FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2012

 

¨ 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: 0-19672

 

 

American Superconductor Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   04-2959321

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

64 Jackson Road, Devens,

Massachusetts

  01434
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(978) 842-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

Shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock:

 

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

 

52,631,649

Class   Outstanding as of July 27, 2012

 

 

 


Table of Contents

AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

INDEX

 

         Page No.  

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  Financial Statements      3   

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      23   

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      34   

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures      35   

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  Legal Proceedings      36   

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors      38   

Item 2.

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      38   

Item 3.

  Defaults Upon Senior Securities      38   

Item 4.

  Mine Safety Disclosure      38   

Item 5.

  Other Information      38   

Item 6.

  Exhibits      38   

Signature

     39   

 

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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     June 30,
2012
    March 31,
2012
 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 60,487      $ 46,279   

Marketable securities

     5,209        5,304   

Accounts receivable, net

     13,558        18,999   

Inventory

     28,699        29,256   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     30,261        31,444   

Restricted cash

     16,684        12,086   

Deferred tax assets

     203        203   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     155,101        143,571   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     87,676        90,828   

Intangibles, net

     3,455        3,772   

Restricted cash

     4,767        2,540   

Deferred tax assets

     3,129        3,129   

Other assets

     10,050        11,216   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 264,178      $ 255,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 30,850      $ 37,582   

Note payable, curent portion, net of discount of $707 as of June 30, 2012

     2,370        —     

Current portion of convertible note, net of discount of $7,055 as of June 30, 2012

     1,278        —     

Derivative liability

     13,565        —     

Adverse purchase commitments

     17,516        25,894   

Deferred revenue

     15,390        19,718   

Deferred tax liabilities

     3,129        3,129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     84,098        86,323   

Note Payable, net of current portion and discount of $392 as of June 30, 2012

     6,531        —     

Convertible note net of current portion and discount of $3,282 as of June 30, 2012

     13,385        —     

Deferred revenue

     1,681        1,558   

Deferred tax liabilities

     203        203   

Other liabilities

     1,865        2,093   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     107,763        90,177   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock

     522        520   

Additional paid-in capital

     899,612        896,603   

Treasury stock

     (307     (271

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     863        2,027   

Accumulated deficit

     (744,275     (734,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     156,415        164,879   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 264,178      $ 255,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Revenues

   $ 28,716      $ 9,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost and operating expenses:

    

Cost of revenues

     16,926        16,955   

Research and development

     3,910        8,136   

Selling, general and administrative

     13,799        21,990   

Restructuring and impairments

     128        —     

Amortization of acquisition related intangibles

     81        304   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost and operating expenses

     34,844        47,385   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (6,128     (38,327

Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants

     (2,388     —     

Interest (expense) income, net

     (2,718     241   

Other income, net

     123        566   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income tax expense

     (11,111     (37,520

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (836     159   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (10,275   $ (37,679
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per common share

    

Basic

   $ (0.20   $ (0.74
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.20   $ (0.74
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

    

Basic

     51,191        50,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     51,191        50,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(In thousands)

 

     Three months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Net loss

   $ (10,275   $ (37,679

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

    

Foreign currency translation (losses) gains

     (1,168     1,134   

Unrealized gains on investments

     4        10   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     (1,164     1,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

   $ (11,439   $ (36,535
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (10,275   $ (37,679

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operations:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,344        3,242   

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,994        3,466   

Restructuring charges, net of payments

     (39     —     

Provision for excess and obsolete inventory

     250        413   

Adverse purchase commitment losses (recoveries), net

     (7,301     1,071   

Loss on minority interest investments

     812        —     

Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants

     2,388     

Non-cash interest expense

     2,282     

Other non-cash items

     200        827   

Changes in operating asset and liability accounts:

    

Accounts receivable

     4,132        670   

Inventory

     136        (5,324

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     848        (7,812

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (6,449     (19,732

Deferred revenue

     (3,913     3,084   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) operating activities

     (11,591     (57,774
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (88     (4,498

Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities

     100        90,800   

Increase in restricted cash

     (6,858     (3,763

Purchase of intangible assets

     —          (240

Purchase of minority investments

     —          (1,800

Advanced payment for planned acquisition

     —          (20,551

Change in other assets

     —          (195
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (6,846     59,753   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Employee taxes paid related to net settlement of equity awards

     (36     (271

Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of expenses

     32,961        4,626   

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and ESPP

     —          21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     32,925        4,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (280     747   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     14,208        7,102   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     46,279        123,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 60,487      $ 130,885   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

   $ (828   $ 12,485   

Issuance of common stock to settle liabilities

     1,016        205   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation

American Superconductor Corporation (the “Company” or “AMSC”) was founded on April 9, 1987. The Company is a leading provider of megawatt-scale solutions that lower the cost of wind power and enhance the performance of the power grid. In the wind power market, the Company enables manufacturers to field wind turbines through its advanced engineering, support services and power electronics products. In the power grid market, the Company enables electric utilities and renewable energy project developers to connect, transmit and distribute power through its transmission planning services and power electronics and superconductor-based products. The Company’s wind and power grid products and services provide exceptional reliability, security, efficiency and affordability to its customers.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) instructions to Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those instructions. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and the financial position at June 30, 2012.

At June 30, 2012, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $65.7 million. The Company experienced a substantial decline in revenues, incurred a net loss of $136.8 million and used $141.0 million of cash for operations during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. As a result, the Company reduced its global workforce by approximately 50% and consolidated certain business operations in three locations to reduce facility costs. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had a global workforce of approximately 430 persons.

The Company expects that its cost reduction efforts and anticipated revenue growth will result in a substantial reduction in cash used for operations during the year ending March 31, 2013. The Company plans to closely monitor its expenses and if required, expects to further reduce operating costs and capital spending to enhance liquidity.

On April 4, 2012, the Company completed a private placement of $25.0 million of 7% senior convertible notes (“Convertible Notes”). On June 5, 2012, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (“Term Loan”), under which the Company borrowed $10.0 million. See Note 10, “Debt”, for further information regarding these debt arrangements, including the covenants, restrictions and events of default under the agreements. The Company is in compliance with the covenants and restrictions included in the Convertible Notes and Term Loan as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The Company believes that its available cash, together with additional reductions in operating costs and capital expenditures that it expects to make if necessary, will be sufficient to fund its operations, capital expenditures and any scheduled cash payments under its debt obligations through June 30, 2013. The Company’s liquidity is highly dependent on its ability to profitably grow revenues, successfully manage adverse purchase commitments, fund and maintain compliance with the covenants and restrictions on its debt obligations, and raise additional capital, as required. The Company may seek additional financing; however, there can be no assurance that financing will be available on commercially acceptable terms or at all.

The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the fiscal year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 (fiscal 2011) which are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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2. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation at fair value. The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense by financial statement line item for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
June  30,
 
     2012      2011  

Cost of revenues

   $ 170       $ 329   

Research and development

     562         660   

Selling, general and administrative

     1,262         2,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,994       $ 3,466   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company granted approximately 427,000 stock options and issued 214,886 shares of common stock in-lieu of cash bonuses, which vested immediately, to employees under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company recorded the issuance of stock in-lieu of bonuses as a non-cash issuance of stock to settle liabilities in the unaudited consolidated condensed statement of cash flows. The options granted vest upon the passage of time, generally 3 years. For awards that vest upon the passage of time, expense is being recorded over the vesting period.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s stock-based awards, less expected annual forfeitures, is amortized over the awards’ service period. The total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested outstanding stock options was $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012. This expense will be recognized over a weighted average expense period of approximately 2.4 years. The total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested outstanding restricted stock was $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012. This expense will be recognized over a weighted average expense period of approximately 1.6 years.

The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model for stock options granted during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     Three months ended
June  30,
 
     2012     2011  

Expected volatility

     72.0     67.5

Risk-free interest rate

     0.9     1.9

Expected life (years)

     5.9        5.9   

Dividend yield

     None        None   

The expected volatility rate was estimated based on an equal weighting of the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and the implied volatility of the Company’s traded options. The expected term was estimated based on an analysis of the Company’s historical experience of exercise, cancellation, and expiration patterns. The risk-free interest rate is based on the average of the five and seven year United States Treasury rates.

 

3. Computation of Net (Loss) Income per Common Share

Basic net (loss) income per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Where applicable, diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net (loss) income by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period, calculated using the treasury stock method. Common equivalent shares include the effect of restricted stock, exercise of stock options and warrants and contingently issuable shares. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, 6.3 million shares were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as they were considered anti-dilutive, of which 3.1 million relate to unvested stock options and 3.2 million relate to the issuance of warrants. For the three months ended June 30, 2011, 3.0 million shares of unvested stock options were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as they were considered anti-dilutive.

 

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The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the earnings per share calculation for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Numerator:

    

Net loss

   $ (10,275   $ (37,679
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator:

    

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding

     51,997        51,172   

Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase

     (806     (463
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in per-share calculation — basic

     51,191        50,709   

Shares used in per-share calculation — diluted

     51,191        50,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share — basic

   $ (0.20   $ (0.74
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share — diluted

   $ (0.20   $ (0.74
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

4. Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance related to disclosures of fair value measurements. The guidance requires gross presentation of activity within the Level 3 measurement roll-forward and details of transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements. It also clarifies two existing disclosure requirements on the level of disaggregation of fair value measurements and disclosures on inputs and valuation techniques. A change in the hierarchy of an investment from its current level will be reflected in the period during which the pricing methodology of such investment changes. Disclosure of the transfer of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 3 will be made in the event that the related security is significant to total cash and investments. The Company did not have any transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended June 30, 2012.

A valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value has been established. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1 -

   Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 -

   Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

Level 3 -

   Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

A financial asset’s or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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The following table provides the assets carried at fair value, measured as of June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Total
Carrying
Value
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 

June 30, 2012:

           

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 40,387       $ 40,387       $ —         $ —     

Short-term commercial paper

     5,209         —           5,209         —     

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liability

   $ 4,536       $ —         $ —         $ 4,536  

Warrants

     9,029         —           —           9,029  
     Total
Carrying
Value
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
     Using Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 

March 31, 2012:

           

Assets:

           

Cash equivalents

   $ 23,485       $ 23,485       $ —         $ —     

Short-term commercial paper

     5,304         —           5,304         —     

The table below reflects the activity for the Company’s major classes of liabilities measured at fair value for the period ended June 30, 2012 (in thousands).

 

     Derivative
Liability
     Warrants  

April 1, 2012

   $ —         $ —     

Valuation of derivative liability

     3,779         —     

Warrant issuance with Senior Convertible Notes

     —           7,018   

Warrant issuance with Senior Secured Term Loan

     —           380   

Mark to market adjustment

     757         1,631   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 4,536       $ 9,029   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation Techniques

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments with maturities of three months or less that are regarded as high quality, low risk investments and are measured using such inputs as quoted prices, and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Cash equivalents consist principally of certificates of deposits and money market accounts.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist primarily of government-backed securities and commercial paper and are measured using such inputs as quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means, and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company’s marketable securities generally have maturities of greater than three months from original purchase date but less than twelve months from the date of the balance sheet. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such classification as of each balance sheet date. All marketable securities are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The Company periodically reviews the realizability of each short-term and long-term marketable security when impairment indicators exist with respect to the security. If an other-than-temporary impairment of value of the security exists, the carrying value of the security is written down to its estimated fair value.

 

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Derivative Liability

The Company has identified all of the derivatives (“Derivative Liability”) associated with the Convertible Notes which include put rights to require the investor to acquire an additional $15.0 million convertible note and additional warrants, holder change of control redemption rights, issuer optional redemption rights, sale redemption rights and a right to make payment in the form of stock rather than cash if certain equity conditions are met. The Derivative Liability is subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date, and any change in fair value will be recorded as a change in fair value in other income (expense) until the earlier of its exercise or expiration. The Company relies on assumptions in a lattice model to determine the fair value of Derivative Liability. The Company has appropriately valued the Derivative Liability within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. See Note 10, “Debt”, for discussion on the Convertible Notes, Derivative Liability and valuation assumptions used.

Warrants

Warrants were issued in conjunction with the Convertible Notes and the Term Loan. See Note 10, “Debt”, for additional information on warrants. These warrants are subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date, and any change in fair value will be recorded as a change in fair value in other income (expense) until the earlier of their exercise or expiration.

The Company relies on assumptions used in a Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of warrants. The Company has appropriately valued the warrants within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. See Note 11, “Warrants and Derivative Liabilities”, for a discussion of the warrants and the valuation assumptions used.

 

5. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable at June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2012
    March 31,
2012
 

Accounts receivable (billed)

   $ 11,442      $ 16,240   

Accounts receivable (unbilled)

     2,168        2,811   

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (52     (52
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 13,558      $ 18,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

6. Inventory

The components of inventory at June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2012
     March 31,
2012
 

Raw materials

   $ 10,117       $ 9,962   

Work-in-process

     3,749         2,390   

Finished goods

     12,893         14,438   

Deferred program costs

     1,940         2,466   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net inventory

   $ 28,699       $ 29,256   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $0.3 million based on evaluating its ending inventory on hand for excess quantities and obsolescence.

Deferred program costs as of June 30, 2012 and March 31 2012 primarily represent costs incurred on D-VAR turnkey projects and programs accounted for under contract accounting where the Company needs to complete development programs before revenue and costs will be recognized, respectively.

 

7. Product Warranty

The Company generally provides a one to three year warranty on its products, commencing upon installation. A provision is recorded upon revenue recognition to cost of revenues for estimated warranty expense based on historical experience.

 

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Product warranty activity was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 5,896      $ 7,907   

Accruals for warranties during the period

     (167     (405

Settlements during the period

     (229     (168
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 5,500      $ 7,334   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

8. Income Taxes

For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $0.8 million and income tax expense of $0.2 million, respectively. The income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2012, was primarily due to a refund of Chinese income taxes of $0.9 million. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2012, as it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets are not currently realizable due to the net operating losses incurred by the Company since its inception.

 

9. Restructuring

The Company accounts for charges resulting from operational restructuring actions in accordance with ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (“ASC 420”) and ASC Topic 712, Compensation—Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits (“ASC 712”). In accounting for these obligations, the Company is required to make assumptions related to the amounts of employee severance, benefits, and related costs and the time period over which leased facilities will remain vacant, sublease terms, sublease rates and discount rates. Estimates and assumptions are based on the best information available at the time the obligation arises. These estimates are reviewed and revised as facts and circumstances dictate; changes in these estimates could have a material effect on the amount accrued on the consolidated balance sheet.

During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company initiated restructuring activities in order to reorganize global operations, streamline various functions of the business, and reduce its global workforce to better reflect the demand for its products. These activities resulted in the reduction of its global workforce by approximately 50%. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company incurred restructuring costs of $0.1 million. These additional charges were paid as of June 30, 2012 and the remaining balance of accrued restructuring is expected to be paid through March 2013.

The following table presents restructuring charges and cash payments (in thousands):

 

     Severance
pay and
benefits
    Facility
exit costs
    Total  

Accrued restructuring balance at April 1, 2012

   $ 680      $ 294      $ 974   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Charges to operations

     167        (39     128   

Cash payments

     (269     (255     (524
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued restructuring balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 578      $ —        $ 578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

All restructuring charges discussed above are included within restructuring and impairments in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes accrued restructuring within accounts payable and accrued expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

10. Debt

Senior Convertible Notes

On April 4, 2012, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement and completed a private placement of $25.0 million of 7% senior convertible notes with Capital Ventures International (“CVI”), an affiliate of Heights Capital Management. After fees and expenses, the net proceeds were $23.2 million. The Convertible Notes have an initial conversion price of $4.85 per share, representing a premium of approximately 20% over AMSC’s closing price on April 3, 2012. The Convertible Notes are payable in monthly installments beginning four months from issuance and ending on

 

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October 4, 2014. Monthly payments are payable in cash or common stock at the option of the Company, subject to certain trading volume, stock price and other conditions. The Company registered 10,262,311 shares of common stock which may be used as payment for principal and interest in lieu of cash for resale under the Securities Act as required under a Registration Rights Agreement with CVI.

The Company has accounted for the Convertible Notes as an instrument that has the characteristics of a debt host contract containing several embedded derivative features that would require bifurcation and separate accounting as a derivative instrument pursuant to the provisions of ASC 815. The Company elected not to use the fair value option for the payable of $25M and will record the liability at the stated value under the loan agreement on the date of issuance with no changes in fair value reported in subsequent periods.

The Company has identified the following derivatives associated with the Convertible Notes: put rights to require the investor to acquire an additional $15.0 million convertible note and additional warrant; holder change of control redemption rights; issuer optional redemption rights; sale redemption rights and a right to make payment in the form of the stock rather than cash if certain equity conditions are met. The Company valued these derivatives at $3.8 million upon issuance and recorded the value as a debt discount and a derivative liability. See Note 11, “Warrants and Derivative Liabilities”, for additional information regarding derivative liabilities.

In addition, CVI received a warrant to purchase approximately 3.1 million additional shares of common stock exercisable at a strike price of $5.45 per share, subject to adjustment, until October 4, 2017. Due to certain adjustment provisions within the warrant, it qualified for liability accounting and had a fair value of $7.0 million upon issuance. The Company recorded the value as a debt discount and a warrant liability. See Note 11, “Warrants and Derivative Liabilities”, for additional information regarding the warrant.

The process of valuing financial and derivative instruments utilizes facts and circumstances as of the measurement date as well as certain inputs, assumptions, and judgments that may affect the estimated fair value of the instruments. Upon issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company determined the initial carrying value of the Convertible Notes to be $25.0 million. In addition, the Company also incurred $1.8 million of legal and origination costs as of the three months ended June 30, 2012, which have been recorded as a discount on the Convertible Notes. The total debt discount, including the embedded derivatives, warrant and legal and origination costs of $12.6 million is being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest method. Under this method, interest expense is recognized each period until the debt instruments reach maturity. If the maturity of the Convertible Notes is accelerated because of prepayment, then the amortization will be accelerated. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded non-cash interest expense for amortization of the debt discount related to the Convertible Notes of $2.2 million.

The Convertible Notes contain certain covenants and restrictions, including, among others, that for so long as the Convertible Notes are outstanding, the Company will not incur any indebtedness (other than permitted indebtedness under the Convertible Notes), permit liens on its properties (other than permitted liens under the Convertible Notes), make payments on junior securities or make dividends. The Convertible Notes also contain limitations on the transfer of certain assets. Events of default under the Convertible Notes include failure to pay principal or interest as due on the Convertible Notes, failure to deliver registered shares of common stock upon the holders request for conversion of part or all of the Convertible Notes, failure to maintain the Company’s common stock eligible for trading on defined markets, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, receipt of uninsured judgments against the Company in excess of defined limits and other administrative covenants, as defined in the Convertible Notes and related documentation. Upon an event of default, the holders may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Notes in cash plus a penalty as specified in the agreement. Also, if the Company fails to maintain an effective registration statement covering common stock to be used in settling obligations under the Convertible Notes, the Company will be required to pay a penalty as specified in the agreement.

In addition, subject to certain conditions contained in the definitive agreements, on October 4, 2012, the Company may issue an additional $15 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and warrant to the same investor.

Senior Secured Term Loan

On June 5, 2012, the Company entered into a Term Loan with Hercules Technology Growth Capital (“Hercules”), under which the Company borrowed $10.0 million (the “Term Loan”). After the closing fees and expenses, the net proceeds to the Company were $9.7 million. The Term Loan bears interest at a floating per annum rate equal to 11% plus the percentage, if any, by which the prime rate exceeds 3.75%. The Company will make interest only payments beginning July 1, 2012 and continuing through October 1, 2012, after which the Company will repay the loan in equal monthly installments ending on December 1, 2014. The Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the Company’s existing and

 

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future assets. In addition, Hercules received a warrant to purchase approximately 139,000 shares of common stock, exercisable at an initial strike price of $3.59 per share, subject to adjustment, until December 5, 2017. Due to certain adjustment provisions within the warrant, it qualified for liability accounting and the fair value of $0.4 million was recorded upon issuance, which the Company recorded as a debt discount and a warrant liability. See Note 11, “Warrants and Derivative Liabilities”, for a discussion on warrants and the valuation assumptions used. The Company will pay an end of term fee of $0.5 million upon the earlier of maturity or prepayment of the loan. The Company has accrued this as of the three months ended June 30, 2012 and recorded a corresponding amount into the debt discount. In addition, the Company incurred $0.3 million of legal and origination costs in the three months ended June 30, 2012, which have been recorded as a debt discount. The total debt discount including the warrant, end of term fee and legal and origination costs of $1.2 million is being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Term Loan using the effective interest method. Under this method, interest expense is recognized each period until the debt instrument reaches maturity. If the maturity of the Term Loan is accelerated because of prepayment, then the amortization will be accelerated. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded non-cash interest expense for amortization of the debt discount related to the Term Loan of $0.1 million.

The Term Loan contains certain covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things, incur or assume certain debt, merge or consolidate, materially change the nature of our business, make certain investments, acquire or dispose of certain assets, make guaranties or grant liens on its assets, make certain loans, advances or investments, declare dividends or make distributions or enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Term Loan contains a covenant which requires the Company to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance in the United States of at least $10.0 million at the inception of the Term Loan, which will decrease starting November 1, 2012 and monthly thereafter by the amount of principal paid. The events of default under the Term Loan include, but are not limited to, failure to pay amounts due, breaches of covenants, bankruptcy events, cross defaults under other material indebtedness and the occurrence of a material adverse effect and/or change in control. In the case of a continuing event of default, the Lender may, among other remedies, declare due all unpaid principal amounts outstanding and any accrued but unpaid interest and foreclose on all collateral granted to the Lender as security under the Term Loan.

Although the Company is in compliance with the covenants and restrictions under the Convertible Notes and Term Loan as of the date of this Interim Report on Form 10-Q, there can no assurance that the Company will continue to be in compliance.

Interest expense on the Convertible Notes and Term Loan for the three month period ended June 30, 2012 was $2.8 million, which included $2.3 million of non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the debt discount on the Convertible Notes and Term Loan.

 

11. Warrants and Derivative Liabilities

On April 4, 2012, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement as described in Note 10, which included a warrant to purchase 3.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrant is exercisable at any time on or after the date that is six months after the issuance of the warrant and entitles CVI to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock for a period of five years from the initial date the warrant becomes exercisable at a price equal to $5.45 per share, subject to certain price-based and other anti-dilution adjustments. The warrant may not be exercised if, after giving effect to the conversion, CVI together with its affiliates would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the Company’s common stock. This percentage may be raised to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99% at the option of the holder of the warrant, upon at least 61-days’ prior notice to the Company, or lowered to any other percentage, at the option of CVI, at any time.

The Company accounts for the warrant as a liability due to certain adjustment provisions within the warrant, which requires that it be recorded at fair value. The warrant is subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value will be recorded as a change in fair value in other income (expense) until the earlier of expiration or its exercise at which time the warrant liability will be reclassified to equity. The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of the warrant, using the following assumptions:

 

     April 4,
2012
    June 30,
2012
 

Risk-free interest rate

     1.19     0.77

Expected annual dividend yield

     0.0     0.0

Expected volatility

     80.0     80.84

Term

     5.5 years        5.28 years   

Fair Value

   $ 7.0 million      $ 8.5 million   

 

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The Company recorded the change in the fair value of the CVI warrant of $1.5 million to change in fair value of derivatives and warrants in the three months ended June 30, 2012.

The Company determined certain embedded derivatives issued with the Convertible Notes required accounting as a liability, which requires they be accounted for as a standalone liability subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date with changes in fair value recorded as change in fair value of derivatives and warrants until the earlier of exercise or expiration.

The Company calculated the fair value of the derivative liabilities bifurcated from the Convertible Notes (see Note 10, “Debt”) utilizing an integrated lattice model. The lattice model is an option pricing model that involves the construction of a binomial tree to show the different paths that the underlying asset may take over the option’s life. A lattice model can take into account expected changes in various parameters such as volatility over the life of the options, providing more accurate estimates of option prices than the Black-Scholes model. Following is a summary of the key assumptions used to value the convertible note derivative feature:

 

     April 4,
2012
    June 30,
2012
 

Expected Volatility

     75.0     71.0

Risk Free Rate

     0.44     0.33

Bond Yield

     15.0     16.0

Recovery Rate

     30.0     30.0

Redeemable

     yes        yes   

Total Time (years)

     2.5        2.28   

Dilution Effect

     yes        yes   

Indicated Percent of Par

     117.0     121.0

Fair Value

   $ 3.7 million      $ 4.5 million   

The expected volatility rate was estimated based on an equal weighting of the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and the implied volatility of the Company’s traded options. To determine the risk-free interest rate an interpolated rate was used based on the two and three year United States Treasury rates. The bond yield was estimated by comparing comparable corporate debt and yield information. The recovery rate of the Convertible Note was estimated by reviewing historical corporate debt that went into default. The bond is redeemable by the Company at any point after the one-year anniversary of the grant date provided certain provisions within the note. The total time is based on the actual contractual terms, 30 months. It was determined that there is a dilution effect based on the Company’s ability to make payments in shares of common stock.

The Company recorded the change in the fair value of the derivative liabilities of $0.8 million to changes in fair value of derivatives and warrants in the three months ended June 30, 2012.

On June 5, 2012, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Hercules (see Note 10, “Debt”, for additional information regarding the Loan and Security Agreement). In conjunction with this agreement, the Company issued a warrant to purchase approximately 139,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrant is exercisable at any time after the issuance of the warrant and entitles Hercules to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock for a period of five and half years from the initial date the warrant becomes exercisable at a price equal to $3.59 per share subject to certain price-based and other anti-dilution adjustments.

 

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The Company accounts for the warrant as a liability due to certain provisions within the warrant, which requires that it be recorded at fair value. The warrant is subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date and any change in fair value will be recorded as changes in fair value of derivatives and warrants until the earlier of expiration or its exercise at which time the warrant liability will be reclassified to equity. The Company calculated the fair value of the warrant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the warrant, using the following assumptions:

 

     June 5,
2012
    June 30,
2012
 

Risk-free interest rate

     0.77     0.80

Expected annual dividend yield

     0.0     0.0

Expected volatility

     79.9     80.32

Term

     5.5 years        5.44 years   

Fair Value

   $ 0.4 million      $ 0.5 million   

The company prepared their estimates for the assumptions used to determine the fair value of the warrants issued in conjunction with both the Convertible Note and Term Loan utilizing the respective terms of the warrants with similar inputs under the Black Scholes valuation method more fully described in Note 2.

The company recorded the change in the fair value of the Hercules warrant of $0.1 million to changes in fair value of derivatives and warrants in the three months ended June 30, 2012.

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Purchase Commitments

The Company periodically enters into non-cancelable purchase contracts in order to ensure the availability of materials to support production of its products. Purchase commitments represent enforceable and legally binding agreements with suppliers to purchase goods or services. The Company periodically assesses the need to provide for impairment on these purchase contracts and record a loss on purchase commitments when required. As of June 30, 2012, the Company recorded a liability for adverse purchase commitments of $17.5 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company adjusted its accrual for adverse purchase commitments by $7.3 million due to settlements with certain vendors.

During the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2012, several vendors notified the Company that they had suffered losses as a result of procuring safety stock in anticipation of receiving future purchase orders or contracts from the Company and subsequently three vendors have filed suits through the Chinese legal system seeking payment for inventories held to be delivered under purchase orders and safety stock. The Company has accrued outstanding adverse purchase commitments based on legally binding contracts and purchase orders that were placed with its vendors for parts with no future demand. The vendor claims for safety stock were not supported by valid purchase orders or valid executed contracts and are not considered part of the adverse purchase commitment liability. The claims for safety stock have not been accrued as of June 30, 2012. The Company has determined that although it believes that there is no legally enforceable contract for safety stock and will continue to defend its legal position that it does not owe amounts for safety stock, that it is reasonably possible that a case may be made against the Company under certain situations. As the loss is reasonably possible but not probable, the Company has not accounted for the loss. The Company has determined that the range for this potential loss is between $0 and $4 million.

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types. The Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for these matters when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews these estimates each accounting period as additional information is known and adjusts the loss provision when appropriate. If a matter is both probable to result in liability and the amounts of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company estimates and discloses the possible loss or range of loss. If the loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in its consolidated financial statements.

Between April 6, 2011 and May 12, 2011, seven putative securities class action complaints were filed against the Company and two of its officers in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts; one complaint additionally asserted claims against the underwriters who participated in our November 12, 2010 securities offering. On June 7, 2011, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts consolidated these actions under the caption

 

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Lenartz v. American Superconductor Corporation, et al., Docket No. 1:11-cv-10582-WGY. On August 31, 2011, Lead Plaintiff, the Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund, filed a consolidated amended complaint against the Company, its officers and directors, and the underwriters who participated in our November 12, 2010 securities offering, asserting claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as well as under sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). The complaint alleges that during the relevant class period, the Company and its officers omitted to state material facts and made materially false and misleading statements relating to, among other things, its projected and recognized revenues and earnings, as well as its relationship with Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd. that artificially inflated the value of the Company’s stock price. The complaint further alleges that the Company’s November 12, 2010 securities offering contained untrue statements of material facts and omitted to state material facts required to be stated therein. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, rescindment of the Company’s November 12, 2010 securities offering, and an award of costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees. All defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. On December 16, 2011, the district court issued a summary order declining to dismiss the Securities Act claims against the Company and its officers, and taking under advisement the motion to dismiss the Exchange Act claims against the Company and its officers and the motion to dismiss the Securities Act claims made against the underwriters. On July 26, 2012, the district court dismissed the Exchange Act claims against the Company and its officers and denied the motion to dismiss the Securities Act claims made against the underwriters.

Between May 4, 2011 and June 17, 2011, four putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed against the Company (as a nominal defendant) and certain of its directors in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On July 5, 2011, the District Court consolidated three of these actions, and that matter is now captioned In re American Superconductor Corporation Derivative Litigation, Docket No. 1:11-cv-10784-WGY. On June 1, 2011, the plaintiff in the fourth action, Marlborough Family Revocable Trust v. Yurek, et al., moved to voluntarily dismiss its complaint and refiled its complaint in Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex County. On September 7, 2011, the Marlborough action and another putative shareholder derivative complaint filed in Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were consolidated. That consolidated matter is captioned Marlborough Family Revocable Trust v. Yurek, et al., Docket No. 11-1961. On January 12, 2012, an additional shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware. That matter is captioned Krasnoff v. Budhraja, et al., Docket No. 7171. The allegations of the derivative complaints mirror the allegations made in the putative class action complaints described above. The plaintiffs purport to assert claims against the director defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment and corporate waste. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of the Company, as well as an award of costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees.

With respect to the above referenced litigation matters, an estimate of loss or range of loss cannot be made. There are numerous factors that make it difficult to meaningfully estimate possible loss or range of loss at this stage of these litigation matters, including that: the proceedings are in relatively early stages, there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved, information obtained or rulings made during the lawsuits could affect the methodology for calculation of rescission and the related statutory interest rate. In addition, with respect to claims where damages are the requested relief, no amount of loss or damages has been specified. Therefore, the Company is unable at this time to estimate possible losses. The Company believes that these litigations are without merit, and it intends to defend these actions vigorously. Therefore no adjustment has been made to the financial statements to reflect the outcome of these uncertainties.

On September 13, 2011, the Company commenced a series of legal actions in China against Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd. (“Sinovel”). The Company’s Chinese subsidiary, Suzhou AMSC Superconductor Co. Ltd., filed a claim for arbitration with the Beijing Arbitration Commission in accordance with the terms of the Company’s supply contracts with Sinovel. The case is captioned (2011) Jin Zhong An Zi No. 0963. On March 31, 2011, Sinovel refused to accept contracted shipments of 1.5 megawatt (MW) and 3 MW wind turbine core electrical components and spare parts that the Company was prepared to deliver. The Company alleges that these actions constitute material breaches of its contracts because Sinovel did not give it notice that it intended to delay deliveries as required under the contracts. Moreover, the Company alleges that Sinovel has refused to pay past due amounts for prior shipments of core electrical components and spare parts. The Company is seeking compensation for past product shipments and retention (including interest) in the amount of approximately RMB 485 million ($76 million) due to Sinovel’s breaches of its contracts. The Company is also seeking specific performance of our existing contracts as well as reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses with respect to the arbitration. The value of the undelivered components under the existing contracts, including the deliveries refused by Sinovel in March 2011, amounts to approximately RMB 4.6 billion ($720 million).

 

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On October 8, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an application under the caption (2011) Jing Zhong An Zi No. 0963, for a counterclaim against the Company for breach of the same contracts under which the Company filed its original arbitration claim. Sinovel claimed, among other things, that the goods supplied by the Company do not conform to the standards specified in the contracts and claimed damages in the amount of approximately RMB 370 million ($58 million). On October 17, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission a request for change of counterclaim to increase its damage claim to approximately RMB 1 billion ($157 million). On December 22, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an additional request for change of counterclaim to increase its damages claim to approximately RMB 1.2 billion ($190 million). On February 27, 2012, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an application under the caption (2012) Jing Zhong An Zi No. 0157, against the Company for breach of the same contracts under which the Company filed its original arbitration claim. Sinovel claimed, among other things, that the goods supplied by the Company do not conform to the standards specified in the contracts and claimed damages in the amount of approximately RMB 105 million ($17 million). The Company believes that Sinovel’s claims are without merit and it intends to defend these actions vigorously. Since the proceedings in this matter are in relatively early stages, the Company cannot reasonably estimate possible losses or range of losses at this time.

The Company also submitted a civil action application to the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court under the caption (2011) Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No. 15524, against Sinovel for software copyright infringement on September 13, 2011. The application alleges Sinovel’s unauthorized use of portions of the Company’s wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines and the binary code, or upper layer, of the Company’s software for the PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines. In July 2011, a former employee of the Company’s Austrian subsidiary was arrested in Austria on charges of economic espionage and fraudulent manipulation of data. In September 2011, the former employee pled guilty to the charges, and was imprisoned. As a result of the Company’s internal investigation and a criminal investigation conducted by Austrian authorities, the Company believes that this former employee was contracted by Sinovel through an intermediary while employed by the Company and improperly obtained and transferred to Sinovel portions of its wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines. Moreover, the Company believes the former employee illegally used source code to develop for Sinovel a software modification to circumvent the encryption and remove technical protection measures on the Company’s PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines in the field. The Company is seeking a cease and desist order with respect to the unauthorized copying, installation and use of its software, monetary damages of approximately RMB 38 million ($6 million) for our economic losses and reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. In November 2011, Sinovel filed a motion to remove this case from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court and transfer the matter to the Beijing Arbitration Commission. On February 14, 2012, the court denied Sinovel’s motion to remove the case. On February 21, 2012, Sinovel filed an appeal of the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court decision to the Beijing Higher People’s Court. On April 25, 2012, the Beijing Higher People’s Court issued a final Civil Ruling which supports the Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court’s civil ruling and rejected Sinovel’s appeal. Sinovel has filed an appeal of the Beijing Higher People’s Court’s decision with China’s Supreme People’s Court. On June 18, 2012, Sinovel filed a new motion to remove this case from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court to the court located in Gansu Province.

The Company submitted a civil action application to the Beijing Higher People’s Court against Sinovel and certain of its employees for trade secret infringement on September 13, 2011 under the caption (2011) Gao Min Chu Zi No. 4193. The application alleges the defendants’ unauthorized use of portions of the Company’s wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines as described above with respect to the Copyright Action. The Company is seeking monetary damages of RMB 2.9 billion ($453 million) for the trade secret infringement as well as reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The Beijing Higher People’s Court accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. On December 22, 2011, the Beijing Higher People’s Court transferred this case to the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court under the caption (2011) Gao Min Chu Zi No. 4193. On June 7, 2012, the Company received an Acceptance Notice from the Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court under the caption (2012) Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No.6833. The Company is currently awaiting notice from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court regarding the first hearing date.

On September 16, 2011, the Company filed a civil copyright infringement complaint in the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court against Dalian Guotong Electric Co. Ltd. (“Guotong”), a supplier of power converter products to Sinovel, and Huaneng Hainan Power, Inc. (“Huaneng”), a wind farm operator that has purchased Sinovel wind turbines containing Guotong power converter products. The case is captioned (2011) Hainan Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No. 62. The application alleges that the Company’s PM1000 converters in certain Sinovel wind turbines have been replaced by converters produced by Guotong. Because the Guotong converters are being used in wind turbines containing the Company’s wind turbine control software, the Company believes that its copyrighted software is being infringed. The Company is seeking a cease and desist order with respect to the unauthorized use of its software, monetary damages of RMB 1.2 million ($0.2 million) for its economic losses (with respect to Guotong only) and reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The

 

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court has accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. In addition, upon the request of the defendant Huaneng, Sinovel has been added by the court to this case as a defendant and Huaneng has been released from this case. In December 2011, Sinovel filed a jurisdiction opposition motion requesting dismissal by the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court, saying the case should be governed by the Beijing Arbitration Commission. On February 3, 2012, the Company received the Civil Ruling from the court, which granted Sinovel’s motion, and dismissed the entire case. The Company appealed the court’s ruling to the Hainan Higher Court, which on April 5, 2012 upheld the decision of the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court. On April 9, 2012, the Company filed an appeal of the Hainan Higher Court’s decision with China’s Supreme People’s Court. The Supreme Court accepted the appeal on May 23, 2012. The case is captioned, (2012) Min Shen Zi No. 630.

Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd (“Ghodawat”), a company registered in India carrying on the business of wind power development, lodged a Request for Arbitration with the Secretariat of the ICC International Court of Arbitration on May 12, 2011 and named AMSC Windtec GmbH (“AMSC Austria”) as the Respondent. Under the Request for Arbitration, Ghodawat alleges that AMSC Austria breached an agreement dated March 19, 2008 pursuant to which AMSC Austria granted a license to Ghodawat to manufacture, use, sell, market, erect, commission and maintain certain wind turbines using its technical information and wind turbine design (the “License Agreement”). Under the Request for Arbitration, Ghodawat’s claims in this arbitration amount to approximately €18 million ($24 million). AMSC Austria filed an Answer to Request for Arbitration and Counterclaim (“Answer and Counterclaim”), in which AMSC Austria denied Ghodawat’s claims in their entirety. AMSC Austria has also submitted counterclaims under the License Agreement against Ghodawat in the amount of approximately €6 million ($9 million). Ghodawat has filed a Reply to Answer to Request for Arbitration and Counterclaim in which it denies AMSC Austria’s counterclaims. The arbitration proceedings are currently ongoing. The Company has recorded a loss contingency based on its assessment of probable losses on this claim; however this amount is immaterial to its consolidated financial statements.

Other

The Company enters into long-term construction contracts with customers that require the Company to obtain performance bonds. The Company is required to deposit an amount equivalent to some or all the face amount of the performance bonds into an escrow account until the termination of the bond. When the performance conditions are met, amounts deposited as collateral for the performance bonds are returned to the Company. In addition, the Company has various contractual arrangements in which minimum quantities of goods or services have been committed to be purchased on an annual basis.

At June 30, 2012, the Company had $16.7 million of restricted cash included in current assets, and $4.8 million of restricted cash included in long-term assets. These amounts included in restricted cash represent deposits to secure letters of credit for various supply contracts. These deposits are held in interest bearing accounts. The Company is working with its inventory suppliers to delay cash settlements and to reduce the gross liability associated with its adverse purchase commitments. During the quarter ending June 30, 2012, the Company agreed to settle adverse purchase commitments with certain of its vendors. In conjunction with these settlements, the Company agreed to provide letters of credit and bank guarantees in the amount of approximately $9.0 million with expirations through January 31, 2013. The letters of credit and bank guarantees were secured with cash collateral of $8.5 million and resulted in a reduction of its adverse purchase commitments liability of $7.3 million recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2012.

As of June 30, 2012, the Company had three performance bonds in support of customer contracts. The total value of the outstanding performance bonds is $3.5 million with expiration dates through March 2014. In the event that the payment is made in accordance with the requirements of any of these performance bonds, the Company would record the payment as an offset to revenue.

 

13. Equity Investments

Investment in Tres Amigas

On October 9, 2009, the Company made an investment in Tres Amigas LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Tres Amigas”), focused on providing the first common interconnection of America’s three power grids to help the country achieve its renewable energy goals and facilitate the smooth, reliable and efficient transfer of green power from region to region, for $1.8 million, consisting of $0.8 million in cash and $1.0 million in AMSC common stock. On January 6, 2011 and May 20, 2011, the Company increased its minority position in Tres Amigas by investing an additional $1.8 million in cash on each date. As of June 30, 2012, the Company holds a 26% ownership interest in Tres Amigas.

 

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The Company’s investment in Tres Amigas is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and the equity in undistributed losses of Tres Amigas is included in other income, net, on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The net investment activity for the three months ended June 30, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at April 1, 2012

   $ 3,859   

Minority interest in net losses

     (227
  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 3,632   
  

 

 

 

Investment in Blade Dynamics Ltd.

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired (through its Austrian subsidiary), a minority ownership position in Blade Dynamics Ltd. (“Blade Dynamics”), a designer and manufacturer of advanced wind turbine blades based on proprietary materials and structural technologies, for $8.0 million in cash. As of June 30, 2012, the Company holds a 25% ownership interest in Blade Dynamics.

The Company has determined that Blade Dynamics is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated Blade Dynamics as of June 30, 2012. The investment is carried at the acquisition cost, plus the Company’s equity in undistributed earnings or losses. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to the Company’s recorded investment in this VIE. The Company’s investment in Blade Dynamics is included in other assets on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet and the equity in undistributed losses of Blade Dynamics is included in other income, net, on the consolidated statements of operations.

The net investment activity for the three months ended June 30, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at April 1, 2012

   $ 6,083   

Minority interest in net losses

     (584

Net foreign exchange rate impact

     (350
  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 5,149   
  

 

 

 

 

14. Business Segments

The Company reported its financial results in two reportable business segments: Wind and Grid.

Through its Windtec Solutions, the Wind business segment enables manufacturers to field wind turbines with exceptional power output, reliability and affordability. The Company licenses its highly engineered wind turbine designs, provides extensive customer support services and supplies advanced power electronics and control systems to wind turbine manufactures. Its design portfolio includes a broad range of drive trains and power ratings up to 10 megawatts. The Company believes its advanced engineering capabilities, ranging from bearings to advanced synchronous generators to blades, enables it to provide its partners with highly-optimized wind turbine platforms. Furthermore, these designs and support services typically lead to sales of its power electronics and software-based control systems, which are designed for optimized performance, efficiency and grid compatibility.

Through its Gridtec Solutions, the Grid business segment enables electric utilities and renewable energy project developers to connect, transmit and distribute power with exceptional efficiency, reliability and affordability. The Company provides transmission planning services that allow it to identify power grid congestion, poor power quality and other risks, which help the Company determine how its solutions can improve network performance. These services often lead to sales of grid interconnection solutions for wind farms and solar power plants, power quality systems and transmission and distribution cable systems.

 

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The operating results for the two business segments are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Revenues:

    

Wind

   $ 16,511      $ 4,262   

Grid

     12,205        4,796   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 28,716      $ 9,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Three months ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Operating (loss) income:

    

Wind

   $ 1,301      $ (24,370

Grid

     (5,343     (10,552

Unallocated corporate expenses

     (2,086     (3,405
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (6,128   $ (38,327
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those for the consolidated Company. The Company’s business segments have been determined in accordance with the Company’s internal management structure, which is organized based on operating activities. The Company evaluates performance based upon several factors, of which the primary financial measures are segment revenues and segment operating (loss) income. The disaggregated financial results of the segments reflect allocation of certain functional expense categories consistent with the basis and manner in which Company management internally disaggregates financial information for the purpose of assisting in making internal operating decisions. In addition, certain corporate expenses which the Company does not believe are specifically attributable or allocable to either of the two business segments have been excluded from the segment operating income.

Unallocated corporate expenses primarily consist of stock-based compensation expense of $2.0 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Total assets for the two business segments are as follows (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2012
     March 31,
2012
 

Wind

   $ 66,598       $ 70,054   

Grid

     82,006         89,091   

Corporate assets

     115,574         95,911   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 264,178       $ 255,056   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table sets forth customers who represented 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three months ended
June  30,
 
     2012     2011  

Beijing JINGCHENG New Energy Co., Ltd.

     19     —     

Karara Mining Ltd.

     15     —     

INOX Wind Limited.

     15     —     

Department of Energy

     —          17

Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co Ltd.

     —          15

Shenyang Blower Works Group Wind Power Co.,Ltd.

     —          13

 

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15. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 requires entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company early adopted ASU 2011-05 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitatively whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test is required. An entity has the unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2013 but is eligible for early adoption. The Company does not believe adoption of this standard will have an impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210)-Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU 2011-11). The update requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements of financial instruments and derivative instruments. ASU 2011-11 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2011-11, but currently does not believe there will be a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

The Company does not believe that other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

16. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the time of filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC, per the requirements of ASC Topic 855 and has determined that there are no events to report.

 

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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For this purpose, any statements contained herein that relate to future events or conditions, including without limitation, the statements in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in Part I under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and located elsewhere herein regarding industry prospects or our prospective results of operations or financial position, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. There are a number of important factors that could materially impact the value of our common stock or cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include: Our success in addressing the wind energy market is dependent on the manufacturers that license our designs; we may not realize all of the sales expected from our backlog of orders and contracts; our business and operations would be adversely impacted in the event of a failure or security breach of our information technology infrastructure; our success is dependent upon attracting and retaining qualified personnel and our inability to do so could significantly damage our business and prospects; we rely upon third-party suppliers for the components and subassemblies of many of our Wind and Grid products, making us vulnerable to supply shortages and price fluctuations, which could harm our business; many of our revenue opportunities are dependent upon subcontractors and other business collaborators; if we fail to implement our business strategy successfully, our financial performance could be harmed; problems with product quality or product performance may cause us to incur warranty expenses and may damage our market reputation and prevent us from achieving increased sales and market share; our contracts with the United States government are subject to audit, modification or termination by the United States government and include certain other provisions in favor of the government; the continued funding of such contracts remains subject to annual congressional appropriation which, if not approved, could reduce our revenue and lower or eliminate our profit; we may acquire additional complementary businesses or technologies, which may require us to incur substantial costs for which we may never realize the anticipated benefits; many of our customers outside of the United States are, either directly or indirectly, related to governmental entities, and we could be adversely affected by violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws outside the United States; we have limited experience in marketing and selling our superconductor products and system-level solutions, and our failure to effectively market and sell our products and solutions could lower our revenue and cash flow; we have a history of operating losses, and we may incur additional losses in the future; our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and may fall below expectations in any particular fiscal quarter; we may require additional funding in the future and may be unable to raise capital when needed; our new debt obligations include certain covenants and other events of default. Should we not comply with the covenants or incur an event of default, we may be required to repay our debt obligations in cash, which could have an adverse effect on our liquidity; we have recorded a liability for adverse purchase commitments with certain of our vendors; should we be required to settle these liabilities in cash, our liquidity could be adversely affected; if we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls over financial reporting, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired and may lead investors and other users to lose confidence in our financial data; we may be required to issue performance bonds or provide letters of credit, which restricts our ability to access any cash used as collateral for the bonds or letters of credit; changes in exchange rates could adversely affect our results from operations; growth of the wind energy market depends largely on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives; we depend on sales to customers in China, and global conditions could negatively affect our operating results or limit our ability to expand our operations outside of China; changes in China’s political, social, regulatory and economic environment may affect our financial performance; our products face intense competition, which could limit our ability to acquire or retain customers; our international operations are subject to risks that we do not face in the United States, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results; adverse changes in domestic and global economic conditions could adversely affect our operating results; we may be unable to adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary information; our patents may not provide meaningful protection for our technology, which could result in us losing some or all of our market position; the commercial uses of superconductor products are limited today, and a widespread commercial market for our products may not develop; there are a number of technological challenges that must be successfully addressed before our superconductor products can gain widespread commercial acceptance, and our inability to address such technological challenges could adversely affect our ability to acquire customers for our products; we have not manufactured our Amperium wire in commercial quantities, and a failure to manufacture our Amperium wire in commercial quantities at

 

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acceptable cost and quality levels would substantially limit our future revenue and profit potential; third parties have or may acquire patents that cover the materials, processes and technologies we use or may use in the future to manufacture our Amperium products, and our success depends on our ability to license such patents or other proprietary rights; our technology and products could infringe intellectual property rights of others, which may require costly litigation and, if we are not successful, could cause us to pay substantial damages and disrupt our business; we have filed a demand for arbitration and other lawsuits against our former largest customer, Sinovel, regarding amounts we contend are overdue. We cannot be certain as to the outcome of these proceedings; we have been named as a party to purported stockholder class actions and stockholder derivative complaints, and we may be named in additional litigation, all of which will require significant management time and attention, result in significant legal expenses and may result in an unfavorable outcome, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition; our 7% convertible note contains warrants and provisions that could limit our ability to repay the note in shares of common stock and should the note be repaid in stock, shareholders could experience significant dilution; our common stock has experienced, and may continue to experience, significant market price and volume fluctuations, which may prevent our stockholders from selling our common stock at a profit and could lead to costly litigation against us that could divert our management’s attention. These and the important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part II. Item 1A and Part 1. Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made herein and presented elsewhere by management from time to time. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

American Superconductor®, Amperium®, AMSC®, D-VAR®, PowerModuleTM, PQ-IVR®, SeaTitanTM, Gridtec SolutionsTM, Windtec SolutionsTM and Smarter, Cleaner Better EnergyTM are trademarks or registered trademarks of American Superconductor Corporation or its subsidiaries. We reserve all of our rights with respect to our trademarks or registered trademarks regardless of whether they are so designated in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q by an ® or TM symbol. All other brand names, product names, trademarks or service marks appearing in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective holders.

Executive Overview

American Superconductor Corporation was founded in 1987. We are a leading provider of megawatt-scale solutions that lower the cost of wind power and enhance the performance of the power grid. In the wind power market, we enable manufacturers to field wind turbines through our advanced engineering, support services and power electronics products. In the power grid market, we enable electric utilities and renewable energy project developers to connect, transmit and distribute power through our transmission planning services and power electronics and superconductor-based products. Our wind and power grid products and services provide exceptional reliability, security, efficiency and affordability to our customers.

Our wind and power grid solutions help to improve energy efficiency, alleviate power grid capacity constraints and increase the adoption of renewable energy generation. Demand for our solutions is driven by the growing needs for renewable sources of electricity, such as wind and solar energy, and for modernized smart grids that improve power reliability and quality. Concerns about these factors have led to increased spending by corporations as well as supportive government regulations and initiatives on local, state, national and global levels, including renewable portfolio standards, tax incentives and international treaties.

We manufacture products using two proprietary core technologies: PowerModule™ programmable power electronic converters and our Amperium™ HTS wires. These technologies and our system-level solutions are protected by a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio consisting of hundreds of patents and licenses worldwide.

We operate our business under two market-facing business units: Wind and Grid. We believe this market-centric structure enables us to more effectively anticipate and meet the needs of wind turbine manufacturers, power generation project developers and electric utilities.

 

   

Wind. Through our Windtec Solutions, our Wind business segment enables manufacturers to field wind turbines with exceptional power output, reliability and affordability. We license our highly engineered wind turbine designs, provide extensive customer support services and supply advanced power electronics and control systems to wind turbine manufactures. Our design portfolio includes a broad range of drive trains and power ratings up to 10 megawatts. We believe our unique engineering capabilities, ranging from bearings to advanced synchronous generators to blades, enables us to provide our partners with highly-optimized wind turbine platforms. Furthermore, these designs and support services typically lead to sales of our power electronics and software-based control systems, which are designed for optimized performance, efficiency and grid compatibility.

 

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Grid. Through our Gridtec Solutions, our Grid business segment enables electric utilities and renewable energy project developers to connect, transmit and distribute power with exceptional efficiency, reliability and affordability. We provide transmission planning services that allow us to identify power grid congestion, poor power quality and other risks, which help us determine how our solutions can improve network performance. These services often lead to sales of grid interconnection solutions for wind farms and solar power plants, power quality systems and transmission and distribution cable systems.

Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. This document refers to fiscal 2012, which is defined as the period beginning on April 1, 2012 and concluding on March 31, 2013. The first quarter of fiscal 2012 began on April 1, 2012 and concluded on June 30, 2012.

On April 4, 2012 we completed a private placement of $25.0 million of senior convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”) with an affiliate of Heights Capital Management. On June 5, 2012, we entered into a $10.0 million Loan and Security Agreement (“Term Loan”) with Hercules Technology Growth Capital. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for further discussion of these debt arrangements.

Our cash requirements depend on numerous factors, including managing our adverse purchase commitments, maintaining compliance with the covenants and restrictions in our debt agreements, successful completion of our product development activities, ability to commercialize our product prototypes, rate of customer and market adoption of our products, collecting receivables according to established terms, and the continued availability of United States government funding during the product development phase. Significant deviations to our business plan with regard to these factors, which are important drivers to our business, could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance, financial condition, and future business prospects. We expect to pursue the expansion of our operations through internal growth, diversification of our customer base, and potential strategic alliances. See below for a discussion of liquidity and capital resources.

During March 2011, we engaged in discussions with Sinovel, formerly our largest customer, regarding the acceptance of its scheduled shipments, outstanding receivables, and the delivery of a custom solution desired by Sinovel for low voltage ride through (“LVRT”) that required a modification to our existing LVRT design. The custom design required modified software and additional hardware. Toward the end of March, Sinovel requested that we provide them with the additional hardware without additional cost. On March 31, 2011, we proposed to Sinovel that we would provide the additional hardware without additional cost if Sinovel would accept the scheduled shipments. Sinovel rejected this proposal due to what we were told was excess inventory of our components. Since Sinovel did not give us the requisite notice under our contracts that they intended to delay deliveries, we believe that these actions constitute material breaches of our contracts.

As of the date of this filing, we have not received payment from Sinovel for any outstanding receivables nor have we been notified as to when, if ever, Sinovel will accept contracted shipments that were scheduled for delivery after March 31, 2011. Additionally, based in part upon evidence obtained through an internal investigation and a criminal investigation conducted by Austrian authorities regarding the actions of a former employee of our Austrian subsidiary, we believe that Sinovel illegally obtained and used our intellectual property in violation of civil and criminal intellectual property laws. In July 2011, a former employee of our Austrian subsidiary was arrested in Austria on charges of economic espionage and fraudulent manipulation of data. In September 2011, the former employee pled guilty to the charges, and was imprisoned. The evidence presented during the court hearing showed that this former employee was contracted by Sinovel through an intermediary while employed by us and improperly obtained and transferred to Sinovel portions of our wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines. Except for portions of this 1.5MW wind turbine software, we do not believe that the source code for any other turbines, such as the 3MW, 5MW and 6MW wind turbines that were designed by and co-developed with us have been transferred to Sinovel. Moreover, we believe the evidence shows this former employee illegally used source code to develop for Sinovel a software modification to circumvent the encryption and remove technical protection measures on the PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines in the field. We believe that only the binary code, or upper layer, of the PM3000 software developed to circumvent the encryption and remove technical protection measures was transferred to Sinovel. We do not believe that any PM3000 source code was transferred to Sinovel. These actions potentially enable Sinovel to deploy, independent of us, wind turbine control software, including a low voltage ride through solution, on all of its 1.5MW wind turbines in the field. In addition, by having the wind turbine control source code, Sinovel could potentially modify the source code to allow the use of core electrical components, including power converters, from other manufacturers.

On September 13, 2011, we commenced a series of legal actions in China against Sinovel. We filed a claim for arbitration in Beijing, China to compel Sinovel to pay us for past product shipments and to accept all contracted but not yet delivered core electrical components and spare parts under all existing contracts with us. The arbitration claim was filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission in accordance with the terms of our supply contracts with Sinovel. We also filed civil and criminal complaints against Sinovel.

 

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We cannot provide any assurance as to the outcome of these legal actions. See Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings below for additional information regarding these legal proceedings.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ under different assumptions or conditions. Except as stated below, there were no significant changes in the critical accounting policies during the three months ended June 30, 2012 that were disclosed in our Form 10-K for fiscal 2011, which ended on March 31, 2012.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, derivatives, warrants, convertible notes and a term loan. The estimated fair values have been determined through information obtained from market sources and management estimates. The carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value. We have identified all of the derivatives associated with the Convertible Notes which include put rights to require the investor to acquire an additional $15.0 million convertible note and additional warrant, holder change of control redemption rights, issuer optional redemption rights, sale redemption rights and a right to make payment in the form of stock rather than cash if certain equity conditions are met. The derivative liability is subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date, and any change in fair value will be recorded as a change in fair value in other income (expense) until the earlier of their exercise or expiration of the derivatives associated with the Convertible Notes. We rely on assumptions in a lattice model to determine the fair value of the derivative liability. We have appropriately valued the derivative liability within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Warrants were issued in conjunction with the Convertible Notes and Term Loan. These warrants are subject to revaluation at each balance sheet date, and any change in fair value will be recorded as a change in fair value in other income (expense) until the earlier of the warrants’ exercise or expiration. We rely on assumptions used in a Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of the warrants. We have appropriately valued the warrants within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Results of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three ended June 30, 2011

Revenues

Total revenues increased by 217% to $28.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $9.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Our revenues are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011  

Revenues:

     

Wind

   $ 16,511       $ 4,262   

Grid

     12,205         4,796   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 28,716       $ 9,058   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our Wind business unit accounted for 57% of total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to 47% for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Revenues in the Wind business unit increased 287% to $16.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012 from $4.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. Wind business unit revenues increased primarily due to increased shipments of electrical control systems to customers in China and India.

Our Grid business unit accounted for 43% of total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to 53% for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Our Grid business unit revenues increased 155% to $12.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012 from $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Grid business unit revenues increased primarily due to increased D-VAR revenues.

 

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Revenues from significant government-funded contracts are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

                   Revenue Earned for the Three
Months Ended June 30,
 
            Revenue earned     

Project name

   Expected total
contract value
     through
June 30, 2012
     2012      2011  

HYDRA 1 & 2

   $ 29,043       $ 12,480       $ 322       $ 411   

LIPA I and II

     40,141         40,007         29         1,309   

DOE-FCL

     7,898         7,384         135         232   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 77,082       $ 59,871       $ 486       $ 1,952   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

These significant projects represented 4% and 41% of the Grid business unit revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Project HYDRA is a project with Consolidated Edison, Inc. which is being partially funded by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”). DHS is expected to invest up to a total of $29.0 million in the development of a new HTS power grid technology called FaultBlocker™ cable systems. FaultBlockerTM cable systems are designed to utilize customized Amperium™ HTS wires, and ancillary controls to deliver more power through the grid while also being able to suppress power surges that can disrupt service. On June 29, 2012, DHS committed an additional $3.3 million in funding on Project HYDRA. Of the total $29.0 million in funding expected from DHS, it has committed funding of $18.9 million to us as of June 30, 2012. Consolidated Edison and Southwire Company are our subcontractors on this project.

LIPA II is a project to install an HTS power cable using our Amperium™ wire for the Long Island Power Authority. DOE-FCL is a project to develop and demonstrate a transmission voltage SuperLimiter fault current limiter (“FCL”).

The following table sets forth customers who represented 10% or more of our total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three months ended
June  30,
 
     2012     2011  

Beijing JINGCHENG New Energy Co., Ltd.

     19     —     

Karara Mining Ltd.

     15     —     

INOX Wind Limited.

     15     —     

Department of Energy

     —          17

Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co Ltd.

     —          15

Shenyang Blower Works Group Wind Power Co., Ltd.

     —          13

Cost of Revenues and Gross Margin

Cost of revenues was $17.0 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Gross margin was 41.1% and (87.2%) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2011 was primarily due to settlements of certain adverse purchase order liabilities resulting in a benefit to cost of revenues of $7.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012 as well as higher revenues, which included approximately $3 million of revenue from Chinese customers representing payment for past shipments for which revenue is being recognized upon cash collection. Costs associated with this revenue were recorded in prior periods.

 

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Operating Expenses

Research and development

A portion of our R&D expenditures related to externally funded development contracts has been classified as cost of revenues (rather than as R&D expenses). Additionally, a portion of R&D expenses was offset by cost-sharing funding. Our R&D expenditures are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011  

R&D expenses per unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations

   $ 3,910       $ 8,136   

R&D expenditures reclassified as cost of revenues

     2,860         4,040   

R&D expenditures offset by cost-sharing funding

     94         34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Aggregated R&D expenses

   $ 6,864       $ 12,210   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

R&D expenses (exclusive of amounts classified as cost of revenues and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding) decreased by 52% to $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 from $8.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in R&D expenses was driven primarily by the realization of cost reduction actions that were implemented in fiscal 2011. The decrease in R&D expenditures reclassified to costs of revenue was a result of decreased activity under license and development contracts for wind turbine designs compared to the prior year. Aggregated R&D expenses, which include amounts classified as cost of revenues and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding, decreased 44% to $6.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $12.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

We present aggregated R&D, which is a non-GAAP measure, because we believe this presentation provides useful information on our aggregate R&D spending and because R&D expenses as reported on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income have been, and may in the future be, subject to significant fluctuations solely as a result of changes in the level of externally funded contract development work, resulting in significant changes in the amount of the costs recorded as costs of revenues rather than as R&D expenses, as discussed above.

Selling, general, and administrative

SG&A expenses decreased by 37% to $13.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012, from $22.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in SG&A expenses was due primarily to the realization of cost reductions actions that were implemented in fiscal 2011 and costs associated with the severance of our former chief executive officer during the three months ended June 30, 2011, which did not recur.

Amortization of acquisition related intangibles

We recorded amortization expense related to our core technology and know-how, trade names and trademark intangible assets of $0.1 million and $0.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These intangible assets are primarily as a result of our Windtec acquisition.

Restructuring

We recorded restructuring and impairment charges of $0.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012. These amounts consist primarily of employee severance and benefit costs related to our restructuring plan.

Operating (loss) income

Our operating (loss) income is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three months ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Wind

   $ 1,301      $ (24,370

Grid

     (5,343     (10,552

Unallocated corporate expenses

     (2,086     (3,405
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (6,128   $ (38,327
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Our Wind segment generated operating income of $1.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to an operating loss of $24.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in Wind business unit operating income was primarily due to the settlement of certain adverse purchase order liabilities and the realization of cost reductions which were implemented in fiscal 2011 as well as the increased revenue for the 2012 quarter.

The operating loss of our Grid segment decreased to $5.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $10.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in Grid business unit operating loss was primarily due to lower operating expenses as a result of the reductions in force and reduced discretionary spending, partially offset by increased D-VAR revenues.

Unallocated corporate expenses also include stock-based compensation expense of $2.0 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants

As a result of our completed debt financings during the three months ended June 30, 2012, we recognized a liability for derivative features embedded within the financing agreements, including the convertible feature of the Convertible Note and warrants issued in conjunction with the Convertible Note and Term Loan. We are required to value the derivative liabilities and warrants at fair value each quarter and recognize a gain or loss on the change in fair value of these instruments.

The fair value of the derivative liabilities and warrants increased by $2.4 million and resulted in an expense to our consolidated statement of operations. The primary driver of the expense was the increase in our stock price from the inception of the debt agreements to June 30, 2012.

Interest (expense) income, net

Interest expense, net, was $2.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to interest income of $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in interest expense was due to the debt financings completed during the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Other income, net

Other income, net, was $0.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in other income, net primarily relates to an increase in losses on minority interest investments of $0.4 million.

Income Taxes

In the three months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded an income tax benefit of $0.8 million compared to income tax expense of $0.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a refund of Chinese income taxes.

Non-GAAP Measures

Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP measures included in this Form 10-Q, however, should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to the comparable measure prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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We define non-GAAP net (loss) income as net (loss) income before amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, restructuring and impairments, stock-based compensation, change in fair value of derivative liabilities and warrants, non-cash interest expense, other unusual charges and any tax effects related to these items. We believe non-GAAP net (loss) income assists management and investors in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding these non-cash or non-recurring charges that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. We also regard non-GAAP net (loss) income as a useful measure of operating performance which more closely aligns net (loss) income with cash used in/provided by continuing operations. In addition, we use non-GAAP net (loss) income as a factor in evaluating management’s performance when determining incentive compensation and to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP net (loss) income is set forth in the table below (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Net loss

   $ (10,275   $ (37,679

Adverse purchase commitment (recoveries) losses, net

     (7,301     1,071   

Stock-based compensation

     1,994        3,466   

Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

     81        304   

Restructuring and impairment charges

     128        —     

Executive severance

     —          2,066   

Sinovel litigation

     120        —     

Consumption of zero cost-basis inventory

     387        —     

Change in fair value of derivatives and warrants

     2,388     

Non-cash interest expense

     2,282     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP net loss

   $ (10,196   $ (30,772
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP loss earnings per share

   $ (0.20   $ (0.61
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding *

     51,191        50,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Diluted shares are used for periods where net income is generated.

We incurred a non-GAAP net loss of ($10.2) million or ($0.20) per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of ($30.8) million, or ($0.61) per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in the non-GAAP net loss was driven primarily by the factors that resulted in a lower net loss, including higher revenues, improved gross margin and lower operating expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At June 30, 2012, we had cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash of $87.1 million, compared to $66.2 million at March 31, 2012, an increase of $20.9 million. Our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

     June 30,
2012
     March 31,
2012
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 60,487       $ 46,279   

Marketable securities

     5,209         5,304   

Restricted cash

     21,451         14,626   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted cash

   $ 87,147       $ 66,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, for the three months ended June 30, 2012, net cash used in operating activities was $11.6 million compared to $57.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in net cash used in operations is due primarily to a decrease in net loss, adjusted for non-cash items of $22.3 million and a decrease in cash used for working capital of $23.9 million.

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, net cash used in investing activities was $6.8 million compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $59.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The decrease in net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was driven primarily by a decrease in the proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities of $90.7 million and an increase in restricted cash of $3.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures of $4.4 million, and the $20.6 million advance payment to The Switch, and the additional minority investment in Tres Amigas of $1.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011, which did not recur.

 

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For the three months ended June 30, 2012, net cash provided by financing activities was $32.9 million compared to $4.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities is primarily due to the net proceeds from our financings during the period ended June 30, 2012 of $32.9 million, partially offset by a payment on borrowings under a line of credit of $4.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011.

At June 30, 2012, we had $16.7 million of restricted cash included in current assets, and $4.8 million of restricted cash included in long-term assets. These amounts included in restricted cash represent deposits to secure letters of credit for various supply contracts and are held in interest bearing accounts. We are working with our inventory suppliers to delay cash settlements and to reduce the gross liability associated with our adverse purchase commitments, which is approximately $17.5 million as of June 30, 2012. During the quarter ending June 30, 2012, we agreed to settle adverse purchase commitments with certain of our vendors. In conjunction with these settlements, we agreed to provide letters of credit and bank guarantees in the amount of approximately $9.0 million with expirations through January 31, 2013. The letters of credit and bank guarantees were secured with cash collateral of $8.5 million and resulted in a reduction of our adverse purchase commitments liability of $7.3 million.

As of June 30, 2012, we had three performance bonds in support of customer contracts. The total value of the outstanding performance bonds is $3.5 million with expiration dates through March 2014. In the event that the payment is made in accordance with the requirements of any of these performance bonds, we would record the payment as an offset to revenue.

On April 4, 2012, we completed a private placement of $25.0 million of Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes bear interest of 7% and have an initial conversion price of $4.85 per share. The Convertible Notes are payable in monthly installments beginning four months from issuance and ending on October 4, 2014. Monthly payments are payable in cash or common stock at our option, subject to certain trading volume, stock price and other conditions. The Convertible Notes contain certain covenants and restrictions, including, among others, that for so long as the Convertible Notes are outstanding, we will not incur any indebtedness (other than permitted indebtedness under the Convertible Notes), permit liens on our properties (other than permitted liens under the Convertible Notes), make payments on junior securities or make dividends. The Convertible Notes also contain limitations on the transfer of certain assets. Events of default under the Convertible Notes include failure to pay principal or interest as due on the Convertible Notes, failure to deliver registered shares of common stock upon the holders request for conversion of part or all of the Convertible Notes, failure to maintain our common stock eligible for trading on defined markets, cross defaults to other material indebtedness, receipt of uninsured judgments against us in excess of defined limits and other administrative covenants, as defined in the Convertible Notes and related documentation. Upon an event of default, the holders may require us to redeem all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Notes in cash plus a penalty specified in the agreement. In addition, if we fail to maintain an effective registration statement covering common stock to be used in settling obligations under the Convertible Notes, we will be required to pay a penalty specified in the agreement.

On June 5, 2012, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Hercules Technology Growth Capital, under which we borrowed $10.0 million. The Term Loan bears interest at a floating per annum rate equal to 11% plus the percentage, if any, by which the prime rate exceeds 3.75%. We will make interest only payments beginning July 1, 2012 and continuing through October 1, 2012, after which we will repay the Term Loan in equal monthly installments ending on December 1, 2014. The Term Loan contains certain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, incur or assume certain debt, merge or consolidate, materially change the nature of our business, make certain investments, acquire or dispose of certain assets, make guaranties or grant liens on its assets, make certain loans, advances or investments, declare dividends or make distributions or enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Term Loan contains a covenant which requirements us to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance in the United States of at least $10.0 million at the inception of the Term Loan, which will decrease starting November 1, 2012 and monthly thereafter by the amount of principal paid. The events of default under the Term Loan include, but are not limited to, failure to pay amounts due, breaches of covenants, bankruptcy events, cross defaults under other material indebtedness and the occurrence of a material adverse effect and/or change in control. In the case of a continuing event of default, the Lender may, among other remedies, declare due all unpaid principal amounts outstanding and any accrued but unpaid interest and foreclose on all collateral granted to the Lender as security under the Term Loan.

Although we are in and expect to remain in compliance with covenants and restrictions on the Convertible Notes and Term Loan as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there can no assurance that we will continue to be in compliance. If we fail to stay in compliance with our covenants or suffer some other event of default, we may be forced to repay the outstanding principle of one or both of our debt obligations. In the case of the Convertible Note, such an event of default would also include the requirement to pay a penalty as defined in the agreement. Should this occur, our liquidity would be adversely affected.

 

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At June 30, 2012, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $65.7 million. We experienced a substantial decline in revenues, incurred a net loss of $136.8 million and used $141.0 million of cash for operations during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. As a result, we reduced our global workforce by approximately 50% and consolidated certain business operations in three locations to reduce facility costs. As of June 30, 2012, we had a global workforce of approximately 430 persons.

We expect that our cost reduction efforts and anticipated revenue growth will result in a substantial reduction in cash used for operations during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. We plan to closely monitor our expenses and if required, expect to further reduce operating costs and capital spending to enhance liquidity.

We believe that our available cash, together with additional reductions in operating costs and capital expenditures that we expect to make if necessary, will be sufficient to fund our operations, capital expenditures and any scheduled cash payments under our debt obligations through June 30, 2013. Our liquidity is highly dependent on our ability to profitably grow revenues, successfully manage adverse purchase commitments, fund and maintain compliance with the covenants and restrictions on our debt obligations, and raise additional capital, as required. We may seek additional financing however; there can be no assurance that financing will be available on commercially acceptable terms or at all.

Legal Proceedings

We are involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types. See Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” for additional information. We record a liability in our consolidated financial statements for these matters when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. We review these estimates each accounting period as additional information is known and adjust the loss provision when appropriate. If a matter is both probable to result in liability and the amounts of loss can be reasonably estimated, we estimate and disclose the possible loss or range of loss. If the loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in its consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, such as relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating transactions that are not required to be reflected on our balance sheet except as discussed below.

We occasionally enter into construction contracts that include a performance bond. As these contracts progress, we continually assess the probability of a payout from the performance bond. Should we determine that such a payout is probable, we would record a liability.

In addition, we have various contractual arrangements in which minimum quantities of goods or services have been committed to be purchased on an annual basis.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 requires entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We early adopted ASU 2011-05 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU 2011-08 allows entities to first assess qualitatively whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative two-step goodwill impairment test is required. An entity has the unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2013 but is eligible for early adoption. We do not believe adoption of this standard will have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

 

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In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210)-Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU 2011-11). The update requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements of financial instruments and derivative instruments. ASU 2011-11 is effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2011-11, but currently believe there will be no significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

We do not believe that other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We face exposure to financial market risks, including adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates. These exposures may change over time as our business practices evolve and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to interest rate risk through financial instruments includes investments in marketable securities as well as our Term Loan that carries a variable interest rate. To manage the interest rate exposure on our investments, our strategy is to invest in short-term, highly liquid investments. Our investments in marketable securities consist primarily of government-backed securities and commercial paper and are designed, in order of priority, to preserve principal, provide liquidity, and maximize income. Investments are monitored to limit exposure to instruments responsible for the recent turmoil in the credit markets. Interest rates are variable and fluctuate with current market conditions. Our Term Loan bears interest at a floating per annum rate equal to 11% plus the percentage, if any, by which the prime rate exceeds 3.75%. We do not believe that a 10% change in interest rates would have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. Our Convertible Note bears a fixed interest rate of 7%; however upon the occurrence on an event of default pursuant to the Note, the interest rate would increase to 15%.

Foreign currency exchange risk

The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, except for AMSC Austria, for which the local currency (Euro) is the functional currency, and AMSC China, for which the local currency (Renminbi) is the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of AMSC Austria and AMSC China are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense items are translated at average rates for the period. Cumulative translation adjustments are excluded from net income (loss) and shown as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

We face exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates whenever we, or any of our subsidiaries, enter into transactions with third parties that are denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. Intercompany transactions between entities that use different functional currencies also expose us to foreign currency risk. Gross margins of products we manufacture in the U.S and sell in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are also affected by foreign currency exchange rate movements. In addition, a portion of our earnings is generated by our foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar, and our revenues and earnings could be materially impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates upon the translation of the earnings of such subsidiaries into the U.S. dollar.

Foreign currency transaction gains included in net (loss) income were $0.9 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2012. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2012, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Between April 6, 2011 and May 12, 2011, seven putative securities class action complaints were filed against us and two of our officers in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts; one complaint additionally asserted claims against the underwriters who participated in our November 12, 2010 securities offering. On June 7, 2011, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts consolidated these actions under the caption Lenartz v. American Superconductor Corporation, et al., Docket No. 1:11-cv-10582-WGY. On August 31, 2011, Lead Plaintiff, the Plumbers and Pipefitters National Pension Fund, filed a consolidated amended complaint against us, our officers and directors, and the underwriters who participated in our November 12, 2010 securities offering, asserting claims under sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as well as under sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). The complaint alleges that during the relevant class period, we and our officers omitted to state material facts and made materially false and misleading statements relating to, among other things, our projected and recognized revenues and earnings, as well as our relationship with Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd. that artificially inflated the value of our stock price. The complaint further alleges that our November 12, 2010 securities offering contained untrue statements of material facts and omitted to state material facts required to be stated therein. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, rescindment of our November 12, 2010 securities offering, and an award of costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees. All defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint. On December 16, 2011, the district court issued a summary order declining to dismiss the Securities Act claims against us and our officers, and taking under advisement the motion to dismiss the Exchange Act claims against us and our officers and the motion to dismiss the Securities Act claims made against the underwriters. On July 26, 2012, the district court dismissed the Exchange Act claims against us and our officers and denied the motion to dismiss the Securities Act claims made against the underwriters.

Between May 4, 2011 and June 17, 2011, four putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed against us (as a nominal defendant) and certain of our directors in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On July 5, 2011, the District Court consolidated three of these actions, and that matter is now captioned In re American Superconductor Corporation Derivative Litigation, Docket No. 1:11-cv-10784-WGY. On June 1, 2011, the plaintiff in the fourth action, Marlborough Family Revocable Trust v. Yurek, et al., moved to voluntarily dismiss its complaint and refiled its complaint in Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex County. On September 7, 2011, the Marlborough action and another putative shareholder derivative complaint filed in Superior Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were consolidated. That consolidated matter is captioned Marlborough Family Revocable Trust v. Yurek, et al., Docket No. 11-1961. On January 12, 2012, an additional shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware. That matter is captioned Krasnoff v. Budhraja, et al., Docket No. 7171. The allegations of the derivative complaints mirror the allegations made in the putative class action complaints described above. The plaintiffs purport to assert claims against the director defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment and corporate waste. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of us, as well as an award of costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees.

If a matter is both probable to result in liability and the amounts of loss can be reasonably estimated, we estimate and disclose the possible loss or range of loss. With respect to the above referenced litigation matters, such an estimate cannot be made. There are numerous factors that make it difficult to meaningfully estimate possible loss or range of loss at this stage of these litigation matters, including that: the proceedings are in relatively early stages, there are significant factual and legal issues to be resolved, information obtained or rulings made during the lawsuits could affect the methodology for calculation of rescission and the related statutory interest rate. In addition, with respect to claims where damages are the requested relief, no amount of loss or damages has been specified. Therefore, we are unable at this time to estimate possible losses. We believe that these litigations are without merit, and we intend to defend these actions vigorously. Therefore no adjustment has been made to the financial statements to reflect the outcome of these uncertainties.

On September 13, 2011, we commenced a series of legal actions in China against Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd. (“Sinovel”). Our Chinese subsidiary, Suzhou AMSC Superconductor Co. Ltd., filed a claim for arbitration with the Beijing Arbitration Commission in accordance with the terms of our supply contracts with Sinovel. The case is captioned (2011) Jin Zhong An Zi No. 0963. On March 31, 2011, Sinovel refused to accept contracted shipments of 1.5 megawatt (MW) and 3 MW wind turbine core electrical components and spare parts that we were prepared to deliver. We allege that these actions constitute material breaches of our contracts because Sinovel did not give us notice that it intended to delay deliveries as

 

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required under the contracts. Moreover, we allege that Sinovel has refused to pay past due amounts for prior shipments of core electrical components and spare parts. We are seeking compensation for past product shipments and retention (including interest) in the amount of approximately RMB 485 million ($76 million) due to Sinovel’s breaches of our contracts. We are also seeking specific performance of our existing contracts as well as reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses with respect to the arbitration. The value of the undelivered components under the existing contracts, including the deliveries refused by Sinovel in March 2011, amounts to approximately RMB 4.6 billion ($720 million).

On October 8, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an application under the caption (2011) Jing Zhong An Zi No. 0963, for a counterclaim against us for breach of the same contracts under which we filed our original arbitration claim. Sinovel claimed, among other things, that the goods supplied by us do not conform to the standards specified in the contracts and claimed damages in the amount of approximately RMB 370 million ($58 million). On October 17, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission a request for change of counterclaim to increase its damage claim to approximately RMB 1 billion ($157 million). On December 22, 2011, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an additional request for change of counterclaim to increase its damages claim to approximately RMB 1.2 billion ($190 million). On February 27, 2012, Sinovel filed with the Beijing Arbitration Commission an application under the caption (2012) Jing Zhong An Zi No. 0157, against us for breach of the same contracts under which we filed our original arbitration claim. Sinovel claimed, among other things, that the goods supplied by us do not conform to the standards specified in the contracts and claimed damages in the amount of approximately RMB 105 million ($17 million). We believe that Sinovel’s claims are without merit and we intend to defend these actions vigorously. Since the proceedings in this matter are in relatively early stages, we cannot reasonably estimate possible losses or range of losses at this time.

We also submitted a civil action application to the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court under the caption (2011) Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No. 15524, against Sinovel for software copyright infringement on September 13, 2011. The application alleges Sinovel’s unauthorized use of portions of our wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines and the binary code, or upper layer, of our software for our PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines. In July 2011, a former employee of our Austrian subsidiary was arrested in Austria on charges of economic espionage and fraudulent manipulation of data. In September 2011, the former employee pled guilty to the charges, and was imprisoned. As a result of our internal investigation and a criminal investigation conducted by Austrian authorities, we believe that this former employee was contracted by Sinovel through an intermediary while employed by us and improperly obtained and transferred to Sinovel portions of our wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines. Moreover, we believe the former employee illegally used source code to develop for Sinovel a software modification to circumvent the encryption and remove technical protection measures on the PM3000 power converters in 1.5MW wind turbines in the field. We are seeking a cease and desist order with respect to the unauthorized copying, installation and use of our software, monetary damages of approximately RMB 38 million ($6 million) for our economic losses and reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. In November 2011, Sinovel filed a motion to remove this case from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court and to transfer the matter to the Beijing Arbitration Commission. On February 14, 2012, the court denied Sinovel’s motion to remove the case. On February 21, 2012, Sinovel filed an appeal of the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court decision to the Beijing Higher People’s Court. On April 25, 2012, the Beijing Higher People’s Court issued a final Civil Ruling which supports the Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court’s civil ruling and rejected Sinovel’s appeal. Sinovel has filed an appeal of the Beijing Higher People’s Court’s decision with China’s Supreme People’s Court. On June 18, 2012, Sinovel filed a new motion to remove this case form the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court to the court located in Gansu Province.

We submitted a civil action application to the Beijing Higher People’s Court against Sinovel and certain of its employees for trade secret infringement on September 13 2011 under the caption (2011) Gao Min Chu Zi No. 4193. The application alleges the defendants’ unauthorized use of portions of our wind turbine control software source code developed for Sinovel’s 1.5MW wind turbines as described above with respect to the Copyright Action. We are seeking monetary damages of RMB 2.9 billion ($453 million) for the trade secret infringement as well as reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The Beijing Higher People’s Court has accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. On December 22, 2011 the Beijing Higher People’s Court transferred the case to the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court under the caption (2011) Gao Min Chu Zi No. 4193. On June 7, 2012, we received the Acceptance Notice form the Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court under the caption (2012) Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No.6833. We are currently awaiting notice from the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court regarding the first hearing date.

 

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On September 16, 2011, we filed a civil copyright infringement complaint in the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court against Dalian Guotong Electric Co. Ltd. (“Guotong”), a supplier of power converter products to Sinovel, and Huaneng Hainan Power, Inc. (“Huaneng”), a wind farm operator that has purchased Sinovel wind turbines containing Guotong power converter products. The case is captioned (2011) Hainan Yi Zhong Min Chu Zi No. 62. The application alleges that our PM1000 converters in certain Sinovel wind turbines have been replaced by converters produced by Guotong. Because the Guotong converters are being used in wind turbines containing our wind turbine control software, we believe that our copyrighted software is being infringed. We are seeking a cease and desist order with respect to the unauthorized use of our software, monetary damages of RMB 1.2 million ($0.2 million) for our economic losses (with respect to Guotong only) and reimbursement of all costs and reasonable expenses. The court has accepted the case, which was necessary in order for the case to proceed. In addition, upon the request of the defendant Huaneng, Sinovel has been added by the court to this case as a defendant and Huaneng has been released from this case. In December 2011, Sinovel filed a jurisdiction opposition motion requesting dismissal by the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court, saying the case should be governed by the Beijing Arbitration Commission. On February 3, 2012, we received the Civil Ruling from the court, which granted Sinovel’s motion, and dismissed the entire case. We appealed the court’s ruling to the Hainan Higher Court, which on April 5, 2012 upheld the decision of the Hainan Province No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court. On April 9, 2012, we filed an appeal of the Hainan Higher Court’s decision with China’s Supreme People’s Court. The Supreme Court accepted the appeal on May 23, 2012. The case is captioned, (2012) Min Shen Zi No. 630.

Ghodawat Energy Pvt Ltd (“Ghodawat”), a company registered in India carrying on the business of wind power development, lodged a Request for Arbitration with the Secretariat of the ICC International Court of Arbitration on May 12, 2011 and named AMSC Windtec GmbH (“AMSC Austria”) as the Respondent. Under the Request for Arbitration, Ghodawat alleges that AMSC Austria breached an agreement dated March 19, 2008 pursuant to which AMSC Austria granted a license to Ghodawat to manufacture, use, sell, market, erect, commission and maintain certain wind turbines using its technical information and wind turbine design (the “License Agreement”). Under the Request for Arbitration, Ghodawat’s claims in this arbitration amount to approximately €18 million ($24 million). AMSC Austria filed an Answer to Request for Arbitration and Counterclaim (“Answer and Counterclaim”), in which AMSC Austria denied Ghodawat’s claims in their entirety. AMSC Austria has also submitted counterclaims under the License Agreement against Ghodawat in the amount of approximately €6 million ($9.0 million). Ghodawat has filed a Reply to Answer to Request for Arbitration and Counterclaim in which it denies AMSC Austria’s counterclaims. The arbitration proceedings are currently ongoing. We have recorded a loss contingency based on our assessment of probable losses on this claim; however, this amount is immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. To the best of our knowledge, as of the date of this report there has been no material change in any risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding the exhibits for a list of exhibits filed as part of this quarterly report, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION

Date: August 3, 2012

    By:   /s/    DAVID A. HENRY        
        David A. Henry
        Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

    4.1    Senior Convertible Note, dated as of April 4, 2012, between the Registrant and Capital Ventures International
    4.2    Series A Warrant, dated as of April 4, 2012, between the Registrant and Capital Ventures International
  10.1    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 4, 2012, by and among the Registrant and Capital Ventures International (1)
  10.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 4, 2012, by and among the Registrant and Capital Ventures International (2)
  10.3    Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2012, between the Registrant and Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (3)
  10.4    Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2012, between the Registrant and Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (4)
  10.5    Executive Severance Agreement dated as of January 30, 2012 between the Registrant and James F. Maguire
  10.6    First Amendment to Executive Severance Agreement, effective as of May 9, 2012, between the Registrant and James F. Maguire
  31.1    Chief Executive Officer—Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2    Chief Financial Officer—Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.1    Chief Executive Officer—Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2    Chief Financial Officer—Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document.**
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.**
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.**
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.**
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.**
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.**

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 4, 2012 (Commission file No. 000-19672).
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 4, 2012 (Commission file No. 000-19672).
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 6, 2012 (Commission file No. 000-19672).
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 6, 2012 (Commission file No. 000-19672).
** submitted electronically herewith

Attached as Exhibits 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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