e424b3
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-166591
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated May 27, 2010)
1,025,641 Shares
POWERSECURE INTERNATIONAL, INC
Common Stock
This prospectus supplement relates to the offer and sale from time to time of up to 1,025,641
shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus supplement.
The shares covered by this prospectus supplement were acquired by the selling stockholders in a
private placement.
The selling stockholders may from time to time offer, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares
offered under this prospectus supplement in a number of different ways and at varying prices. We
provide more information about how the selling stockholders may sell the shares in the section
entitled Plan of Distribution beginning on page 33.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders. We
will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares, and the selling stockholders will pay any
broker-dealer or underwriter fees, discounts or commissions and other selling expenses of the
shares.
Our common stock is listed and traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol
POWR. On May 27, 2010, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global
Select Market was $9.77 per share.
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. You should carefully read the section
entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 6 of this prospectus supplement and in any of the
documents we incorporate by reference.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is May 28, 2010
Table of Contents
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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Neither we nor the selling stockholders have
authorized any other person to provide you with information that is different from the information
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus. If any person does provide you with information that differs from information that is
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, you should not rely on it. Neither we nor the selling stockholders are making an offer
to sell or are soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such offers or
sales are not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus is complete and accurate only as of the date on the front of the
document and that any of the information that we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as
of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or of any sale of a security.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus incorporate important business and
financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with the prospectus supplement
or the accompanying prospectus. We will provide you without charge upon your request a copy of any
documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
(other than exhibits to those documents that are not specifically incorporated by reference into
those documents). You may request a copy of a document by writing or telephoning us at the
following address:
PowerSecure International, Inc.
1609 Heritage Commerce Court
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (919) 556-3056
To obtain timely delivery, you must request information no later than five business days
before the date you must make your investment decision.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration
statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a shelf registration
process. Under this shelf registration process, the selling stockholders may use this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus to offer and sell up to 1,025,641 shares of our common
stock from time to time. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the
selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may sell their shares of common stock through any
means described in the section entitled Plan of Distribution.
This document contains two parts. The first part consists of this prospectus supplement, which
provides you with specific information about this offering. The second part, the accompanying
prospectus, provides more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering.
Generally, when we refer only to the prospectus, we are referring to both parts combined.
Before investing in any of the securities being offered under in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should read carefully this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus, together with the information incorporated herein and therein by
reference as described under the heading Incorporation by Reference.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain summaries of certain
provisions contained in some of the documents described herein and therein, but reference is made
to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their
entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein or therein
have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are a part, and you
may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the heading Where You Can Find
Additional Information.
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POWERSECURE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Who We Are
PowerSecure International, Inc., headquartered in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a leading
provider of Energy and Smart Grid Solutions to electric utilities and their commercial,
institutional and industrial customers, and of Energy Services to oil and natural gas producers. We
provide these customers with products and services in four strategic business areas:
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Interactive Distributed Generation®, |
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Utility Infrastructure, |
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Energy Efficiency, and |
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Energy Services. |
Our Energy and Smart Grid Solutions segment is operated through our largest wholly-owned
subsidiary PowerSecure, Inc., which we refer to as our PowerSecure subsidiary. This segment
includes three of our four strategic business areas: Interactive Distributed
Generation®, Utility Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency. These three areas are focused
on providing utilities and their commercial, institutional and industrial customers with products
and services to help them generate, deliver and utilize electricity more efficiently and are
intended to deliver strong returns on investment. This segment operates primarily out of our Wake
Forest, North Carolina headquarters office, and its operations also include several satellite
office and manufacturing facilities, the largest of which are in Raleigh, North Carolina,
McDonough, Georgia, and Anderson, South Carolina.
Our Interactive Distributed Generation® business involves manufacturing, installing
and operating electric generation equipment located at the facility where the power is used,
including commercial, institutional, and industrial operations, generally on behalf of electric
utilities. Our equipment provides a dependable backup power supply during power outages, and
provides a more efficient and environmentally friendly source of power during high cost periods of
peak power demand. Our Interactive Distributed Generation systems contain our proprietary
electronic controls, which enable our systems to be monitored around the clock by our smart grid
monitoring center, protecting our customers operations from power outages and their costs. Through
our monitoring center, we also forecast utilities peak demand periods, and electronically deploy
our systems during these periods to power the customers operations instead of drawing electricity
from the utility grid. Our smart grid monitoring center ensures that our interactive distributed
generation systems deliver more efficient and environmentally friendly power at optimal times and
durations. This more efficient peak demand power supply benefits both the utility and the customer
whose facility is being powered by the system. Our systems also enable utilities to delay new
infrastructure investments for transmitting and distributing power, and minimize energy losses
associated with moving electricity over long distances.
Our Utility Infrastructure business is focused on helping electric utilities design, build,
upgrade and maintain infrastructure that enhances the efficiency of their grid systems. Our
products and services include transmission and distribution system construction and maintenance,
installation of advanced metering and efficient lighting, and emergency storm restoration.
Additionally, we provide utilities with a wide range of engineering and design services, as well as
consulting services for regulatory and rate design matters.
Our Energy Efficiency area is focused on providing energy solutions to commercial,
institutional, and industrial customers that deliver strong returns on investment by reducing
energy costs, improving their operations, and benefiting the environment. Our primary business in
this area is our EfficientLights business, and our primary product is our EfficientLights
LED-based, or light-emitting diode based, lights that reduce the energy and maintenance costs for
refrigerated cases in grocery, drug, and convenience stores. Additionally, we are in the process of
developing other LED-based lighting products, including additional in-store retail lighting, and
LED-based street lights and security lights. Our other business in this area is our EnergyLite
business, which designs and installs cost-effective energy improvement systems for general
lighting, building controls and other facility upgrades.
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Our Energy Services segment is operated through our two other principal operating
subsidiaries, Southern Flow Companies, Inc., which we refer to as Southern Flow, and WaterSecure
Holdings, Inc., which we refer to as WaterSecure. Our Southern Flow business provides oil and
natural gas measurement services to customers involved in oil and natural gas production,
transportation and processing, with a focus on the natural gas market. Southern Flow is
headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, and provides these services through ten division offices
located throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Southwest, Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. WaterSecure
owns approximately 40% of the equity interests in an unconsolidated business, Marcum Midstream
1995-2 Business Trust, which we refer to as MM 1995-2 or as our WaterSecure operations. Our
WaterSecure operations provide water processing and disposal services for oil and natural gas
producers in northeastern Colorado utilizing environmentally responsible technologies and
processes.
In this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, references to PowerSecure,
we, us and our mean PowerSecure International, Inc. together with its subsidiaries, and
references to our PowerSecure subsidiary means PowerSecure, Inc. alone, unless we state otherwise
or the context indicates otherwise.
We were incorporated in Delaware on April 5, 1991. On August 22, 2007, we changed our name to
PowerSecure International, Inc. from Metretek Technologies, Inc., recognizing that the significant
growth in the business operations of our PowerSecure subsidiary resulted in it becoming our core
business and the business best positioned in the marketplace to lead our growth in the future. Our
principal executive offices are located at 1609 Heritage Commerce Court, Wake Forest, North
Carolina 27587, and our telephone number at those offices is (919) 556-3056. Our internet website
address is www.powersecure.com. The contents of and the information on or accessible through our
corporate website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus, other than the documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated
by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and any references to
our website are intended to be an inactive textual references only.
Recent Developments
On April 6, 2010, we announced that we have launched an expansion of our LED lighting business
through the formation and acquisition of a two-thirds controlling interest in Innovative Electronic
Solutions Lighting, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as IES, which
acquired substantially all of the assets and business of a leading LED lighting development
company, in order to accelerate the expansion of new LED lighting products and to capitalize on the
growing marketplace for LED lighting. IES will design and manufacture new LED-based lighting
products for commercial, industrial, and retail customers. The business of IES will include
turn-key product development, design and manufacturing of solid state LED-based lights, including
power drivers, light engines, and thermal management solutions.
IES commenced its business and operations by acquiring, on April 1, 2010, substantially all of
the assets and business of Innovative Electronic Solutions, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability
company, which conducted a solid state LED-based lighting design and manufacturing business. Our
PowerSecure subsidiary owns two-thirds of the membership interests in, and controls the management
of, IES. Our PowerSecure subsidiary contributed approximately $4.4 million to IES to fund the
capitalization of IES and the acquisition by IES of substantially all of the assets and business of
the seller as well as the assumption by IES of the sellers current liabilities. In connection with
its sale and contribution of substantially all of its asset and business to IES, the seller
received the remaining one-third of the membership interests in IES.
On April 30, 2010, our PowerSecure subsidiary, which previously owned two-thirds of the equity
interests in EfficientLights, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, exercised its option to
purchase the one-third minority interest in EfficientLights. The minority interests in
EfficientLights were previously owned by the founder, who is also the President, of EfficientLights
and by five other key employees of EfficientLights. EfficientLights markets and sells LED-based
lights that reduce the energy and maintenance costs for refrigerated cases in grocery, drug, and
convenience stores, and is in the process of developing other LED-based lighting products,
including additional in-store retail lighting, and LED-based street lights and security lights. As
a result, EfficientLights has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of our PowerSecure subsidiary and
there will no longer be a reduction in our consolidated net income due to the net income
attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Our PowerSecure
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subsidiary acquired the minority interest in EfficientLights in exchange for 1,025,641 shares of our common stock,
which had a value of $11,548,717, based on $11.26, the last sale price of our common stock on April
30, 2010 as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market. This prospectus supplement covers the
resale of those shares of our common stock by the former holders of the minority interest in
EfficientLights. See Selling Stockholders below.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. Before making an investment decision,
you should consider carefully the risks, uncertainties and other factors described below as well as
in reports we file with the SEC, including in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as
supplemented and updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form
8-K, and in documents which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus, as well as the risk factors and other information contained in or
incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
If any of these risks were to occur, our business, affairs, prospects, assets, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. If this
occurs, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your
investment. For more information about our SEC filings, please see Where You Can Find More
Information and Documents Incorporated by Reference. See also Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
The economic recession and difficult business and market conditions and the continuing volatility
and disruption in the financial and capital markets has hurt our business and could materially and
adversely affect our business and financial results in future periods.
Over the past two years, the United States economy has been suffering from unfavorable
economic conditions, including a recession in the economy and a financial crisis that has impaired
the business community and the financial markets. These poor economic conditions include a
slowdown in economic activity, volatility and decreases in energy prices, decreased consumer
confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and
liquidity concerns in our markets, adversely affecting our customers and markets. These poor
economic conditions have been adversely affecting our business and our financial condition and
results of operations by extending the length of the sales cycle and causing potential customers to
delay, defer or decline to make purchases of our products and services due to limitations on their
capital expenditures and the adverse effects of the economy and the credit markets on them,
especially the business and operating and capital spending budgets of:
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utilities; |
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industrial, institutional and commercial users of electricity; |
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grocery, drug and convenience store retailers; and |
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natural gas producers. |
While these economic and financial conditions, which have been adversely affecting our
business since 2008, have shown some signs of improvement, the economy is still struggling to
emerge from the recession and credit availability remains limited for nearly all enterprises, so
there is no assurance economic improvement will continue or that these conditions will not
deteriorate further during 2010 or thereafter. These conditions make it extremely difficult for
our customers, our vendors, and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. We
cannot predict the timing, strength or duration of an economic recovery, or what the magnitude of
the effects of an economic recovery will be on our customers and our markets. Our future results
of operations may be negatively impacted in future periods and may experience substantial
fluctuations from period to period as a consequence of these factors, as such conditions and other
factors restricting capital spending may affect the timing of orders from major customers. Until
these economic and financial conditions improve sufficiently to allow our customers to gain
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confidence in an economic recovery, these factors could adversely affect our ability to meet
our capital needs, support our working capital requirements and growth objectives, maintain our
existing or secure new financing arrangements, or otherwise materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operating results can fluctuate significantly from period to period, which makes our operating
results difficult to predict and can cause our operating results to be less than comparable periods
and expectations from time to time.
Our operating results have fluctuated significantly from quarter-to-quarter, period-to-period
and year-to-year during our operating history and are likely to continue to fluctuate in the future
due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. Factors that affect our
operating results include the following:
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the effects of general economic conditions, including the current significant
downturn in the economy and the ongoing difficult capital and credit markets, and the
strong likelihood of continuing future economic and market challenges negatively
impacting our business operations and our revenues and net income, including the
negative impact these conditions will have on the timing of and amounts of orders from
our customers and the potential these factors have to negatively impact our access to
capital to finance our business; |
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the size, timing and terms of sales and orders, including large customer orders, as
well as the effects of the timing of project phases of completion, customers delaying,
deferring or canceling purchase orders or making smaller purchases than expected; |
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our ability to increase our revenues through long-term recurring revenue projects in
our distributed generation and utility infrastructure business units, recognizing that
increasing our revenues from recurring revenue projects will require significant
up-front capital expenditures and protract revenue and profit recognition, while
increasing gross margins over the long-term, including our ability to sell, complete
and recognize satisfactory levels of quarterly revenues and net income related to our
project-based sales across our business lines, which are recognized and billed as they
are completed, in order to maintain our current profits and cash flow and to satisfy
our financial covenants in our credit facilities and to successfully finance the
recurring revenue portion of our business model; |
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our ability to obtain adequate supplies of key components and materials of suitable
quality for our products on a timely and cost-effective basis, including the impact of
potential supply line constraints, substandard parts, and fluctuations in the cost of
raw materials and commodity prices, including without limitation with respect to our
EfficientLights business unit in relation to third party manufacturing arrangements we
have with vendors in China; |
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the performance of our products, services and technologies, and the ability of our
systems to meet the performance standards they are designed and built to deliver to our
customers, including but not limited to our recurring revenue projects for which we
retain the on-going risks associated with our ownership of the systems; |
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our ability to access significant capital resources on a timely basis in order to
fulfill large customer orders and to finance capital required for recurring revenue
projects; |
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our ability to implement our business plans and strategies and the timing of such
implementation; |
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the pace of revenue and profit realization from our new businesses and the
development and growth of their markets; |
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the timing, pricing and market acceptance of our new products and services; |
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changes in our pricing policies and those of our competitors; |
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variations in the length of our sales cycle and in the product and service delivery
and construction process; |
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changes in the mix of our products and services having differing margins; |
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changes in our operating expenses, including prices for materials, labor and other
components of our |
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products and services, fuel prices including diesel, natural gas, oil and gasoline, and
our ability to hedge these prices to protect our costs and revenues, minimize the impact
of volatile exchange rates and mitigate unforeseen or unanticipated expenses; |
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changes in our valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset, and the resulting
impact on our current tax expenses, future tax expenses and balance sheet account
balances; |
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the effects of severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, on the business
operations of our customers, and the potential effect of such conditions on our results
of operations; |
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the life cycles of our products and services, and competitive alternatives in the
marketplace; |
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budgeting cycles of utilities and other industrial, commercial and institutional
customers, including impacts of the current downturn in the economy and difficult
capital markets conditions on capital projects and other spending items; |
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changes and uncertainties in the lead times required to obtain the necessary permits
and other governmental and regulatory approvals for projects; |
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the development and maintenance of business relationships with strategic partners
such as utilities and large customers; |
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economic conditions and regulations in the energy industry, especially in the
electricity, natural gas and oil sectors, including the effects of changes in energy
prices, electricity pricing and utility tariffs; |
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changes in the prices charged by our suppliers; |
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the effects of governmental regulations and regulatory changes in our markets; |
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the effects of litigation, claims and other proceedings; and |
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our ability to make and obtain the expected benefits from the development or
acquisition of technology or businesses, and the costs related to such development or
acquisitions. |
Because we have little or no control over most of these factors, our operating results are
difficult to predict. Any substantial adverse change in any of these factors could negatively
affect our business and results of operations.
Our revenues and other operating results are heavily dependent upon the size and timing of
customer orders and payments, and the timing of the completion of those projects. The timing of
large individual orders, and of project completion, is difficult for us to predict. Because our
operating expenses are based on anticipated revenues over the long-term and because a high
percentage of these are relatively fixed, a shortfall or delay in recognizing revenues could cause
our operating results to vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter and could result in significant
operating losses or declines in profit margins in any particular quarter. If our revenues fall
below our expectations in any particular quarter, we may not be able to or it may not be prudent to
reduce our expenses rapidly in response to the shortfall, which could result in us suffering
significant operating losses or declines in profit margins in that quarter.
As we develop new lines of business, our revenues and costs will fluctuate because generally
new businesses require start-up expenses but take time for revenues to develop. Another factor
that could cause material fluctuations in our quarterly results is the amount of recurring, as
opposed to project-based, sources of revenue we generate for our distributed generation and utility
infrastructure projects. To date, the majority of our Energy and Smart Grid Solutions segment
revenues have consisted of project-based distributed generation revenues, project-based utility
infrastructure revenues and sales of EfficientLights lighting fixtures, which are recognized as the
sales occur or the projects are completed. However, we have focused our marketing efforts on
developing more sales under our recurring revenue model, for which the costs and capital is
invested initially and the related revenue and profit is recognized over the life of the contract,
generally five to fifteen years. Recurring revenue projects, compared to project-based sales,
result in delayed recognition of revenue and net income, especially in the short-term, as we
implement an increased number of these recurring revenue projects.
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Our Energy Services segment operating results will vary as a result of fluctuations in energy
prices. For example, during the 2007-2008 period, the high price of natural gas led to an increase
in production activity by Southern Flows customers, resulting in higher revenues and net income.
However, recent declining prices of natural gas have led to a decline in production activity by
Southern Flows customers, resulting in reduced revenue growth and lower net income. Since energy
prices tend to be cyclical, future cyclical changes in energy prices are likely to affect our
Energy Services segments future revenues and net income. In addition, Southern Flows Gulf Coast
customers are exposed to the risks of hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause fluctuations
in Southern Flows results of operations, adversely affecting results during hurricane season due
to the effects on our customers and operations, and then potentially enhancing results after the
season due to rebuilding and repair efforts which require our services. Results from our
WaterSecure operations also fluctuate significantly with changes in oil and natural gas prices and
oil and natural gas production in Colorado.
Due to these factors and the other risks discussed or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter, period-to-period or year-to-year
comparisons of our results of operations as an indication of our future performance. Quarterly,
period and annual comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful or indicative
of future performance. As a result, it is likely that, from time to time, our results of
operations could fall below historical levels or the expectations of public market analysts and
investors, which could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline.
We may not be able to remain profitable or return to or exceed the levels of revenues, profits and
growth that we have experienced in recent years.
In recent years our operations have generally been profitable and, until 2009, we generally
experienced a high rate of growth in our revenues. We may not be able to return to or exceed our
historic levels of growth, revenues or profitability in future periods due to the factors listed in
this item as well as other factors discussed elsewhere in this prospectus supplement or the
documents incorporated herein by reference. For example, the difficult economic conditions are
negatively affecting our markets and our customers demand for our products, services and systems.
Also, due to sales of our products and services under our recurring revenue model, which model
entails significant up-front capital expenditures and costs with the corresponding revenues being
realized over an extended number of years, as well as due to costs we incur in connection with the
expansion of new businesses, products and services, our revenues and profits may not grow in the
future at the same rates as they have grown in the past or could even decline, and we also could
incur expenses and capital expenditures in the short-term that could adversely affect our operating
results. As a result, there is no assurance that we will continue to generate revenues and profits
in future periods that exceed or are comparable to prior periods, or that we will be profitable in
any particular future period. If our future growth rates, revenues and margins do not meet our
expectations, or if our operating expenses are higher than we anticipate, then our results of
operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may require a substantial amount of additional funds to finance our capital requirements and the
growth of our business, and we may not be able to raise a sufficient amount of funds to do so on
terms favorable to us and our stockholders, or at all.
We may need to obtain additional capital to fund our capital obligations and to finance the
growth and expansion of our businesses. For example, we may need substantial capital to finance
the development and growth of our recurring revenue projects, which are heavily capital intensive.
In addition, our EfficientLights business unit has experienced a high growth rate, which has
required, and will likely continue to require, additional funds to finance its working capital
needs. Moreover, from time to time as part of our business plan, we engage in discussions
regarding potential acquisitions of businesses and technologies. While our ability to finance
future acquisitions could depend on our ability to raise additional capital, as of the date of this
prospectus supplement, we have not entered into any agreement committing us to any such
acquisition. Moreover, unanticipated events, and events over which we have no control, could
increase our operating costs or decrease our ability to generate revenues from product and service
sales, necessitating additional capital. We continually evaluate our cash flow requirements as
well as our opportunity to raise additional capital in order to improve our financial position. In
addition, we continually evaluate opportunities to improve our credit facilities, through increased
credit availability,
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lower debt costs or other more favorable terms. We cannot provide any
assurance that we will be able to maintain our existing
debt facilities, raise additional capital or replace our current credit facility when needed
or desired, or that the terms of any such financing will be favorable to us and our stockholders.
We entered into an expanded revolving credit facility in November 2008, under which we have a
maximum credit line of $50 million. The credit facility matures November 12, 2011, but we have the
option prior to that maturity date, assuming we are in compliance with all our financial covenants
and not otherwise in default, to convert a portion of the outstanding principal balance under that
credit facility into a non-revolving term loan for a two year period expiring November 12, 2013,
with quarterly payments based upon a four year amortization. However, upon maturity of the credit
facility in November 2011, we would still need to refinance any balance of our credit facility that
is not so converted, and to obtain funding for our future capital requirements. As of December 31,
2009, we had no borrowings outstanding under our credit facility and were in full compliance with
all our covenants, and thus the full amount was available to us.
Our ability to borrow under the revolving credit facility is subject to our ability to satisfy
a number of financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio, minimum fixed charge coverage
ratio, minimum asset coverage ratio, minimum consolidated tangible net worth and maximum debt to
net worth ratio. Our ability to satisfy those covenants depends principally upon our ability to
achieve positive operating performance. If we are unable to fully satisfy the financial covenants
of the credit facility, and any such failure is not waived by our lenders, then we will be in
breach of the terms of our credit facility. Our obligations under the credit facility are secured
by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of our operating
subsidiaries, which have guaranteed the credit facility. Any breach of the covenants in the credit
facility could result in a default under the credit facility, and lead to an acceleration of the
payment of all outstanding debt owed, which could materially and adversely affect our financial
condition. In such case, we would seek an amendment, or a waiver of any breach of any term, of our
credit agreement or consider other options, such as raising capital through an equity issuance to
pay down debt, which could be dilutive to stockholders. There can be no assurance that our lenders
would agree to any such amendment or waiver. In the event we obtain such an amendment or waiver
under our credit agreement, we would likely incur additional fees and higher interest expense.
Moreover, we could be adversely affected by the failure of one or more of our lenders to
fulfill their commitments under our credit facility, due to the recent crisis in the financial
markets and banking industry. Our credit facility is provided by a syndicate of several financial
institutions, with each institution agreeing severally, and not jointly, to make revolving credit
loans to us in accordance with the terms of the credit agreement. If one or more of these
financial institutions were to default on its obligation to fund its commitment, the portion of the
credit facility provided by such defaulting financial institution would not be available to us.
We may seek to raise any needed or desired additional capital from the proceeds of public or
private equity or debt offerings at the holding company level or at the subsidiary level or both,
through asset or business sales, from traditional credit financings or from other financing
sources. Our ability to obtain additional capital when needed or desired will depend on many
factors, including market conditions, our operating performance and investor sentiment, and thus
cannot be assured. In addition, depending on how it is structured, raising capital could require
the consent of our lenders. Even if we are able to raise additional capital, the terms of any
financing could be adverse to the interests of our stockholders. For example, the terms of a debt
financing could include covenants that restrict our ability to operate our business or to expand
our operations, while the terms of an equity financing, involving the issuance of capital stock or
of securities convertible into capital stock, could dilute the percentage ownership interests of
our stockholders, and the new capital stock or other new securities could have rights, preferences
or privileges senior to those of our current stockholders.
We cannot provide any assurance that sufficient additional funds will be available to us when
needed or desired or that, if available, such funds can be obtained on terms favorable to us and
our stockholders and acceptable to our lending group, if its consent is required. Our inability to
obtain sufficient additional capital on a timely basis on favorable terms could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
10
Restrictions imposed on us by the terms of our credit facility limit how we conduct our business
and our ability to raise additional capital.
The terms of our credit facility contain financial and operating covenants that place
restrictions on our activities and limit the discretion of our management. These covenants place
significant restrictions on our ability to:
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incur additional indebtedness; |
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create liens or other encumbrances; |
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issue or redeem our securities; |
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make dividend payments, stock repurchases and investments; |
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incur capital expenditures above certain limits; |
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amend our charter documents; |
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sell or otherwise dispose of our or our subsidiaries stock or assets; |
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liquidate or dissolve; |
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make acquisitions above certain limits; or |
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reorganize, recapitalize or engage in a similar business transaction. |
Any future financing arrangements will likely contain similar or more restrictive covenants.
As a result of these restrictions, we may be:
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limited in how we conduct our business; |
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unable to raise additional capital, through debt or equity financings, when needed
for our operations and growth; and |
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unable to compete effectively, make desired acquisitions or to take advantage of new
business opportunities. |
The need to comply with the terms of our debt obligations may also limit our ability to obtain
additional financing and our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business.
If, as a result of these covenants, we are unable to pursue a favorable transaction or course of
action or to respond to an unfavorable event, condition or circumstance, then our business could be
materially and adversely affected.
A large portion of our revenues and operating results in recent years was driven by significant
purchase commitments from one customer, and if we do not continue to receive additional significant
purchase commitments in the future from other customers, our revenues and operating results could
be significant less than in those prior years.
From 2006 though 2008, we derived a very significant portion of our revenues from one
customer, Publix, which had made large purchase commitments generating significant revenues and
enhancing our operating results. Sales to Publix accounted for 53% of our consolidated revenues in
2006, 47% in 2007 and 33% in 2008. However, by the end of 2008 we had completed a majority of the
projects that we were awarded by Publix, and, as a result, revenues from Publix represented only
11% of our consolidated revenues during 2009. We do not expect sales to Publix to represent a
significant portion of our sales in the future. In addition, from time to time, we have other
customers that account for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during a year, and we receive
other significant, non-recurring purchase orders from customers. See Item 1.
BusinessCustomers above. While we have been diversifying our markets and customer base in order
to replace the loss of those large Publix orders and to reduce our dependence on any one or small
group of customers in the future, there is no assurance we will be successful in obtaining
additional significant purchase commitment from other customers. If we are unable to obtain
additional significant purchase orders in the future and to otherwise diversify and expand our
customer base, our revenues and net income in future periods could be significantly less than from
2006 through 2008.
11
Our success will depend on our continued ability to develop new relationships and to maintain
beneficial relationships with our current utility partners and with significant customers and to
generate project-based and recurring revenues from those relationships. We cannot provide any
assurance that we will be able to attract
additional large customer orders in the future to replace revenues from large customer orders
in prior years, or that our existing customers will continue to purchase our products and services
in future years in the same amounts as in prior years. Our business and operating results would be
adversely affected by:
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the loss of one or more large customers; |
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any cancellation of orders by, or any reduction or delay in sales to, these
customers, including actual customer purchases being less than originally expected when
we received the project or sales awards; |
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the failure of large purchase commitments to be renewed or to recur; |
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delays in timing of future projects with existing and new customers; |
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our inability to successfully develop relationships with additional customers; or |
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future price concessions that we may have to make to these customers. |
We do not have long-term commitments for significant revenues with most of our customers and may be
unable to retain existing customers, attract new customers or replace departing customers with new
customers that can provide comparable revenues.
Because we generally do not obtain firm, long-term volume purchase commitments from our
customers, most of our contracts and commitments from our customers are short-term and
project-based, although we are focusing on enhancing our long-term commitments through securing
additional recurring revenue projects. As long as the majority of our revenues continue to be
recognized on a project by project basis, we remain dependent upon securing new contracts in the
future in order to sustain and grow our revenues. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our
revenues and business will grow in the future. We cannot provide any assurance that our customers
will continue to use our products and services or that we will be able to replace, in a timely or
effective manner, canceled, delayed or reduced orders with new business that generates comparable
revenues. Further, we cannot assure you that our current customers will continue to generate
consistent amounts of revenues over time. Our failure to maintain and expand our customer
relationships could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
A significant portion of our backlog consists of non-contractual orders that can be deferred or
cancelled by the customers, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
A significant portion of the orders in our backlog are not based on contracts and thus are
subject to delay, deferral, reduction or cancellation from time to time by our customers. However,
we purchase inventory and equipment, and expend labor resources, on these orders in advance of
their delivery and completion, which puts us at risk of incurring expenses against which
anticipated revenues may be deferred, reduced or even lost. Accordingly, if a significant amount
of orders are deferred, reduced or cancelled, our financial condition and results of operations,
including our revenues, gross margins, net income and cash flow, could be materially and adversely
affected.
The quality and performance of our products are, in part, dependent on the quality of their
component parts that we obtain from various suppliers, which makes us susceptible to performance
issues that could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation and financial results.
Our distributed generation systems, switchgear, lighting products and utility infrastructure
systems are sophisticated and complex, and the success of these systems and products is dependent,
in part, upon the quality and performance of key components and materials, such as engines,
generators, breakers, fuel systems, LED and other lighting technologies, and other complex
electrical components. While we strive to utilize high quality component parts from reputable
suppliers, and to backup their quality and performance with manufacturers warranties, even the
best parts and components have performance issues from time to time, and these performance issues
create
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significant financial and operating risks to our business, operations and financial
results. In addition, because we regularly develop new products and technical designs, we often
incorporate component parts into these new products in configurations, for uses, and in
environments, for which limited experience exists that exposes us to performance risks which may or
may not be covered by warranties. These risks include the expense, time, focus and resources
involved in repairing, replacing or modifying distributed generation systems, generators, engines,
alternators,
switchgear systems and light systems for component part malfunctions and other performance
issues, whether or not covered under manufacturers warranties, and the burden and costs we would
incur due to manufacturers disputing or failing to timely and fully honor their warranty
obligations for quality and performance issues. These risks also include the potential material
and adverse effects on our business, operations, reputation and financial results due to the
cancellation or deferral of projects by our customers, or claims made by our customers for damages,
as a result of performance issues. In addition, the mere existence of performance issues, even if
finally resolved with our suppliers, can have an adverse effect on our reputation for quality,
which could adversely affect our business.
Although we believe the warranties provided by our suppliers generally cover many of these
performance issues, from time to time we face disputes with our suppliers with respect to those
performance issues and their warranty obligations, or the performance issues are not covered by
those manufacturers warranties, and our customers may claim to incur damages as a result of those
performance issues. In those cases, we vigorously defend our position and rights, including our
warranty rights, and we take all commercially practical actions to ensure our customers are fully
satisfied with the quality of our products and services and do not incur any damages. We estimate
that from time to time we have performance issues with an amount equivalent to approximately 5-10%
of our estimated annual revenues related to component parts installed in distributed generation
systems, lighting products and other products and equipment we have sold to various customers
across our business lines, and additional performance issues could arise in the future.
We work collaboratively with the manufacturers to resolve these performance issues. However,
in the event the manufacturers solutions do not fully satisfy the required performance standards,
we could incur additional costs to replace, rebuild, or repair these systems, as well as incur
adverse material future financial consequences related to the cancellation of customer contracts,
including reduced revenues, additional expenses and capital costs, and asset write-offs. In
certain instances, these performance issues could also result in claims for damages from us by our
customers. To date, manufacturers have rectified these performance issues to meet our customers
required performance standards with minimal additional cost to us. However, we cannot provide any
assurance that an acceptable solution will be achieved in each case in the future, and we cannot
accurately estimate the timing or costs to us associated with such solutions. Additionally, the
outcome of any warranty claims is inherently difficult to predict due to the uncertainty of
technical solutions, costs, customer requirements, and the uncertainty inherent in litigation and
disputes generally. Thus, there is no assurance that we will not be adversely affected by
performance issues with key parts and components in our systems. If any of these risks related to
the quality of the components occur, our business and our financial results could be harmed.
Because our future success depends, in part, upon the success of our recurring revenue project
business model, which requires us to make up-front investments in capital for distributed
generation equipment and utility infrastructure that we will continue to own, and therefore
requires us to incur the risks associated with ownership, if we do not receive substantially all of
the benefits anticipated by those projects or if one or more of the risks associated with those
projects materializes, then our financial condition and results of operations could be materially
and adversely affected.
A growing portion of our revenues, cash flow and net income is generated by our recurring
revenue projects, in which we install and own distributed generation systems and utility
infrastructure and realize recurring revenues derived from regular fees paid by the customer to
utilize these assets over a long-term contract, typically five to fifteen years. The revenues from
these business arrangements include fixed free contracts, variable fee contracts, and fees which
are dependent on the energy cost reductions realized by our customers. While to date recurring
revenue projects have constituted only a modest portion of our revenue base, they are growing
significantly, and we expect and intend that they will represent a more significant portion of our
revenues in the future. The success of these recurring revenue projects is dependent upon our
ability to realize the revenues over the life of the contracts and on our ability to manage the
costs of those projects. Accordingly, if we do not realize most of the revenues of
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these recurring
revenue projects, or if the costs to operate or maintain these systems increases significantly, or
if one or more material risks related to these projects discussed below materializes, our business
and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
Under these recurring revenue projects, we derive recurring revenues from our customers,
which revenue stream enhances the size and dependability of our revenues, cash flow, gross margins
and income over the long-term. However, the amount of anticipated recurring revenues and related gross margins and
cash flows from these long-term projects are based on a number of assumptions and estimates,
including those pertaining to customer demand, energy consumption, energy costs and savings, tariff
structures, our monitoring ability, the quality, reliability and availability of the associated
equipment, our capital resources, and the initial and ongoing expenses of the projects. Changes in
our estimates or assumptions causing us to fail to realize the benefits of these recurring revenue
projects may result in the recurring revenues, gross margins on those revenues and cash flows we
receive being substantially less than expected.
Moreover, these recurring revenue projects have certain risks associated with them, in
addition to the risks associated with our traditional turn-key distributed generation sales, due to
our continued ownership of the underlying equipment and the nature of the relationship we have with
the customers under these projects. These risks of engaging in recurring revenue projects include
the following:
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disputes arising with the customer about the project that ultimately results in
either the customer requiring us, or in us determining, to remove the equipment from
the customers site, which could result in a significant loss in revenues and cash flow
until the equipment can be re-deployed in a new project or, if the equipment is not
re-usable, a significant write-down of our assets; |
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our inability to receive the intended benefits from the project due to changes
associated with the distributed generation model, such as due to changes in tariff
structures or customer requirements; |
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our inability to receive recurring revenues due to customer issues, such as
deterioration in the customers ability to pay our ongoing fees or a dispute with the
customer delaying, deferring or reducing the project fees payable to us; |
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the failure of the equipment to properly function and to perform and deliver the
intended benefits, which could result in claims by the customer for damages to its
equipment, lost revenues and profits or safety issues and in attempts by the customer
to cancel the contract related to the project or to refuse or to delay making payments
in amounts we believe are due to us under those contracts; |
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new regulations, or changes in the interpretation of existing regulations, such as
those pertaining to air emissions or those relating to the requirements and conditions
for the ownership of power generation systems, that could render our projects no longer
economically viable, or technically obsolete, or legally impractical; |
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the costs of operating and maintaining the systems increases significantly,
including fuel costs, maintenance expenses; |
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damages, payment delays and other issues due to issues with the performance of
component parts; |
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injuries to persons caused by problems or failures of equipment owned by us; and |
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environmental effects, such as fuel spills, requiring costly and time-consuming
remediation efforts and potentially subjecting us to fines and penalties related to
environmental requirements and regulations. |
Accordingly, we cannot provide any assurance that we will realize substantially all the
benefits that we expect, or that our business will not face some of the risks, including the risks
discussed above, related to these recurring revenue projects, on which we anticipate we will become
more dependant in future periods. If we do not receive substantially all of the expected benefits,
or if we face one or more significant risks, related to these recurring revenue projects, our
financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If we were to lose the services of one or more of our executive officers, we might not be able to
execute our business strategy and our business could be materially and adversely affected.
14
Our future success depends in large part upon the continued service of our executive officers.
In particular, Sidney Hinton, our President and Chief Executive Officer, who is also the visionary
and leader of our PowerSecure subsidiary, is critical to the overall management of our company as
well as to the development of our business, our future growth and performance and our strategic
direction. Although we have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers, we
have key man life insurance only on Mr. Hinton, and it might not be in an amount
sufficient to offset the adverse effects of the loss of his services to us. The loss of the
services of any of our executive officers, especially Mr. Hinton, could materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to continue to attract and retain key personnel, our business could be materially
and adversely affected.
We believe our future success and performance depends, in large part, upon our ability to
attract and retain highly qualified leaders for our business units and technical, managerial,
sales, marketing, finance and operations personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is
intense, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain these key employees in
the future. The loss of the services of any of our key personnel could have a material adverse
effect on our business. Although we have entered into employment agreements with our executive
officers and the leaders of some of our business units, we generally do not have employment
contracts with our other key employees. In addition, we do not have key person life insurance for
most of our key personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our current key
personnel or that we will be able to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel in the
future. We have from time to time in the past experienced, and we expect in the future to continue
to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate
qualifications. If we are unable to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, our business
could be materially and adversely affected.
Price increases in some of the key components in our products and systems could materially and
adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
The prices of some of the key components of our products and systems are subject to
fluctuation due to market forces beyond our control. If we incur price increases from our
suppliers for key components in our products and systems or from our contractors, we may not be
able to pass all of those price increases on to our customers in the form of higher sales prices,
which would adversely affect our operating results and cash flows. For example, most of our
revenues in recent years have been generated from fixed price distributed generation projects, and
increases in the prices of key components in those projects, such as generators, diesel fuel,
copper, aluminum and labor, would increase our operating costs and, accordingly, reduce our margins
in those projects. Although we intend to adjust the pricing on future projects based upon
long-term changes in the prices of these components, we generally cannot pass on short-term price
increases on fixed pricing projects, and we may not be able to pass on all long-term price
increases. Such price increases could occur from time to time due to spot shortages of commodities
or labor, longer-term shortages due to market forces beyond our control or exchange rate
fluctuations. An increase in our operating costs due to price increases from these components
causing a reduction in our margins could materially and adversely affect our consolidated results
of operations and cash flows.
We depend on sole source and limited source suppliers for some of the key components and materials
in our products and systems, which makes us susceptible to supply shortages or price increases that
could materially and adversely affect our business.
We depend upon sole source and limited source suppliers for some of the key components and
materials that we use in our products and systems. If we experience delays in receiving these
components or parts, we will not be able to deliver our products and systems to our customers on a
timely basis, which could defer revenue and income recognition, cause the cancellation or reduction
of some projects and contracts or cause us to incur financial penalties. Also, we cannot guarantee
that any of the parts or components that we purchase, if available at all, will be of adequate
quality or that the prices we pay for these parts or components will not increase. For example, we
are dependent upon obtaining a timely and cost-effective supply of generators for our distributed
generation business, but from time to time these generators are in short supply, affecting the
timing of our performance and
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cost of the generators. From time to time we may experience delays
in production because the supply of one or more critical components is interrupted or reduced, or
because of malfunctions or failures of key components, or we may experience significant increases
in the cost of such components. If any of those events occurs and we have failed to identify an
alternative vendor, then we may be unable to meet our contractual obligations and customer
expectations, which could damage our reputation and result in lost customers and sales, or we may
incur higher than expected expenses, either of which could materially and adversely affect our
business, operations and results of operations.
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Our business is subject to the risk of changes in utility tariff structures, which changes could
materially and adversely affect our business as well as our financial condition and results of
operations.
Our business is dependent, in part, upon our ability to utilize distributed generation to
create favorable pricing for customers based on existing tariff structures. If utility tariffs
change in some regions, then our business would become less viable in those regions. Moreover,
even if such tariffs do not change, if we are unable to obtain the expected benefits from those
tariffs, our revenues and income would be materially and adversely affected. Changes in utility
tariffs or our inability to obtain the benefits of tariff structures could materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to the risk of changes in environmental requirements, which changes could
materially and adversely affect our business as well as our financial condition and results of
operations.
We presently utilize diesel powered generators in our systems. While these systems can be
modified to utilize a blend of natural gas and diesel, and can also utilize biodiesel, diesel is
the primarily fuel utilized across our fleet of systems. If regulatory requirements in the
business regions of our customers are modified to unfavorably affect the utilization of diesel for
generation, then our business could be materially and adversely affected. While, in such case, we
would utilize our best efforts to find alternative power sources, there is no assurance those
alternative sources would be economically acceptable. Thus, unfavorable changes to such regulatory
environmental requirements could materially and adversely affect our business as well as our
financial condition and results of operations.
In some of our project-based distributed generation system sales, the contracts with our customers
have long-term performance requirements that subject us to risks.
In some of our project-based distributed generation system sales, the contracts with our
customers have long-term performance requirements that we are responsible for, and these projects
subject us to risks due to our obligations under those contracts. For example, in some cases, we
are responsible for the full maintenance on the generators and switchgear during the term of the
contract, but the reserves we have set aside may not be sufficient to cover our maintenance
obligations, and the maintenance package we have purchased designed to cover maintenance on the
generators may not be adequate. In addition, changes in circumstances that were not contemplated
at the time of the contract could expose us to unanticipated risks or to protracted or costly
dispute resolution.
Utility companies or governmental entities could place barriers to our entry into the marketplace
that could adversely affect our business.
Utility companies or governmental entities could place barriers on the installation of our
products or the interconnection of our distributed generation systems with the electric grid.
Further, they could charge additional fees to our customers for installing distributed generation.
These types of restrictions, fees or charges could impair our ability to sell our distributed
generation systems, or the ability of our customers to effectively use our systems, or they could
increase the costs of operating our systems. This could make our distributed generation systems
less desirable, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and
operating results.
We could become subject to burdensome government regulation that affects our ability to offer our
products and services or that affects demand for our products and services.
Our business operations are subject to varying degrees of federal, state, local and foreign
laws and regulations. Regulatory agencies may impose special requirements for the implementation
and operation of our products, services or technology that may significantly impact or even
eliminate some of our target markets. We may incur material costs or liabilities in complying with
government regulations. In addition, potentially significant laws, regulations and requirements
may be adopted or imposed in the future. For example, our recurring revenue projects could be
materially and adversely affected by new laws or regulations, or new interpretations of existing
laws and regulations, that would ban the ownership of power generation by a third party, such as
us. Furthermore, some of our customers must comply with numerous laws and regulations.
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In February 2009, Congress adopted a stimulus package entitled the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act, commonly referred to as ARRA. ARRA provides funding for various energy projects
and directly impacts alternative generation technologies, renewable energy requirements,
environmental restrictions and costs and incentives to invest in the electric grid in the United
States. While some of the measures, requirements, benefits and funding in this legislation
directly and indirectly benefit our business, our customers and our unity partners, other aspects
of ARRA benefit our competitors and competitive technologies. Currently, ARRA is not material
impacting our business. However, changes in priorities, spending approvals or beneficiaries of
ARRA could impact our business in a more significant manner in the future.
The modification or adoption of future laws and regulations could adversely affect our
business and our ability to continually modify or alter our methods of operations at reasonable
costs. We cannot provide any assurances that we will be able, for financial or other reasons, to
comply with all applicable laws and regulations. If we fail to comply with these laws and
regulations, we could become subject to substantial penalties or restrictions that could materially
and adversely affect our business.
We face numerous accident and safety risks and hazards that are inherent in energy operations.
Portions of our operations are subject to many hazards and risks inherent in the servicing and
operation of natural gas lines and production water disposal sites, including encountering
unexpected pressures, explosions, fires, natural disasters, blowouts, cratering and pipeline
ruptures. For example, our WaterSecure operations suffered fires in 2008 that resulted in personal
injuries, damages to property and the loss of revenues, net income and cash flow due to business
interruption, as well as a currently pending lawsuit against the underlying business, and will
increase future operating expenses due to safety measures being implemented. Additionally, we face
risks related to the manufacture, installation, sale, servicing and operation of electrical
equipment such as our distributed generation system equipment and the operation of our utility
infrastructure business, including electric shocks and other physical hazards inherent in working
with electrical equipment, and these hazards and risks could result in personal injuries, loss of
life, environmental damage and other damage to our properties and the properties of others and
other consequential damages, and could lead to the suspension of certain of our operations, large
damage claims, damage to our safety reputation and loss of business. If these risks materialize
they could result in losses to us as the result of fatalities, personal injuries, damage to
property and business interruption, some of which could occur for uninsurable or uninsured risks or
could exceed our insurance coverage. Therefore, the occurrence of a significant accident, or other
risk event or hazard, that is not fully covered by insurance could materially and adversely affect
our business and financial results, and even if fully covered by insurance could materially and
adversely affect our business due to the impact on our reputation for safety. In addition, the
risks inherent in our business are such that we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain
adequate insurance in the future at reasonable rates.
Because many of our businesses and our product offerings have limited histories and their business
strategies are still being developed and are unproven, their markets are limited and concentrated,
and limited information is available to evaluate their future prospects.
Our business strategy includes the development and expansion of new businesses and product
lines from time to time. Examples of recent new product offerings and those in development include
our EfficientLights refrigerated case lights, our new LED-based street lights being developed by
EfficientLights, our PowerPackages medium speed engine business that we acquired in 2009, our new
SmartStation and micro-grid products, and new engine and generator technologies. Our plans and
strategies with respect to these new businesses and product offerings are often based on unproven
models and are continually being modified as we seek to maximize their potential. In addition, our
new businesses have a limited number of customers, and our future success depends in large part
upon our ability to expand our customer base and to enhance and develop our products and services
in these new businesses so that they will generate significant revenues, profits and cash flow.
As a company developing new businesses in the rapidly evolving energy and technology markets,
we face numerous risks and uncertainties that are described in this item as well as other parts of
this prospectus supplement or the documents incorporated herein by reference. Some of these risks
relate to our ability to:
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anticipate and adapt to the changing regulatory climate for energy and technology
products, services and technology; |
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provide these new products and services at price points that deliver economic
benefits to our customers and to us; |
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expand our customer base in our new businesses; |
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anticipate and adapt to the changing energy markets and customer preferences; |
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attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel and leaders for these new
businesses; |
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respond to actions taken by our competitors; |
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integrate acquired businesses, technologies, products and services; |
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generate revenues, gross margins, cash flow and profits from sales of new products
and services; and |
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implement effective marketing strategies to promote awareness of our new businesses,
products and services. |
Our business and financial results in the future will depend heavily on the market acceptance
and profitability of our new businesses and these new product and service offerings. If we are
unsuccessful in addressing these risks or in executing our business strategies, or if our business
model fails or is invalid, then our business could be materially and adversely affected.
Changes in our product mix could materially and adversely affect our business.
The margins on our revenues from some of our product and service offerings are higher than the
margins on some of our other product and service offerings. For example, the operating margins we
obtain on recurring revenue contracts are generally higher than the margins we obtain on
project-based sales. Our margins can also fluctuate based upon competition, alternative products
and services, operating costs, tariff systems and contractual factors. In addition, we cannot
currently accurately estimate the margins of some of our new and developing products and services
due to their limited operating history. Our new products and services may have lower margins than
our current products and services. If in the future we derive a proportionately greater percentage
of our revenues from lower margin products and services, then our overall margins on our total
revenues will decrease and, accordingly, will result in lower profits and less cash flow on the
same amount of revenues.
Severe, adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, can cause a severe
disruption in the business of Southern Flow by significantly reducing the short and mid-term demand
of its customers.
Southern Flows business is in large part dependent upon the business of large oil and natural
gas producers. Severe, adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, can
cause serious disruptions in the production activities of those customers, which in turn reduces
their demand for Southern Flows services. While such production reductions tend to be temporary
and after time production levels tend to return to normal levels, such disruptions can cause
Southern Flow to lose revenue that is generally not replaceable. Because Southern Flows expenses
tend to be fixed, at least in the short-term, these temporary revenue losses can have a significant
effect on Southern Flows net income and cash flows. In the event that these losses extend over a
longer period of time, then they could have a material adverse impact on our revenues, financial
condition and results of operations.
We are subject to lawsuits, claims and proceedings from time to time, and in the future we could
become subject to new proceedings, and if any of those proceedings are material and are
successfully prosecuted against us, our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
From time to time, we are involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations, proceedings
and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to
labor and employment, taxes, breach of contract, property damage and other matters. For example,
from time to time, we are involved in disputes relating to the scope of our services, or services
that we receive from our vendors, and charges or fees relating to those services. These disputes
have historically been limited in number and dollar amount and, in the opinion of
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management, based upon current information, no currently pending or overtly threatened claim
is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations. However, our historical experience is not necessarily indicative of the number or
dollar amount of future disputes or claims, and the ultimate outcome of these types of matters
cannot be accurately predicted due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation. We have vigorously
defended all claims against us in the past, and intend to continue to do so in the future.
However, even if we are successful on the merits, any pending or future lawsuits, claims or
proceedings could be time-consuming and expensive to defend or settle and could result in the
diversion of significant management time and operational resources, which could materially and
adversely affect us. In addition, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more
such disputes, claims or proceedings could in the future materially and adversely affect our
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We extend product warranties which could adversely affect our operating results.
We provide a standard one year warranty for our distributed generation and switchgear
equipment and a five year warranty for our EfficientLights lighting products. In certain cases, we
offer extended warranty terms for those product lines. We reserve for the estimated cost of
product warranties when revenue is recognized, and we evaluate our warranty reserves periodically
by reviewing our warranty repair experience. While we engage in product quality programs and
processes, including monitoring and evaluating the quality of our components suppliers and
instituting methods to remotely detect and correct failures, our warranty obligation is affected by
actual product failure rates, parts and equipment costs and service labor costs incurred in
correcting a product failure. Our warranty reserves may be inadequate due to undetected product
defects, unanticipated component failures, or changes in estimates for material, labor and other
costs we may incur to replace projected product failures. As a result, if actual product failure
rates, parts and equipment costs, or service labor costs exceed our estimates, our operating
results could be adversely impacted.
If we fail to successfully educate our potential customer and utility partners about the benefits
of our distributed generation systems or if the market otherwise fails to continue to develop and
expand the need for our solutions, or if new technologies become viable alternatives, then our
business could be limited and adversely affected.
Our future success depends in large part upon the growth of the commercial acceptance of our
distributed generation energy solutions. If we are unable to successfully educate our potential
customers and utility partners about the benefits of our solutions, and gain their acceptance of
the advantages our products have over alternative solutions, then our ability to sell and to grow
the market for our distributed generation systems will be limited. In addition, because smart
grid, demand response and distributed generation technologies and solutions are rapidly evolving,
we cannot accurately assess the growth potential in the market, and we may not be able to
accurately assess the trends that may emerge and affect our business. For example, we may have
difficulty predicting customer needs and developing solutions that address those needs. If the
market for our distributed generation systems does not continue to grow, our ability to grow our
business could be limited, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Because we are dependent upon the utility industry for a growing portion of our revenues,
reductions or deferrals of purchases of our products and services by utilities or their customers
could materially and adversely affect our business.
One of our marketing approaches involves partnering with utilities and selling our products
and services to their large commercial, institutional, federal and industrial customers. We have
generated a significant portion of our revenues using this approach. However, the purchasing
patterns of these customers are cyclical and generally characterized by long budgeting, purchasing
and regulatory processes. These customers typically issue requests for quotes and proposals,
establish committees to evaluate the purchase proposals, review different technical options with
vendors, analyze performance and cost/benefit justifications and perform a regulatory review, in
addition to applying budgetary approval processes and operational and financial justifications. In
addition, utilities and their customers may defer purchases of our products and services if the
utilities reduce capital expenditures as the result of the currently difficult economic and
financial market conditions, mergers and acquisitions, pending or unfavorable regulatory decisions,
poor revenues due to weather conditions, rising interest rates or general economic
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downturns, among other factors. These unfavorable conditions could reduce the demand for our products
and services and materially and adversely affect our business.
Consolidation in our customer base and utility relationships generates risks that could adversely
affect our business.
From time to time industry consolidation can occur and impact our customers and potential
customers, as well as our utility relationships and potential utility relationships. Industry
consolidation has the potential to impact virtually every area of our business. This includes our
Energy and Smart Grid Segment businesses, consisting of Interactive Distributed Generation, Energy
Efficiency and Utility Infrastructure, as well as our Energy Services businesses, consisting of
Southern Flow and WaterSecure. In each of these businesses, industry consolidation has the
potential have both a negative and a positive effect on our business. The risks created by
industry consolidation include, but are not limited to, instances where our customers or utility
company relationships are purchased by other customers or utilities who:
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have vendors other than us from which they prefer to source our products and
services; |
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seek to reduce the prices they pay for our products and services; |
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have not adopted our methodologies and technology; |
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impact organizational structures and personnel such that our relationships are
negatively affected; or |
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in the case of utilities, the consolidation leads to changes in tariff structures
that are unfavorable to our business. |
Many of our products and services experience long and variable sales cycles, which could have a
negative impact on our results of operations for any given quarter or year.
Purchases of our products and services are usually significant financial investments for our
customers and are used by our customers to address important and complex business needs. Customers
generally consider a wide range of issues before making a decision to purchase our products and
services. Before customers commit to purchase our products, they often require a significant
technical review, assessment of competitive products and approval at a number of management levels
within their organization. Our sales cycle may vary based on the industry in which the potential
customer operates and is difficult to predict for any particular transaction. The length and
variability of our sales cycle makes it difficult to predict whether particular sales commitments
will be received in any given quarter. During the time our customers are evaluating our products
and services, we may incur substantial sales and marketing and research and development expenses to
customize our products to the customers needs. We may also expend significant management efforts,
increase manufacturing capacity, order long-lead-time components or purchase significant amounts of
inventory prior to receiving an order. Even after this evaluation process, a potential customer
may not purchase our products. As a result, these long sales cycles may cause us to incur
significant expenses without receiving revenue to offset those expenses.
If we are unable to develop new and enhanced products and services that achieve market acceptance
in a timely manner, our operating results and competitive position could be harmed.
Our future success will depend on our ability to develop new and enhanced products and
services that achieve market acceptance in a timely and cost-effective manner. The markets in
which our businesses operate are characterized by frequent introductions of new and enhanced
products and services, evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements, government
incentives and changes in customer needs. The successful development and market acceptance of our
products and services depends on a number of factors, including:
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the changing requirements and preferences of the potential customers in our markets; |
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the accurate prediction of market requirements, including regulatory issues; |
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the timely completion and introduction of new products and services; |
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the quality, price and performance of new products and services; |
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the availability, quality, price and performance of competing products, services and
technologies; |
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our customer service and support capabilities and responsiveness; |
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the successful development of our relationships with existing and potential
customers; and |
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changes in industry standards. |
We may experience financial or technical difficulties or limitations that could prevent us
from introducing new or enhanced products or services. Furthermore, any of these new or enhanced
products and services could contain problems that are discovered after they are introduced. We may
need to significantly modify the design of these products and services to correct problems.
Rapidly changing industry standards and customer preferences and requirements may impede market
acceptance of our products and services. Our business could be materially and adversely affected
if we experience difficulties in introducing new or enhanced services and products or if these
products and services are not received favorably by our customers.
Development and enhancement of our products and services will require significant additional
expenses and could strain our management, financial and operational resources. The lack of market
acceptance of our products or services or our inability to generate sufficient revenues from this
development or enhancements to offset their costs could have a material adverse effect on our
business. In addition, we may experience delays or other problems in releasing new products and
services and enhancements, these delays or problems may cause customers to forego purchases of our
products and services to purchase those of our competitors.
We cannot provide assurance that products and services that we have recently developed or that
we develop in the future will achieve market acceptance. If our new products and services fail to
achieve market acceptance, or if we fail to develop new or enhanced products and services that
achieve market acceptance, our growth prospects, operating results and competitive position could
be adversely affected.
Rapid technological changes may prevent us from remaining current with our technological resources
and maintaining competitive product and service offerings.
The markets in which our businesses operate are characterized by rapid technological change.
Significant technological changes could render our existing and planned new products, services and
technology obsolete. Our future success will depend, in large part, upon our ability to:
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effectively use and develop leading technologies; |
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continue to develop our technical expertise; |
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enhance our current products and services with new, improved and competitive
technology; and |
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respond to technological changes in a cost-effective manner. |
If we are unable to successfully respond to technological change or if we do not respond to it
in a cost-effective manner, then our business will be materially and adversely affected. We cannot
assure you that we will be successful in responding to changing technology. In addition,
technologies developed by others may render our products, services and technology uncompetitive or
obsolete. Even if we do successfully respond to technological advances, the integration of new
technology may require substantial time and expense, and we cannot assure you that we will succeed
in adapting our products, services and technology in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Failures in the integrity of our current systems and future system upgrades could materially affect
our business performance and our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results.
Our ability to generate accurate and timely financial information for management reporting and
public reporting purposes is dependent on the integrity and stability of our current financial
systems and upgrades to our systems. This includes our financial and operational systems and
underlying processes. Disruptions in our systems integrity could lead to operational issues and
inefficiencies in our business which could be material. Our significant growth requires that we
upgrade our financial systems from time to time, and we expect we will require a financial
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and operational system upgrade in the next few years. We expect that this financial system
upgrade will improve our financial operations once it is complete, but transitional issues could
occur during installation which could adversely impact our performance as well as the integrity or
timing of our financial results.
We face intense competition in the markets for our products, services and technology, and if we
cannot successfully compete in those markets, our business could be materially and adversely
affected.
The markets for our products, services and technology are intensely competitive and subject to
rapidly changing technology, new competing products and services, frequent performance improvements
and evolving industry standards. The markets for energy solutions are fragmented. We compete
against traditional supply-side resources as well as against solutions offered by utilities and
competitive electricity suppliers. We expect the intensity of competition to increase in the
future because the growth potential and deregulatory environment of the energy market have
attracted and are anticipated to continue to attract many new competitors, including new businesses
as well as established businesses from different industries. In addition, the economic downturn
has resulted in supply-side imbalances in some of our markets. As a result of increased
competition, we may have to reduce the price of our products and services, and we may experience
reduced gross margins and loss of market share, which could significantly reduce our future
revenues and operating results.
Many of our existing competitors, as well as many potential new competitors, have longer
operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater
financial, technical, marketing, manufacturing and other resources than we do. This may enable our
competitors to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer
requirements or preferences and to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale
of their products and services than we can. Our competitors may be able to undertake more
extensive marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive
offers to potential employees, customers, strategic partners and suppliers and vendors than we can.
Our competitors may develop products and services that are equal or superior to the products and
services offered by us or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products do. In
addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative
relationships among themselves or with third parties to improve their ability to address the needs
of our existing and prospective customers. As a result, it is possible that new competitors may
emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share or impede our ability to acquire market share
in new markets. We cannot assure you that we will have the financial resources, technical
expertise, portfolio of products and services or marketing and support capabilities to compete
successfully in the future. Our inability to compete successfully or to timely respond to market
demands or changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, conditions and results of
operations.
If we fail to effectively manage our operations as we grow, our ability to sell our products and
services and to provide quality customer service may be adversely affected.
As our revenues have grown, our business operations and number of employees have grown
significantly in recent years to drive and support the growth in our business. Notwithstanding the
current negative effects of the recent difficult economic and financial market conditions on our
recent operating results, we anticipate our business will grow over the long-term, especially as we
expand into new lines of business and new geographic areas. This growth could place a significant
strain on our management and operational resources, including our ability to timely and
cost-effectively satisfy our customers demand requirements. We must plan and manage our resources
effectively in order to continue to offer quality and successful products and services and to
achieve revenue growth and profitability in rapidly evolving markets. If we are not able to
effectively manage our long-term growth in the future, our business may be materially and adversely
affected.
Our investment in and management of the water processing business held by our WaterSecure
operations presents risks to us.
WaterSecure is our subsidiary that manages and holds a significant minority ownership interest
in the WaterSecure operations, a private business that owns and operates natural gas production
water disposal facilities. While WaterSecure does not intend to form any new businesses of this
type, it may from time to time increase its economic interest in this business or initiate or
manage actions intended to expand the businesss assets or activities.
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This business was financed by a private placement of equity interests raising capital to
acquire its initial assets and operations. Our investment in and management of this business
presents risks to us, including:
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material adverse changes in the business, results of operations and financial
condition of the WaterSecure operations due to events, conditions and factors outside
of our control, such as changes in the price of oil and other general and local
conditions affecting the oil and gas market generally, which could reduce the revenues,
net income and cash flows of the business and, because we record equity income and
receive cash distributions from the business based upon its financial results and
available cash, adversely affect our financial results and cash flow; |
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potential new market entrants and competition in the oil and natural gas market
generally and the specific oil and natural gas market served by our WaterSecure
operations, which could adversely affect the financial results of the business and,
accordingly, our results of operations; |
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the hazards of oil production water processing and disposal facilities, including
fires, such as the fires that occurred at the facilities in early 2008, that can result
in loss of life, personal injuries, damages to facilities that may not be insured,
lawsuits by parties that are injured or damaged by those hazards, and the related loss
of business, revenues, net income and cash flows; |
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environmental contamination and the costs associated with fixing any environmental
problems and the risk of damages due to such contamination; |
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lawsuits by investors in this business who become dissatisfied with its results or
other business actions or managerial decisions; |
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the ability of the business to finance its current and future capital needs; |
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changes in the regulatory environment relating to the business; |
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reliance upon significant suppliers and customers by the business; and |
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changes in technology. |
If any of these risks materialize and we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our
financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may be unable to acquire other businesses, technologies or companies or engage in other
strategic transactions, or to successfully realize the benefits of any such strategic transactions.
In the past, in addition to organic growth, we have grown by acquiring complimentary products,
services, technologies and businesses and entering into other strategic transactions that have
enabled us to increase our product and service offerings, expand our markets and add experienced
management. As part of our business strategy, we expect to continue to evaluate and consider
potential strategic transactions, including business combinations, acquisitions and strategic
alliances, to enhance our existing businesses and to develop new products, services. At any given
time we may be engaged in discussions or negotiations with respect to one or more of these types of
transactions, and any of these transactions could be material to our financial condition and
results of operations. However, we do not know if we will be able to identify any future
opportunities that we believe will be beneficial for us. Even if we are able to identify an
appropriate business opportunity, we may not be able to successfully consummate the transaction,
and even if we do consummate such a transaction we may be unable to obtain the benefits or avoid
the difficulties and risks of such transaction.
Any future acquisition involves risks commonly encountered in business relationships,
including:
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the difficulties in assimilating and integrating the operations, personnel, systems,
technologies, products and services of the acquired business; |
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the technologies, products or businesses that we acquire may not achieve expected
levels of revenue, profitability, benefits or productivity; |
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the difficulties in retaining, training, motivating and integrating key personnel; |
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the diversion of managements time and resources away from our normal daily
operations; |
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the difficulties in successfully incorporating licensed or acquired technology and
rights into our product and service offerings; |
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the difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies
within the combined organizations; |
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the difficulties in retaining relationships with customers, employees and suppliers of the
acquired business; |
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the risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience; |
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potential disruptions to our ongoing businesses; and |
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unexpected costs and unknown risks and liabilities associated with the acquisition. |
For these reasons, future acquisitions could materially and adversely affect our existing
businesses. Moreover, we cannot predict the accounting treatment of any acquisition, in part
because we cannot be certain whether current accounting regulations, conventions or interpretations
will prevail in the future.
In addition, to finance any future acquisitions, it may be necessary for us to incur
additional indebtedness or raise additional funds through public or private financings. These
financings may not be available to us at all, or if available may not be available on terms
satisfactory to us or to those whose consents are required for such financings. Available equity
or debt financings may materially and adversely affect our business and operations and, in the case
of equity financings, may significantly dilute the percentage ownership interests of our
stockholders.
We cannot assure you that we will make any additional acquisitions or that any acquisitions,
if made, will be successful, will assist us in the accomplishment of our business strategy, or will
generate sufficient revenues to offset the associated costs and other adverse effects or will
otherwise result in us receiving the intended benefits of the acquisition. In addition, we cannot
assure you that any acquisition of new businesses or technology will lead to the successful
development of new or enhanced products and services, or that any new or enhanced products and
services, if developed, will achieve market acceptance or prove to be profitable.
If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, we could lose important
proprietary technology, which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Our success and ability to compete depends, in substantial part, upon our ability to develop
and protect our proprietary technology and intellectual property rights to distinguish our
products, services and technology from those of our competitors. The unauthorized use of our
intellectual property rights and proprietary technology by others could materially harm our
business. We rely primarily on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, along
with confidentiality agreements, contractual provisions and licensing arrangements, to establish
and protect our intellectual property rights. Although we hold copyrights and trademarks in our
business, and we have applied for a patent and the registration of a number of new trademarks and
service marks and intend to continue to introduce new trademarks and service marks, we believe that
the success of our business depends more upon our proprietary technology, information, processes
and know-how than on patents or trademark registrations. In addition, much of our proprietary
information and technology may not be patentable. Also, we may not be successful in obtaining any
patents or in registering new marks.
Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, existing laws afford only
limited protection, and our actions may be inadequate to protect our rights or to prevent others
from claiming violations of their proprietary rights. Unauthorized third parties may attempt to
copy, reverse engineer or otherwise obtain, use or exploit aspects of our products and services,
develop similar technology independently, or otherwise obtain and use information that we regard as
proprietary. We cannot assure you that our competitors will not independently develop technology
similar or superior to our technology or design around our intellectual property. In addition, the
laws of some foreign countries may not protect our proprietary rights as fully or in the same
manner as the laws of the United States.
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We may need to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect
our trade secrets, and to determine the validity and scope of other companies proprietary rights
in the future. However, litigation could result in significant costs or in the diversion of
management and financial resources. We cannot assure you that any such litigation will be
successful or that we will prevail over counterclaims against us. Our failure to protect any of
our important intellectual property rights or any litigation that we resort to in order to enforce
those rights could materially and adversely affect our business.
If we face claims of intellectual property infringement by third parties, we could encounter
expensive litigation, be liable for significant damages or incur restrictions on our ability to
sell our products and services.
Although we are not aware of any present infringement of our products, services or technology
on the intellectual property rights of others, we cannot be certain that our products, services and
technologies do not or in the future will not infringe on the valid intellectual property rights
held by third parties. In addition, we cannot assure you that third parties will not claim that we
have infringed their intellectual property rights.
In recent years, there has been a significant amount of litigation in the United States
involving patents and other intellectual property rights. In the future, we may be a party to
litigation as a result of an alleged infringement of others intellectual property. Successful
infringement claims against us could result in substantial monetary liability, require us to enter
into royalty or licensing arrangements, or otherwise materially disrupt the conduct of our
business. In addition, even if we prevail on these claims, this litigation could be time-consuming
and expensive to defend or settle, and could result in the diversion of our time and attention and
of operational resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business. Any potential
intellectual property litigation also could force us to do one or more of the following:
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stop selling, incorporating or using our products and services that use the infringed
intellectual property; |
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obtain from the owner of the infringed intellectual property right a license to sell or use
the relevant technology, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms,
or at all; or |
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redesign the products and services that use the technology. |
If we are forced to take any of these actions, our business may be seriously harmed. Although
we carry general liability insurance, our insurance may not cover potential claims of this type or
may not be adequate to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed.
When we become unable to use existing net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable
income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, either because we exhaust them or because we lose the
ability to use them for any reason, we would face exposure to significant tax liabilities in the
future, adversely affecting our net income and cash flow.
We recorded taxable income from 2005 through 2008, and expect to do so in the future, although
in 2009 we recorded a taxable loss primarily as a result of utilizing bonus deprecation of current
year acquisitions of equipment. We have been able to offset a substantial amount of our taxable
income for U.S. federal income tax purposes by utilizing our net operating loss carryforwards,
which we refer to as NOLs, and intend to continue to do so in the future. As of December 31, 2009,
our available federal NOLs were approximately $28.6 million, none of which expire over the next
three years. When our aggregate future net income, for federal income tax purposes, exceeds the
amount of our available NOLs, we will commence incurring liability for federal income taxes, which
will adversely affect our net income, cash flow and available cash resources compared to previous
periods during which we were able to utilize our NOLs.
In addition, our ability to utilize these NOLs is subject to significant conditions and
restrictions. If we fail to meet these conditions and restrictions, we may be unable to fully
utilize some or all of these NOLs. For example, the use of our NOLs is limited under the
alternative minimum tax provisions of the U.S. federal income tax, as a result of which we have
recorded and paid U.S. federal income taxes in the last three years. Other limitations imposed on
our ability to use NOLs to offset future taxable income could cause us to pay U.S. federal income
taxes earlier than we otherwise would if such limitations were not in effect, adversely affecting
our future net income and
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cash flow. For example, a corporation that undergoes an ownership change for U.S. federal income tax
purposes is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its NOLs to offset future taxable
income. A corporation generally undergoes an ownership change when the ownership of its stock,
by value, changes by more than 50 percentage points over any three year period. Similar rules and
limitations may apply for state income tax purposes as well.
We may have tax expense exposure that is greater than anticipated in our estimated tax liabilities.
The determination of our provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires
estimation and significant judgment, but there are many transactions and calculations where the
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Our determination of our tax liability is always subject
to review by applicable taxing authorities, and we are from time to time subject to audits and
examinations by the Internal Revenue Service and by state and local tax authorities. Any adverse
outcome from these audits or examinations could have a negative effect on our operating results and
financial condition. We regularly assess the likelihood of favorable or unfavorable outcomes
resulting from these audits and examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income
taxes. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the ultimate outcome of any tax
audits may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect
our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.
We are subject to the risks of owning real property.
We own real property. We own the land and building constituting our principal executive
offices, as well as another small parcel of real estate utilized in our PowerSecure subsidiary
business. The ownership of real property subjects us to risks, including:
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the possibility of environmental contamination and the costs associated with fixing
any environmental problems and the risk of damages resulting from such contamination; |
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adverse changes in the value of the property, due to interest rate changes, changes
in the neighborhood in which the property is located, or other factors; |
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ongoing maintenance expenses and costs of improvements; |
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the possible need for structural improvements in order to complying with zoning,
seismic, disability act or other requirements; and |
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possible disputes with neighboring owners or others. |
Our current and anticipated future international activities subject us to many legal, business,
political and economic risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our operating results if
they materialize.
We acquire some of our inventory, primarily for our EfficientLights business, and we expect to
market and sell some of our products and services, primarily through our PowerPackages business, in
international markets. While virtually none of our sales have been into international markets in
recent years, one component of our strategy for future growth involves the expansion of our
products and services into new international markets and the expansion of our marketing efforts in
our current international markets. This expansion will require significant management attention
and financial resources to establish additional offices, hire additional personnel, localize and
market products and services in foreign markets and develop relationships with international
service providers. Moreover, we acquire a significant amount of our inventory for our
EfficientLights business from Asian nations. We have very limited experience in international
operations, including in developing localized versions of our products and services and in
developing relationships with international service providers. We cannot provide any assurance
that we will be successful in developing international operations, or that revenues from
international operations will be sufficient to offset these additional costs. If revenues from
international operations are not adequate to offset the additional expense from expanding these
international operations, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
International business activities expose us to many of the risks inherent in conducting
business on an international level that could result in increased expenses, or could limit our ability to
generate revenues, including:
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difficulties in collecting international accounts receivable and longer collection
periods; |
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challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences and by doing
business with foreign agencies and governments; |
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the impact of local economic conditions and practices; |
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difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; |
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difficulties in complying with foreign regulatory and commercial requirements; |
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increased costs associated with maintaining international marketing efforts; |
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fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
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potential adverse tax consequences; |
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adverse changes in applicable laws and regulatory requirements; |
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import and export restrictions; |
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export controls relating to technology; |
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tariffs and other trade barriers; |
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political, social and economic instability; |
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reduced protection for intellectual property rights; |
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cultural and language difficulties; |
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natural disasters and public health emergencies; |
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the potential nationalization of businesses; |
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shipping costs and delays; |
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foreign exchange controls that might prevent us from repatriating foreign earnings
or impair our ability to acquire inventory or transfer assets; and |
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the localization and translation of products and services. |
Our success in expanding our international sales activities will depend in large part on our
ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks, many of which are outside of
our control. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our international operations
and, consequently, our operating results. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to
successfully market, sell and deliver our products and services in foreign markets.
We are subject to physical and financial risks associated with climate change.
We are subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with greenhouse gases, commonly
referred to as GHGs, and global climate change. While there is significant controversy and
uncertainty over this issue, climate change creates physical and financial risks and uncertainties.
Physical risks from climate change could include the risks of an increase in sea level and changes
in weather conditions, such as an increase in changes in precipitation and extreme weather events.
The possibility of sea level rises could adversely affect our customers in coastal communities. In
addition, our potential customers energy needs vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature
and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, the energy use in
our markets could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of the changes.
While the effects of increased energy use could enhance the need for our products and services,
decreased energy use due to weather changes could adversely affect our business and financial
condition, through decreased revenues. In addition, to the extent climate change impacts a
regions economic health, it may also impact our revenues because our financial performance is
tied, in part, to the health of the regional economies we serve. To the extent financial markets
view climate change and emissions of GHGs as a financial risk, this could negatively affect our
ability to access capital markets or cause us to receive less beneficial terms and conditions in
future credit financings.
28
Moreover, the potential economic effects of climate change, such as an increase in energy
prices, and the potential effect of future legislation aimed at reducing the impact of climate
change could increase the pace of development of alternative energy sources and supplies, and the
voluntary reduction in energy use, each of which could reduce the need for distributed generation
and utility infrastructure services, adversely affecting our business and operating results.
We may be subject to legislative and regulatory responses to climate change, with which compliance
could be difficult and costly.
Legislative and regulatory responses related to climate change and new interpretations of
existing laws through climate change litigation create financial risk. Increased public awareness
and concern may result in more federal, state and local requirements to reduce or mitigate the
effects of GHGs. Numerous states have announced or adopted programs to stabilize and reduce GHG,
and federal legislation has been introduced in both houses of Congress. Likewise, the
Environmental Protection Agency has drafted regulations pursuant to which GHGs from certain
stationary sources would be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Thus, there is a risk that our
distributed generation operations could be subject to regulation under climate change laws at the
federal, state or local level in the future, and that any such regulation could be difficult and
costly to our business and adversely affect our results of operations.
Risks Related to the Ownership of our Shares
Our charter documents, as well as certain portions of Delaware law, contain anti-takeover
provisions that could discourage or prevent a third-party acquisition of our common stock, even if
an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders.
Some provisions in our second restated certificate of incorporation and of our amended and
restated by-laws, as well as some provisions of Delaware law, could have the effect of
discouraging, delaying or preventing a third party from attempting to acquire us, even if doing so
would be beneficial to stockholders, including transactions in which investors might otherwise
receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors
might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions could also
prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. These
provisions include:
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a classified board of directors in which only approximately one-third of the total
board members are elected at each annual meeting; |
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limitations on the ability of stockholders to change the authorized number of
directors or to fill vacancies on the board of directors; |
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the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors; |
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provisions permitting a director to be re-elected in an uncontested election even if
less than a majority of the shares voted in that election vote in favor of that
director; |
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authority for our board of directors to issue shares of our common stock and of our
preferred stock, and to determine the price, voting and other rights, preferences,
privileges and restrictions of undesignated shares of preferred stock, without any vote
by or approval of our stockholders; |
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super-majority voting requirements to effect material amendments to our second
restated certificate and restated by-laws; |
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a limitation on which persons may call a special meeting of stockholders; |
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a prohibition on stockholders acting by written consent without a meeting; |
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a fair price provision that sets minimum price requirements for potential acquirers
under certain conditions; |
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anti-greenmail provisions which limit our ability to repurchase shares of common
stock from significant stockholders; |
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restrictions under Delaware law on mergers and other business combinations between
us and any 15% stockholders; and |
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advance notice requirements for director nominations and for stockholder proposals. |
In addition, we have entered into employment agreements with most of our executive officers
which, among other things, include provisions for severance payments and accelerated vesting of
benefits, such as accelerated vesting of restricted stock and stock options, upon a change in
control or circumstances after a change in control.
Our stockholder rights agreement makes effecting a change of control more difficult, which may
discourage offers for shares of our common stock.
Our board of directors has adopted an amended and restated rights agreement, which is intended
to maximize the value of our shares in a non-negotatied takeover, control bid or other sale
context. However, our rights agreement may have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing
changes in our management or control of us, which may discourage potential acquirers who otherwise
might wish to acquire us at a price deemed inadequate by the board, without the consent of the
board of directors. Under the rights plan, if a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common
stock, all holders of rights (other than the acquiring stockholder) may, upon payment of the
purchase price then in effect, purchase common stock having a value of twice the purchase price.
In the event that we are involved in a merger or other similar transaction where we are not the
surviving corporation, all holders of rights (other than the acquiring stockholder) shall be
entitled, upon payment of the then in effect purchase price, to purchase common stock of the
surviving corporation having a value of twice the purchase price. The rights will expire on
November 30, 2011, unless we extend the term of the rights agreement or we earlier redeem or
exchange the rights.
We have not in the past and we do not currently intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend on
retaining any future earnings to fund our operations and growth and do not expect to pay cash
dividends in the foreseeable future on the common stock. Future dividends, if any, will be
determined by our board of directors, based upon our earnings, financial condition, capital
resources, capital requirements, charter restrictions, contractual restrictions and such other
factors as our board of directors deems relevant.
The market for our common stock is volatile and subject to extreme trading price and volume
fluctuations.
The market price and volume of our common stock has in the past been, and in the future is
likely to continue to be, highly volatile. For example, since January 1, 2009, the closing sale
price of our common stock has fluctuated from a low of $3.27 to a high of $10.17. The stock market
in general, and the market for energy companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and
volume fluctuations in recent years, and these fluctuations have often been unrelated or
disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. A number of factors could cause
wide fluctuations in the market price and trading volume of our common stock to continue in the
future, including:
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the effects of economic and market conditions on our business and revenues,
especially the effects of the recent financial crisis and economic recession, including
the length thereof and the timing of and strength of an economic recovery and its
effects on our markets, and the volatility and disruption of the capital and the credit
markets on the demand for our products, services and technologies; |
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actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations or those of our
competitors; |
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announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, significant technical
innovations, new products or services, product improvements, significant contracts,
strategic relationships or capital commitments; |
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the receipt, deferral or loss of significant customer orders, including replacing,
sustaining and growing revenues from new customers; |
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the introduction of new products and services by us or by our competitors; |
30
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the commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation or other legal or regulatory
proceedings; |
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announcements by us or our competitors about the success or status of business; |
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conditions or trends in the energy and technology industries in general, and in the
particular markets we serve; |
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potential favorable or unfavorable regulatory and legislative impacts, including
provisions and spending which may or may not be included in federal economic stimulus
legislation; |
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changes by us in revenue or earnings guidance; |
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our financing and capital raising activities; |
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recommendations by securities analysts; |
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changes in, or the failure by us to meet, securities analysts estimates and
expectations; |
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the lower coverage by securities analysts and the media of smaller issuers like us; |
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changes in the market valuation of other energy or technology companies; |
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additions or departures of key personnel; |
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purchases or sales of our common stock by our directors, executive officers and
significant stockholders; and |
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general economic, business and market conditions. |
Many of these factors are beyond our control. The occurrence of any one or more of these
factors could cause the market price of our common stock to increase or decrease significantly,
regardless of our operating performance.
In addition, broad fluctuations in price and volume may be unrelated or disproportionate to
operating performance. Any significant fluctuations in the future might result in a material
decline in the market price of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in
the market price of a companys securities, securities class action litigation has often been
brought against that company. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future.
Securities litigation is often expensive to defend or settle and could divert managements
attention and operational resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by
reference herein or therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of and made under
the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than
statements of historical fact, including statements that refer to plans, intentions, objectives,
goals, strategies, hopes, beliefs, projections, prospects, expectations or other characterizations
of future events or performance, and assumptions underlying the foregoing. The words may,
could, should, would, will, project, intend, continue, believe, anticipate,
estimate, forecast, expect, plan, potential, opportunity and scheduled, variations of
such words, and other comparable terminology and similar expressions are often, but not always,
used to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but
are not limited to, statements about the following:
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our prospects, including our future business, revenues, expenses, net income,
margins, profitability, cash flow, cash position, liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations, our targeted growth rate and our expectations about realizing
the revenue in our backlog and in our sales pipeline; |
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the effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations of
current and future economic, business, market and regulatory conditions, including the
downturn in the economy and the adverse effects of the difficult credit markets on our
customers and their capital spending and ability to finance purchases of our products,
services, technologies and systems; |
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the effects of fluctuations in sales on our business, revenues, expenses, net
income, margins, profitability, cash flow, liquidity, financial condition and results
of operations; |
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our products, services, technologies and systems, including their quality and
performance in absolute terms and as compared to competitive alternatives, their
benefits to our customers and their ability to meet our customers requirements, and
our ability to successfully develop and market new products, services, technologies and
systems; |
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our markets, including our market position or market share; |
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our ability to successfully develop, operate, grow and diversify our operations and
businesses; |
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our business plans, strategies, goals and objectives, and our ability to
successfully achieve them; |
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the sufficiency of our capital resources, including our cash and cash equivalents,
funds generated from operations, availability of borrowings under our credit and
financing arrangements and other capital resources, to meet our future working capital,
capital expenditure, lease and debt service and business growth needs; |
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the value of our assets and businesses, including the revenues, profits and cash
flow they are capable of delivering in the future; |
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industry trends and customer preferences and the demand for our products, services,
technologies and systems; |
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the nature and intensity of our competition, and our ability to successfully compete
in our markets; |
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business acquisitions, combinations, sales, alliances, ventures and other similar
business transactions and relationships; and |
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the effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations of
litigation and other claims and proceedings that arise from time to time. |
Any forward-looking statements we make are based on our current plans, intentions, objectives,
goals, strategies, hopes, beliefs, projections and expectations, as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance or events, but are subject to and qualified by substantial risks, uncertainties
and other factors, which are difficult to predict and are often beyond our control. Forward-looking
statements will be affected by assumptions and expectations we might make that do not materialize
or that prove to be incorrect and by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by
such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not
limited to, those described in Risk Factors above, as well as other risks, uncertainties and
factors discussed elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, in
documents that we include as exhibits to the registration of which this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus is a part or incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus, and in other reports and documents we from time to time file with
or furnish to the SEC and incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on any forward-looking statements that we make.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus or in any document we incorporate by reference speak only as of the date of this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or such document incorporated by reference.
We undertake no duty or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement or to publicly
disclose any update or revision for any reason, whether as a result of changes in our expectations
or the underlying assumptions, the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future or
unanticipated events, circumstances or conditions or otherwise.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any of the proceeds from any sale of shares by any of the selling
stockholders. All proceeds from the sale of the shares offered under this prospectus supplement
will be for the account of the selling stockholders listed below in Selling Stockholders.
32
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
This prospectus supplement covers the offer and resale by the selling stockholders of up to
1,025,641 shares of our common stock. As used in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, the term selling stockholders includes each of the selling stockholders listed in the
table below, and any donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares
received after the date of this prospectus supplement from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge
or other non-sale related transfer.
As described above under PowerSecure International, Inc. Recent Developments, on April 30,
2010 we issued 1,025,641 shares of our common stock to the founder, who is the President, of
EfficientLights, and to five other key employees of EfficientLights who owned membership interests
in EfficientLights, who are the selling stockholders listed below, in a private placement in
connection with our acquisition of the minority interest in EfficientLights, which thereafter
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of our PowerSecure subsidiary. We previously owned two-thirds of
the membership interests in EfficientLights, and we exercised our right and option, under the
operating agreement of EfficientLights, to acquire the remaining one-third membership interest from
the selling stockholders listed below in exchange for the issuance of shares of our common stock.
The following table sets forth:
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the name of each of the selling stockholders; |
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the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by each such selling
stockholder as of May 27, 2010; |
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the number of shares of our common stock being offered for the account of such
selling stockholder under this prospectus supplement, and |
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the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by each selling
stockholder upon completion of this offering, assuming all shares offered under this
prospectus supplement are sold. |
The information in the table below is based solely on information supplied to us by the
selling stockholders, and we have not independently verified such information. Each of the selling
stockholders may sell all, some or none of the shares offered under this prospectus supplement. We
do not know how long the selling stockholders will hold their shares before selling them, and we
currently have no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any selling stockholders
regarding the sale of any of the shares. Mr. Beatenbough is the President, and the other selling
stockholders are employees, of our EfficientLights subsidiary. Except as described in the foregoing
sentence and other than as a result of the ownership of our shares, none of the selling
stockholders has held any position, office or other material relationship with us or any of our
affiliates within the past three years.
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Shares |
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Shares Beneficially |
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Beneficially |
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Owned Prior to |
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Shares Being |
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Owned After |
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Offering (1)(2) |
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Registered |
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Offering(2)(3) |
Name of Selling Stockholder |
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Number |
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Percent |
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For Sale |
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Number |
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Percent |
Bryan Beatenbough |
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820,512 |
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4.5 |
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820,512 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Wesley Mize |
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102,564 |
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* |
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102,564 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Ryan Haley |
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51,282 |
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* |
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51,282 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Patrick Barbee |
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20,613 |
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* |
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20,513 |
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100 |
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* |
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Jeff Purcell |
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15,425 |
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* |
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15,385 |
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40 |
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* |
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Glenn Crump |
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15,385 |
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* |
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15,385 |
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0 |
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0 |
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* |
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Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. |
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(1) |
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Except as otherwise indicated, each selling stockholder named in the table has sole
voting and investment power with respect to all common stock beneficially owned by such
stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)
promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. |
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(2) |
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The percentages shown are calculated based on 18,250,041 shares of common stock
outstanding as of May 27, 2010. |
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(3) |
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There is no assurance that the selling stockholders will sell all or any portion of the
shares being registered for sale. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that, upon
completion of the offering, the selling stockholders will have sold all of the shares
covered by this prospectus supplement and will not have acquired beneficial ownership of
any additional shares. |
We will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares of common stock to be offered by
the selling stockholders under this prospectus supplement including, without limitation, SEC filing
fees and expenses and compliance with state securities laws, except that the selling stockholders
will pay any underwriting discounts and selling commissions incurred by them in connection with
such sales. We will indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. We may be indemnified by the selling stockholders against civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, which may arise from any written
information furnished to us by the selling stockholders specifically for use in this prospectus
supplement.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders may, from time to time, sell any or all of the securities offered
under this prospectus supplement on any stock exchange, market or trading facilities on which the
shares are traded or in private transactions.
The selling stockholders may distribute securities from time to time in one or more
transactions:
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at a fixed offering price or prices, which may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
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at prices related to prevailing market prices; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
The selling stockholders may use any of the following methods when selling shares:
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits
investors; |
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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but
may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the
transaction; |
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its
account; |
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
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privately negotiated transactions; |
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to cover short sales made after the date that the registration statement of which
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is a part is declared
effective by the SEC; |
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through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether
through an options exchange or otherwise; |
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broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of
such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
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a combination of any such methods of sale; and |
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any other method permitted by applicable law. |
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to
participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling
stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer
34
acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the
purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling stockholders do not expect these commissions
and discounts to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.
The selling stockholders may from time to time pledge or grant a security interest in some or
all of the shares owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured
obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell shares of common stock from time to
time under this prospectus supplement, or under another prospectus supplement or an amendment to
this prospectus supplement under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act
supplementing or amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or
other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus supplement.
In connection with the sale of our shares, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging
transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short
sales of the shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders
may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their
short positions, or loan or pledge the shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these
securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities
which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered
by this prospectus supplement, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may
resell pursuant to this prospectus supplement (as further supplemented or amended to reflect such
transaction).
Upon being notified in writing by a selling stockholder that any material arrangement has been
entered into with a broker-dealer for the sale of shares through a block trade, special offering,
exchange distribution or secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, we will file a
supplement to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, if required, pursuant to
Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, disclosing:
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the name of each such selling stockholders and of the participating
broker-dealer(s); |
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the number of shares involved; |
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the price at which such the shares were sold; |
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the commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to such broker-dealer where
applicable; |
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that such broker-dealer did not conduct any investigation to verify the information
set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement; and |
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other facts material to the transaction. |
In addition, upon being notified in writing by a selling stockholders that a donee, pledgee,
transferee or other successor in interest intends to sell more than 500 shares of common stock, we
will file a supplement to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, if then
required in accordance with applicable securities law. Any prospectus supplement may also add,
update or change any information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, including information with the respect to the distribution of the shares.
The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances,
in which case the donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial
owners for purposes of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the
shares may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection
with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any
profit on the resale of the shares purchased by
them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
Discounts, concessions, commissions and similar selling expenses, if any, that can be attributed to
the sale of securities will be paid by the selling stockholders and/or the purchasers. Each selling
stockholder has represented and warranted to us that it acquired the securities subject to this
registration statement in the ordinary course of such selling stockholders
35
business and, at the
time of its purchase of such securities such selling stockholders had no agreements or
understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute any such securities.
The selling stockholders and any other person participating in a distribution of the shares
offered under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are subject to the
applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act,
including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the
shares of common stock offered in this prospectus supplement by the selling stockholders. The
anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to
the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates. Furthermore, Regulation M may
restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the shares to engage in
market-making activities for the particular securities being distributed for a period of up to five
business days before the distribution. The restrictions may affect the marketability of the shares
and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities for the shares.
If the selling stockholders use this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for
any sale of shares, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act. We do not intend, and we assume no obligation, to deliver any copies of this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
The shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required by
applicable state securities laws. In addition, in some states the shares may not be sold unless
they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the
registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
We will pay all expenses related to the registration of the sale of the shares offered under
this prospectus supplement by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders will pay all
commissions, discounts, concessions and other compensation and selling expenses attributable to the
sale of the shares. The selling stockholders may agree to indemnify any broker-dealer or agent that
participates in transactions involving sales of the shares against liabilities related to the offer
and sale of the shares, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act, or to contribute to
payments a broker-dealer or agent may be required to make in respect of these liabilities.
To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or understandings between the
selling stockholder and any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of the shares by
the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders will act independently of us and each other,
except as discussed in the notes to the table in Selling Stockholders, in making decisions
regarding the timing, manner and size of each sale. The selling stockholders are not obligated to,
and we cannot assure you that the selling stockholders will, sell all or any of the shares offered
under this prospectus supplement.
Instead of selling the shares of common stock under this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus, the selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of their shares
of common stock in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act,
provided they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule, or pursuant to other
available exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered under this prospectus supplement is being passed upon
for us by Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co., L.P.A., Columbus, Ohio.
36
EXPERTS
Hein & Associates LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our
consolidated financial statements, including the related financial statement schedule, and the
consolidated financial statements of Marcum Midstream 1995-2 Business Trust as of December 31, 2009
and December 31, 2008 and for the three years then ended, included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in the
registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in
reliance on Hein & Associates LLPs reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with respect to the securities offered by
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus with the SEC under the Securities Act.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is only part of the registration
statement and does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement and
the exhibits to the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement,
including the exhibits filed with it, from the SEC as indicated below.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other document we file with the SEC
at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You
can request copies of these materials by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost.
You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public
reference room. Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public on the Internet at the
SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
We make available, free of charge, on our website located at www.powersecure.com, our
Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them
with or furnish them to the SEC. The contents of and the information on or accessible through our
corporate website and our investor relations website are not a part of, and are not incorporated
into, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any report or document we file
with or furnish to the SEC, and any references to these websites are intended to be an inactive
textual references only.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus the information contained in documents that we file with the SEC. This
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents filed
separately by us with the SEC. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered to be
a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, except for any information
that is superceded by information that is included directly in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference from information contained in documents that
we file later with the SEC, which will automatically update and supersede this information.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
the documents listed below, which we have filed with the SEC (in each case, File No. 001-12014):
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed on
March 11, 2010 (including those portions of our definitive Proxy Statement filed on
April 28, 2010 incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on
Form 10-K); |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed
on May 6, 2010; |
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2010, January 25, 2010, February
25, 2010, March 11, 2010, March 16, 2010, April 6, 2010, April 16, 2010, April 19,
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10, 2010, May 11, 2010, May 14, 2010, May 17, 2010 and May 25, 2010 (but, in each case,
excluding information furnished but not filed therein); and |
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the description of our common stock, including the description of our preferred
share purchase rights, contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with
the SEC on August 5, 2005, which incorporates by reference the description of our
common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on
January 10, 1993, which was amended in Form 8-A/A Amendment No. 5 filed with the SEC
on November 30, 2001 and Form 8-A/A Amendment No. 6 filed with the SEC on May 21, 2004,
and any amendments or reports filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such
descriptions. |
We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus information contained in any reports and other documents that we file with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus
supplement and prior to the termination of this offering and the termination of the registration
statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part, other than information that is furnished
but not filed with the SEC under those filings.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes
of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or in any subsequently
filed document which is also incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus modifies or supersedes that previous
statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
The information relating to us contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus should be read together with the information in the documents incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Documents incorporated by reference are available from the SEC as described above or from us
without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically
incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus or filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is a part by requesting them in writing or by
telephone at the following address:
PowerSecure International, Inc.
1609 Heritage Commerce Court
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (919) 556-3056
You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized any person to provide
you with any information that is different from that contained in this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. We are not making an offer to sell or seeking an offer to buy these
securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, sale or solicitation is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus or any sale of the securities.
38
PROSPECTUS
$70,000,000
POWERSECURE INTERNATIONAL, INC
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Units
We may from time to time offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, warrants, or any
combination of these securities in units. We may offer these securities separately or together, in
one or more offerings, series or classes and in amounts, at prices and on terms that we will
determine at the time of an offering. In addition to the securities that we may offer, the selling
stockholders may offer and sell up to 1,025,641 shares of our common stock from time to time under
this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling
stockholders. The aggregate offering price of all securities sold under this prospectus will not
exceed $70,000,000.
We and the selling stockholders may offer and sell these securities to or through
underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The names of any underwriters, dealers
or agents involved in the sale of the securities and any fees, commissions or discounts to be paid
to them will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms of these securities and the general manner
in which we and the selling stockholders may offer them. When we or the selling stockholders offer
and sell any of these securities, the specific terms of the securities offered, including the
offering price of the securities, will be included in supplements to this prospectus. The
prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which we or the selling
stockholders will offer these securities and may also add, update or change information contained
in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus
supplement, as well as the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, before you
purchase any of the securities offered hereby. This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell
securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock
is listed and traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol
POWR. On May 26, 2010, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global
Select Market was $9.20 per share.
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. You should carefully read the section
entitled Risk Factors beginning on page 6 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus
supplement and in any of the documents we incorporate by reference.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is May 27, 2010
Table of Contents
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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. Neither
we nor the selling stockholders have authorized any other person to provide you with information
that is different from the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus,
any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus. If any person does
provide you with information that differs from information that is contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing
prospectus, you should not rely on it. Neither we nor the selling stockholders are making an offer
to sell or are soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where such offers or
sales are not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus, any applicable
prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is complete and accurate only as of
the date on the front of the document and that any of the information that we have incorporated by
reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of
the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing
prospectus, or of any sale of a security.
This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not
included in or delivered with the prospectus. We will provide you without charge upon your request
a copy of any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus (other than exhibits to
those documents that are not specifically incorporated by reference into those documents). You may
request a copy of a document by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
PowerSecure International, Inc.
1609 Heritage Commerce Court
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (919) 556-3056
To obtain timely delivery, you must request information no later than five business days
before the date you must make your investment decision.
2
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission using a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we
may from time to time offer and sell the securities, or combinations of the securities, described
in this prospectus in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms that we determine at
the time of the offering, up to a total dollar amount, including the resale of common stock by the
selling stockholders, of $70,000,000.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer.
Each time we offer a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a
prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering
and those securities. The information in the prospectus supplement (and in any related free writing
prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) may add, update or change the information
contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. Before investing in any of the securities being offered under this registration
statement, you should read carefully this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any
related free writing prospectus, together with the information incorporated herein by reference as
described under the heading Incorporation by Reference.
In addition, the selling stockholders may use this prospectus to offer and sell up to
1,025,641 shares of our common stock from time to time. We will not receive any proceeds from the
sale of our common stock by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders will deliver a
supplement with this prospectus, to the extent appropriate, to update the information contained in
this prospectus. The selling stockholders may sell their shares of common stock through any means
described in the section entitled Plan of Distribution.
This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents
described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of
the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the
documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain
copies of those documents as described below under the heading Where You Can Find Additional
Information.
3
POWERSECURE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Who We Are
PowerSecure International, Inc., headquartered in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a leading
provider of Energy and Smart Grid Solutions to electric utilities and their commercial,
institutional and industrial customers, and of Energy Services to oil and natural gas producers. We
provide these customers with products and services in four strategic business areas:
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Interactive Distributed Generation®, |
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Utility Infrastructure, |
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Energy Efficiency, and |
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Energy Services. |
Our Energy and Smart Grid Solutions segment is operated through our largest wholly-owned
subsidiary PowerSecure, Inc., which we refer to as our PowerSecure subsidiary. This segment
includes three of our four strategic business areas: Interactive Distributed
Generation®, Utility Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency. These three areas are focused
on providing utilities and their commercial, institutional and industrial customers with products
and services to help them generate, deliver and utilize electricity more efficiently and are
intended to deliver strong returns on investment. This segment operates primarily out of our Wake
Forest, North Carolina headquarters office, and its operations also include several satellite
office and manufacturing facilities, the largest of which are in Raleigh, North Carolina,
McDonough, Georgia, and Anderson, South Carolina.
Our Interactive Distributed Generation® business involves manufacturing, installing
and operating electric generation equipment located at the facility where the power is used,
including commercial, institutional, and industrial operations, generally on behalf of electric
utilities. Our equipment provides a dependable backup power supply during power outages, and
provides a more efficient and environmentally friendly source of power during high cost periods of
peak power demand. Our Interactive Distributed Generation systems contain our proprietary
electronic controls, which enable our systems to be monitored around the clock by our smart grid
monitoring center, protecting our customers operations from power outages and their costs. Through
our monitoring center, we also forecast utilities peak demand periods, and electronically deploy
our systems during these periods to power the customers operations instead of drawing electricity
from the utility grid. Our smart grid monitoring center ensures that our interactive distributed
generation systems deliver more efficient and environmentally friendly power at optimal times and
durations. This more efficient peak demand power supply benefits both the utility and the customer
whose facility is being powered by the system. Our systems also enable utilities to delay new
infrastructure investments for transmitting and distributing power, and minimize energy losses
associated with moving electricity over long distances.
Our Utility Infrastructure business is focused on helping electric utilities design, build,
upgrade and maintain infrastructure that enhances the efficiency of their grid systems. Our
products and services include transmission and distribution system construction and maintenance,
installation of advanced metering and efficient lighting, and emergency storm restoration.
Additionally, we provide utilities with a wide range of engineering and design services, as well as
consulting services for regulatory and rate design matters.
Our Energy Efficiency area is focused on providing energy solutions to commercial,
institutional, and industrial customers that deliver strong returns on investment by reducing
energy costs, improving their operations, and benefiting the environment. Our primary business in
this area is our EfficientLights business, and our primary product is our EfficientLights
LED-based, or light-emitting diode based, lights that reduce the energy and maintenance costs for
refrigerated cases in grocery, drug, and convenience stores. Additionally, we are in the process of
developing other LED-based lighting products, including additional in-store retail lighting, and
LED-based street lights and security lights. Our other business in this area is our EnergyLite
business, which designs and installs cost-effective energy improvement systems for general
lighting, building controls and other facility upgrades.
Our Energy Services segment is operated through our two other principal operating
subsidiaries, Southern Flow Companies, Inc., which we refer to as Southern Flow, and WaterSecure
Holdings, Inc., which we refer to as WaterSecure. Our Southern Flow business provides oil and
natural gas measurement services to customers involved in oil and natural gas production,
transportation and processing, with a focus on the natural gas market.
4
Southern Flow is headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, and provides these services through
ten division offices located throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Southwest, Midwest and Rocky Mountain
regions. WaterSecure owns approximately 40% of the equity interests in an unconsolidated business,
Marcum Midstream 1995-2 Business Trust, which we refer to as MM 1995-2 or as our WaterSecure
operations. Our WaterSecure operations provide water processing and disposal services for oil and
natural gas producers in northeastern Colorado utilizing environmentally responsible technologies
and processes.
In this prospectus, references to PowerSecure, we, us and our mean PowerSecure
International, Inc. together with its subsidiaries, and references to our PowerSecure subsidiary
means PowerSecure, Inc. alone, unless we state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.
We were incorporated in Delaware on April 5, 1991. On August 22, 2007, we changed our name to
PowerSecure International, Inc. from Metretek Technologies, Inc., recognizing that the significant
growth in the business operations of our PowerSecure subsidiary resulted in it becoming our core
business and the business best positioned in the marketplace to lead our growth in the future. Our
principal executive offices are located at 1609 Heritage Commerce Court, Wake Forest, North
Carolina 27587, and our telephone number at those offices is (919) 556-3056. Our internet website
address is www.powersecure.com. The contents of and the information on or accessible through our
corporate website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus, other than the
documents that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and
any references to our website are intended to be an inactive textual references only.
Recent Developments
On April 6, 2010, we announced that we have launched an expansion of our LED lighting business
through the formation and acquisition of a two-thirds controlling interest in Innovative Electronic
Solutions Lighting, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as IES, which
acquired substantially all of the assets and business of a leading LED lighting development
company, in order to accelerate the expansion of new LED lighting products and to capitalize on the
growing marketplace for LED lighting. IES will design and manufacture new LED-based lighting
products for commercial, industrial, and retail customers. The business of IES will include
turn-key product development, design and manufacturing of solid state LED-based lights, including
power drivers, light engines, and thermal management solutions.
IES commenced its business and operations by acquiring, on April 1, 2010, substantially all of
the assets and business of Innovative Electronic Solutions, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability
company, which conducted a solid state LED-based lighting design and manufacturing business. Our
PowerSecure subsidiary owns two-thirds of the membership interests in, and controls the management
of, IES. Our PowerSecure subsidiary contributed approximately $4.4 million to IES to fund the
capitalization of IES and the acquisition by IES of substantially all of the assets and business of
the seller as well as the assumption by IES of the sellers current liabilities. In connection with
its sale and contribution of substantially all of its asset and business to IES, the seller
received the remaining one-third of the membership interests in IES.
On April 30, 2010, our PowerSecure subsidiary, which previously owned two-thirds of the equity
interests in EfficientLights, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, exercised its option to
purchase the one-third minority interest in EfficientLights. The minority interests in
EfficientLights were previously owned by the founder, who is also the President, of EfficientLights
and by five other key employees of EfficientLights. EfficientLights markets and sells LED-based
lights that reduce the energy and maintenance costs for refrigerated cases in grocery, drug, and
convenience stores, and is in the process of developing other LED-based lighting products,
including additional in-store retail lighting, and LED-based street lights and security lights. As
a result, EfficientLights has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of our PowerSecure subsidiary and
there will no longer be a reduction in our consolidated net income due to the net income
attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Our PowerSecure subsidiary acquired the minority
interest in EfficientLights in exchange for 1,025,641 shares of our common stock,
which had a value of $11,548,717, based on $11.26, the last sale
price of our common stock on April 30, 2010 as
reported on The
NASDAQ Global Select Market.
This prospectus
covers the resale of those shares of our common stock by the former holders of the minority
interest in EfficientLights. See Selling Stockholders below.
5
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves significant risks. Before making an investment decision,
you should consider carefully the risks, uncertainties and other factors described in our most
recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented and updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that we have filed or will file with the SEC, and in
documents which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as the risk factors and
other information contained in or incorporated by reference into the applicable prospectus
supplement and any related free writing prospectus.
If any of these risks were to occur, our business, affairs, prospects, assets, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. If this
occurs, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you could lose all or part of your
investment. For more information about our SEC filings, please see Where You Can Find More
Information and Documents Incorporated by Reference. See also Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference herein or therein contain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of and made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933,
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are all
statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements that refer to plans,
intentions, objectives, goals, strategies, hopes, beliefs, projections, prospects, expectations or
other characterizations of future events or performance, and assumptions underlying the foregoing.
The words may, could, should, would, will, project, intend, continue, believe,
anticipate, estimate, forecast, expect, plan, potential, opportunity and scheduled,
variations of such words, and other comparable terminology and similar expressions are often, but
not always, used to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to, statements about the following:
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our prospects, including our future business, revenues, expenses, net income,
margins, profitability, cash flow, cash position, liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations, our targeted growth rate and our expectations about realizing
the revenue in our backlog and in our sales pipeline; |
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the effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations of
current and future economic, business, market and regulatory conditions, including the
downturn in the economy and the adverse effects of the difficult credit markets on our
customers and their capital spending and ability to finance purchases of our products,
services, technologies and systems; |
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the effects of fluctuations in sales on our business, revenues, expenses, net
income, margins, profitability, cash flow, liquidity, financial condition and results
of operations; |
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our products, services, technologies and systems, including their quality and
performance in absolute terms and as compared to competitive alternatives, their
benefits to our customers and their ability to meet our customers requirements, and
our ability to successfully develop and market new products, services, technologies and
systems; |
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our markets, including our market position or market share; |
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our ability to successfully develop, operate, grow and diversify our operations and
businesses; |
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our business plans, strategies, goals and objectives, and our ability to
successfully achieve them; |
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the sufficiency of our capital resources, including our cash and cash equivalents,
funds generated from operations, availability of borrowings under our credit and
financing arrangements and other capital resources, to meet our future working capital,
capital expenditure, lease and debt service and business growth needs; |
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the value of our assets and businesses, including the revenues, profits and cash
flow they are capable of delivering in the future; |
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industry trends and customer preferences and the demand for our products, services,
technologies and systems; |
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the nature and intensity of our competition, and our ability to successfully compete
in our markets; |
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business acquisitions, combinations, sales, alliances, ventures and other similar
business transactions and relationships; and |
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the effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations of
litigation and other claims and proceedings that arise from time to time. |
Any forward-looking statements we make are based on our current plans, intentions, objectives,
goals, strategies, hopes, beliefs, projections and expectations, as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance or events, but are subject to and qualified by substantial risks, uncertainties
and other factors, which are difficult to predict and are often beyond our control. Forward-looking
statements will be affected by assumptions and expectations we might make that do not materialize
or that prove to be incorrect and by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by
such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not
limited to, those described in Risk Factors above, as well as other risks, uncertainties and
factors discussed elsewhere in this prospectus, in documents that we include as exhibits to the
registration of which this prospectus is a part or incorporate by reference into this prospectus,
and in other reports and documents we from time to time file with or furnish to the SEC and
incorporate by reference in this prospectus. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements that we make.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any
free writing prospectus or in any document we incorporate by reference speak only as of the date of
this prospectus, such prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus or such document
incorporated by reference. We undertake no duty or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statement or to publicly disclose any update or revision for any reason, whether as
a result of changes in our expectations or the underlying assumptions, the receipt of new
information, the occurrence of future or unanticipated events, circumstances or conditions or
otherwise.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net
proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us under this prospectus and any prospectus
supplement for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to working capital, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness and other business opportunities. We have not
determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for the foregoing purposes.
Accordingly, management will have broad discretion in the application of any proceeds from the sale
of securities offered in this prospectus. Pending any specific application, we may initially invest
funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of short-term
indebtedness.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from any sale of shares by any of the selling
stockholders.
THE SECURITIES THAT MAY BE OFFERED
The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus, together with the applicable
prospectus supplements, summarize the material terms and provisions of the various types of
securities that we or the selling stockholders may offer. These descriptions are not meant to be
complete. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any securities the
particular terms of the securities offered by that prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the
applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the securities may differ from the terms we have
summarized below. We will also include information in the prospectus supplement, where applicable,
about material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities, and the
securities exchange, if any, on which the securities will be listed.
We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more primary offerings:
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common stock; |
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preferred stock; |
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warrants to purchase common stock and/or preferred stock; and |
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units consisting of common stock, preferred stock and/or warrants in any
combination. |
The selling stockholders may from time to time offer our common stock for resale in one or
more secondary offerings.
7
This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by
a prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The following is a description of the general terms of our common stock and of certain
provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which we refer to as
our restated certificate, and of our Amended and Restated Bylaws, which we refer to as our restated
bylaws. This description is a summary only and not meant to be complete, but is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, which we refer to as the DGCL, and to our restated certificate and of our restated
bylaws. For more detailed information, you should refer to our restated certificate and our
restated bylaws, which we have filed with the SEC and are available as described below under Where
You Can Find More Information, and the DGCL.
General
Under our restated certificate, we are authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share. As of May 26, 2010, 18,250,041 shares of common stock were issued and
outstanding.
Voting Rights, Dividends and Other Rights
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share in the election of
directors and on all other matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. The holders of our
common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors or any preemptive
rights to purchase or subscribe for our securities. Our common stock is not convertible into any
other securities and is not subject to redemption by us. All outstanding shares of our common stock
are, and any additional shares of our common stock that we may issue under this prospectus will
upon issuance be, fully paid and non-assessable.
Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock then outstanding, the
holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends and other distributions,
if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board out of funds legally available for that
purpose.
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, the holders of our
common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our net assets that are remaining after payment
or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations and after payment of any liquidation
preferences to the holders of any shares of preferred stock then outstanding.
The rights of holders of our common stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by the
rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that
we may issue in the future.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol POWR.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Certain provisions of Delaware law, our restated certificate and restated bylaws, and our
stockholder rights plan discussed below could discourage, delay or prevent a proxy contest or other
change in control or a change in management. These provisions are intended to enhance the
likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board and in the policies
formulated by the board and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual
or threatened change of control of us. These provisions are also designed to reduce our
vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal and to discourage certain tactics that may be
used in proxy fights.
Delaware Business Combinations Statute. We are a Delaware corporation and are subject to the
provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware
corporation from engaging in
8
a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years after
the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the
business combination is, or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder
was, approved in a prescribed manner or another prescribed exception applies. For purposes of
Section 203, a business combination is defined broadly to include a merger, asset or stock sale
or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder, and, subject
to certain exceptions, an interested stockholder is a person who, together with such persons
affiliates and associates, owns (or, within three years prior, did own) 15% or more of the
corporations voting stock.
Blank Check Preferred Stock. Our restated certificate authorizes the issuance of up to
3,500,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 2,000,000 shares of
preferred stock were not designated as of the date of this prospectus. The board has the authority,
without further approval of the stockholders, to issue and determine the powers, preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each series of preferred stock, and
any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation, the voting
rights, dividend rate, conversion or exchange rights, redemption rights and price (including
sinking fund provisions) and liquidation preference. The board can issue shares of preferred stock
in one or more series and fix the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation
thereof. The rights and preferences of any series of preferred stock that we issue in the future
could adversely affect the voting power and ownership interest of holders of our common stock. See
Description of Preferred Stock below.
Classified Board of Directors and Limitation on Removal of Directors. Our restated certificate
provides that our board is divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms, so
that only approximately one-third of the directors are elected at each annual meeting of
stockholders. All directors elected to our classified board will serve until the election and
qualification of their respective successors or their earlier resignation or removal. The board is
authorized to create new directorships and to fill such positions so created and is permitted to
specify the class to which any such new position is assigned. The person filling such position
would serve for the term applicable to that class. The board (or its remaining members, even if
less than a quorum) is also empowered to fill vacancies on the board occurring for any reason for
the remainder of the term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred. Members of the
board may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of shares entitled to vote at an election of directors.
Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Proposals and Stockholder Nominations of Directors.
Our restated bylaws contain provisions requiring that, in order for nominations to the board or for
other business to be properly brought by a stockholder before a meeting of stockholders, the
stockholder must first have given timely notice of the proposal in writing to our Secretary.
Generally, for an annual meeting, a stockholders notice must be delivered not less than 90 days
nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary of the previous years annual meeting, provided if
the date of the annual meeting is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice
by the stockholder must be delivered not later than the 90th day prior to such annual
meeting or, if later, the tenth day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the
annual meeting was first made. The notice must set forth specific information regarding the
proposing stockholder, the proposed business or director nominee and such other information, and
the stockholder must follow the procedures, specified in the restated bylaws. Such requirements in
our restated bylaws are in addition to the requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of
the SEC under the Exchange Act. If it is determined that a nomination or other business was not
properly brought before a meeting in accordance with our restated bylaw provisions, such business
will not be conducted and such nominee will be disregarded at the meeting.
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by
our Chairman of the board, our President or by our Secretary at the request in writing of a
majority of our board. Business to be transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be
limited to the purposes stated in the notice of the special meeting.
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent. Our restated certificate and our restated bylaws
require that any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be taken at a
duly called meeting of the stockholders and may not be taken by written consent without a meeting.
Size of the Board. Our restated bylaws provide that the number of directors which shall
constitute the whole board shall be fixed from time to time by the board, provided it shall be not
less than four nor more than nine.
Filling Board Vacancies. Under our restated bylaws, any vacancy and any newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors will be filled by a
majority of the remaining
9
directors, even if less than a quorum, and the director so chosen will hold office until the
election of the class of directors for such directorship.
Super-Majority Stockholder Vote Required for Certain Actions. The DGCL provides generally that
the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to
authorize a merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all assets or similar transaction
or to amend a corporations certificate of incorporation or bylaws, unless the corporations
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. Our
restated certificate requires the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80% of our
outstanding voting shares in order for us to consolidate or merge with or into another corporation,
to cause a combination or majority share acquisition, to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all
or substantially all of our assets or to dissolve, unless two-thirds of our board approves that
action or transaction. In addition, our restated certificate provides that our restated
certificate and our restated bylaws can only be amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of the
holders of not less than 80% of our outstanding voting shares, unless two-thirds of our board
approves such amendment or repeal.
Other Provisions in our Restated Certificate. Our restated certificate contains other
provisions that could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a third party from
attempting to acquire us. For example, our restated certificate contains a fair price provision
that sets minimum price requirements for potential acquirers under certain conditions. In addition,
our restated certificate contains anti-greenmail provisions which limit our ability to repurchase
shares of common stock from significant stockholders.
Stockholder Rights Plan. Our board has adopted a stockholder rights plan, through an amended
and restated rights agreement. The rights plan may have the effect of delaying, deterring, or
preventing changes in our management or control of us, which may discourage potential acquirers who
otherwise might wish to acquire us without the consent of the board. Under the rights plan, if a
person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock, all holders of rights (other than the
acquiring stockholder) may, upon payment of the purchase price then in effect (which is currently
$15.00 per right), purchase common stock having a value of twice the purchase price. In the event
that we are involved in a merger or other similar transaction where we are not the surviving
corporation, all holders of rights (other than the acquiring stockholder) shall be entitled, upon
payment of the then in effect purchase price, to purchase common stock of the surviving corporation
having a value of twice the purchase price. The rights are redeemable by us for $0.01 per right,
and will expire on November 30, 2011, unless we extend the terms of the rights agreement or we
earlier redeem or exchange the rights.
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors. Our restated
certificate and restated bylaws contain provisions permitted under the DGCL eliminating the
personal liability of our directors for monetary damages resulting from breaches of their fiduciary
duty, except in circumstances involving wrongful acts, such as the breach of a directors duty of
loyalty or acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law. In
addition, our restated certificate and restated bylaws contain provisions requiring us to indemnify
our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. We have also entered into
indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers providing them with broad
rights of indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
We are authorized to issue up to 3,500,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of which 1,000,000 shares are designated as Series B and intended for a previous private
placement, 500,000 shares are designated as Series C and reserved for issuance under our rights
plan, and 2,000,000 shares are undesignated and available for issuance as blank check preferred
stock. As of May 26, 2010, no shares of our preferred stock were outstanding.
The following description of the general terms of our preferred stock is a summary only and
not meant to be complete, but is qualified in its entirety by reference to our restated certificate
and to the certificate of designations relating to any new series of preferred stock we offer
hereunder. For more detailed information, you should refer to our restated certificate, which we
have filed, and to one or more certificates of designations related to any new series of preferred
stock we offer under this prospectus, which prior to offering hereunder we will file, with the SEC
as described below and are or will be available as provided under Where You Can Find More
Information.
10
Our board is authorized, without stockholder approval, to issue shares of our preferred stock
from time to time in one or more series and to fix and designate the powers, preferences and
relative, participation, optional or other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, of each series of
preferred stock, including any:
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voting rights; |
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dividend rate; |
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conversion or exchange rights; |
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redemption rights and price (including sinking fund provisions); and |
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liquidation preferences. |
Our board may fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designations of these
series. The powers, preferences and relative, participation, optional or other special rights, and
any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, of each series will be fixed by a certificate of
designation relating to each series. If we issue shares of any series of preferred stock under this
prospectus, the prospectus supplement relating to each series will specify the terms of the
preferred stock, including, if applicable, the following:
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the maximum number of shares in the series and the distinctive designation; |
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the terms on which dividends will be paid, if any; |
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the terms on which the shares may be redeemed, if at all; |
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the liquidation preference, if any; |
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the terms of any retirement or sinking fund for the purchase or redemption of the
shares of the series; |
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the terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares of the series will be
convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of capital
stock; |
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the voting rights, if any, on the shares of the series; and |
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any or all other preferences and relative, participating, operational or other
special rights or qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares. |
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any
applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that
we may offer under this prospectus and the related warrant agreements and warrant certificates.
While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will
describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus
supplement. If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under
that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Specific warrant agreements
will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an
exhibit to the registration statement which includes this prospectus.
General
We may issue warrants to purchase shares of our common stock or our preferred stock, or a
combination thereof, in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with
other securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from these securities.
Each series of warrants will be evidenced by warrant certificates that we will issue under a
separate warrant agreement. We may enter into each warrant agreement with a warrant agent. We will
indicate the name and address of any warrant agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating
to a particular series of warrants.
If we issue warrants pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe in the applicable
prospectus supplement the terms of each series of warrants, including, as applicable, the
following:
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the title of the warrants; |
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the offering price for the warrants, if any; |
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the aggregate number of warrants offered; |
11
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the designation, number and terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of the
warrants; |
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if the warrants are issued as a unit with another security, the date, if any, on and
after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
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the exercise price of the warrants; |
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the dates or periods during which the warrants are exercisable; |
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any minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
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the designation and terms of any securities with which the warrants are issued; |
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the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business
on the warrant agreement and the warrants; |
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the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants; |
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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or the number of
securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; |
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any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange or
exercise of the warrants; |
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the manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be modified; |
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the federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants; and |
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on
the warrants. |
Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of
holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive dividends,
if any, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or the right to exercise voting
rights, if any.
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify at the
exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise
specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants
at any time up to 5:00 P.M. New York City time on the expiration date that we set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised
warrants will become void.
Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering the warrant certificate
representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the
required amount to the warrant agent in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable
prospectus supplement. We will set forth in the warrant certificate and in the applicable
prospectus supplement the information that the holders of the warrants will be required to deliver
to the warrant agent upon exercise of the warrants.
Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly
executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the
applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such
exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised,
then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so
indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities
as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.
Enforceability of Rights By Holders of Warrants
Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and
will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A
single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A
warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable
warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at
law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of warrants may, without the consent of
the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrants, enforce by appropriate legal action
its right to exercise, and to receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.
12
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
We may issue units consisting of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock
and/or warrants in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also
the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights
and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is
issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred
separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
If we issue any units pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe in the applicable
prospectus supplement the terms of and other information relating to such units, including, as
applicable, the following:
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the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units,
including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or
transferred separately; |
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any applicable material U.S. Federal income tax consequences; |
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the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; and |
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any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the
units or of the securities comprising the units. |
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under Description of
Common Stock, Description of Preferred Stock and Description of Warrants, will apply to each
unit, as applicable, and to any common stock, preferred stock or warrant included in each unit.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
In addition to covering the offer and sale of securities by us, this prospectus covers the
offer and resale by the selling stockholders of up to 1,025,641 shares of our common stock. As used
in this prospectus, the term selling stockholders includes each of the selling stockholders
listed in the table below, and any donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest
selling shares received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift,
pledge or other non-sale related transfer.
As described above under PowerSecure International, Inc. Recent Developments, on April
30, 2010 we issued 1,025,641 shares of our common stock to the founder, who is the President, of
EfficientLights, and to five other key employees of EfficientLights who owned membership interests
in EfficientLights, who are the selling stockholders listed below, in a private placement in
connection with our acquisition of the minority interest in EfficientLights, which thereafter
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of our PowerSecure subsidiary. We previously owned two-thirds of
the membership interests in EfficientLights, and we exercised our right and option, under the
operating agreement of EfficientLights, to acquire the remaining one-third membership interest from
the selling stockholders listed below in exchange for the issuance of shares of our common stock.
The following table sets forth:
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the name of each of the selling stockholders; |
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the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by each such selling
stockholder as of May 26, 2010; |
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the number of shares of our common stock being offered for the account of such
selling stockholder under this prospectus, and |
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the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by each selling
stockholder upon completion of this offering, assuming all shares offered under this
prospectus are sold. |
The information in the table below is based solely on information supplied to us by the
selling stockholders, and we have not independently verified such information. Each of the selling
stockholders may sell all, some or none of the shares offered under this prospectus. We do not know
how long the selling stockholders will hold their shares before selling them, and we currently have
no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any selling stockholders regarding the sale of
any of the shares. Mr. Beatenbough is the President, and the other selling stockholders are
employees, of our EfficientLights subsidiary. Except as described in the foregoing sentence and
13
other than as a result of the ownership of our shares, none of the selling stockholders has
held any position, office or other material relationship with us or any of our affiliates within
the past three years.
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Shares |
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Shares Beneficially |
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Beneficially |
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Owned Prior to |
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Shares Being |
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Owned After |
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Offering (1)(2) |
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Registered |
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Offering(2)(3)__ |
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Name of Selling Stockholder |
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Number |
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Percent |
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For Sale |
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Number |
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Percent |
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Bryan Beatenbough |
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820,512 |
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4.5 |
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820,512 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Wesley Mize |
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102,564 |
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* |
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102,564 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Ryan Haley |
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51,282 |
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* |
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51,282 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Patrick Barbee |
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20,613 |
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* |
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20,513 |
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100 |
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* |
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Jeff Purcell |
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15,425 |
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* |
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15,385 |
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40 |
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* |
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Glenn Crump |
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15,385 |
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* |
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15,385 |
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0 |
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0 |
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* |
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Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. |
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(1) |
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Except as otherwise indicated, each selling stockholder named in the table has sole
voting and investment power with respect to all common stock beneficially owned by such
stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)
promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. |
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(2) |
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The percentages shown are calculated based on 18,250,041 shares of common stock
outstanding as of May 26, 2010. |
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(3) |
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There is no assurance that the selling stockholders will sell all or any portion of the
shares being registered for sale. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that, upon
completion of the offering, the selling stockholders will have sold all of the shares
covered by this prospectus and will not have acquired beneficial ownership of any
additional shares. |
We will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares of common stock to be offered by
the selling stockholders under this prospectus including, without limitation, SEC filing fees and
expenses and compliance with state securities laws, except that the selling stockholders will pay
any underwriting discounts and selling commissions incurred by them in connection with such sales.
We will indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. We may be indemnified by the selling stockholders against civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, which may arise from any written information
furnished to us by the selling stockholders specifically for use in this prospectus.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We and the selling stockholders may sell the offered securities from time to time pursuant to
underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these
methods. We and the selling stockholders may sell the securities being offered hereby in one or
more of the following ways from time to time:
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to or through underwriters or dealers; |
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through agents; |
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directly to purchasers; or |
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through a combination of any of these methods. |
We and the selling stockholders may distribute securities from time to time in one or more
transactions:
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at a fixed offering price or prices, which may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
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at prices related to prevailing market prices; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
The prospectus supplement will include the following information as to each offering of
securities hereunder:
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the terms of the offering; |
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the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; |
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the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters; |
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the purchase price or public offering price of the securities; |
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the net proceeds to us or the selling stockholders from the sale of the securities; |
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any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional
securities from us; |
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any delayed delivery arrangements; |
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any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters
compensation; |
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any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
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any commissions paid to agents. |
Sales Through Underwriters or Dealers
If underwriters are used in the sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the
securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more
transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying
prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer the securities to the public either
through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one
or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless the prospectus supplement otherwise provides, the
obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions,
and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered by the prospectus
supplement if they purchase any of them, other than securities covered by any over-allotment
option. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to
dealers may change from time to time. We or the selling stockholders may use underwriters with whom
we or they have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the
underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.
During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the
securities in the open market. These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing
transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the
offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, which means that selling concessions
allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their
account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if the offered securities are repurchased by the
syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or
otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price
that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue
these activities at any time.
If dealers are used in the sale of securities, we and any selling stockholders will sell the
securities to them as principals. The dealers may then resell those securities to the public at
varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The dealers participating in any
sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act
with respect to any sale of those securities. We will include in the applicable prospectus
supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.
Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents
We or any selling stockholders may sell the securities directly to purchasers. In that case,
no underwriters or agents would be involved. We or any selling stockholders may also sell the
securities through agents designated from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of
the securities and any commissions payable to the agent will be disclosed in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, any agent will
act on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
We or any selling stockholders may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or
others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect
to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any sales of these securities in the
prospectus supplement.
Remarketing Arrangements
Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption
or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as
principals for their own accounts or as agents for
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us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the
applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term
is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the securities remarketed.
Delayed Delivery Contracts
If indicated in the prospectus supplement, we or any selling stockholders may authorize
agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase
securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts
would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be
subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement
will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.
Additional Provisions Applicable to Selling Stockholders
The selling stockholders are subject to the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the
timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares of common stock offered in this prospectus by
the selling stockholders. The anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of
shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates.
Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the
shares to engage in market-making activities for the particular securities being distributed for a
period of up to five business days before the distribution. The restrictions may affect the
marketability of the shares and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making
activities for the shares.
Instead of selling the shares of common stock under this prospectus, the selling stockholders
also may resell all or a portion of their shares of common stock in open market transactions in
reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act, provided they meet the criteria and conform to the
requirements of that rule, or pursuant to other available exemptions from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act.
Derivative Transactions
We or the selling stockholders may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or
sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated
transactions. If the prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the
third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the prospectus supplement,
including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or
borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of
stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any
related open borrowings of stock.
We or the selling stockholders may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or
other third party that in turn may sell those securities using this prospectus. Such financial
institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in
connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or
otherwise.
General Information
All securities we may offer, other than shares of our common stock, will be new issues of
securities with no established trading market. Except for shares of our common stock, the
securities offered hereby may not be listed on a national securities exchange. Any underwriters to
whom we sell such securities for public offering and sale may make a market in those securities,
but they will not be obligated to do so and they may discontinue any market making at any time
without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for any of our
offered securities, other than our common stock, will develop.
We or the selling stockholders may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers, agents and
remarketing firms to indemnify them against specified civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, or to provide contribution with respect to payments that they may make with respect to these
liabilities. Agents, dealers, selling stockholders, underwriters and remarketing firms may be
customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of
their businesses.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered under this prospectus is being passed upon for us by
Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co., L.P.A., Columbus, Ohio.
EXPERTS
Hein
& Associates LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements, including the
related financial statement schedule, and the consolidated financial statements of Marcum Midstream 1995-2
Business Trust as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and for the three years then ended
included in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the effectiveness of our internal
control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial
statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Hein & Associates LLPs reports, given on their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with respect to the securities offered by
this prospectus with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus is only part of the
registration statement and does not include all of the information contained in the registration
statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration
statement, including the exhibits filed with it, from the SEC as indicated below.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other document we file with the SEC
at the SECs public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You
can request copies of these materials by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost.
You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public
reference room. Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public on the Internet at the
SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
We make available, free of charge, on our website located at www.powersecure.com, our
Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and
amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them
with or furnish them to the SEC. The contents of and the information on or accessible through our
corporate website and our investor relations website are not a part of, and are not incorporated
into, this propspectus or any report or document we file with or furnish to the SEC and any
references to these websites are intended to be an inactive textual references only.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus the information contained
in documents that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to
you by referring you to those documents filed separately by us with the SEC. The information that
we incorporate by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, except for any
information that is superceded by information that is included directly in this prospectus or
incorporated by reference from information contained in documents that we file later with the SEC,
which will automatically update and supersede this information.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below, which we have
filed with the SEC (in each case, File No. 001-12014):
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed on
March 11, 2010 (including those portions of our definitive Proxy Statement filed on
April 28, 2010 incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K); |
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed
on May 6, 2010; |
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on
January 6, 2010, January 25, 2010, February 25, 2010, March 11, 2010,
March 16, 2010, April 6, 2010, April 16,
2010, April 19, 2010, May 6, 2010, May 10, 2010, May 11,
2010, May 14, 2010, May 17, 2010 and May 25, 2010 (but, in each case, excluding information
furnished but not filed therein); and |
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the description of our common stock, including the description of our preferred
share purchase rights, contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with
the SEC on August 5, 2005, which incorporates by reference the description of our
common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on
January 10, 1993, which was amended in Form 8-A/A Amendment No. 5 filed with the SEC
on November 30, 2001 and Form 8-A/A Amendment No. 6 filed with the SEC on May 21, 2004,
and any amendments or reports filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such
descriptions. |
We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus information contained in any reports and
other documents that we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering and the
termination of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, other than
information that is furnished but not filed with the SEC under those filings.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus or in any subsequently filed document which is also incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that previous
statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
The information relating to us contained in this prospectus should be read together with the
information in the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
prospectus.
Documents incorporated by reference are available from the SEC as described above or from us
without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically
incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus. You can obtain documents incorporated
by reference in this prospectus or filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:
PowerSecure International, Inc.
1609 Heritage Commerce Court
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (919) 556-3056
You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any person to provide you with any
information that is different from that contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference
in this prospectus. We are not making an offer to sell or seeking an offer to buy these securities
in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, sale or solicitation is not permitted. You should not
assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on
the front of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of
the securities.
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