant or advisor, or as a sales representative, in any business selling any products or services in direct competition with the Company, within 100 miles of (i) the principal executive offices of the Company or (ii) any place where the Company conducts business, provides products or services, or in which the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) is in the process of initiating business operations as of the date on which Employees employment by the Company hereunder is terminated (the Territory);
(ii) call upon any person who is, at that time, within the Territory, an employee of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) in a managerial capacity for the purpose or with the intent of enticing such employee away from or out of the employ of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof);
(iii) call upon any person or entity which is, at that time, or which has been, within one (1) year prior to that time, a customer of the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) within the Territory for the purpose of soliciting or selling products or services in direct competition with the Company within the Territory;
(iv) call upon any prospective acquisition candidate, on Employees own behalf or on behalf of any competitor, which candidate was either called upon by the Company (including the subsidiaries thereof) or for which the Company made an acquisition analysis, for the purpose of acquiring such entity, provided however, that this section (iv) will not apply if the Company affirmatively declined to proceed with the acquisition; or
(v) disclose customers of the Company (or the subsidiaries thereof) to any person, firm, partnership, corporation or business for any competitive reason.
As used in Section 4(c), references to the business, customers, Territory, etc. of the Company refer to the status of the Company prior to any Change in Control (i.e., such breadth of business, customers, Territory, etc. shall not automatically be expanded to include those of a successor to the Company resulting from a Change in Control). Notwithstanding the above, the foregoing covenant shall not be deemed to prohibit Employee from acquiring as an investment not more than three percent (3%) of the capital stock of a competing business, whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
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(d) Because of the difficulty of measuring economic losses to the Company as a result of a breach of the foregoing covenant, and because of the immediate and irreparable damage that could be caused to the Company for which it would have no other adequate remedy, Employee agrees that the foregoing covenant may be enforced by the Company in the event of breach by him by injunctions and restraining orders without the necessity of posting any bond therefor.
(e) In the course of Employees employment with the Company, Employee will become exposed to certain of the Companys confidential information and business relationships, which the above covenants are designed to protect and Employee agrees to keep such confidential information in the strictest confidence. It is agreed by the parties that the foregoing covenants in this Section 4 impose a reasonable restraint on Employee in light of the activities and business of the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) on the date of the execution of this Agreement and the current plans of the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries); but it is also the intent of the Company and Employee that such covenants be construed and enforced in accordance with the changing activities, business and locations of the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) throughout the term of this covenant, subject to the following paragraph. For example, if, during Employees term of employment, the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) engages in new and different activities, enters a new business or established new locations for its current activities or business in addition to or other than the activities or business enumerated under the Recitals above or the locations currently established therefor, then, to the extent described in Section 4(c), Employee will be precluded from soliciting the customers or employees of such new activities or business or from such new location and from directly competing with such new business within 100 miles of its then-established operating locations through the term of this covenant.
It is further agreed by the parties hereto that, in the event that Employee shall cease to be employed by the Company, and shall later enter into a business or pursue other activities not in competition with the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) as of Employees last date of employment with the Company, or similar activities or business in locations the operation of which, under such circumstances, does not violate clause (i) of this Section 4, and in any event such new business, activities or location are not in violation of this Section 4 or of Employees obligations under this Section 4, if any, Employee shall not be chargeable with a violation of this Section 4 if the Company (including the Companys subsidiaries) shall thereafter enter the same, similar or a competitive (i) business, (ii) course of activities or (iii) location, as applicable.
(f) The covenants in this Section 4 are severable and separate, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant shall not affect the provisions of any other covenant. Moreover, in the event any court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the scope, time or territorial restrictions set forth are unreasonable, then it is the intention of the parties that such restrictions be enforced to the fullest extent which the court deems reasonable, and the Agreement shall thereby be reformed to such extent.
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(g) All of the covenants in this Section 4 shall be construed as an agreement independent of any other provision in this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of Employee against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of such covenants.
(h) It is specifically agreed that the period of nine (9) months following Employees employment set forth at the beginning of this Section 4, during which the agreements and covenants of Employee made in this Section 4 shall be effective, shall be computed by excluding from such computation any time during which Employee is in violation of any provision of this Section 4.
5. Conditions Precedent. Any severance payments and/or benefits contemplated by Sections 2 and 3 above are conditional on Employee:
(a) continuing to comply with the terms of this Agreement and the Proprietary Information and Nondisclosure Agreement between Employee and the Company (the Confidentiality Agreement);
(b) delivering prior to or contemporaneously with any such severance payments, and not revoking, a separation agreement including a general release of claims relating to Employees employment and/or this Agreement against the Company or its successor, its subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers and stockholders and affirmation of obligations hereunder and under the Confidentiality Agreement in a form acceptable to the Company or its successor, the key terms of which are included in the attached Exhibit A; and
(c) in the event of a resignation for Good Reason, providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for Good Reason and a reasonable opportunity for the Company to cure the conditions giving rise to such Good Reason, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days following the date of notice from Employee. If the Company cures the conditions giving rise to such Good Reason within thirty (30) days of the date of such notice, Employee will not be entitled to severance payments and/or benefits contemplated by Sections 2 or 3 above if Employee thereafter resigns from the Company based on such grounds. Unless otherwise required by law, no severance payments and/or benefits under Sections 2 or 3 will be paid and/or provided until after the expiration of any relevant revocation period.
6. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement,
(a) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, Cause shall mean (i) Employees continued failure to substantially perform the duties and obligations of Employees position (for reasons other than death or Disability), which failure, if curable within the discretion of the Company, is not cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company of such failure; (ii) Employees failure or refusal to comply with reasonable written policies, standards and regulations established by the Company from time to time which failure, if curable in the discretion of the Company, is not cured to the
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reasonable satisfaction of the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such failure from the Company; (iii) any act of personal dishonesty, fraud, embezzlement, misrepresentation, or other unlawful act committed by Employee that results in a substantial gain or personal enrichment of Employee at the expense of the Company; (iv) Employees violation of a federal or state law or regulation applicable to the Companys business, which violation was or is reasonably likely to be materially injurious to the Company; (v) Employees violation of, or a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any state; or (vi) the Employees material breach of the terms of Section 4 of this Agreement or of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(b) Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason shall mean, without Employees written consent: (i) there is a material reduction of the level of Employees compensation (excluding any bonuses) (except where there is a general reduction applicable to the management team generally); (ii) there is a material reduction in Employees overall responsibilities or authority, or scope of duties, it being understood that a reduction in Employees responsibilities or authority following a Change in Control shall not constitute Good Reason unless there also occurs a demotion in Employees title or position; or (iii) a material change in the geographic location at which Employee must perform his services; provided, that in no instance will the relocation of Employee to a facility or a location of fifty (50) miles or less from Employees then current office location be deemed material for purposes of this Agreement. In no instance will a resignation by Employee be deemed to be for Good Reason if it is made more than twenty four (24) months following the initial occurrence of any of the events that otherwise would constitute Good Reason hereunder.
(c) The Board shall make all determinations relating to termination, including without limitation any determination regarding Cause.
7. Tax Treatment. The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payment of any sums to Employee under the terms of this Agreement. Employee agrees and understands that, with the exception of the withholdings from the severance payments, Employee is responsible for payment of any local, state and/or federal taxes on the sums paid hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon. Employee further agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of Employees failure to pay federal or state taxes or damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including reasonable attorney fees.
8. Section 409A.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Employee is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (Section 409A) at the time of Employees termination (other than due to death), and the continuing severance pay payable to Employee, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, when
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considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits which may be considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits) will not and could not under any circumstances, regardless of when such termination occurs, be paid in full by March 15 of the year following Employees termination, then only that portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits which do not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) may be made within the first six (6) months following Employees termination of employment in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. For these purposes, each severance payment is hereby designated as a separate payment and will not collectively be treated as a single payment. Any portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits in excess of the Section 409A Limit shall accrue and, to the extent such portion of the Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits would otherwise have been payable within the first six (6) months following Employees termination of employment, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Employees termination. All subsequent Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Employee dies following Employees termination but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of Employees termination, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Employees death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.
(b) The foregoing provision is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Employee agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Employee under Section 409A.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, Section 409A Limit will mean the lesser of two (2) times: (A) Employees annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Employee during the Companys taxable year preceding the Companys taxable year of Employees termination of employment as determined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (B) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Employees employment is terminated.
9. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Employee (i) constitute parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the Excise Tax), then Employees benefits under this Agreement shall be either
(a) delivered in full, or
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(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the Excise Tax,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by Employee on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code.
Unless the Company and Employee otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made in writing by the Companys independent public accountants (the Accountants), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Employee and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Section 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Employee shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section.
10. Confidential Information. Employee shall continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Agreement, and maintain the confidentiality of all of the Companys confidential and proprietary information. Such information includes, but is not limited to, all customer lists, equipment, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, or other documents or property belonging to the Company.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) Withholding Taxes. The Company may withhold from all benefits payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as shall be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.
(b) Entire Agreement; Binding Effect. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire understanding between the Parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements, commitments, representations, writings and discussions between them, including the January 31, 2005 offer letter; and neither of the Parties shall be bound by any obligations, conditions, warranties or representations with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein or therein or as duly set forth on or subsequent to the date hereof in a written instrument signed by the proper and fully authorized representative of the party to be bound hereby. This Agreement is binding on Employee and on the Company and his/her and its successors and assigns (whether by assignment, by operation of law or otherwise).
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(c) Arbitration. The Parties agree that, unless otherwise agreed to in a writing signed by the Employee and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, any and all disputes arising out of, or relating to, the terms of this Agreement, their interpretation, and any of the matters herein released, shall be subject to binding arbitration in Travis County, Texas before the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. The Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award. The Parties agree that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be awarded its reasonable attorney fees and costs. The Parties hereby agree to waive their right to have any dispute between them resolved in a court of law by a judge or jury. This section will not prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief (or any other provisional remedy) from any court having jurisdiction over the Parties and the subject matter of their dispute relating to Employees obligations under this Agreement and the agreements incorporated herein by reference.
(d) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the employment laws of Texas and the other laws of the State of Texas as they apply to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed therein by residents thereof. In addition, each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any suit, action or other legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement may be brought only in a state or federal court within Texas.
(e) Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable of void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.
(f) Effect of Headings. The Section and subsection headings contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
(g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute but one instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the dates set forth below.
Employee | Active Power, Inc. | |||||||
/s/ John Penver | By: | /s/ Benjamin Scott | ||||||
Signature | Benjamin Scott, Chairman | |||||||
John Penver | Dated: October 29, 2008 | |||||||
(Print Name) |
Dated: October 29, 2008
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Exhibit A
ACTIVE POWER, INC.
RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This Release of Claims (Agreement) is made by and between Active Power, Inc. (the Company), and (Employee).
WHEREAS, Employee has agreed to enter into a release of claims in favor of the Company upon certain events specified in the Severance Benefits Agreement by and between Company and Employee (the Severance Agreement).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Termination. Employees employment from the Company terminated on .
2. Confidential Information. Employee shall continue to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and proprietary information of the Company and shall continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the Proprietary Information and Nondisclosure Agreement between Employee and the Company (the Confidentiality Agreement), as well as Section 4 of the Severance Agreement. Employee shall return all the Company property and confidential and proprietary information in his possession to the Company on the Effective Date of this Agreement.
3. Payment of Salary. Employee acknowledges and represents that the Company has paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, commissions and any and all other benefits due to Employee.
4. Release of Claims. Except as set forth in the last paragraph of this Section 4, Employee agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Employee by the Company. Employee, on behalf of himself, and his respective heirs, family members, executors and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases the Company and its past, present and future officers, agents, directors, employees, investors, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, parents, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns, from, and agrees not to sue or otherwise institute or cause to be instituted any legal or administrative proceedings concerning any claim, duty, obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that he may possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement including, without limitation,
(h) any and all claims relating to or arising from Employees employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;
(i) any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Employees right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
(j) any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; and conversion;
(k) any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, any provisions of the Texas Labor Code, and any other law of the State of Texas;
(l) any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state, constitution;
(m) any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination; and
(n) any and all claims for attorneys fees and costs.
Employee agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released. Nothing in this Agreement waives Employees rights to indemnification or any payments under any fiduciary insurance policy, if any, provided by any act or agreement of the Company, state or federal law or policy of insurance.
5. Acknowledgment of Waiver of Claims under ADEA. Employee acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary. Employee and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Date of this Agreement. Employee acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which Employee was already entitled. Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that (a) he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; (b) he has at least twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; (c) he has seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement by the parties to revoke the Agreement; (d) this Agreement shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired; and (e) nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Employee from challenging or
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seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law. Any revocation should be in writing and delivered to at the Company by close of business on the seventh day from the date that Employee signs this Agreement.
6. No Pending or Future Lawsuits. Employee represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any other person or entity referred to herein. Employee also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any other person or entity referred to herein.
7. Application for Employment. Employee understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, he shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, its subsidiaries, or any successor, and he hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company.
8. No Cooperation. Employee agrees that he will not counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against the Company and/or any officer, director, employee, agent, representative, shareholder or attorney of the Company, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so.
9. Cooperation with Company. Employee agrees to cooperate, at the request of the Company, in the defense and/or prosecution of any charges, claims, investigations (internal or external), administrative proceedings and/or lawsuits relating to matters occurring during or relating to Employees period of employment about which Employee may have relevant information. Employee shall further reasonably cooperate with regard to the transition of Employees job duties and business relationships. Employee agrees to respond to reasonable requests for information from the Company in a timely manner.
10. No Admission of Liability. No action taken by the Company, either previously or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any claims heretofore made or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to the Employee or to any third party.
11. Costs. The Parties shall each bear their own costs, expert fees, attorneys fees and other fees incurred in connection with this Agreement.
12. Authority. Employee represents and warrants that he has the capacity to act on his own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through him to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
13. No Representations. Employee represents that he has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party has relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
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14. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision.
15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement, and Employees written equity compensation agreements with the Company, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Employee concerning Employees separation from the Company.
16. No Oral Modification. This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by Employee and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than Employee).
17. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of the State of Texas.
18. Effective Date. Each Party has seven (7) days after that Party signs this Agreement to revoke it. This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) day after Employee signed this Agreement, so long as it has been signed by both Parties.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.
20. Voluntary Execution of Agreement. This Agreement is executed voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Parties hereto, with the full intent of releasing all claims. The Parties acknowledge that:
(o) They have read this Agreement;
(p) They have had the opportunity of being represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;
(q) They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains;
(r) They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.
Active Power, Inc. | ||||||||
Dated: , 20__ | By | |||||||
__________________, an individual | ||||||||
Dated: , 20__ |
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EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
Active Power (Switzerland) AG
Active Power Solutions Limited
Active Power (Germany) GmbH
Active Power (Italy) SrL
Active Power (Algeria) SARL
Active Power (Japan) KK
Active Power (Hong Kong) Limited
EXHIBIT 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-43248, 333-56122, 333-104725, 333-115039, 333-123587, 333-132792, 333-150481, and 333-144782) pertaining to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Active Power, Inc. of our reports dated February 27, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Active Power, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Active Power, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Austin, Texas
February 27, 2009
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a -14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, James A. Clishem, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Active Power, Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
(b) | designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
(b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: March 3, 2009
/S/ JAMES A. CLISHEM |
James A. Clishem President and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.13a -14
PROMULGATED UNDER
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, John K. Penver, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Active Power, Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) | designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
(b) | designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
(b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: March 3, 2009
/s/ JOHN K. PENVER |
John K. Penver Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Active Power, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, James A. Clishem, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: March 3, 2009
/S/ JAMES A. CLISHEM |
James A. Clishem President and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Active Power, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, John K. Penver, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: March 3, 2009
/s/ JOHN K. PENVER |
John K. Penver Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |