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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 September 30, 2010

 

OR

 

o  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 0-31313

 

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

88-0409160

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

47 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 332, Naperville, IL 60540

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(630) 637-0315

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not applicable

(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 o

 

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 o   No o

 

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

Number of shares of registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001, outstanding as of November 1, 2010: 107,017,316

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

1

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

1

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

2

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

3

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

19

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

30

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

30

 

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

31

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

31

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

31

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

31

Item 4.

Removed and Reserved

 

31

Item 5.

Other Information

 

31

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

31

Signatures

 

32

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

9,425

 

$

4,829

 

Short-term investments

 

922

 

 

Restricted cash

 

 

2,010

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $618 and $1,641 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

 

23,938

 

21,920

 

Inventories, net

 

16,260

 

9,039

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

4,714

 

5,688

 

Total current assets

 

55,259

 

43,486

 

Property and equipment, net

 

129,396

 

136,249

 

Goodwill

 

5,154

 

9,715

 

Intangible assets, net

 

34,024

 

37,248

 

Deferred income tax assets

 

6

 

 

Other assets

 

2,126

 

3,338

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

225,965

 

$

230,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Lines of credit and notes payable

 

$

 

$

10,717

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

2,649

 

9,021

 

Current portions of capital lease obligations

 

1,172

 

1,130

 

Accounts payable

 

18,652

 

14,710

 

Accrued liabilities

 

6,987

 

6,965

 

Deferred revenue

 

7,399

 

10,199

 

Total current liabilities

 

36,859

 

52,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

11,044

 

15,778

 

Long-term capital lease obligations, net of current portions

 

2,453

 

3,286

 

Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

253

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

 

 

403

 

Other

 

1,524

 

1,979

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

15,021

 

21,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 107,007,228 and 96,701,127 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

 

107

 

97

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

355,861

 

300,779

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

2

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(181,885

)

(145,281

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

174,085

 

155,595

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

225,965

 

$

230,036

 

 

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

 

1



Table of Contents

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

38,197

 

$

59,507

 

$

96,996

 

$

164,882

 

Cost of sales

 

38,655

 

52,925

 

102,334

 

150,464

 

Gross (loss) profit

 

(458

)

6,582

 

(5,338

)

14,418

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

7,314

 

8,247

 

22,995

 

27,688

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 

4,561

 

 

Intangible amortization

 

1,075

 

2,906

 

3,224

 

8,718

 

Total operating expenses

 

8,389

 

11,153

 

30,780

 

36,406

 

Operating loss

 

(8,847

)

(4,571

)

(36,118

)

(21,988

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(345

)

(732

)

(1,068

)

(1,831

)

Other, net

 

380

 

243

 

118

 

5,910

 

Total other income (expense), net

 

35

 

(489

)

(950

)

4,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before benefit for income taxes

 

(8,812

)

(5,060

)

(37,068

)

(17,909

)

BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES

 

(513

)

(116

)

(464

)

(389

)

NET LOSS

 

$

(8,299

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE - Basic and diluted

 

$

(0.08

)

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.35

)

$

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - Basic and diluted

 

106,900

 

96,609

 

106,019

 

96,550

 

 

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

 

2



Table of Contents

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

14,550

 

20,131

 

Goodwill impairment

 

4,561

 

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements

 

(253

)

(262

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(409

)

83

 

Stock-based compensation

 

636

 

1,491

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(1,023

)

(1,032

)

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

 

61

 

(78

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(995

)

11,067

 

Inventories

 

(7,221

)

26,972

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

974

 

(140

)

Accounts payable

 

4,915

 

(21,046

)

Accrued liabilities

 

(207

)

(4,116

)

Deferred revenue

 

(2,800

)

(11,070

)

Other non-current assets and liabilities, net

 

843

 

(1,627

)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(22,972

)

2,853

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(5,490

)

(9,761

)

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

 

(922

)

 

Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment

 

9

 

54

 

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

 

2,010

 

(2,003

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,393

)

(11,710

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from issuance of stock

 

53,347

 

547

 

Common stock issued under defined contribution 401(k) plan

 

499

 

 

Payments on lines of credit and notes payable

 

(21,707

)

(8,312

)

Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable

 

 

5,033

 

Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions

 

 

3,686

 

Proceeds from deposits on equipment

 

 

665

 

Principal payments on capital leases

 

(791

)

(906

)

Issuance of restricted stock grants

 

611

 

551

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

31,959

 

1,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange rates

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

4,596

 

(7,593

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period

 

4,829

 

15,253

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the period

 

$

9,425

 

$

7,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

 

$

1,207

 

$

1,697

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

38

 

$

531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash purchase accounting allocation charges

 

$

 

$

3,030

 

Common stock issued under defined contribution 401(k) plan

 

$

499

 

$

 

Issuance of restricted stock grants

 

$

611

 

$

551

 

 

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

 

3


 


Table of Contents

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2010. The December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. This financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Broadwind Energy, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had five operating subsidiaries, which consisted of Brad Foote Gear Works, Inc. (“Brad Foote”), Tower Tech Systems Inc. (“Tower Tech”), Energy Maintenance Service, LLC (“EMS”), Badger Transport, Inc. (“Badger”), and Broadwind Energy Europe GmbH. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. Additionally, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.

 

Business Overview

 

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Broadwind,” and the “Company” refer to Broadwind Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company is an independent, horizontally integrated supplier of customized products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. The Company’s product and service portfolio provides its customers, including wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers and wind farm operators, with access to a broad array of wind component and service offerings. The Company manufactures gearing systems and wind towers for the wind industry, and provides technical service, precision repair and engineering and specialized logistics to the wind industry in the U.S.

 

In December 2009, the Company revised its reporting segment presentation into four reportable operating segments: Towers, Gearing, Technical and Engineering Services, and Logistics. Accordingly, all prior period financial results have been reclassified to reflect these changes. See Note 14, “Segment Reporting,” of the notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Company’s reportable segments.

 

Towers

 

The Company manufactures wind towers, specifically the larger and heavier wind towers that are designed for 2 megawatt (“MW”) and larger wind turbines. The Company’s production facilities are strategically located in close proximity to the primary U.S. wind resource regions, sited in Wisconsin and Texas, including a recently constructed third wind tower manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota, which will become operational as business warrants and pending the installation of certain additional equipment. The Company also manufactures other specialty weldments and structures for industrial customers.

 

Gearing

 

The Company manufactures precision gearing systems for the wind industry and for industrial markets including mining and oilfield equipment.  The Company uses an integrated manufacturing process, which includes a machining process in Cicero, Illinois, a heat treatment process in Neville Island, Pennsylvania and a finishing process in the Company’s Cicero factory.

 

Technical and Engineering Services

 

The Company is an independent service provider of construction support and operations and maintenance services to the wind industry. The Company’s specialty services include oil change-out, up-tower tooling for gearing systems, drive-train and blade repairs and component replacement. The Company’s construction support capabilities include assembly of towers, nacelles, blades

 

4



Table of Contents

 

and other components. The Company also provides customer support, preventive maintenance and wind technician training. The Company’s technicians utilize regional service centers for storage and repair of parts as well as for training. Through its precision repair and engineering services, the Company repairs and refurbishes complex wind components, including control systems, gearboxes and blades. The Company also conducts warranty inspections, commissions turbines and provides technical assistance.

 

Logistics

 

The Company offers specialized transportation, permitting and logistics management to the wind industry for oversize and overweight machinery and equipment. The Company delivers complete turbines to the installation site, including blades, nacelles and tower sections for final erection. The Company focuses on the project management of the delivery of complete wind turbine farms.

 

Financing and Liquidity

 

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $10,347. The Company’s management anticipates that the Company will be able to satisfy the cash requirements associated with, among other things, working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt and lease commitments through at least the next 12 months primarily with current cash on hand, receipts of deposits from customers to fund steel purchases and cash generated by operations or other financing arrangements.

 

On September 29, 2010, Tower Tech, Brad Foote, EMS and Badger (each individually, a “Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”) each entered into an individual Account Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “AP Agreements”) with Wells Fargo Business Credit, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”). The aggregate facility limit of the AP Agreements is $10,000. At September 30, 2010, no amounts were drawn under the AP Agreements, and the Company had the ability to borrow up to $10,000, subject to maintaining a month-end minimum total cash balance of $5,000.

 

NOTE 2 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Basic earnings per share calculation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss to common stockholders

 

$

(8,299

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

106,900,143

 

96,608,575

 

106,019,147

 

96,549,710

 

Basic net loss per share

 

$

(0.08

)

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.35

)

$

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share calculation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss to common stockholders

 

$

(8,299

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

106,900,143

 

96,608,575

 

106,019,147

 

96,549,710

 

Common stock equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options and unvested restricted stock units (1)

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

106,900,143

 

96,608,575

 

106,019,147

 

96,549,710

 

Diluted net loss per share

 

$

(0.08

)

$

(0.05

)

$

(0.35

)

$

(0.18

)

 


(1) Stock options and unvested restricted stock units granted and outstanding of 1,462,500 and 1,877,745 as of September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the anti-dilutive effect as a result of the Company’s net loss for these respective periods.

 

NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value and primarily consist of raw material, work-in-process, and finished goods. Work-in-process consists of labor and overhead, processing costs, purchased subcomponents and materials purchased

 

5



Table of Contents

 

for specific customer orders. Finished goods consist of components purchased from third parties as well as components manufactured by the Company that will be used to produce final customer products.

 

The components of inventories as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

10,849

 

$

4,957

 

Work-in-process

 

4,802

 

2,921

 

Finished goods

 

2,275

 

3,338

 

 

 

17,926

 

11,216

 

Less: Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory

 

(1,666

)

(2,177

)

Net inventories

 

$

16,260

 

$

9,039

 

 

NOTE 4 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. The Company performs an annual impairment test through the application of a fair-value based test as of October 31 of each year, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its assets may not be recoverable. The Company’s estimate of fair value for each of the Company’s operating segments is based primarily on projected future results, cash flows and other assumptions.

 

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company identified a triggering event associated with a continued deterioration in financial performance within its Technical and Engineering Services segment. This triggering event required a subsequent revision in the Company’s projection of future operating results and cash flows for this segment in light of the continued economic weakness in the wind energy industry. The Company’s analysis indicated that the projected fair value of the Technical and Engineering Services segment assets did not exceed the carrying value of these assets. The method used in determining the fair value was based upon the Company’s estimate of the projected future discounted cash flows of its reporting unit. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4,561 during the second quarter and the impairment charge was recorded to operating expenses in its consolidated statement of operations.

 

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company identified triggering events associated with the Company’s current period operating loss combined with a history of continued operating losses, and during the third quarter the Company’s market capitalization was below the net book value of its total assets. As a result, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain of its identifiable intangible assets and goodwill balances. Based upon the Company’s assessment, no impairment to these assets was identified as of September 30, 2010.

 

As of September 30, 2010, the carrying value of goodwill was as follows:

 

 

 

Towers

 

Gearing

 

Technical and
Engineering
Services

 

Logistics

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill balance as of December 31, 2009

 

$

 

$

 

$

4,561

 

$

5,154

 

$

9,715

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge

 

 

 

(4,561

)

 

(4,561

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill balance as of September 30, 2010

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,154

 

$

5,154

 

 

Intangible assets represent the fair value assigned to definite-lived assets such as trade names, customer relationships, and non-compete agreements as part of acquisitions completed by the Company during 2007 and 2008. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 20 years. The Company tests intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. As a result of the triggering events noted above, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain of its identifiable intangible assets. Based upon the Company’s assessment, no impairment to these assets was identified as of September 30, 2010.

 

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As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the cost basis, accumulated amortization and net book value of intangible assets were as follows:

 

 

 

September 30, 2010

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

Cost

 

Accumulated

 

Book

 

Cost

 

Accumulated

 

Impairment

 

Book

 

 

 

Basis

 

Amortization

 

Value

 

Basis

 

Amortization

 

Charge

 

Value

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

$

33,059

 

$

(8,059

)

$

25,000

 

$

106,638

 

$

(21,332

)

$

(57,835

)

$

27,471

 

Trade names

 

10,159

 

(1,466

)

8,693

 

10,279

 

(1,099

)

(107

)

9,073

 

Noncompete agreements

 

1,490

 

(1,159

)

331

 

1,490

 

(786

)

 

704

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

 

$

44,708

 

$

(10,684

)

$

34,024

 

$

118,407

 

$

(23,217

)

$

(57,942

)

$

37,248

 

 

Intangible investments associated with customer relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements are amortized ratably over the estimated life of the related intangible assets. Amortization expense was $1,075 and $3,224 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to $2,906 and $8,718 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.

 

NOTE 5 — ACCRUED LIABILITIES

 

Accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued operating expenditures

 

$

487

 

$

954

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

3,254

 

2,295

 

Accrued professional fees

 

202

 

1,067

 

Accrued warranty

 

1,368

 

918

 

Accrued other

 

1,676

 

1,731

 

Total accrued liabilities

 

$

6,987

 

$

6,965

 

 

NOTE 6 — DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENTS

 

The Company’s outstanding debt balances as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lines of credit

 

$

 

$

10,601

 

Term loans and notes payable

 

11,373

 

22,595

 

Related party note

 

2,320

 

2,320

 

 

 

13,693

 

35,516

 

Less - Current maturities

 

(2,649

)

(19,738

)

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

$

11,044

 

$

15,778

 

 

Credit Facilities

 

Brad Foote

 

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Brad Foote in October 2007, the Company assumed outstanding debt and available lines of credit totaling approximately $25,500 under various secured debt facilities (the “BOA Debt Facilities”) with Bank of

 

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America.  On January 22, 2010, Brad Foote repaid all of the outstanding principal and interest under the BOA Debt Facilities in the aggregate amount of $16,076, and the BOA Debt Facilities were terminated.

 

Tower Tech

 

ICB Line

 

In October 2007, Tower Tech obtained a secured line of credit (the “ICB Line”) from Investors Community Bank in the amount of $2,500, which was subsequently increased to $5,500 on March 21, 2008. On March 13, 2009, Investors Community Bank agreed to extend the maturity date of the ICB Line to March 13, 2010. Pursuant to a Master Amendment dated as of December 30, 2009 among Investors Community Bank, Tower Tech and Broadwind (as guarantor), the amount of the ICB Line was increased to $6,500, subject to borrowing base availability. Tower Tech repaid all of the outstanding indebtedness under the ICB Line in the amount of $3,066 on January 26, 2010, and allowed the ICB Line to expire on March 13, 2010.

 

ICB Notes

 

On April 7, 2008, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary R.B.A., Inc. (“RBA”) executed four (4) promissory notes with Investors Community Bank (the “ICB Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $3,781, as follows: (i) a term note in the maximum principal amount of approximately $421, bearing interest at a per annum rate of 6.85%, with a maturity date of October 5, 2012; (ii) a term note in the maximum principal amount of $700, bearing interest at a per annum rate of 5.65%, with a maturity date of April 25, 2013; (iii) a term note in the maximum principal amount of $928, bearing interest at a per annum rate of 5.65%, with a maturity date of April 25, 2013; and (iv) a line of credit note in the maximum principal amount of $1,732, bearing interest at a per annum rate of 4.48% until May 1, 2008 and thereafter at LIBOR plus 1.75%, with a maturity date of April 5, 2009 (the “Line of Credit Note”). The Line of Credit Note was subsequently modified on March 13, 2009 to extend the maturity date to March 13, 2010 and to change the interest rate to the greater of (A) 5% or (B) prime. The ICB Notes provide for multiple advances, and were secured by substantially all of the assets of RBA.

 

Pursuant to the merger of RBA into Tower Tech on December 31, 2009, Tower Tech became the successor by merger to RBA’s interest in the loans from Investors Community Bank to RBA evidenced by the ICB Notes (other than the Line of Credit Note, which was repaid in full in January 2010). The ICB Notes contain certain standard and financial covenants.   Tower Tech agreed to a minimum debt service coverage ratio, to maintain its primary deposit accounts with ICB and that no additional loans or leases would be entered into by Tower Tech without the prior approval of Investors Community Bank.   At September 30, 2010, Tower Tech was in violation of its debt service coverage ratio and obtained a waiver for this violation from Investors Community Bank.  Any future noncompliance with the covenants under the ICB Notes could result in an event of default which would allow Investors Community Bank to accelerate the amounts due if Tower Tech is unable to obtain a waiver in respect of any such default. As of September 30, 2010, (i) the total amount of outstanding indebtedness under the remaining ICB Notes was $1,436, and (ii) the effective per annum interest rate of the remaining ICB Notes was 5.84%.

 

Great Western Loan

 

On April 28, 2009, Tower Tech entered into a Construction Loan Agreement with Great Western Bank, pursuant to which Great Western Bank agreed to provide up to $10,000 in financing (the “Construction Loan”) to fund construction of Tower Tech’s wind tower manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota (the “Facility”).  Pursuant to a Change in Terms Agreement dated April 5, 2010 between Great Western Bank and Tower Tech, the Construction Loan was converted to a term loan (the “Great Western Term Loan”) providing for monthly payments of principal plus interest, extending the maturity date to November 5, 2016, reducing the principal amount to $6,500, and changing the per annum interest rate to 8.5%. Tower Tech was required to pay a 1.0% origination fee upon the conversion.

 

The Great Western Term Loan is secured by a first mortgage on the Facility and all fixtures and proceeds relating thereto, pursuant to a Mortgage and a Commercial Security Agreement, each between Tower Tech and Great Western Bank, and by a Commercial Guaranty from the Company. In addition, the Company has agreed to subordinate all intercompany debt with Tower Tech to the Great Western Term Loan. The Great Western Term Loan contains representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for a term financing arrangement and contains no financial covenants. As of September 30, 2010, the total outstanding indebtedness under the Great Western Term Loan was $6,000.

 

Badger

 

On March 13, 2009, Badger obtained a term loan (the “FNB Term Loan”) from First National Bank in the principal amount of $1,538. A portion of the proceeds from the FNB Term Loan was used to pay off Badger’s existing term loan and revolving line of credit with First National Bank, with the remainder available for working capital. The FNB Term Loan is secured by the inventory and certain equipment of Badger, and is guaranteed by the Company. The FNB Term Loan bears interest at a rate of 6.75% per annum,

 

8


 


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matures on March 13, 2013, and requires monthly payments of principal and interest. The FNB Term Loan contains no financial covenants. As of September 30, 2010, the total amount of outstanding indebtedness under the FNB Term Loan was $1,009.

 

On September 30, 2009, Badger obtained a term loan (the “GE Capital Term Loan”) from General Electric Capital Corporation in the principal amount of approximately $1,000. The GE Capital Term Loan is secured by certain equipment of Badger, and is guaranteed by the Company. The GE Capital Term Loan bears interest at a rate of 7.76% per annum, matures on September 30, 2014, and requires monthly payments of principal and interest. The GE Capital Term Loan contains no financial covenants. As of September 30, 2010, the total amount of outstanding indebtedness under the GE Capital Term Loan was $821.

 

AP Agreements

 

On September 29, 2010, the Subsidiaries entered into the AP Agreements with Wells Fargo. Under the AP Agreements, Wells Fargo will advance funds against certain receivables arising from the sales of the Subsidiaries’ products and services. In connection with the entry into the AP Agreements, the Company and each Subsidiary have executed guaranties (including cross-guaranties) in favor of Wells Fargo. With respect to the Subsidiaries, the AP Agreements contain provisions providing for cross-defaults and cross-collateralization. In addition, each Subsidiary has granted to Wells Fargo a security interest against all financed receivables and related collateral. Prior to entering into the AP Agreements, there was no material relationship between the Company, the Subsidiaries and Wells Fargo.

 

Under the terms of the AP Agreements, Wells Fargo will advance approximately 80% of the face value of eligible receivables to the Subsidiaries. Wells Fargo will have full recourse to the Subsidiaries for collection of the financed receivables. The aggregate facility limit of the AP Agreements is $10,000. For Wells Fargo’s services under the AP Agreements, the Subsidiaries have agreed to pay Wells Fargo (i) a floating discount fee of the then-prevailing LIBOR plus 3.75% per annum, (ii) an annual facility fee of 1% of the aggregate facility limit, and (iii) an annual unused line fee of 0.042% on the portion of the credit facility which is unused. The initial term of the AP Agreements ends on September 29, 2013. If the AP Agreements are terminated prior to this date, an early termination fee of up to 3% of the aggregate facility limit may apply. At September 30, 2010, no amounts were drawn under the AP Agreements, and the Subsidiaries had the ability to borrow up to $10,000, subject to maintaining a month-end minimum total cash balance of $5,000.

 

Selling Shareholder Notes

 

On May 26, 2009, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the former owners of Brad Foote (the “Selling Shareholders”), including J. Cameron Drecoll, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors, related to the post-closing escrow established in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Brad Foote. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, among other terms, the Company issued three promissory notes to the Selling Shareholders in the aggregate principal amount of $3,000 (the “Selling Shareholder Notes”). The Selling Shareholder Notes mature on May 28, 2012 and bear interest at a rate of 7% per annum, with interest payments due quarterly. The Selling Shareholder Note issued to Mr. Drecoll in the principal amount of $2,320 and pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement is deemed by the Company to be a related party transaction. As of September 30, 2010, principal of $3,000 and accrued interest of $53 were outstanding under the Selling Shareholder Notes. The Company has accounted for the Selling Shareholder Notes as long-term debt in its condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

NOTE 7 — CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and readily marketable investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, short-term government bonds, Treasury bills, marketable securities and commercial paper. The Company’s treasury policy is to invest excess cash in money market funds or other short-term investments, which are generally of a short-term duration based upon operating requirements. Income earned on these investments is recorded to interest income in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2010, cash and cash equivalents totaled $9,425 and consisted of cash balances and investments in municipal bonds with original maturities of three months or less, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $4,829 which consisted of cash and money market funds at December 31, 2009.

 

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had $922 in investments in municipal bonds with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year. These financial instruments are categorized as available-for-sale securities and classified as short-term investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2010.

 

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

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September 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gain

 

(Loss)

 

Fair Value

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

7,833

 

$

 

$

 

$

7,833

 

Municipal bonds

 

1,592

 

 

 

1,592

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

9,425

 

 

 

9,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments (available-for-sale):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

922

 

 

 

922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments

 

$

10,347

 

$

 

$

 

$

10,347

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

Gain

 

(Loss)

 

Fair Value

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

4,240

 

$

 

$

 

$

4,240

 

Money market funds

 

589

 

 

 

589

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4,829

 

$

 

$

 

$

4,829

 

 

NOTE 8 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the Company is required to provide disclosure and categorize assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the assumptions (i.e., inputs) used in the valuation. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy is defined as follows:

 

Level 1—Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2—Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3—Valuations are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

Fair value of financial instruments

 

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and customer deposits approximate their respective fair values due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments. Based upon interest rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt is approximately equal to its fair value. As of September 30, 2010, the Company held short-term investments in municipal bonds, which are required to be measured at fair value. As of September 30, 2010, the Company did not hold any interest rate swaps. The following table presents the Company’s fair value measurements valued on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

$

922

 

$

 

$

 

$

922

 

Total

 

$

922

 

$

 

$

 

$

922

 

 

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The following table represents the fair values of the Company’s financial liabilities as of December 31, 2009:

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

$

 

$

253

 

$

 

$

253

 

Total

 

$

 

$

253

 

$

 

$

253

 

 

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

 

The Company reviews its goodwill balances for impairment on at least an annual basis based on the carrying value of these assets as of October 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company identified a triggering event associated with a continued deterioration in financial performance within its Technical and Engineering Services segment. This triggering event required a subsequent revision in the Company’s projections of future operating results and cash flows for this segment in light of the continued economic weakness in the wind energy industry. The Company’s analysis indicated that the projected fair value of the Technical and Engineering Services segment assets did not exceed the carrying value of these net assets. The method used in determining the fair value was based upon the Company’s estimate of the projected future discounted cash flows of its reporting unit. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4,561 during the second quarter of 2010 to properly reflect the carrying value of these assets.

 

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company identified triggering events associated with the Company’s current period operating loss combined with a history of continued operating losses, and during the third quarter the Company’s market capitalization was below the net book value of its total assets. As a result, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain of its identifiable intangible assets and goodwill balances. Based upon the Company’s assessment, no impairment to these assets was identified as of September 30, 2010.

 

The fair value measurement approach utilizes a number of significant unobservable inputs or Level 3 assumptions. These assumptions include, among others, projections of the Company’s future operating results, the implied fair value of these assets using an income approach by preparing a discounted cash flow analysis and other subjective assumptions.

 

NOTE 9 — TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

The components of total comprehensive loss are net loss and the change in cumulative currency translation adjustments.  The following table sets forth the components of total comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,299

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

4

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

$

(8,295

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,602

)

$

(17,520

)

 

In May 2010, the Company opened a sales office in Hamburg, Germany. The Euro is the functional currency in Germany. All related expenses have been translated into U.S. dollars using an average exchange rate for the period. The assets and liabilities for this location have been translated into U.S. dollars using the spot rate at the end of the period with a currency translation gain of $4 and $2 included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

 

NOTE 10 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

On January 21, 2010, the Company completed a public offering of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at an offering price of $5.75 per share. In the offering, the Company sold 10,000,000 newly issued shares of its common stock for approximately $54,625 in proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts, but before deducting other offering related costs. In connection with the offering, the Company incurred $1,278 in costs associated with professional and other offering related expenses, which have been netted against the proceeds received in additional paid-in capital in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance

 

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Table of Contents

 

sheet as of September 30, 2010.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued 86,500 and 191,479 shares of its common stock for an aggregate fair value of $158 and $499, respectively, in connection with matching contributions made under its defined contribution 401(k) safe harbor plan.

 

NOTE 11 — INCOME TAXES

 

The Company accounts for income taxes based upon an asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax consequences of the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities versus the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Under this method, deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The impact of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the year that the change is enacted.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions totaling $24 and $10, respectively.

 

The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. As of September 30, 2010, open tax years in federal and some state jurisdictions date back to 1996 due to the taxing authorities’ ability to adjust operating loss carryforwards. No changes in settled tax years have occurred through September 30, 2010. The Company does not anticipate there will be a material change in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

 

The following table presents the income tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before benefit for income taxes

 

$

(8,812

)

$

(5,060

)

$

(37,068

)

$

(17,909

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

(513

)

(116

)

(464

)

(389

)

Net loss

 

$

(8,299

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

 

Effective tax rates differ from federal statutory income tax rates primarily due to changes in the Company’s valuation allowance, permanent differences and provisions for state and local income taxes. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had a net deferred income tax asset of $6 related to Badger’s state net operating losses which the Company reasonably expects to monetize in the near future. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $513 compared to a benefit for income taxes of $116 during the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in income tax benefit during the three months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to the revised forecast of the current year projected net loss and recent legislative changes which allow for the five year carryback of net operating losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $464, compared to a benefit for income taxes of $389 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in income tax benefit during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 related to the revised forecast of the current year projected net loss and recent legislative changes which allow for the five year carryback of net operating losses.

 

NOTE 12 — SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Overview of Share-Based Compensation Plan

 

The Company grants incentive stock options and other equity awards pursuant to the Broadwind Energy, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “EIP”), which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in October 2007 and by the Company’s stockholders in June 2008. The EIP was subsequently amended in August 2008 by the Company’s Board of Directors to include certain non-material amendments to clarify the terms and conditions of restricted stock awards and to provide that the administrator of the EIP has the authority to authorize future amendments to the EIP. The EIP was further amended by the Company’s stockholders in June 2009 to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the EIP. As amended, the EIP reserves

 

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5,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for grants to officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors upon whose efforts the success of the Company and its affiliates will depend to a large degree. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had reserved 908,032 shares for the exercise of stock options outstanding, 554,468 shares for restricted stock unit awards outstanding and 3,693,723 additional shares for future stock awards under the EIP. As of September 30, 2010, 343,777 shares of common stock reserved for stock options and restricted stock unit awards under the EIP have been issued in the form of common stock.

 

Stock Options.    The exercise price of stock options granted under the EIP is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Stock options generally become exercisable on the anniversary of the grant date, with vesting terms that may range from one to five years from the date of grant. Additionally, stock options expire ten years after the date of grant. If a plan participant’s employment is terminated during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to unvested stock option awards.

 

Restricted Stock Units.    The granting of restricted stock units is provided for under the EIP. Restricted stock units generally vest on the anniversary of the grant date, with vesting terms that range from immediate vesting to five years from the date of grant. The fair value of each unit granted is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and is expensed ratably over the vesting term of the restricted stock award. If a plan participant’s employment is terminated during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to any unvested portion of the restricted stock units.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 under the EIP as follows:

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2009

 

1,402,163

 

$

11.08

 

Granted

 

244,828

 

$

5.34

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

Forfeited

 

(647,766

)

$

9.37

 

Expired

 

(91,193

)

$

15.64

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2010

 

908,032

 

$

10.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable as of September 30, 2010

 

403,804

 

$

10.44

 

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 under the EIP as follows:

 

 

 

Number of Units

 

Weighted Average 
Grant-Date Fair Value 
Per Unit

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2009

 

279,151

 

$

8.76

 

Granted

 

529,373

 

$

3.57

 

Vested

 

(129,485

)

$

5.20

 

Forfeited

 

(124,571

)

$

7.20

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2010

 

554,468

 

$

4.99

 

 

The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of the fair value of each stock option is affected by the Company’s stock price on the date of grant, as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the expected life of the awards and actual and projected stock option exercise behavior. The weighted average fair value per share of stock option awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2010

 

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and 2009, and assumptions used to value the stock options, are as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Dividend yield

 

 

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.1

%

2.6

%

Weighted average volatility

 

85.9

%

85.0

%

Expected life (in years)

 

6.3

 

6.5

 

Weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted

 

$

3.96

 

$

5.58

 

 

Dividend yield is zero as the Company currently does not pay a dividend.

 

Risk-free rate is based on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company utilized a standard volatility assumption of 85.9% and 85.0%, respectively, for estimating the fair value of stock options awarded based on comparable volatility averages for the energy related sector.

 

The expected life of each stock option award granted is derived using the “simplified method” for estimating the expected term of a “vanilla-option” in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107, “Share-Based Payment,” as amended by SAB No. 110, “Share-Based Payment.” The fair value of each unit of restricted stock is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the date of grant.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company utilized a forfeiture rate of 25% and 10%, respectively, for estimating the forfeitures of stock options granted. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company revised its forfeiture rate to 25% based upon the Company’s historical forfeiture rates. The revision to the Company’s forfeiture was applied to stock options and restricted stock units outstanding as of June 30, 2010 and on a prospective basis.

 

The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months September 30, 2010 and 2009, as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Share-based compensation expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

1,247

 

$

2,042

 

Income tax benefit (1)

 

 

 

Net effect of share-based compensation expense on net loss

 

$

1,247

 

$

2,042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reduction in earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share (2)

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.02

 

 


(1) Income tax benefit is not illustrated because the Company is currently operating at a loss and an actual income tax benefit was not realized for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. The result of the loss situation creates a timing difference, resulting in a deferred tax asset, which is fully reserved for in the Company’s valuation allowance.

 

(2) Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 does not include common stock equivalents due to their anti-dilutive nature as a result of the Company’s net losses for these respective periods. Accordingly, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are identical for all periods presented.

 

As of September 30, 2010, the Company estimates that pre-tax compensation expense for all unvested share-based awards, including both stock options and restricted stock units, in the amount of approximately $4,008 will be recognized through the year 2015. The Company expects to satisfy the exercise of stock options and future distribution of shares of restricted stock by issuing new shares of common stock.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTE 13 — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

The following is a listing of recent accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and their effect on the Company.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820).  ASU 2010-06 provides additional disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  Disclosure requirements applicable to Level 3 transactions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  The portion of ASU 2010-06 that was effective beginning after December 15, 2009 did not have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Additionally, the Company does not anticipate that the disclosure requirements applicable to Level 3 transactions that are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 will have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605). ASU 2009-13 provides additional guidance related to the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit and eliminates the residual method of allocation.  ASU 2009-13 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the provisions of ASU 2009-13 will have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

NOTE 14 — SEGMENT REPORTING

 

In December 2009, the Company revised its reporting segments. The revised reporting structure includes four reportable segments: “Towers” (formerly “Products”), “Gearing” (formerly “Products”), “Technical and Engineering Services” (formerly “Services”) and “Logistics” (formerly “Services”). Accordingly, all prior period segment information has been reclassified to properly reflect the Company’s current reportable segments.

 

The Company’s segments and their product and service offerings are summarized below:

 

Towers

 

The Company manufactures wind towers, specifically the larger and heavier wind towers that are designed for 2 MW and larger wind turbines. The Company’s production facilities are strategically located in close proximity to the primary U.S. wind resource regions, sited in Wisconsin and Texas, including a recently constructed third wind tower manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota, which will become operational as business warrants and pending the installation of certain additional equipment. The Company also manufactures other specialty weldments and structures for industrial customers.

 

Gearing

 

The Company manufactures precision gearing systems for the wind industry and for industrial markets including mining and oilfield equipment.   The Company uses an integrated manufacturing process, which includes a machining process in Cicero, Illinois, a heat treatment process in Neville Island, Pennsylvania and a finishing process in the Company’s Cicero factory.

 

Technical and Engineering Services

 

The Company is an independent service provider of construction support and operations and maintenance services to the wind industry. The Company’s specialty services include oil change-out, up-tower tooling for gearing systems, drive-train and blade repairs and component replacement. The Company’s construction support capabilities include assembly of towers, nacelles, blades and other components. The Company also provides customer support, preventive maintenance and wind technician training. The Company’s technicians utilize regional service centers for storage and repair of parts as well as for training. Through its precision repair and engineering services, the Company repairs and refurbishes complex wind components, including control systems, gearboxes and blades. The Company also conducts warranty inspections, commissions turbines and provides technical assistance. The Company’s service locations are in Illinois, California, South Dakota, Texas and Colorado.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Logistics

 

The Company offers specialized transportation, permitting and logistics management to the wind industry for oversize and overweight machinery and equipment. The Company delivers complete turbines to the installation site, including blades, nacelles and tower sections for final erection. The Company focuses on the project management of the delivery of complete wind turbine farms.

 

Corporate and Other

 

“Corporate and Other” is comprised of selling, general and administrative expenses for the Company’s corporate office and European sales office and adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results, which primarily include intercompany eliminations.

 

Summary financial information by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was as follows:

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Operating (Loss) Profit

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towers

 

$

17,294

 

$

33,630

 

$

(284

)

$

2,181

 

Gearing

 

13,140

 

14,260

 

(3,511

)

(2,859

)

Technical and Engineering Services

 

3,631

 

6,829

 

(2,128

)

8

 

Logistics

 

4,175

 

4,959

 

(1,049

)

20

 

Corporate and Other (1)

 

(43

)

(171

)

(1,875

)

(3,921

)

 

 

$

38,197

 

$

59,507

 

$

(8,847

)

$

(4,571

)

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Capital Expenditures

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towers

 

$

855

 

$

884

 

$

89

 

$

14

 

Gearing (2)

 

2,511

 

4,290

 

(427

)

427

 

Technical and Engineering Services

 

860

 

801

 

1,775

 

177

 

Logistics (3)

 

601

 

682

 

38

 

(24

)

Corporate and Other (1)

 

41

 

41

 

63

 

103

 

 

 

$

4,868

 

$

6,698

 

$

1,538

 

$

697

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Operating (Loss) Profit

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towers

 

$

45,854

 

$

76,098

 

$

(2,157

)

$

1,424

 

Gearing

 

35,133

 

54,818

 

(11,461

)

(11,762

)

Technical and Engineering Services

 

8,546

 

22,140

 

(11,053

)

606

 

Logistics

 

7,694

 

12,362

 

(4,057

)

(1,362

)

Corporate and Other (1)

 

(231

)

(536

)

(7,390

)

(10,894

)

 

 

$

96,996

 

$

164,882

 

$

(36,118

)

$

(21,988

)

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Capital Expenditures

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towers

 

$

2,553

 

$

2,553

 

$

1,937

 

$

8,402

 

Gearing

 

7,436

 

12,812

 

811

 

252

 

Technical and Engineering Services

 

2,513

 

2,336

 

2,593

 

337

 

Logistics

 

1,924

 

2,348

 

69

 

550

 

Corporate and Other (1)

 

124

 

82

 

80

 

220

 

 

 

$

14,550

 

$

20,131

 

$

5,490

 

$

9,761

 

 

 

 

Total Assets as of

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towers

 

$

88,029

 

$

80,146

 

Gearing

 

83,637

 

92,665

 

Technical and Engineering Services

 

30,886

 

36,417

 

Logistics

 

20,510

 

21,259

 

Corporate and Other (4)

 

2,903

 

(451

)

 

 

$

225,965

 

$

230,036

 

 


(1) “Corporate and Other” includes selling, general and administrative expenses of the Company’s corporate office and European sales office in addition to intercompany eliminations.

 

(2) Gearing segment capital expenditures during the three months ended September 30, 2010 primarily reflect cash amounts received of $544 in connection with a state economic development grant for prior equipment purchases.

 

(3) Logistics segment capital expenditures during the three months ended September 30, 2009 relate to adjustments to equipment purchases.

 

(4) “Corporate and Other” includes assets of the Company’s corporate office and European sales office in addition to intercompany eliminations.

 

NOTE 15 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Purchase Commitments

 

During 2010, the Company issued purchase commitments in connection with equipment purchases for the Company’s MW gearbox refurbishment center. As of September 30, 2010, total outstanding purchase commitments totaled approximately $4,316.

 

During 2009 and 2010, the Company issued purchase commitments in connection with equipment purchases for the Company’s wind tower manufacturing facility located in Brandon, South Dakota. As of September 30, 2010, outstanding purchase commitments totaled approximately $620.

 

During 2008, the Company issued purchase commitments to two equipment manufacturers in connection with equipment purchases totaling $4,888. Under the terms of the purchase order, the Company was required to make deposits totaling $1,324. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company informed one of the manufacturers of the Company’s election to cancel one of the equipment purchase commitments, which resulted in the forfeiture of a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $650. As of September 30, 2010, outstanding purchase commitments totaled $1,575.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings or claims arising from its normal course of operations. The Company accrues for costs related to loss contingencies when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. As of September 30, 2010, the Company is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse

 

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Table of Contents

 

effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of pending actions.

 

Customer Disputes

 

From time to time, the Company may be involved in disputes with its customers regarding matters such as warranty liability, pricing and contract performance. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company became involved in a contract dispute with a customer. The Company and the customer are currently in negotiations to resolve this dispute. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company wrote off $2,100 in accounts receivable balances which were previously reserved for and which are related to this dispute.

 

Environmental Compliance and Remediation Liabilities

 

The Company’s operations and products are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and sells products governing, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, the use, handling and disposal of hazardous materials, soil and groundwater contamination, employee health and safety, and product content, performance and packaging. Also, certain environmental laws can impose the entire cost or a portion of the cost of investigating and cleaning up a contaminated site, regardless of fault, upon any one or more of a number of parties, including the current or previous owners or operators of the site. These environmental laws also impose liability on any person who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a contaminated site. Third parties may also make claims against owners or operators of sites and users of disposal sites for personal injuries and property damage associated with releases of hazardous substances from those sites.

 

Warranty Liability

 

The Company provides warranty terms that range from two to seven years for various products relating to workmanship and materials supplied by the Company. From time to time, customers may submit warranty claims against the Company. In certain contracts, the Company has recourse provisions for items that would enable recovery from third parties for amounts paid to customers under warranty provisions. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, estimated product warranty liability was $1,368 and $918 respectively, and is recorded within accrued liabilities in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s total product warranty liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

 

 

September 30,
2010

 

December 31,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

918

 

$

890

 

Warranty expense

 

980

 

591

 

Warranty claims

 

(530

)

(563

)

Balance, end of period

 

$

1,368

 

$

918

 

 

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

 

During 2009, the Company entered into sale-leaseback agreements whereby certain owned equipment was sold to a third party financing company in exchange for cash and the Company subsequently entered into an equipment lease agreement with the purchaser. The primary purpose of these arrangements was to provide additional liquidity to meet working capital requirements. Depending on the terms of the lease agreement, the lease may be classified as an operating or capital lease. In addition, the sale of the assets may result in a gain or loss, which must be amortized to other income or loss in the Company’s statement of operations over the life of the operating lease. As of September 30, 2010, the minimum monthly payments due under these lease agreements totaled $98.

 

Other

 

As of September 30, 2010, approximately 24% of the Company’s employees were covered by two collective bargaining agreements with local unions in Cicero, Illinois and Neville Island, Pennsylvania. Collective bargaining agreements with the Company’s Cicero and Neville Island unions were ratified by the local unions in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, respectively, and are scheduled to remain in effect through October 2012 and February 2014, respectively.

 

18


 


Table of Contents

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto in Item 1, “Financial Statements,” of this Quarterly Report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. The discussion below contains forward-looking statements that are based upon our current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances including, but not limited to, those identified in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of Item 2.  Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to inaccurate assumptions and known or unknown risks and uncertainties.

 

(Dollars are presented in thousands except share data or unless otherwise stated)

 

OUR BUSINESS

 

Third Quarter Overview

 

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company improved upon its financial results as compared to the prior quarter. On a consolidated basis, revenues for the third quarter of 2010 were $38,197 or 4% higher compared to the previous quarter, resulting from continued strength in new customer orders and fulfillment of our existing backlog. Additionally, we continued to make improvements to our cost structures, primarily through increased utilization of our manufacturing facilities and a reduction in administrative costs. Although financial results continue to lag in comparison to prior year levels, we believe that conditions within our markets have improved modestly and our production has stabilized.

 

On September 29, 2010, the Subsidiaries entered into the AP Agreements with Wells Fargo.  The aggregate facility limit of the AP Agreements is $10,000. At September 30, 2010, no amounts were drawn under the AP Agreements, and we had the ability to borrow up to $10,000, subject to maintaining a month-end minimum total cash balance of $5,000. We believe that this borrowing facility will improve our liquidity and support working capital requirements.

 

We have continued to experience margin pressures as a result of economic conditions. We anticipate a gradual recovery of economic conditions within the wind energy industry; however, we cannot provide assurances that improved market conditions within the wind energy industry will occur or that we will be able to capitalize on these opportunities. In addition, a continued or prolonged economic slowdown in the wind energy industry or other unfavorable market factors could result in further revisions to our expectations with respect to future financial results and cash flows. These factors may require management to reassess its estimates of the fair value of our reportable segments and could result in further review of our goodwill and intangible assets, which could indicate additional impairment to the carrying value of our assets.

 

We are in the process of establishing a MW gearbox refurbishment center to service the growing number of up-tower gearboxes with product warranty expirations. The refurbishment center will be part of our operations within our Technical and Engineering Services segment and will be located in Abilene, Texas. We are currently in the process of making capital expenditures for this facility and we anticipate completion during the fourth quarter of this year.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

The summary of selected financial data table below should be referenced in connection with a review of the following discussion of our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

2010 vs. 2009

 

 

 

2010

 

% of Total
Revenue

 

2009

 

% of Total
Revenue

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

38,197

 

100.0

%

$

59,507

 

100.0

%

$

(21,310

)

-35.8

%

Cost of sales

 

38,655

 

101.2

%

52,925

 

88.9

%

(14,270

)

-27.0

%

Gross (loss) profit

 

(458

)

-1.2

%

6,582

 

11.1

%

(7,040

)

-107.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

7,314

 

19.1

%

8,247

 

13.9

%

(933

)

-11.3

%

Intangible amortization

 

1,075

 

2.8

%

2,906

 

4.9

%

(1,831

)

-63.0

%

Total operating expenses

 

8,389

 

21.9

%

11,153

 

18.8

%

(2,764

)

-24.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(8,847

)

-23.1

%

(4,571

)

-7.7

%

(4,276

)

93.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(345

)

-0.9

%

(732

)

-1.2

%

387

 

-52.9

%

Other, net

 

380

 

1.0

%

243

 

0.4

%

137

 

56.4

%

Other income (expense), net

 

35

 

0.1

%

(489

)

-0.8

%

524

 

-107.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before benefit for income taxes

 

(8,812

)

-23.0

%

(5,060

)

-8.5

%

(3,752

)

74.2

%

Benefit for income taxes

 

(513

)

-1.3

%

(116

)

-0.2

%

(397

)

-342.2

%

Net loss

 

$

(8,299

)

-21.7

%

$

(4,944

)

-8.3

%

$

(3,355

)

67.9

%

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues decreased $21,310 or 35.8%, from $59,507 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $38,197 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a decline in wind farm installation projects during the current quarter, which resulted in fewer technical and service technicians deployed as well as a reduction in wind towers manufactured. Additionally, the reduction in revenues was the result of a lower average selling price of wind towers manufactured due to lower steel prices and due to a general decline in industrial gearing revenues.

 

Gross profit decreased $7,040 from $6,582 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to a gross loss of $458 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributable to the overall reduction in revenues, which created production and volume inefficiencies but also reflects margin compression due to increased competition in our key wind markets. The reduction in wind tower and gearing orders led to the under-absorption of overhead costs, and the reduction in maintenance and repair services and transportation contracts negatively affected our utilization. As a result, our gross margin declined from 11.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to (1.2%) during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from $8,247 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $7,314 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to the absence of a $1,200 expense related to the prior year settlement of a customer dispute, in addition to lower share-based compensation expense as compared to the prior year.

 

Intangible amortization expense decreased from $2,906 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $1,075 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in amortization expense was due to an intangible asset impairment charge taken during the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

Total other income, net, increased from a $489 expense during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $35 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to lower interest expense associated with the repayment of outstanding debt under our Bank of America and Investors Community Bank debt agreements in January 2010.

 

Benefit for income taxes increased from $116 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $513 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The reduction in income taxes was primarily attributable to a revision in our income tax provision

 

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based upon the revised forecast of the current year projected net loss and recent legislative changes which allow for the five year carryback of net operating losses.

 

Net loss increased from $4,944 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $8,299 during the three months ended September 30, 2010, primarily as a result of the factors described above.

 

Towers Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Towers segment operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

17,294

 

$

33,630

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(284

)

2,181

 

Operating margin

 

-1.6

%

6.5

%

 

Towers segment revenues decreased $16,336, from $33,630 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $17,294 during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The reduction in revenues was attributable to a decline of approximately 22% in the average selling price of wind towers manufactured and due to a decline of approximately 36% in production volume of wind towers manufactured. The decline in the average selling price was primarily attributable to lower steel prices, which are included in the selling price of wind towers manufactured under the majority of our customer agreements.

 

Towers segment operating income decreased $2,465, from $2,181 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to an operating loss of $284 during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in operating income was attributable to a reduction in wind turbine towers manufactured as well as higher labor expense.  The increased labor expense was due in part to training and inefficiencies experienced as the business increased its workforce to support expected increased sales during the next several quarters.  Operating margin decreased from 6.5% during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to (1.6%) during the three months ended September 30, 2010

 

Gearing Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Gearing segment operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

13,140

 

$

14,260

 

Operating loss

 

(3,511

)

(2,859

)

Operating margin

 

-26.7

%

-20.0

%

 

Gearing segment revenues decreased $1,120, from $14,260 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $13,140 during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in revenues was attributable to a reduction of approximately 62% in our industrial sales, partially offset by a 35% increase in our wind gearing sales. The decline in industrial sales is primarily related to a reduction in orders from one customer compared to the prior year.

 

Gearing segment operating loss increased $652, from $2,859 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $3,511 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to a reduction in sales volume which created production volume inefficiencies in our overhead structure and higher warranty costs of $761, which was partially offset by a reduction of intangible amortization expense of $1,804. As a result of the factors described above, operating margin decreased from (20%) during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to (26.7%) during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Technical and Engineering Services Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Technical and Engineering Services segment operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

3,631

 

$

6,829

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(2,128

)

8

 

Operating margin

 

-58.6

%

0.1

%

 

Technical and Engineering Services segment revenues decreased $3,198, from $6,829 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $3,631 during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a reduction of approximately 63% in technical service revenues. The reduction in technical service revenues related to a decline in the number of maintenance and service technicians deployed as several of our key customers have chosen to reduce outsourcing of their maintenance activities.

 

Technical and Engineering Services segment operating income decreased $2,136, from $8 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to an operating loss of $2,128 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The operating loss incurred during the third quarter was primarily attributable to a reduction in maintenance and service technicians deployed and costs associated with the establishment of our new drive train refurbishment activities. As a result, operating margin decreased from 0.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to (58.6%) during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Logistics Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Logistics segment operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

4,175

 

$

4,959

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(1,049

)

20

 

Operating margin

 

-25.1

%

0.4

%

 

Logistics segment revenues decreased $784, from $4,959 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $4,175 during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to a reduction of approximately 34% in transportation hauls due to fewer large wind farm transportation contracts as compared to the prior year.  The decrease in volume was partially offset by higher average revenue of 27% due to longer hauls.

 

Logistics segment operating income decreased $1,069, from $20 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to an operating loss of $1,049 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in operating income was largely attributable to deterioration in margins due to competitive pricing pressure associated with low wind farm construction activity.  As a result of the factors described above, operating margin decreased from 0.4% during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to (25.1%) during the three months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Corporate and Other

 

Corporate and Other expense decreased $2,046, from $3,921 during the three months ended September 30, 2009, to $1,875 during the three months ended September 30, 2010. The reduction in expense was primarily attributable to the absence of a $1,200 expense related to the settlement of a customer dispute, in addition to lower share-based compensation expense as compared to the prior year.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

 

The summary of selected financial data table below should be referenced in connection with a review of the following discussion of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2010 vs. 2009

 

 

 

2010

 

% of Total
Revenue

 

2009

 

% of Total
Revenue

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

96,996

 

100.0

%

$

164,882

 

100.0

%

$

(67,886

)

-41.2

%

Cost of sales

 

102,334

 

105.5

%

150,464

 

91.3

%

(48,130

)

-32.0

%

Gross (loss) profit

 

(5,338

)

-5.5

%

14,418

 

8.7

%

(19,756

)

-137.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

22,995

 

23.7

%

27,688

 

16.8

%

(4,693

)

-16.9

%

Goodwill impairment

 

4,561

 

4.7

%

 

0.0

%

4,561

 

100.0

%

Intangible amortization

 

3,224

 

3.3

%

8,718

 

5.3

%

(5,494

)

-63.0

%

Total operating expenses

 

30,780

 

31.7

%

36,406

 

22.1

%

(5,626

)

-15.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(36,118

)

-37.2

%

(21,988

)

-13.4

%

(14,130

)

64.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(1,068

)

-1.1

%

(1,831

)

-1.1

%

763

 

-41.7

%

Other, net

 

118

 

0.1

%

5,910

 

3.6

%

(5,792

)

-98.0

%

Other (expense) income, net

 

(950

)

-1.0

%

4,079

 

2.5

%

(5,029

)

-123.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before benefit for income taxes

 

(37,068

)

-38.2

%

(17,909

)

-10.9

%

(19,159

)

107.0

%

Benefit for income taxes

 

(464

)

-0.5

%

(389

)

-0.2

%

(75

)

-19.3

%

Net loss

 

$

(36,604

)

-37.7

%

$

(17,520

)

-10.7

%

$

(19,084

)

108.9

%

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues decreased $67,886 or 41.2%, from $164,882 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $96,996 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in revenues reflected the low level of new wind farms commissioned during the first nine months of this year, which has negatively affected our production volumes. Despite sequential improvements in our results compared to the prior quarters of this year, purchases of wind turbine towers and gearing sets by our customers were fewer in number and we experienced a reduction in maintenance and service technicians utilized in the current year.

 

Gross profit decreased $19,756, from $14,418 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to a gross loss of $5,338 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in gross profit was attributable to the overall reduction in revenues, decreased deployment of maintenance and service technicians and lower margins in our logistics segment. These factors negatively affected our overhead cost structures within our service businesses and resulted in the under-absorption of overhead costs within our manufacturing businesses. As a result, our gross margin declined from 8.7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to (5.5%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from $27,688 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $22,995 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to cost reduction initiatives implemented during 2009, the absence of one-time start-up costs related to the commencement of operations at our Abilene, Texas wind tower manufacturing facility in the prior year and the absence of expense related to the settlement of a customer dispute.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4,561 associated with our Technical and Engineering Services segment. The impairment charge was attributable to a continued deterioration in financial performance of this segment during the first half of this year, which required us to reassess our projections of future operating results and cash flows. These revised projections indicated that the projected fair value of this segment’s assets did not exceed the carrying value of these net assets.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Intangible amortization expense decreased from $8,718 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $3,224 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in amortization expense was due to a reduction in amortization expense associated with an intangible impairment charge taken during the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

Total other income, net, decreased from $4,079 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to other expense, net, of $950 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to the recognition of $5,082 in income in the prior year related to an escrow settlement agreement with the former owners of Brad Foote, which was partially offset by a reduction in interest expense resulting from the repayment of outstanding debt under our Bank of America and Investors Community Bank debt agreements in January 2010.

 

Benefit for income taxes increased from $389 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $464 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in income tax benefit was attributable to the revised forecast of the current year projected net loss and recent legislative changes which allow for the five year carryback of net operating losses.

 

Net loss increased from $17,520 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $36,604 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, primarily as a result of the factors described above.

 

Towers Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Towers segment operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

45,854

 

$

76,098

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(2,157

)

1,424

 

Operating margin

 

-4.7

%

1.9

%

 

Towers segment revenues decreased $30,244, from $76,098 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $45,854 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in revenues was attributable to a decline of approximately 16% in the average selling price of wind towers manufactured and a 28% decline in production volume of wind towers manufactured. The decline in the average selling price was primarily attributable to lower steel prices, which are included in the selling price of wind towers manufactured under the majority of our customer agreements. Additionally, specialty weldment revenues decreased by $1,953 compared to the prior year.

 

Towers segment operating income decreased $3,581, from $1,424 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to an operating loss of $2,157 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in operating income was attributable to the under-absorption of overhead costs as a result of lower production volumes of wind towers, and an unfavorable labor variance as a result of costs associated with new tower designs produced in both tower plants, which was partially offset by the absence of start-up costs incurred at our wind tower manufacturing facility in Abilene, Texas in the prior year.  As a result of the factors described above, operating margin decreased from 1.9% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to (4.7%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Gearing Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Gearing segment operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

35,133

 

$

54,818

 

Operating loss

 

(11,461

)

(11,762

)

Operating margin

 

-32.6

%

-21.5

%

 

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Table of Contents

 

Gearing segment revenues decreased $19,685, from $54,818 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $35,133 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in revenues was attributable to reductions of approximately 27% and 46% in our wind gearing and industrial sales, respectively. Lower wind gearing revenues reflected reduced demand in comparison to prior year production levels and a delay in fulfilling our backlog from our key wind gearing customers. The decrease in industrial gearing revenues represented an overall decline in production orders from several of our key customers as compared to the prior year.

 

Gearing segment operating loss decreased $301, from $11,762 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $11,461 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in operating loss was due to a reduction in intangible amortization expense of $5,414 as a result of an impairment charge recorded during the fourth quarter of 2009, improvements in production scrap and lower professional fees related to the absence of debt covenant amendments, which more than offset the adverse impact of lower volumes. As a result of the factors described above, operating margin decreased from (21.5%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to (32.6%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Technical and Engineering Services Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Technical and Engineering Services segment operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

8,546

 

$

22,140

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(11,053

)

606

 

Operating margin

 

-129.3

%

2.7

%

 

Technical and Engineering Services segment revenues decreased $13,594, from $22,140 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $8,546 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to declines of approximately 68% and 42% in technical and engineering service revenues, respectively. The decrease in technical service revenues related to a decline in the number of maintenance and service technicians deployed due to the absence of a large service contract as compared to the prior year and as a result of the decision by several of our key customers to reduce outsourcing of their maintenance activities. The decrease in engineering service revenues was primarily due to lower blade refurbishment activity of approximately 70% compared to the prior year.

 

Technical and Engineering Services segment operating income decreased $11,659, from $606 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to an operating loss of $11,053 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The operating loss incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily attributable to the goodwill impairment charge of $4,561 recorded during the second quarter of this year and as a result of a reduction in our service technicians deployed due to a decline in wind installation and maintenance projects, competitive pricing associated with fewer service contract opportunities and the current preference of customers to insource their maintenance activities. As a result of the factors described above, operating margin decreased from 2.7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to (129.3%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Logistics Segment

 

The following table summarizes the Logistics segment operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

7,694

 

$

12,362

 

Operating loss

 

(4,057

)

(1,362

)

Operating margin

 

-52.7

%

-11.0

%

 

Logistics segment revenues decreased $4,668, from $12,362 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $7,694 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in revenues was attributable to a decline of approximately 40% in transportation hauls as a result of fewer large wind farm installation projects in the current year.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Logistics segment operating loss increased $2,695, from $1,362 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $4,057 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in operating income was largely attributable to a lower volume of activity in addition to a deterioration of margins due to competitive pricing pressure. As a result of the factors described above, operating margin decreased from (11%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to (52.7%) during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

 

Corporate and Other

 

Corporate and Other expense decreased $3,504, from $10,894 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to $7,390 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The reduction in expense was primarily attributable to the absence of a $1,200 expense related to the settlement of a customer dispute, in addition to lower share-based compensation expense as compared to the prior year and a continued focus on corporate expense reductions.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following non-GAAP financial measure presented below relates to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and share-based payments (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and is presented for illustrative purposes as an accompaniment to our unaudited financial results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, nor is there any implication that it is more meaningful than, any measure of performance or liquidity promulgated under GAAP. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is particularly meaningful due principally to the role acquisitions have played in the development of the Company. Historically, our growth through acquisitions has resulted in significant non-cash depreciation and amortization expense, which was primarily attributable to a significant portion of the purchase price of our acquired businesses being allocated to depreciable fixed assets and definite-lived intangible assets. The following Adjusted EBITDA calculation is derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,299

)

$

(4,944

)

$

(36,604

)

$

(17,520

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

(513

)

(116

)

(464

)

(389

)

Interest expense, net

 

345

 

732

 

1,068

 

1,831

 

Goodwill impairment

 

 

 

4,561

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,868

 

6,698

 

14,550

 

20,131

 

Share-based compensation

 

178

 

677

 

1,247

 

2,042

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(3,421

)

$

3,047

 

$

(15,642

)

$

6,095

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The methods, estimates and judgments that we use in applying our critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results that we report in our financial statements. Some of our accounting policies require us to make difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates regarding matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

We have identified the accounting policies and estimates listed below as those that we believe require management’s most subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties. This section should also be read in conjunction with Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which includes a discussion of these and other significant accounting policies.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue when the earnings process is complete and when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, transfer of title has occurred or services have been rendered, the selling price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and delivery has occurred per the terms of the contract. Customer deposits and other receipts are deferred and recognized when the revenue is realized and earned.

 

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Table of Contents

 

In some instances, products are sold under terms included in bill and hold sales arrangements that result in different timing for revenue recognition. Assuming the required revenue recognition criteria are met, revenue is recognized upon completion of product manufacture and customer acceptance.

 

Warranty Liability

 

We provide a warranty, with terms up to seven years, for various products and services relating to workmanship and materials supplied by us. From time to time, customers may submit warranty claims to us. In certain contracts, we have recourse provisions for items that would enable recovery from third parties for amounts paid to customers under warranty provisions. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, our estimated product warranty liability was $1,368 and $918, respectively, and is recorded within accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We have recorded a reserve for the excess of cost over market value in our inventory allowance. Market value of inventory, and management’s judgment of the need for reserves, encompasses consideration of other business factors including physical condition, inventory holding period, contract terms, and usefulness. Inventories are valued based on an average cost method that approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.

 

Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods. Raw materials consist of components and parts for general production use. Work-in-process consists of labor and overhead, processing costs, purchased subcomponents, and materials purchased for specific customer orders. Finished goods consist of components purchased from third parties as well as components manufactured by us that will be used to produce final customer products.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our assets may not be recovered. We test intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our assets may not be recovered. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets, we must make assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units. Our method of determining the fair value is based upon our estimate of the projected future discounted cash flows of our reporting units.

 

If our fair value estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional impairment charges related to goodwill and intangible assets.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

We review property and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If such events or changes in circumstances occur, we will recognize an impairment loss if the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are less than the carrying value of the related asset. The impairment loss would adjust the asset to its fair value.

 

In evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of such assets. If our fair value estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges related to property and equipment and long-lived assets.

 

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes based upon an asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax consequences of the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities versus the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Under this method, deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The impact of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the year that the change is enacted.

 

In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income tax liability for each of the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current income tax expense and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of certain income or expense items for income tax reporting and financial reporting purposes. We also recognize the expected future income tax benefits of net operating loss carryforwards as

 

27



Table of Contents

 

deferred income tax assets. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets associated with net operating loss carryforwards, we consider, among other things, expected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future taxable income levels could materially impact our valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.

 

We also account for the uncertainty in income taxes related to the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. We follow the applicable pronouncement guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition related to the uncertainty in these income tax positions.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The following is a listing of recent accounting standards issued by the FASB and their effect on the Company.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820).  ASU 2010-06 provides additional disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  Disclosure requirements applicable to Level 3 transactions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  The portion of ASU 2010-06 that was effective beginning after December 15, 2009 did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, we do not anticipate that the disclosure requirements applicable to Level 3 transactions that are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605). ASU 2009-13 provides additional guidance related to the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit and eliminates the residual method of allocation.  ASU 2009-13 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after September 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. We do not anticipate that the provisions of ASU 2009-13 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

LIQUIDITY, FINANCIAL POSITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $10,347. The Company’s management anticipates that the Company will be able to satisfy the cash requirements associated with, among other things, working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt and lease commitments through at least the next 12 months primarily with current cash on hand, receipts of deposits from customers to fund steel purchases and cash generated by operations or other financing arrangements. On September 29, 2010, the Subsidiaries entered into the AP Agreements with Wells Fargo.  The aggregate facility limit of the AP Agreements is $10,000. At September 30, 2010, no amounts were drawn under the AP Agreements, and we had the ability to borrow up to $10,000, subject to maintaining a month-end minimum total cash balance of $5,000.

 

Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt and other financial obligations will depend on our future financial and operating performance. However, if sales and subsequent collections from several of our large customers, as well as revenues generated from new customer orders, are not materially consistent with management’s expectations, we may encounter cash flow and liquidity issues. Additional funding may not be available when needed or on terms acceptable to us. Furthermore, if we are unable to obtain additional capital, we will likely be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate our plans for expansion and growth, and this could affect our overall operations. Any additional equity financing, if available, may be dilutive to stockholders, and additional debt financing, if available, will likely require financial covenants or other restrictions on us.

 

Our ability to meet financial debt covenants and make scheduled payments on our debt and other financial obligations will depend on our future financial and operating performance. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, or comply with applicable covenants, we will be in default and, as a result, among other things, our debt holders could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable.  While we believe that we will continue to have sufficient cash flows to operate our businesses, and meet our financial debt covenants, there can be no assurances that our operations will generate sufficient cash or that credit facilities will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.

 

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Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Operating Cash Flows

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net cash used in operating activities totaled $22,972 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2,853 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to increased operating losses in the current year, and higher cash outlays to replenish raw material inventories to meet current production needs.

 

Investing Cash Flows

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net cash used in investing activities totaled $4,393 and $11,710, respectively. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities as compared to the prior period was primarily attributable to a reduction in capital expenditures due to the completion of certain capital projects initiated in prior years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we made capital expenditures totaling $9,761, which primarily related to the construction of a new wind tower facility in Abilene, Texas. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we made capital expenditures totaling $5,490, primarily related to equipment purchases for our newly constructed wind tower manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota and purchases related to our MW gearbox refurbishment center in Abilene, Texas. Cash flows from investing activities increased $2,010 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, due to the release of a security interest as part of the conversion of the Construction Loan into the Great Western Term Loan. Additionally, we invested excess cash and made purchases of short-term investments in municipal bonds totaling $922.

 

Financing Cash Flows

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net cash provided by financing activities totaled $31,959 and $1,264, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities as compared to the prior period was attributable to the equity offering we completed in January 2010, in which we sold 10,000,000 newly issued shares of our common stock for approximately $54,625, net of underwriting discounts. Partially offsetting the increase in net cash provided by financing activities was higher payments on lines of credit and notes payable. The decrease in lines of credit and notes payable was primarily due to the repayment of outstanding indebtedness due to Bank of America and Investors Community Bank in the aggregate amount of $19,142 in January 2010.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

During 2010, the Company issued purchase commitments in connection with equipment purchases for the Company’s MW gearbox refurbishment center. As of September 30, 2010, total outstanding purchase commitments totaled approximately $4,316. As of September 30, 2010, there have been no other significant changes to our contractual obligations as previously disclosed in Part I, Item 2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

During 2009, Tower Tech and Badger each entered into sale-leaseback agreements whereby they sold certain equipment to third party financing companies in exchange for aggregate proceeds of $3,505 and agreed to lease the equipment back for a stated period of time. The primary purpose of these arrangements was to provide additional liquidity for meeting working capital requirements. The lease terms under these agreements range from three to four years and require aggregate monthly lease payments of $98. In addition, the sale of the assets resulted in an aggregate gain on disposition of $78, which is being amortized over the lives of the operating leases to other income in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The preceding discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Portions of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the discussion and analysis in this Item 2, contain “forward-looking statements”—that is, statements related to future, not past, events—within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that reflect our current expectations regarding our future growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance and business prospects, and opportunities, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to,

 

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our management. Forward-looking statements include any statement that does not directly relate to a current or historical fact. We have tried to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plan” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Our forward-looking statements may include or relate to the following: (i) our plans to continue to grow our business through organic growth and integration of previous and future acquisitions; (ii) our beliefs with respect to the sufficiency of our liquidity and our plans to evaluate alternate sources of funding if necessary; (iii) our expectations relating to the extension, continuation or renewal of federal tax incentives and grants and state renewable portfolio standards; (iv) our expectations relating to construction of new facilities, expansion of existing facilities and sufficiency of our existing capacity to meet the demands of our customers and support expectations regarding our growth; (v) our plans with respect to the use of proceeds from financing activities; (vi) our beliefs and expectations relating to the economic downturn and the potential impact it may have on our business, including our customers; (vii) the anticipated benefits of our remediation efforts on the strength of our internal control processes and our plans with respect to future remediation efforts; and (viii) our beliefs regarding the state of the wind energy market generally. You should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive statement of all of the risks, uncertainties, or potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause our current expectations or beliefs to change. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances or for any other reason.

 

Item 3.        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There has been no significant change in our exposure to market risk during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” contained in Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

Item 4.        Controls and Procedures

 

Material Weakness

 

In conjunction with the filing of Amendment No. 2 on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we identified a material weakness associated with the controls over non-routine revenue transactions and the related accounting treatment of those transactions to ensure compliance with GAAP. In response, management continued to enhance the control structure to address these material weaknesses; however, at our Brad Foote subsidiary, the controls implemented were not sufficient to fully remediate this material weakness as it related to our fourth quarter 2009 interim monthly financial statements. Based on this assessment, management determined that, as of December 31, 2009, we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting due to the previously reported material weakness related to non-routine revenue transactions discussed above, which remained outstanding at December 31, 2009.

 

Remediation Activities and Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management has continued its remediation efforts to reduce the risk presented by the existing material weakness. Since year-end, we have made key personnel changes, enhanced our internal controls to detect, monitor and review transactions that are deemed by the Company to be non-routine revenue transactions. During the third quarter, we continued our testing of these internal control procedures to assess their effectiveness in remediating this material weakness. The impact of remediation efforts initiated by management will not be fully known until our assessment of internal control over financial reporting is completed as of December 31, 2010.

 

During the second quarter of 2010, we enhanced our internal control over financial reporting related to information technology through upgrading our enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software and server databases at Brad Foote. The upgraded ERP software and server databases will provide better visibility into product costing and inventory production planning, in addition to enhancements to data security and user access controls.

 

During the third quarter of 2010, management continued to enhance the controls over financial reporting related to the product costing and inventory production planning at Brad Foote. With the enhanced ERP software implemented in the second quarter we are continuing to utilize the new capabilities of the system.

 

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Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered in this report. In light of the material weakness associated with the controls over non-routine revenue transactions, which has not been completely remediated as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and did not ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

We anticipate the actions to be taken to remediate this material weakness and the resulting improvement in controls will generally strengthen our disclosure controls and procedures, as well as our internal control over financial reporting, and will, over time, address the material weakness that we identified in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. However, because many of the remediation actions we have undertaken are recent and because some of our remediation actions will be designed to improve our internal control over annual measures, management will not be able to conclude that the material weakness has been eliminated until such time as it is able to complete its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.  While management is exercising its best efforts to remediate the material weakness identified and described above, we cannot provide any assurance as to when such material weakness will be remediated.

 

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.        Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, Broadwind and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of September 30, 2010, we are not aware of material pending legal proceedings or threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of pending actions.

 

Item 1A: Risk Factors

 

There were no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

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

 

None

 

Item 3.        Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4.        Removed and Reserved

 

Item 5.        Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6.        Exhibits

 

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index following the signature page are filed as part of this Quarterly Report.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

November 5, 2010

By:

/s/ J. Cameron Drecoll

 

 

J. Cameron Drecoll

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 5, 2010

By:

/s/ Stephanie K. Kushner

 

 

Stephanie K. Kushner

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

BROADWIND ENERGY, INC.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit

10.1

 

Form of Account Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2010, between Wells Fargo National Association and each of Badger Transport, Inc.; Brad Foote Gear Works, Inc.; Energy Maintenance Service, LLC; and Tower Tech Systems Inc.*

10.2

 

Form of Continuing Guaranty, dated as of September 28, 2010, executed by each of Badger Transport, Inc.; Brad Foote Gear Works, Inc.; Energy Maintenance Service, LLC; and Tower Tech Systems Inc. in favour of Wells Fargo National Association*

10.3

 

Continuing Guaranty, dated as of September 28, 2010, executed by Broadwind Energy, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo National Association*

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer*

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer*

32.1

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Executive Officer*

32.2

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Financial Officer*

 


*              Filed herewith.

 

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