Table of Contents
 
 

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
R
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
OR
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________.
Commission File Number: 001-34811
Ameresco, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
04-3512838
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
111 Speen Street, Suite 410
Framingham, Massachusetts
 
01701
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(508) 661-2200
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes R No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer o 
Non-accelerated Filer þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Shares outstanding as of May 9, 2011
Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
24,159,268
Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
18,000,000
 
 

Table of Contents
 
 

AMERESCO, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
37 
 
 
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Index
 
 

Table of Contents
 
 

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,691,021
 
 
$
29,349,636
 
Restricted cash
9,197,447
 
 
9,060,696
 
Accounts receivable, net
68,584,304
 
 
76,775,498
 
Accounts receivable retainage
18,452,777
 
 
17,263,504
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
35,556,425
 
 
41,842,664
 
Inventory, net
6,780,092
 
 
8,413,306
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,471,628
 
 
8,545,105
 
Income tax receivable
2,511,542
 
 
7,171,748
 
Deferred income taxes
9,908,240
 
 
12,178,736
 
Project development costs
7,556,345
 
 
6,640,028
 
Total current assets
211,709,821
 
 
217,240,921
 
Federal ESPC receivable financing
193,551,495
 
 
216,131,523
 
Property and equipment, net
5,406,387
 
 
5,863,820
 
Project assets, net
145,147,475
 
 
143,021,635
 
Deferred financing fees, net
3,412,186
 
 
3,351,942
 
Goodwill
20,580,995
 
 
20,580,995
 
Other assets
4,598,980
 
 
4,013,591
 
 
372,697,518
 
 
392,963,506
 
 
584,407,339
 
 
610,204,427
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
4,722,118
 
 
11,044,064
 
Accounts payable
95,302,897
 
 
72,434,421
 
Accrued expenses
12,517,671
 
 
12,910,913
 
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
27,555,894
 
 
23,192,383
 
Income taxes payable
2,488,672
 
 
1,719,555
 
Total current liabilities
142,587,252
 
 
121,301,336
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
202,409,484
 
 
231,937,832
 
Deferred income taxes
12,013,799
 
 
16,585,132
 
Deferred grant income
4,200,929
 
 
6,280,019
 
Other liabilities
28,144,144
 
 
30,098,408
 
 
$
246,768,356
 
 
$
284,901,391
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
1

 

AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued)
 
 
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011
 
$
 
 
$
 
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 27,925,649 shares issued and 23,092,365 outstanding at December 31, 2010, 28,619,649 shares issued and 23,786,365 outstanding at March 31, 2011
 
2,793
 
 
2,862
 
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 144,000,000 shares authorized, 18,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011
 
1,800
 
 
1,800
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
74,069,087
 
 
76,735,456
 
Retained earnings
 
126,609,101
 
 
131,897,386
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
3,551,521
 
 
4,546,767
 
Less — treasury stock, at cost, 4,833,284 shares and 4,833,284
shares, respectively
 
(9,182,571
)
 
(9,182,571
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
195,051,731
 
 
204,001,700
 
 
 
$
584,407,339
 
 
$
610,204,427
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
2

Table of Contents
 
 

AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
74,887,569
 
 
$
106,193,265
 
Renewable energy revenue
30,741,017
 
 
40,226,504
 
 
105,628,586
 
 
146,419,769
 
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
62,524,147
 
 
86,361,423
 
Renewable energy expenses
24,705,410
 
 
32,075,313
 
 
87,229,557
 
 
118,436,736
 
Gross profit
18,399,029
 
 
27,983,033
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits
8,157,029
 
 
10,084,732
 
Project development costs
3,129,437
 
 
4,401,577
 
General, administrative and other
4,549,938
 
 
5,193,334
 
 
15,836,404
 
 
19,679,643
 
Operating income
2,562,625
 
 
8,303,390
 
Other income (expense), net (Note 8)
(855,689
)
 
(900,437
)
Income before provision for income taxes
1,706,936
 
 
7,402,953
 
Income tax provision
(429,258
)
 
(2,114,668
)
Net income
1,277,678
 
 
5,288,285
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized (loss) gain from interest rate hedge, net of tax
(320,227
)
 
239,848
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
993,899
 
 
755,398
 
Comprehensive income
$
1,951,350
 
 
$
6,283,531
 
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.10
 
 
$
0.13
 
Diluted
$
0.03
 
 
$
0.12
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
13,282,284
 
 
41,322,276
 
Diluted
36,587,847
 
 
45,823,090
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
3

Table of Contents
 
 

AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
Series A Preferred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
Stock
 
Class B Common Stock
 
Class A Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Treasury Stock
 
Comprehensive
 
Stockholders’
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Income
 
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2010
 
 
 
$
 
 
18,000,000
 
 
$
1,800
 
 
27,925,649
 
 
$
2,793
 
 
$
74,069,087
 
 
$
126,609,101
 
 
4,833,284
 
 
$
(9,182,571
)
 
$
3,551,521
 
 
$
195,051,731
 
Exercise of stock options, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
694,000
 
 
69
 
 
1,416,022
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,416,091
 
Stock-based compensation expense, including excess tax benefits of $391,297
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,250,347
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,250,347
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
755,398
 
 
755,398
 
Unrealized gain from interest rate hedge, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
239,848
 
 
239,848
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,288,285
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,288,285
 
Balance, March 31, 2011
 
 
 
$
 
 
18,000,000
 
 
$
1,800
 
 
28,619,649
 
 
$
2,862
 
 
$
76,735,456
 
 
$
131,897,386
 
 
4,833,284
 
 
$
(9,182,571
)
 
$
4,546,767
 
 
$
204,001,700
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 

 
4

Table of Contents
 
 

AMERESCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,277,678
 
 
$
5,288,285
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation of project assets
1,755,132
 
 
2,210,612
 
Depreciation of property and equipment
387,531
 
 
471,789
 
Amortization of deferred financing fees
70,350
 
 
110,833
 
Provision for bad debts
17,834
 
 
24,186
 
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(133,591
)
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
439,086
 
 
859,050
 
Deferred income taxes
1,602,408
 
 
2,692,134
 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements
 
 
(391,297
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in:
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash draws
214,939
 
 
40,912,909
 
Accounts receivable
10,914,236
 
 
(7,620,850
)
Accounts receivable retainage
(3,294,743
)
 
1,439,552
 
Federal ESPC receivable financing
1,850,132
 
 
(36,506,536
)
Inventory
(543,415
)
 
(1,633,214
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
(2,704,612
)
 
(6,143,202
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(3,516,043
)
 
(21,209
)
Project development costs
132,260
 
 
921,076
 
Other assets
1,199,776
 
 
619,317
 
Increase (decrease) in:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(28,098,390
)
 
(23,204,150
)
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
(705,848
)
 
(4,546,509
)
Other liabilities
933,533
 
 
4,342,540
 
Income taxes payable
266,389
 
 
(5,446,587
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(17,935,358
)
 
(25,621,271
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(424,376
)
 
(895,230
)
Purchases of project assets
(5,874,481
)
 
(6,591,203
)
Grant awards received on project assets
 
 
6,695,711
 
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(6,298,857
)
 
$
(790,722
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
5

Table of Contents
 
 

AMERESCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements
$
 
 
$
391,297
 
Payments of financing fees
(186,078
)
 
(50,589
)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
 
 
1,416,091
 
Proceeds from senior secured credit facility
5,017,004
 
 
5,000,000
 
Proceeds from long-term debt financing
812,398
 
 
5,500,089
 
Restricted cash
(4,309,781
)
 
(587,567
)
Payments on long-term debt
(1,342,551
)
 
(911,878
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(9,008
)
 
10,757,443
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
677,162
 
 
313,165
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(23,566,061
)
 
(15,341,385
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
47,927,540
 
 
44,691,021
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
24,361,479
 
 
$
29,349,636
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
817,393
 
 
$
471,352
 
Income taxes
$
959,060
 
 
$
3,254,600
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

Table of Contents
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Ameresco, Inc. (including its subsidiaries, the "Company") was organized as a Delaware corporation on April 25, 2000. The Company is a provider of energy efficiency solutions for facilities throughout North America. The Company provides solutions, both products and services, that enable customers to reduce their energy consumption, lower their operating and maintenance costs and realize environmental benefits. The Company's comprehensive set of services includes upgrades to a facility's energy infrastructure and the construction and operation of small-scale renewable energy plants. It also sells certain photovoltaic equipment worldwide. The Company operates in the United States, Canada, and Europe. 
The Company is compensated through a variety of methods, including: 1) direct payments based on fee-for-services contracts (utilizing lump-sum or cost-plus pricing methodologies); 2) the sale of energy from the Company's generating assets; and 3) direct payment for photovoltaic equipment and systems.
The condensed consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, and for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2011, and for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, are unaudited. In addition, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation in conformity with GAAP. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, and notes thereto, included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2011. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Codification 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles that the Company follows to ensure its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are consistently reported. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). 
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements follows. 
Principles of Consolidation 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameresco, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Gains and losses from the translation of all foreign currency financial statements are recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) account within stockholders' equity. 
Use of Estimates 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates with regard to these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to the estimation of final construction contract profit in accordance with accounting for long-term contracts, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, project development costs, fair value of derivative financial instruments and stock-based awards, impairment of long lived assets, income taxes and estimating potential liability in conjunction with certain commitments and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Cash includes cash on deposit, overnight repurchase agreements and amounts invested in highly liquid money market funds. Cash equivalents consist of short term investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains accounts with financial institutions and the balances in such accounts, at times, exceed federally insured limits. This credit risk is divided among a number of financial institutions that management believes to be of high quality. The carrying

 
7

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value. 
Restricted Cash 
Restricted cash consists of cash held in an escrow account in association with construction draws for energy savings performance contracts ("ESPCs"), as well as cash required under term loans to be maintained in debt service reserve accounts until all obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full.
Accounts Receivable 
Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for those accounts receivable considered to be uncollectible based upon historical experience and management's evaluation of outstanding accounts receivable at the end of the year. Bad debts are written off against the allowance when identified. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2010
 
2011
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,602,079
 
 
$
1,677,278
 
Charges to costs and expenses
 
17,834
 
 
24,186
 
Account write-offs and other deductions
 
(32,356
)
 
(30,475
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,587,557
 
 
$
1,670,989
 
At December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, no customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total accounts receivable. 
During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, one customer accounted for approximately 14.1% and 11.5%, respectively, of the Company's total revenue.
Accounts Receivable Retainage 
Accounts receivable retainage represents amounts due from customers, but where payments are withheld contractually until certain construction milestones are met. Amounts retained typically range from five percent to ten percent of the total invoice.
 Inventory 
Inventories, which consist of photovoltaic solar panels, batteries and related accessories, are stated at the lower of cost ("first-in, first-out" method) or market (determined on the basis of estimated realizable values). Provisions have been made to reduce the carrying value to the realizable value. 
Prepaid Expenses 
Prepaid expenses consist primarily of short-term prepaid expenditures that will amortize within one year. 
Federal ESPC Receivable Financing 
Federal ESPC receivable financing represents the amount to be paid by various federal government agencies for work performed and earned by the Company under specific ESPCs. The Company assigns certain of its rights to receive those payments to third-party lenders that provide construction and permanent financing for such contracts. The receivable is recognized as revenue as each project is constructed. Upon completion and acceptance of the project by the government, the assigned ESPC receivable and corresponding related project debt is eliminated from the Company's financial statements. 
Project Development Costs 
The Company capitalizes as project development costs only those costs incurred in connection with the development of energy projects, primarily direct labor, interest costs, outside contractor services, consulting fees, legal fees and travel, if incurred after a point in time where the realization of related revenue becomes probable. Project development costs incurred prior to the probable realization of revenue are expensed as incurred. The Company classifies project development costs as a current asset as the development efforts are expected to proceed to construction activity in the twelve months that follow. 
 

 
8

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

Property and Equipment 
Property and equipment consists primarily of office and computer equipment. These assets are recorded at cost. Major additions and improvements are capitalized as additions to the property and equipment accounts, while replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Asset Classification
 
Estimated Useful Life
Furniture and office equipment
 
Five years
Computer equipment and software costs
 
Five years
Leasehold improvements
 
Lesser of term of lease or five years
Automobiles
 
Five years
Land
 
Unlimited
Project Assets 
Project assets consist of costs of materials, direct labor, interest costs, outside contract services and project development costs incurred in connection with the construction of small-scale renewable energy plants that the Company owns and the implementation of energy savings contracts. These amounts are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related assets or the terms of the related contracts.
The Company capitalizes interest costs relating to construction financing during the period of construction. The interest capitalized is included in the total cost of the project at completion. The amount of interest capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $252,113. No interest was capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2011. 
Routine maintenance costs are expensed in the current year's condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income to the extent that they do not extend the life of the asset. Major maintenance, upgrades and overhauls are required for certain components of the Company's assets. In these instances, the costs associated with these upgrades are capitalized and are depreciated over the shorter of the life of the asset or until the next required major maintenance or overhaul period. Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are reflected in general, administrative and other expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.dd
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used by estimating the undiscounted future cash flows before interest associated with the expected uses and eventual disposition of those assets. When these comparisons indicate that the carrying value of those assets is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. d
In February and March 2011, the Company received a total of $6,695,711 in grant awards from the U.S. Treasury Department (the "Treasury") under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Act"). The Act authorized the Treasury to make payments to eligible persons who place in service qualifying renewable energy projects. The grants are paid in lieu of investment tax credits. All of the proceeds from the grants were used and recorded as a reduction in the cost basis of the applicable project assets. If the Company disposes of the property, or the property ceases to qualify as specified energy property, within five years from the date the property is placed in service, then a prorated portion of the Section 1603 payment must be repaid. For tax purposes, the Section 1603 payments are not included in federal and certain state taxable income and the basis of the property is reduced by 50% of the payment received. Deferred grant income of $4,200,929 and $6,280,019 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, respectively, represents the benefit of the basis difference to be amortized to income tax expense over the life of the related property.
 
Deferred Financing Fees 
Deferred financing fees relate to the external costs incurred to obtain financing for the Company. All deferred financing fees are amortized over the respective term of the financing. 
Goodwill 
The Company has classified as goodwill the excess of fair value of the net assets (including tax attributes) of companies

 
9

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

acquired in purchase transactions. The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives on an annual basis (December 31st) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company would record an impairment charge if such an assessment were to indicate that, more likely than not, the fair value of such assets was less than their carrying values. Judgment is required in determining whether an event has occurred that may impair the value of goodwill or identifiable intangible assets. 
Factors that could indicate that an impairment may exist include significant underperformance relative to plan or long-term projections, significant changes in business strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends or a significant decline in the base price of the Company's publicly traded stock for a sustained period of time.  Although the Company believes goodwill and intangible assets are appropriately stated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require an adjustment to the recorded balance.
During April 2011, the Company made an additional payment of approximately $2,000,000 in accordance with certain provisions of the stock purchase agreement with the former shareholders of Quantum Engineering and Development, Inc. ("Quantum"). The payment has been reflected retrospectively as additional goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.
Other Assets 
Other assets consist primarily of notes and contracts receivable due to the Company.
 Asset Retirement Obligations 
The Company recognizes a liability for the fair value of required asset retirement obligations ("AROs") when such obligations are incurred. The liability is estimated on a number of assumptions requiring management's judgment, including equipment removal costs, site restoration costs, salvage costs, cost inflation rates and discount rates and is accredited to its projected future value over time. The capitalized asset is depreciated using the convention of depreciation of plant assets. Upon satisfaction of the ARO conditions, any difference between the recorded ARO liability and the actual retirement cost incurred is recognized as an operating gain or loss in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, the Company had no AROs. 
Other Liabilities 
Other liabilities consist primarily of deferred revenue related to multi-year operation and maintenance contracts which expire as late as 2031. Other liabilities also include the fair value of derivatives. 
Revenue Recognition 
The Company derives revenue from energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services. Energy efficiency products and services include the design, engineering, and installation of equipment and other measures to improve the efficiency, and control the operation, of a facility's energy infrastructure. Renewable energy products and services include the construction of small-scale plants that produce electricity, gas, heat or cooling from renewable sources of energy, the sale of such electricity, gas, heat or cooling from plants that the Company owns, and the sale and installation of solar energy products and systems. 
Revenue from the installation or construction of projects is recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis. The percentage-of-completion for each project is determined on an actual cost-to-estimated final cost basis. Maintenance revenue is recognized as related services are performed. In accordance with industry practice, the Company includes in current assets and liabilities the amounts of receivables related to construction projects realizable and payable over a period in excess of one year. The revenue associated with contract change orders is recognized only when the authorization for the change order has been properly executed and the work has been performed and accepted by the customer. 
When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, or claims against costs incurred reduce the likelihood of recoverability of such costs, the Company records the entire expected loss immediately, regardless of the percentage of completion. 
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings represents advanced billings on certain construction contracts. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings represent certain amounts under customer contracts that were earned and billable but not invoiced at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011. 
The Company sells certain products and services in bundled arrangements, where multiple products and/or services are involved. The Company divides bundled arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated to each deliverable

 
10

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

based on the relative fair value of all elements. The fair value is determined based on the price of the deliverable sold on a stand-alone basis. 
The Company recognizes revenue from the sale and delivery of products, including the output from renewable energy plants, when produced and delivered to the customer, in accordance with specific contract terms, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the Company's price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
 The Company recognizes revenue from operations and maintenance ("O&M") contracts and consulting services as the related services are performed.
 For a limited number of contracts under which the Company receives additional revenue based on a share of energy savings, such additional revenue is recognized as energy savings are generated.
Direct Expenses
Direct expenses include the cost of labor, materials, equipment, subcontracting and outside engineering that are required for the development and installation of projects, as well as preconstruction costs, sales incentives, associated travel, inventory obsolescence charges, and, if applicable, costs of procuring financing. A majority of the Company's contracts have fixed price terms; however, in some cases the Company negotiates protections, such as a cost-plus structure, to mitigate the risk of rising prices for materials, services and equipment. 
Direct expenses also include the costs of maintaining and operating the small-scale renewable energy plants that the Company owns, including the cost of fuel (if any) and depreciation charges. 
Income Taxes 
The Company provides for income taxes based on the liability method. The Company provides for deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities calculated using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be reflected in the tax return. 
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a "more-likely-than-not" threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors that include, but are not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and adjusts the level of the liability to reflect any subsequent changes in the relevant facts surrounding the uncertain positions.
The Company's liabilities for uncertain tax positions can be relieved only if the contingency becomes legally extinguished through either payment to the taxing authority or the expiration of the statute of limitations, the recognition of the benefits associated with the position meet the "more-likely-than-not" threshold or the liability becomes effectively settled through the examination process.
The Company considers matters to be effectively settled once the taxing authority has completed all of its required or expected examination procedures, including all appeals and administrative reviews; the Company has no plans to appeal or litigate any aspect of the tax position; and the Company believes that it is highly unlikely that the taxing authority would examine or re-examine the related tax position. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. See Note 3 for additional information on the Company's income taxes. 
Foreign Currency Translation 
The local currency of the Company's foreign operations is considered the functional currency of such operations. All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 
Financial Instruments 
Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, long-term contract

 
11

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

receivables, accounts payable, long-term debt and interest rate swaps. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, long-term contract receivables and accounts payable approximates their carrying value. See below for fair value measurements of long-term debt. See Note 9 for fair value of interest rate swaps. 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense 
Stock-based compensation expense results from the issuances of shares of restricted common stock and grants of stock options and warrants to employees, directors, outside consultants and others. The Company recognizes the costs associated with restricted stock, option and warrant grants using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards. 
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the stock-based awards, including stock options, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards requires the use of highly subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the common stock underlying the award, the expected term of the award and expected stock price volatility. 
The assumptions used in determining the fair value of stock-based awards represent management's estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change, and different assumptions are employed, the stock-based compensation could be materially different in the future. The risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant, with maturities approximating the expected life of the stock options.
The Company has no history of paying dividends. Additionally, as of each of the grant dates, there was no expectation to pay dividends over the expected life of the options. The expected life of the awards is estimated using historical data and management's expectations. Because there was no public market for the Company's common stock prior to the Company's initial public offering, management lacked company-specific historical and implied volatility information. Therefore, estimates of expected stock volatility were based on that of publicly-traded peer companies, and it is expected that the Company will continue to use this methodology until such time as there is adequate historical data regarding the volatility of the Company's publicly-traded stock price. 
The Company is required to recognize compensation expense for only the portion of options that are expected to vest. Actual historical forfeiture rate of options is based on employee terminations and the number of shares forfeited. These data and other qualitative factors are considered by the Company in determining the forfeiture rate used in recognizing stock compensation expense. If the actual forfeiture rate varies from historical rates and estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future periods. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities or the terms of the stock option, it may be necessary to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense. 
The Company also accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employee directors and consultants at fair value. All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date of the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the date on which the counterparty's performance is complete. No awards to individuals who were not either an employee or director of the Company occurred during the year ended December 31, 2010 or for the three months ended March 31, 2011. 
Fair Value Measurements 
In 2009, the Company adopted fair value measurements for all of its non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for those recognized at fair value in the financial statements at least annually. These assets include goodwill and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments, and non-financial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination. The Company's adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. 
The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, interest rate swaps, accounts payable, accrued expenses, equity-based liabilities and short- and long-term borrowings. Because of their short maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term borrowings approximate fair value. The carrying value of long-term variable-rate debt approximates fair value. As of March 31, 2011, the carrying value of the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt exceeds its fair value by approximately $1,327,567. This is based on quoted market prices or on rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms and

 
12

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

maturities. 
The Company accounts for its interest rate swaps as derivative financial instruments in accordance with the related guidance. Under this guidance, derivatives are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps are determined based on observable market data in combination with expected cash flows for each instrument. 
Derivative Financial Instruments  
In the normal course of business, the Company utilizes derivatives contracts as part of its risk management strategy to manage exposure to market fluctuations in interest rates. These instruments are subject to various credit and market risks. Controls and monitoring procedures for these instruments have been established and are routinely reevaluated. Credit risk represents the potential loss that may occur because a party to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. The measure of credit exposure is the replacement cost of contracts with a positive fair value. The Company seeks to manage credit risk by entering into financial instrument transactions only through counterparties that the Company believes to be creditworthy.
Market risk represents the potential loss due to the decrease in the value of a financial instrument caused primarily by changes in interest rates. The Company seeks to manage market risk by establishing and monitoring limits on the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. As a matter of policy, the Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company considers the use of derivatives with all financing transactions to mitigate risk. 
A portion of the Company's project financing includes two projects that utilize an interest rate swap instrument. During 2007, the Company entered into two fifteen-year interest rate swap contracts under which the Company agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. These interest rate swaps qualified, but were not designated, as cash flow hedges until April 1, 2010. Accordingly, the Company recognized the change in fair value of these derivatives in the consolidated statements of income prior to April 1, 2010, and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) thereafter. Cash flows from derivative instruments were reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
In March 2010, the Company entered into a fourteen-year interest rate swap contract under which the Company agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. The swap covers a notional amount of approximately $27,900,000 variable rate note at a fixed interest rate of 6.99% and expires in December 2024.
As of April 1, 2010, and in accordance with accounting standards, the swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the swaps in its consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss).
With respect to the Company's interest rate swaps that had been designated as cash flow hedges, the Company recorded an unrealized loss in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2010 of approximately $133,591 as other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  N No unrealized gains (losses) were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
See Note 10 for additional information on the Company's derivative instruments.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated using the Company’s weighted-average outstanding common shares, including vested restricted shares. When the effects are not anti-dilutive, diluted earnings per share is calculated using: the weighted-average outstanding common shares; the dilutive effect of convertible preferred stock, under the "if converted" method; and the treasury stock method with regard to warrants and stock options; all as determined under the treasury stock method.

 
13

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
Basic and diluted net income
$
1,277,678
 
 
$
5,288,285
 
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
13,282,284
 
 
41,322,276
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock
19,260,000
 
 
 
Stock options
3,640,446
 
 
4,500,814
 
Warrants
405,117
 
 
 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
36,587,847
 
 
45,823,090
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, no shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, 28,688 shares of common stock related to stock options were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 
Business Segments 
The Company reports four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The other U.S. regions segment is an aggregation of four regions: northeast U.S., southeast U.S., southwest U.S. and northwest U.S. These regions have similar economic characteristics - in particular, expected and actual gross profit margins. In addition, they sell products and services of a similar nature, serve similar types of customers and use similar methods to distribute their products and services. Accordingly, these four regions meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280. The "all other" category includes activities, such as O&M and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at the Company's corporate headquarters. It also includes all corporate operating expenses - salaries and benefits, project development costs and general, administrative and other - not specifically allocated to the segments. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, unallocated corporate expenses were $7,339,180 and $9,696,178, respectively. Income before taxes and unallocated corporate expenses for all other for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 was $3,425,154 and $4,071,183, respectively. See Note 11. 
 
3. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes was $429,258 and $2,114,668, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate changed to 28.57% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, from 25.18% for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The overall rates vary from the statutory rate due to the benefit of certain energy efficiency preferences the Company generates during the year.
 
4. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”) and authorized the Company to reserve 12,000,000 shares of its then authorized common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock") for issuance under the 2000 Plan. From 2001 to 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to reserve an additional 16,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2000 Plan, bringing the total number of shares of Common Stock reserved under the 2000 Plan to 28,500,000. The 2000 Plan provided for the issuance of restricted stock grants, incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. The Company will grant no further stock options or restricted stock awards under the 2000 Plan.
The Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan"), which became effective upon the closing of the Company’s initial public offering, was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors in May 2010 and approved by its stockholders in June 2010. The 2010 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock awards and other stock-based awards. Upon its effectiveness, 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan. As of December 31, 2010, no stock options had been granted under the 2010 Plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company granted options to purchase 28,688 shares of Class A common stock under the 2010 Plan. The options were granted at an exercise price of $16.29 per share.
 

 
14

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

Stock Option Grants 
The Company has granted stock options to certain employees and directors, including its principal and controlling shareholder, under the 2000 Plan. At March 31, 2011, 6,453,850 shares would have been available for grant under the 2000 Plan; however, the Company will grant no further stock options or restricted stock awards under the 2000 Plan. The Company has also granted stock options to certain employees under the 2010 Plan. At March 31, 2011, 9,971,312 shares were available for grant under the 2010 Plan. The following table summarizes the collective activity under the 2000 Plan and the 2010 Plan:
 
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
 
8,274,000
 
 
$
4.177
 
Granted(1)
 
28,688
 
 
16.290
 
Exercised
 
(696,000
)
 
(2.043
)
Forfeited
 
(53,100
)
 
(1.719
)
Outstanding at March 31, 2011
 
7,553,588
 
 
$
4.437
 
Options exercisable at March 31, 2011
 
5,563,101
 
 
$
3.169
 
Expected to vest at March 31, 2011
 
1,574,484
 
 
$
7.992
 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2010
 
6,066,750
 
 
$
2.956
 
 
(1) Grants are related to the 2010 Plan.
The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all options expected to vest at March 31, 2011 was 4.36 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $8,546,291.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at March 31, 2011:
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Options
 
Exercisable Options
Related Plan
Exercise Price
 
Number Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Number Exercisable
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
2000 Plan
$
0.750
 
 
376,146
 
 
0.70
 
 
$
0.750
 
 
376,146
 
 
$
0.750
 
2000 Plan
0.875
 
 
722,765
 
 
1.23
 
 
0.875
 
 
722,765
 
 
0.875
 
2000 Plan
1.500
 
 
20,000
 
 
1.83
 
 
1.500
 
 
20,000
 
 
1.500
 
2000 Plan
1.750
 
 
243,500
 
 
2.29
 
 
1.750
 
 
243,500
 
 
1.750
 
2000 Plan
1.875
 
 
162,500
 
 
2.50
 
 
1.875
 
 
162,500
 
 
1.875
 
2000 Plan
2.750
 
 
1,023,439
 
 
3.28
 
 
2.750
 
 
1,011,439
 
 
2.750
 
2000 Plan
3.000
 
 
50,500
 
 
3.83
 
 
3.000
 
 
50,500
 
 
3.000
 
2000 Plan
3.250
 
 
1,119,210
 
 
2.26
 
 
3.250
 
 
1,062,628
 
 
3.250
 
2000 Plan
3.410
 
 
1,018,750
 
 
2.29
 
 
3.410
 
 
789,999
 
 
3.410
 
2000 Plan
4.220
 
 
895,000
 
 
2.96
 
 
4.220
 
 
582,190
 
 
4.220
 
2000 Plan
6.055
 
 
1,037,090
 
 
4.71
 
 
6.055
 
 
378,934
 
 
6.055
 
2000 Plan
13.045
 
 
856,000
 
 
5.43
 
13.045
 
 
162,500
 
 
13.045
 
2010 Plan
16.290
 
 
28,688
 
 
6.32
 
 
16.290
 
 
 
 
16.290
 
 
 
 
7,553,588
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,563,101
 
 
 
 
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, a total of 696,000 shares were issued upon the exercise of options under the 2000 Plan at an average price of $2.043 per share. Cash received from option exercise under all stock-based payment arrangements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $1,421,591. No options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010.
Under the 2000 Plan and the 2010 Plan, all options expire if not exercised within ten years after the grant date. The options

 
15

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

generally vest over five years at a rate of 20% after the first year, and at a rate of five percent every three months beginning one year after the grant date. If the employee ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason before vested options have been exercised, the employee has 90 days to exercise vested options or they are forfeited. 
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted-average fair value of options granted. The Company will recognize the compensation cost of stock-based awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. 
The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes model is affected by the stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The following table sets forth the significant assumptions used in the model during 2010 and 2011:
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2010
 
2011
Future dividends
 
$ -
 
$ -
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.59-3.11%
 
2.58%
Expected volatility
 
57%-59%
 
41%-43%
Expected life
 
6.5 years
 
6.5 years
 
The Company will continue to use judgment in evaluating the expected term, volatility and forfeiture rate related to the stock-based compensation on a prospective basis, and incorporating these factors into the Black-Scholes pricing model. Higher volatility and longer expected lives result in an increase to stock-based compensation expense determined at the date of grant. In addition, any changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant effect on reported stock-based compensation expense, as the cumulative effect of adjusting the rate for all expense amortization is recognized in the period that the forfeiture estimate is changed. If a revised forfeiture rate is higher than the previously estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in a decrease to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. If a revised forfeiture rate is lower than the previously estimated rate, an adjustment is made that will result in an increase to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. These expenses will affect the direct expenses, salaries and benefits and project development costs expenses. 
The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2011, under the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $7.452 per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $439,086 and $859,050, respectively, in connection with stock-based payment awards. The compensation expense is allocated between direct expenses, salaries and benefits and project development costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income based on the salaries and work assignments of the employees holding the options. As of March 31, 2011, there was approximately $9,542,866 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.24 years.
 
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
On February 27, 2009, the Company received notice of a default termination from a customer for which the Company was performing construction services. The dispute involves the customer's assertion of its understanding of the contractual scope of work involved and with the completion date of the project. The Company disputes the customer's assertion as it believes that the basis of the default arose from a delay due to the discovery of and need for remediation of previously undiscovered hazardous materials not identified by the customer during contract negotiations. In February 2010, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment as to a portion of the complaint. In March 2010, the customer filed its response. Discovery is currently ongoing. A hearing on the Company's motion is scheduled for July 1, 2012.
The Company did not record an additional accrual for this matter beyond the adjustments made to the Company's expected profit on this contract because the Company believes that the likelihood is remote that any additional liability would be incurred related to this matter. Based on the contract termination notice, the Company has adjusted its expected contract

 
16

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

revenue and profit until such time as this contingency is resolved. The Company had claims of approximately $3.9 million outstanding with the customer as of March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2011, the Company has not recognized any revenue or profit associated with these claims.
The Company also is involved in a variety of claims and other legal proceedings generally incidental to its normal business activities. While the outcome of any of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of any of these existing matters would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Compensation Commitment
Related to the Company's acquisition of Quantum in the third quarter of 2010, certain individuals are eligible to receive additional compensation. Total potential additional compensation is up to $1,150,000 and will be recognized as earned.
6. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company attributes revenue to customers based on the location of the customer. The composition of the Company's assets at December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011 and revenues from sales to unaffiliated customers for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 between those in the United States and those in other locations, is as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
512,290,125
 
 
$
541,241,121
 
Canada
72,012,318
 
 
68,894,164
 
Other
104,896
 
 
69,142
 
 
$
584,407,339
 
 
$
610,204,427
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
86,912,684
 
 
$
121,618,230
 
Canada
18,569,416
 
 
24,708,399
 
Other
146,486
 
 
93,140
 
 
$
105,628,586
 
 
$
146,419,769
 
 
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company's principal and controlling shareholder previously provided a limited personal indemnification to the surety companies that provide performance and payment bonds and other surety products to the Company. During 2010, in connection with the initial public offering the limited personal indemnification provided by the Company's principal and controlling shareholder was removed.
 
8. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Other income (expense), net, consisted of the following items for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
Unrealized loss from derivatives
$
(133,591
)
 
$
 
Interest expense, net of interest income
(651,748
)
 
(789,604
)
Amortization of deferred financing fees
(70,350
)
 
(110,833
)
 
$
(855,689
)
 
$
(900,437
)
 

 
 
17

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The Company recognizes its financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually). Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1:  Inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. 
Level 2:  Inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. 
Level 3:  Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques. 
The following table presents the input level used to determine the fair values of the Company's financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value as of
 
 
 
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
Level
 
2010
 
2011
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap instruments
2
 
$
3,632,238
 
 
$
3,232,491
 
Total liabilities
 
 
$
3,632,238
 
 
$
3,232,491
 
 
The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps was determined using cash flow analysis on the expected cash flow of the contract in combination with observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. As part of this valuation, the Company considered the credit ratings of the counterparties to the interest rate swaps to determine if a credit risk adjustment was required. 
The Company is also required periodically to measure certain other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company determined the fair value used in the impairment analysis with its own discounted cash flow analysis. The Company has determined the inputs used in such analysis as Level 3 inputs. The Company did not record any impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets as no significant events requiring non-financial assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value occurred for the year ended December 31, 2010 or for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
 
10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
At December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, the following table presents information about the fair value amounts of the Company's derivative instruments:
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives as of
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
March 31, 2011
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other liabilities
 
$
3,632,238
 
 
Other liabilities
 
$
3,232,491
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
18

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

The following table presents information about the effects of the Company's derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
 
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Periods Ended March 31, are as follows:
 
 
Income on Derivative
 
2010
 
2011
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Interest (expense) income
 
$
(133,591
)
 
$
 
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2011
 
 
Gain Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
399,747
 
 
$
(401,574
)
 
        
11. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company reports four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The other U.S. regions segment is an aggregation of four regions: northeast U.S., southeast U.S., southwest U.S. and northwest U.S. These regions have similar economic characteristics - in particular, expected and actual gross profit margins. In addition, they sell products and services of a similar nature, serve similar types of customers and use similar methods to distribute their products and services. Accordingly, these four regions meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280. The "all other" category includes activities, such as O&M and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at the Company's corporate headquarters. It also includes all corporate operating expenses - salaries and benefits, project development costs, and general, administrative and other - not specifically allocated to the segments. The Company does not allocate any indirect expenses to the segments. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 unallocated corporate expenses were $7,339,180 and $9,696,178, respectively. Income before taxes and unallocated corporate expenses for all other for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011 was $3,425,154 and $4,071,183, respectively. The accounting policies are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2).
 
Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal First Quarter 2011 Segment Reporting
 
 
U.S. Federal
 
Central U.S. Region
 
Other U.S. Regions
 
Canada
 
All Other
 
Total
Total revenue
$
42,069,499
 
 
$
17,477,761
 
 
$
36,992,727
 
 
$
24,544,450
 
 
$
25,335,332
 
 
$
146,419,769
 
Interest income
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
15,197
 
 
$
102,237
 
 
$
117,434
 
Interest expense
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
12,081
 
 
$
894,957
 
 
$
907,038
 
Depreciation
$
56,211
 
 
$
6,579
 
 
$
 
 
$
99,394
 
 
$
2,520,217
 
 
$
2,682,401
 
Income (loss) before taxes
$
6,547,803
 
 
$
(391,337
)
 
$
5,881,595
 
 
$
989,887
 
 
$
(5,624,995
)
 
$
7,402,953
 
Total assets
$
227,783,304
 
 
$
18,186,491
 
 
$
144,747,567
 
 
$
68,894,164
 
 
$
150,592,901
 
 
$
610,204,427
 
Capital expenditures
$
35,542
 
 
$
10,306
 
 
$
590,159
 
 
$
902,400
 
 
$
5,948,026
 
 
$
7,486,433
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
19

Table of Contents
 
AMERESCO, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) - (Continued)
 

Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Fiscal First Quarter 2010 Segment Reporting
 
 
U.S. Federal
 
Central U.S. Region
 
Other U.S. Regions
 
Canada
 
All Other
 
Total
Total revenue
$
24,878,648
 
 
$
18,606,701
 
 
$
21,682,401
 
 
$
18,353,817
 
 
$
22,107,019
 
 
$
105,628,586
 
Interest income
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
7,191
 
 
$
306
 
 
$
7,497
 
Interest expense
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
51
 
 
$
863,135
 
 
$
863,186
 
Depreciation
$
20,400
 
 
$
1,266
 
 
$
 
 
$
102,185
 
 
$
2,018,812
 
 
$
2,142,663
 
Income (loss) before taxes
$
1,982,606
 
 
$
1,035,080
 
 
$
2,209,480
 
 
$
393,796
 
 
$
(3,914,026
)
 
$
1,706,936
 
Total assets
$
88,780,644
 
 
$
15,619,554
 
 
$
67,280,695
 
 
$
52,912,776
 
 
$
157,604,210
 
 
$
382,197,879
 
Capital expenditures
$
12,991
 
 
$
7,638
 
 
$
353,509
 
 
$
982,961
 
 
$
4,941,758
 
 
$
6,298,857
 
 
 
12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Warrants 
As part of a previous financing agreement, the Company issued warrants to acquire 2,000,000 and 1,600,000 shares of Common Stock in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The warrants initially had a per share exercise price of $0.005 and $0.30, respectively; however, the $0.30 per share exercise price was subsequently reduced to $0.005. During 2008, the Company repurchased 3,194,714 of these warrants at an average price of $2.505 per share, for a total price of $8.0 million. The Company recorded this transaction in additional paid-in capital. In June 2010, the Company issued 405,286 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of these warrants at an exercise price of $0.005 per share, and no warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s capital stock remain outstanding.
Stock Split and Reclassification
In July 2010, in connection with the initial public offering (discussed below), the Company implemented a “dual class” capital structure with two classes of common stock: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. In implementing this capital structure, (i) a two-for-one split of the Company’s Common Stock was effected, (ii) all outstanding shares of Common Stock were reclassified as Class A common stock; (iii) each outstanding option to purchase shares of Common Stock was converted into an option to purchase shares of Class A common stock, (iv) all holders of shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock (other than George P. Sakellaris, the Company’s founder, principal stockholder, president and chief executive officer) elected to convert their shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Class A common stock, and (v) all outstanding shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock (which were then held solely by Mr. Sakellaris) automatically converted into shares of Class B common stock. The rights of the holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except with respect to voting and conversion. Each share of the Company’s Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and is not convertible into any other shares of the Company’s capital stock. Each share of the Company’s Class B common stock is entitled to five votes per share, is convertible at any time into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder of such share and will automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including a transfer of such shares (other than to such holder’s family members, descendants or certain affiliated persons or entities). 
All common share and per share amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split of the Common Stock effected on July 20, 2010.  A At March 31, 2011 the Company has authorized 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 144,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
Initial Public Offering
On July 27, 2010, the Company completed its initial public offering of 8,696,820 shares of Class A common stock at a price to the public of $10.00 per share. Of the shares sold, the Company issued and sold 6,000,000, and existing stockholders sold 2,696,820. In addition, on August 25, 2010, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, the Company sold an additional 342,889 shares of its Class A common stock at an offering price of $10.00 per share. The offering generated gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $63,400,000, or approximately $56,400,000 net of underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. The offering generated gross proceeds to selling stockholders of approximately

 
 
20

 

$27,000,000, or approximately $25,100,000 net of underwriting discounts. The Company incurred approximately $7,000,000 of expenses in connection with the offering.
 
13. LONG-TERM DEBT
7.25% Term Loan
On March 31, 2011, the Company entered into a term loan with a bank with an original principal amount of $5,500,089. The note evidencing the loan bears interest at a rate of 7.25%. The principal amounts are due in quarterly installments ranging from $98,311 to $170,902, plus interest, with remaining principal balances and unpaid interest due March 31, 2021. In the event a payment is defaulted on, the payee has the option to accelerate payment terms and make due the remaining principal and accrued interest balance. At March 31, 2011, $5,500,089 was outstanding under the term loan.
 
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing.

 
 
21

Table of Contents
 
 

 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed on March 31, 2011 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that refer to projections regarding our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, our future capital needs and capital expenditures; our future market position and competitive changes in the marketplace for our services; our ability to integrate new technologies into our services; our ability to access credit or capital markets; our reliance on subcontractors; potential acquisitions or divestitures; the continued availability of key personnel; and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not exclusively, identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate," "target," "project," "predict" or "continue," and similar expressions or variations. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially and adversely from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors," set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and elsewhere in this Report. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q represent our views as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
Ameresco is a leading provider of energy efficiency solutions for facilities throughout North America. We provide solutions that enable customers to reduce their energy consumption, lower their operating and maintenance costs and realize environmental benefits. Our comprehensive set of services includes upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the construction and operation of small-scale renewable energy plants.
We report results under ASC 280 for four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. These segments do not include results of other activities, such as operations and maintenance, or O&M, and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at our corporate headquarters, or corporate operating expenses not specifically allocated to the segments. See Note 11 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our revenue has increased from $20.9 million in 2001, our first full year of operations, to $618.2 million in 2010. We achieved profitability in 2002, and we have been profitable every year since then.
In addition to organic growth, strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses and assets have been an important part of our development. Since inception, we have completed more than ten acquisitions, which have enabled us to broaden our service offerings and expand our geographical reach. Our acquisition of the energy services business of Duke Energy in 2002 expanded our geographical reach into Canada and the southeastern United States and enabled us to penetrate the federal government market for energy efficiency projects. The acquisition of the energy services business of Exelon in 2004 expanded our geographical reach into the Midwest. Our acquisition of the energy services business of Northeast Utilities in 2006 substantially grew our capability to provide services for the federal market and in Europe. Our acquisition of Southwestern Photovoltaic in 2007 significantly expanded our offering of solar energy products and services. On August 31, 2010, we acquired Quantum Engineering and Development, Inc., or Quantum, an energy service company active in Oregon and Washington.
 

 
 
22

Table of Contents
 
 

Energy Savings Performance and Energy Supply Contracts
For our energy efficiency projects, we typically enter into energy savings performance contracts, or ESPCs, under which we agree to develop, design, engineer and construct a project and also commit that the project will satisfy agreed-upon performance standards that vary from project to project. These performance commitments are typically based on the design, capacity, efficiency or operation of the specific equipment and systems we install. Our commitments generally fall into three categories: pre-agreed, equipment-level and whole building-level. Under a pre-agreed energy reduction commitment, our customer reviews the project design in advance and agrees that, upon or shortly after completion of installation of the specified equipment comprising the project, the commitment will have been met. Under an equipment-level commitment, we commit to a level of energy use reduction based on the difference in use measured first with the existing equipment and then with the replacement equipment. A whole building-level commitment requires demonstration of energy usage reduction for a whole building, often based on readings of the utility meter where usage is measured. Depending on the project, the measurement and demonstration may be required only once, upon installation, based on an analysis of one or more sample installations, or may be required to be repeated at agreed upon intervals generally over up to 20 years.
Under our contracts, we typically do not take responsibility for a wide variety of factors outside our control and exclude or adjust for such factors in commitment calculations. These factors include variations in energy prices and utility rates, weather, facility occupancy schedules, the amount of energy-using equipment in a facility, and failure of the customer to operate or maintain the project properly. Typically, our performance commitments apply to the aggregate overall performance of a project rather than to individual energy efficiency measures. Therefore, to the extent an individual measure underperforms, it may be offset by other measures that over perform. In the event that an energy efficiency project does not perform according to the agreed-upon specifications, our agreements typically allow us to satisfy our obligation by adjusting or modifying the installed equipment, installing additional measures to provide substitute energy savings, or paying the customer for lost energy savings based on the assumed conditions specified in the agreement. Many of our equipment supply, local design, and installation subcontracts contain provisions that enable us to seek recourse against our vendors or subcontractors if there is a deficiency in our energy reduction commitment. From our inception to March 31, 2011, our total payments to customers and incurred equipment replacement and maintenance costs under our energy reduction commitments, after customer acceptance of a project, have been less than $100,000 in the aggregate. See “We may have liability to our customers under our ESPCs if our projects fail to deliver the energy use reductions to which we are committed under the contract” in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Payments by the federal government for energy efficiency measures are based on the services provided and the products installed, but are limited to the savings derived from such measures, calculated in accordance with federal regulatory guidelines and the specific contract’s terms. The savings are typically determined by comparing energy use and other costs before and after the installation of the energy efficiency measures, adjusted for changes that affect energy use and other costs but are not caused by the energy efficiency measures.
For projects involving the construction of a small-scale renewable energy plant that we own and operate, we enter into long-term contracts to supply the electricity, processed landfill gas, or LFG, heat or cooling generated by the plant to the customer, which is typically a utility, municipality, industrial facility or other large purchaser of energy. The rights to use the site for the plant and purchase of renewable fuel for the plant are also obtained by us under long-term agreements with terms at least as long as the associated output supply agreement. Our supply agreements typically provide for fixed prices or prices that escalate at a fixed rate or vary based on a market benchmark. See “We may assume responsibility under customer contracts for factors outside our control, including, in connection with some customer projects, the risk that fuel prices will increase” in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Project Financing
To finance projects with federal governmental agencies, we typically sell to the lenders our right to receive a portion of the long-term payments from the customer arising out of the project for a purchase price reflecting a discount to the aggregate amount due from the customer. The purchase price is generally advanced to us over the implementation period based on completed work or a schedule predetermined to coincide with the construction of the project. Under the terms of these financing arrangements, we are required to complete the construction or installation of the project in accordance with the contract with our customer, and the debt remains on our consolidated balance sheet until the completed project is accepted by the customer. Once the completed project is accepted by the customer, the financing is treated as a true sale and the related receivable and financing liability are removed from our consolidated balance sheet.
 

 
23

Table of Contents
 
 

Institutional customers, such as state, provincial and local governments, schools and public housing authorities, typically finance their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through either tax-exempt leases or issuances of municipal bonds. We assist in the structuring of such third-party financing.
In some instances, customers prefer that we retain ownership of the renewable energy plants and related project assets that we construct for them. In these projects, we typically enter into a long-term supply agreement to furnish electricity, gas, heat or cooling to the customer’s facility. To finance the significant upfront capital costs required to develop and construct the plant, we rely either on our internal cash flow or, in some cases, third-party debt. For project financing by third-party lenders, we typically establish a separate subsidiary, usually a limited liability company, to own the project assets and related contracts. The subsidiary contracts with us for construction and operation of the project and enters into a financing agreement directly with the lenders. Additionally, we will provide assurance to the lender that the project will achieve commercial operation. Although the financing is secured by the assets of the subsidiary and a pledge of our equity interests in the subsidiary, and is non-recourse to Ameresco, Inc., we may from time to time determine to provide financial support to the subsidiary in order to maintain rights to the project or otherwise avoid the adverse consequences of a default. The amount of such financing is included on our consolidated balance sheet.
In addition to project-related debt, we currently maintain a $50 million revolving senior secured credit facility with a commercial bank to finance our working capital needs.
Effects of Seasonality
We are subject to seasonal fluctuations and construction cycles, particularly in climates that experience colder weather during the winter months, such as the northern United States and Canada, or at educational institutions, where large projects are typically carried out during summer months when their facilities are unoccupied. In addition, government customers, many of which have fiscal years that do not coincide with ours, typically follow annual procurement cycles and appropriate funds on a fiscal-year basis even though contract performance may take more than one year. Further, government contracting cycles can be affected by the timing of, and delays in, the legislative process related to government programs and incentives that help drive demand for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. As a result, our revenue and operating income in the third quarter are typically higher, and our revenue and operating income in the first quarter are typically lower, than in other quarters of the year. As a result of such fluctuations, we may occasionally experience declines in revenue or earnings as compared to the immediately preceding quarter, and comparisons of our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful.
Our annual and quarterly financial results are also subject to significant fluctuations as a result of other factors, many of which are outside our control. See “Our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and may fall below expectations in any particular fiscal quarter” in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Backlog and Awarded Projects
As of March 31, 2011, we had backlog of approximately $589 million in future revenue under signed customer contracts for the installation or construction of projects, which we sometimes refer to as fully-contracted backlog; and we also had been awarded projects for which we do not yet have signed customer contracts with estimated total future revenue of an additional $577 million. As of March 31, 2010, we had fully-contracted backlog of approximately $635 million in future revenue under signed customer contracts for the installation or construction of projects; and we also had been awarded projects for which we had not yet signed customer contracts with estimated total future revenue of an additional $618 million. The contracts reflected in our fully-contracted backlog typically have a construction period of 12 to 24 months; this is the period over which we expect to recognize revenue for customer contracts. Where we have been awarded a project, but have not yet signed a customer contract for that project, which we sometimes refer to as awarded projects, we would not begin recognizing revenue unless a customer contract has been signed and we treat the project as fully-contracted backlog. Historically, awarded projects typically have taken 6 to 12 months to result in a signed contract and thus convert to fully-contracted backlog. It may take longer, however, depending upon the size and complexity of the project. See "We may not recognize all revenue from our backlog or receive all payments anticipated under awarded projects and customer contracts" in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Financial Operations Overview
Revenue
We derive revenue from energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services. Our energy efficiency products and services include the design, engineering and installation of equipment and other measures to improve the efficiency and control

 
24

Table of Contents
 
 

the operation of a facility’s energy infrastructure. Our renewable energy products and services include the construction of small-scale plants that produce electricity, gas, heat or cooling from renewable sources of energy, the sale of such electricity, processed LFG, heat or cooling from plants that we own, and the sale and installation of solar energy products and systems.
During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, one customer, the U.S. Department of Energy, Savannah River Site, accounted for 14.1% and 11.5%, respectively, of our total revenue.
Direct Expenses and Gross Margin
Direct expenses include the cost of labor, materials, equipment, subcontracting and outside engineering that are required for the development and installation of our projects, as well as preconstruction costs, sales incentives, associated travel, inventory obsolescence charges, and, if applicable, costs of procuring financing. A majority of our contracts have fixed price terms; however, in some cases we negotiate protections, such as a cost-plus structure, to mitigate the risk of rising prices for materials, services and equipment.
Direct expenses also include O&M costs for the small-scale renewable energy plants that we own, including the cost of fuel (if any) and depreciation charges.
Gross margin, which is gross profit as a percent of revenue, is affected by a number of factors, including the type of services performed and the geographic region in which the sale is made. Renewable energy projects that we own and operate typically have higher margins than energy efficiency projects, and sales in the United States typically have higher margins than in Canada due to the typical mix of products and services that we sell there.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of salaries and benefits, project development costs, and general, administrative and other expenses.
Salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits consist primarily of expenses for personnel not directly engaged in specific project or revenue generating activity. These expenses include the time of executive management, legal, finance, accounting, human resources, information technology and other staff not utilized in a particular project. We employ a comprehensive time card system which creates a contemporaneous record of the actual time by employees on project activity. We expect salaries and benefits to increase as we incur additional costs related to operating as a publicly-traded company, including accounting, compliance and legal.
Project development costs. Project development costs consist primarily of sales, engineering, legal, finance and third-party expenses directly related to the development of a specific customer opportunity. This also includes associated travel and marketing expenses. We intend to hire additional sales personnel and initiate additional marketing programs as we expand into new regions or complement existing development resources. Accordingly, we expect that our project development costs will continue to increase, but will moderate as a percentage of revenue over time.
General, administrative and other expenses. These expenses consist primarily of rents and occupancy, professional services, insurance, unallocated travel expenses, telecommunications and office expenses. Professional services consist principally of recruiting costs, external legal, audit, tax and other consulting services. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase as we incur additional costs related to operating as a publicly-traded company, including increased audit and legal fees, costs of compliance with securities, corporate governance and other regulations, investor relations expenses and higher insurance premiums, particularly those related to director and officer insurance.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net consists primarily of interest income on cash balances, interest expense on borrowings and amortization of deferred financing costs, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives not accounted for as hedges, and realized gains on derivatives not accounted for as hedges. Interest expense will vary periodically depending on the amounts drawn on our revolving senior secured credit facility and the prevailing short-term interest rates.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on various rates set by federal and local authorities and is affected by permanent and temporary differences between financial accounting and tax reporting requirements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our condensed consolidated

 
25

Table of Contents
 
 

financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expense and related disclosures. The most significant estimates with regard to these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to estimates of final contract profit in accordance with long-term contracts, project development costs, project assets, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived assets, fair value of derivative financial instruments, income taxes and stock-based compensation expense. Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions are made on an ongoing basis, and accordingly, the actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The following are certain critical accounting policies that among others, affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. For a more complete discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, please read Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Revenue Recognition
For each arrangement we have with a customer, we typically provide a combination of one or more of the following services or products:
installation or construction of energy efficiency measures, facility upgrades and/or a renewable energy plant to be owned by the customer;
sale and delivery, under long-term agreements, of electricity, gas, heat, chilled water or other output of a renewable energy or central plant that we own and operate;
sale and delivery of PV equipment and other renewable energy products for which we are a distributor; and
O&M services provided under long-term O&M agreements, as well as consulting services.
Often, we will sell a combination of these services and products in a bundled arrangement. We divide bundled arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on the relative fair market value of all the elements. The fair market value is determined based on the price of the deliverable sold on a stand-alone basis.
We recognize revenue from the installation or construction of a project on a percentage-of-completion basis. The percentage-of-completion for each project is determined on an actual cost-to-estimated final cost basis. In accordance with industry practice, we include in current assets and liabilities the amounts of receivables related to construction projects that are payable over a period in excess of one year. We recognize revenue associated with contract change orders only when the authorization for the change order has been properly executed and the work has been performed and accepted by the customer.
When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, or claims against costs incurred reduce the likelihood of recoverability of such costs, our policy is to record the entire expected loss immediately, regardless of the percentage of completion.
Deferred revenue represents circumstances where (i) there has been a receipt of cash from the customer for work or services that have yet to be performed, (ii) receipt of cash where the product or service may not have been accepted by the customer or (iii) when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, but an estimate of the final total cost cannot be determined. Deferred revenue will vary depending on the timing and amount of cash receipts from customers and can vary significantly depending on specific contractual terms. As a result, deferred revenue is likely to fluctuate from period to period. Unbilled revenue, presented as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, represent amounts earned and billable that were not invoiced at the end of the fiscal period.
We recognize revenue from the sale and delivery of products, including the output of our renewable energy plants, when produced and delivered to the customer, in accordance with the specific contract terms, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, our price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
We recognize revenue from O&M contracts and consulting services as the related services are performed.
For a limited number of contracts under which we receive additional revenue based on a share of energy savings, we recognize such additional revenue as energy savings are generated.
 

 
26

Table of Contents
 
 

Project Assets
We capitalize interest costs relating to construction financing during the period of construction. The interest capitalized is included in the total cost of the project at completion. The amount of interest capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $252,113. No interest was capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2011. 
Routine maintenance costs are expensed in the current year’s condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income to the extent that they do not extend the life of the asset. Major maintenance, upgrades and overhauls are required for certain components of our assets. In these instances, the costs associated with these upgrades are capitalized and are depreciated over the shorter of the life of the asset or until the next required major maintenance or overhaul period. Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used by estimating the undiscounted future cash flows before interest associated with the expected uses and eventual disposition of those assets. When these comparisons indicate that the carrying value of those assets is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We account for our interest rate swaps as derivative financial instruments in accordance with the related guidance. Under this guidance, derivatives are carried on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of our interest rate swaps is determined based on observable market data in combination with expected cash flows for each instrument.
The Company follows the new guidance which expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.
In the normal course of business, we utilize derivative contracts as part of our risk management strategy to manage exposure to market fluctuations in interest rates. These instruments are subject to various credit and market risks. Controls and monitoring procedures for these instruments have been established and are routinely reevaluated. Credit risk represents the potential loss that may occur because a party to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. The measure of credit exposure is the replacement cost of contracts with a positive fair value. We seek to manage credit risk by entering into financial instrument transactions only through counterparties that we believe to be creditworthy. Market risk represents the potential loss due to the decrease in the value of a financial instrument caused primarily by changes in interest rates. We seek to manage market risk by establishing and monitoring limits on the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. As a matter of policy, we do not use derivatives for speculative purposes.
We are exposed to interest rate risk through our borrowing activities. A portion of our project financing includes three projects that utilize a variable rate swap instrument. Prior to December 31, 2010, we entered into two 15-year interest rate swap contracts under which we agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount, and to, in turn, receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. During the year ended 2010, we entered into a 14-year interest rate swap contract under which we agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. We entered into the interest rate swap contracts as an economic hedge.
We recognize all derivatives in our condensed consolidated financial statements at fair value.
The interest rate swaps that we entered into prior to December 31, 2010 qualified, but were not designated as cash flow hedges until April 1, 2010. Accordingly, any changes in fair value through March 31, 2010 were reported in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income at fair value, and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) thereafter. Cash flows from these derivative instruments are reported as operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The interest rate swap that we entered into during 2010 qualifies, and has been designated, as a cash flow hedge.
We recognize the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedges in our consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss).
 

 
27

Table of Contents
 
 

With respect to our interest rate swaps that had not been designated as cash flow hedges, we recorded an unrealized loss in earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2010 of approximately $0.1 million as other income (expense) in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  N No unrealized gains (losses) were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Business Segments
We report four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The other U.S. regions segment is an aggregation of four regions: northeast U.S., southeast U.S., southwest U.S. and northwest U.S. These regions have similar economic characteristics — in particular, expected and actual gross profit margins. In addition, they sell products and services of a similar nature, serve similar types of customers and use similar methods to distribute their products and services. Accordingly, these four regions meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280. The “all other” category includes activities, such as O&M and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at our corporate headquarters. It also includes all corporate operating expenses not specifically allocated to the segments. We do not allocate any indirect expenses to the segments.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain financial data from the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, that data expressed as a percentage of revenue and percentage changes in that data for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with the applicable period in 2010:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
% of
 
2011
 
% of
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
Revenue
 
(b)
 
Revenue
 
 ((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
74,888
 
 
70.9
 %
 
$
106,193
 
 
72.5
 %
 
41.8
 %
Renewable energy revenue
30,741
 
 
29.1
 %
 
40,227
 
 
27.5
 %
 
30.9
 %
 
105,629
 
 
100.0
 %
 
146,420
 
 
100.0
 %
 
38.6
 %
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
62,524
 
 
 
 
86,362
 
 
 
 
38.1
 %
Renewable energy expenses
24,706
 
 
 
 
32,075
 
 
 
 
29.8
 %
 
87,230
 
 
82.6
 %
 
118,437
 
 
80.9
 %
 
35.8
 %
Gross profit
18,399
 
 
17.4
 %
 
27,983
 
 
19.1
 %
 
52.1
 %
Total operating expenses
15,836
 
 
15.0
 %
 
19,680
 
 
13.4
 %
 
24.3
 %
Operating income
2,563
 
 
2.4
 %
 
8,303
 
 
5.7
 %
 
224.0
 %
Other income (expense), net
(856
)
 
(0.8
)%
 
(900
)
 
(0.6
)%
 
(5.1
)%
Income before provision for income taxes
1,707
 
 
1.6
 %
 
7,403
 
 
5.1
 %
 
333.7
 %
Income tax provision
(429
)
 
(0.4
)%
 
(2,115
)
 
(1.5
)%
 
(393.0
)%
Net income
$
1,278
 
 
1.2
 %
 
$
5,288
 
 
3.6
 %
 
313.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
28

Table of Contents
 
 

Revenue
The following table sets forth a comparison of our revenue by mix for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
74,888
 
 
$
106,193
 
 
$
31,305
 
 
41.8
%
Renewable energy revenue
30,741
 
 
40,227
 
 
9,486
 
 
30.9
%
 
$
105,629
 
 
$
146,420
 
 
$
40,791
 
 
38.6
%
Total revenue.  We derive our revenue primarily from energy efficiency products, which accounted for approximately 70.9% and 72.5% of total revenue for the first quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, respectively. Total revenue increased by $40.8 million, or 38.6%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, due to higher revenue from both energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Energy efficiency revenue. Energy efficiency revenue increased by $31.3 million, or 41.8%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, due in part to a $15.0 million increase from projects being installed for our U.S. federal customers, which reflects both ongoing and new projects. We also had an increase in the number of projects being installed for our municipal and other institutional customers, which contributed $11.0 million. Our Canadian division and our recent acquisition of Quantum also contributed to our overall growth in the quarter.
Renewable energy revenue. Renewable energy revenue increased by $9.5 million, or 30.9%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a $4.7 million increase in revenue from renewable product and energy sales, as well as an increase in the number of renewable facilities being built by us for our customers. Construction volume of such plants increased by $3.0 million from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011. Additionally, revenue from renewable facilities that we own increased by $1.9 million and revenue from the sale of integrated photovoltaic equipment and systems increased by $2.9 million.
Revenue from customers outside the United States, principally Canada, was $24.8 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared with $18.7 million in the first quarter of 2010.
Business Segment Revenue
The following table sets forth a comparison of our business segment revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
U.S. Federal
$
24,879
 
 
$
42,070
 
 
$
17,191
 
 
69.1
 %
Central U.S. Region
18,607
 
 
17,478
 
 
(1,129
)
 
(6.1
)%
Other U.S. Regions
21,682
 
 
36,993
 
 
15,311
 
 
70.6
 %
Canada
18,354
 
 
24,544
 
 
6,190
 
 
33.7
 %
All Other
22,107
 
 
25,335
 
 
3,228
 
 
14.6
 %
Total
$
105,629
 
 
$
146,420
 
 
$
40,791
 
 
38.6
 %
Total revenue for the U.S. federal segment increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $17.2 million, or 69.1%, to $42.1 million, primarily due to an increase in the number of projects being installed for the U.S. federal government. During the first quarter of 2011, revenue recognized on the continued installation of a large renewable energy project for the U.S. Department of Energy accounted for a significant portion of our revenue for this segment.
Total revenue for the central U.S. region segment decreased in the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $1.1 million, or 6.1%, to $17.5 million, primarily due to weather related delays in the implementation of certain projects.

 
29

Table of Contents
 
 

Total revenue for the other U.S. regions segment increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $15.3 million, or 70.6%, to $37.0 million, primarily due to an increase in the size and number of projects under construction, including as a result of our acquisition of Quantum in the third quarter of 2010.
Total revenue for the Canada segment increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $6.2 million, or 33.7%, to $24.5 million, primarily due to a larger volume of construction activity related to the installation of energy efficiency measures.
Total revenue not allocated to segments and presented as all other, increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $3.2 million, or 14.6%, to $25.3 million, due to increases in O&M revenue and renewable product and energy sales.
Direct Expenses and Gross Profit
The following table sets forth a comparison of our direct expenses and gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
74,888
 
 
$
106,193
 
 
$
31,305
 
 
41.8
%
Renewable energy revenue
30,741
 
 
40,227
 
 
9,486
 
 
30.9
%
 
105,629
 
 
146,420
 
 
40,791
 
 
38.6
%
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
62,524
 
 
86,362
 
 
23,838
 
 
38.1
%
Renewable energy expenses
24,706
 
 
32,075
 
 
7,369
 
 
29.8
%
 
87,230
 
 
118,437
 
 
31,207
 
 
35.8
%
Gross profit:
$
18,399
 
 
$
27,983
 
 
$
9,584
 
 
52.1
%
Energy efficiency gross margin
16.5
%
 
18.7
%
 
 
 
2.2
%
Renewable energy gross margin
19.6
%
 
20.3
%
 
 
 
0.7
%
Gross profit %
36.1
%
 
39.0
%
 
 
 
2.9
%
Total direct expenses. The majority of our expenses are incurred in connection with energy efficiency projects for which expenses represented approximately 82.6% and 80.9% of corresponding revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Total direct expenses increased by $31.2 million, or 35.8%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, due to increases in our overall business activity.
Energy efficiency. Energy efficiency gross margin increased slightly from 16.5% in the first quarter of 2010 to 18.7% in the first quarter of 2011, due in part to a one time project closeout which contributed to the gross margin and higher installation margins.
Renewable energy. Renewable energy gross margin increased from 19.6% in the first quarter of 2010 to 20.3% in the first quarter of 2011 due to margin contribution from installation activity, followed by integrated photovoltaic systems and equipment, small-scale infrastructure and O&M.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
30

Table of Contents
 
 

Operating Expenses
The following table sets forth a comparison of our operating expenses and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
% of
 
2011
 
% of
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
Revenue
 
(b)
 
Revenue
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue
$
105,629
 
 
 
 
$
146,420
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits
$
8,157
 
 
7.7
%
 
$
10,085
 
 
6.9
%
 
$
1,928
 
 
23.6
%
Project development costs
3,129
 
 
3.0
%
 
4,402
 
 
3.0
%
 
1,273
 
 
40.7
%
General, administrative and other
4,550
 
 
4.3
%
 
5,193
 
 
3.5
%
 
643
 
 
14.1
%
 
$
15,836
 
 
15.0
%
 
$
19,680
 
 
13.4
%
 
$
3,844
 
 
24.3
%
Salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits increased $1.9 million, or 23.6%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011. This was primarily due to the additional staff necessary to support expanded sales and development activity and we added new positions customary for a public company.
Project development. Project development expenses increased $1.3 million, or 40.7%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, reflecting continued efforts relating to business development and marketing.
General, administrative and other. General, administrative and other expenses increased $0.6 million, or 14.1%, from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011. This increase was primarily due to increased insurance expenses and consulting fees.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net decreased slightly from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011. The following table shows the changes in other income (expense), net from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in $'000s)
2010
 
2011
Unrealized loss from derivatives
$
(134
)
 
$
 
Interest expense, net of interest income
(652
)
 
(789
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(70
)
 
(111
)
 
$
(856
)
 
$
(900
)
Income Before Taxes
The following table sets forth a comparison of our income before taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
U.S. Federal
$
1,983
 
 
$
6,548
 
 
$
4,565
 
 
230.2
 %
Central U.S. Region
1,035
 
 
(391
)
 
(1,426
)
 
(137.8
)%
Other U.S. Regions
2,209
 
 
5,882
 
 
3,673
 
 
166.3
 %
Canada
394
 
 
990
 
 
596
 
 
151.3
 %
All Other
(3,914
)
 
(5,626
)
 
(1,712
)
 
(43.7
)%
Total
$
1,707
 
 
$
7,403
 
 
$
5,696
 
 
333.7
 %
 

 
31

Table of Contents
 
 

Income before taxes increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $5.7 million, or 333.7%, due to higher revenue and improved operating leverage.
Business Segment Income Before Taxes
Income before taxes for the U.S. federal segment increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $4.6 million, or 230.2%, to $6.5 million. The increase was primarily due to increased revenue and higher operating margins recognized on project installations.
Income before taxes for the central U.S. region segment decreased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $1.4 million, or 137.8%, to $0.4 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenue.
Income before taxes for the other U.S. regions segment increased from to the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $3.7 million, or 166.3%, to $5.9 million, primarily due to increased revenue and higher operating margins.
Income before taxes for the Canada segment increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $0.6 million, or 151.3%, to $1.0 million. The increase was primarily due to higher revenue.
The loss before taxes not allocated to segments and presented as all other, increased from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 by $1.7 million, or 43.7%, to $5.6 million, primarily due to increases in corporate overhead partially offset by higher revenue. The changes in the expenses allocated to all other from the first quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2011 were consistent with the overall change in consolidated expenses discussed above.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes increased by $1.7 million to $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2011 from $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2010. The effective tax rate increased to 28.6% for the first quarter of 2011 from 25.2% in the first quarter of 2010. The rate variance between the periods is due mainly to a change in permanent items as a percentage of income before provision for income taxes from 2010 to 2011. The principal difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate was due to deductions permitted under Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code, which relate to the installation of certain energy efficiency equipment in federal, state, provincial and local government-owned buildings, as well as production tax credits to which we are entitled from the electricity generated by certain plants that we own.
Net Income
Net income increased in the first quarter of 2011 by $4.0 million, or 313.9%, to $5.3 million, compared to $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 due to higher pre-tax income, partially offset by an increase in the tax provision. Earnings per share in the first quarter of 2011 was $0.13 per basic share, representing an increase of $0.03, or 33.0%, and $0.12 per diluted share, representing an increase of $0.09, or 230.5%. The weighted-average number of basic and diluted shares increased by 211.1% and 25.2%, respectively. The increase for both was due mainly to the conversion of 3.2 million shares of Series A preferred stock into 1.3 million shares of Class A common stock and 18.0 million shares of Class B common stock in connection with our initial public offering, together with the issuance and sale of 6.3 million shares of Class A common stock in our initial public offering, and the exercise of 2.1 million options and warrants for shares of Class A common stock. The weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding increased as a result of the initial public offering, the grant of new stock options and the increase in the market price of our stock.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of liquidity. Since inception, we have funded operations primarily through cash flow from operations and various forms of debt. We believe that available cash and cash equivalents and availability under our revolving senior secured credit facility, combined with our access to credit markets, will be sufficient to fund our operations through 2012 and thereafter.
Cash flows from operating activities. Operating activities used $25.6 million of net cash during the three months ended March 31, 2011. During that period, we had net income of $5.3 million, which is net of non-cash compensation, depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes and other non-cash items totaling $6.0 million. Net decreases in Federal ESPC financing and other assets and liabilities provided another $10.3 million in cash. However, reductions in accounts receivable, accounts payable and estimated earnings and costs in excess of billings net and income taxes payable used $47.0 million of cash. Changes in other liabilities provided the balance of net cash during the period.
Operating activities used $17.9 million of net cash during the three months ended March 31, 2010. During that period, we had net income of $1.3 million, which is net of non-cash compensation, depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes,

 
32

Table of Contents
 
 

unrealized losses and other non-cash items totaling $4.1 million. Net decreases in accounts receivable and other assets provided another $4.3 million in cash. However, reductions in accounts payable and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings used $27.6 million of cash. Changes in other liabilities provided the balance of net cash during the period.
Cash flows from investing activities. Cash used for investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled of $6.6 million, primarily related to the development of renewable energy plants, and $0.9 million related to purchases of other property and equipment. Offsetting these amounts were $6.7 million of Section 1603 rebates received during the period.
Cash used for investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2010 totaled $6.3 million and consisted of capital investments of $5.9 million related to the development of renewable energy plants. Other investments related to leasehold improvements and office equipment.
Cash flows from investing activities primarily relate to capital expenditures to support our growth.
Cash flows from financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011 totaled $10.8 million. Most of this was due to draws on our revolving credit facility totaling $5.0 million and proceeds from long-term debt financing arrangements of $5.5 million. We also received proceeds from exercises of options totaling $1.4 million. This was partially offset by a repayment of $0.9 million of long-term project debt.
Net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2010 totaled $0.01 million. We increased certain restricted cash accounts by $4.3 million to meet terms of our loan agreements, and repaid $1.3 million of long-term project debt. Additionally, we paid $0.2 million in financing related fees. Partially offsetting those payments were net draws on our revolving credit facility totaling $5.0 million and proceeds from long-term debt financing arrangements of $0.8 million.
Revolving Senior Secured Credit Facility
In 2008, we entered into a credit and security agreement with Bank of America, consisting of a $50 million revolving facility. The agreement requires us to pay monthly interest at various rates in arrears, based on the amount outstanding. This facility has a maturity date of June 30, 2011. The facility is secured by a lien on all of our assets other than renewable energy projects that we own that were financed by others, and limits our ability to enter into other financing arrangements. Availability under the facility is based on two times our EBITDA for the preceding four quarters, and we are required to maintain a minimum EBITDA of $20 million on a rolling four-quarter basis and a minimum level of tangible net worth. The full line of credit was available to us as of March 31, 2011, of which $5.0 million was drawn. At March 31, 2010 we had $24.9 million in principal outstanding under the facility. Currently we are in discussions with our lenders to renew and expand this facility.
Project Financing
Construction and Term Loans. We have entered into a number of construction and term loan agreements for the purpose of constructing and owning certain renewable energy plants. The physical assets and the operating agreements related to the renewable energy plants are owned by wholly-owned, single member special purpose subsidiaries. These construction and term loans are structured as project financings made directly to a subsidiary, and upon acceptance of a project, the related construction loan converts into a term loan. While we are required under generally accepted accounting principles to reflect these loans as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, they are generally nonrecourse and not direct obligations of Ameresco, Inc. As of March 31, 2011, we had outstanding $52.7 million in aggregate principal amount under these loans, bearing interest at rates ranging from 3.5% to 8.7% and maturing at various dates from 2013 to 2024. One loan totaling $5.5 million, does require Ameresco, Inc. to provide assurance to the lender of the project performance. As of December 31, 2010, we had outstanding $46.8 million in aggregate principal amount under these loans, bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.3% to 8.7% and maturing at various dates from 2013 to 2024. As of December 31, 2009, a term loan in the amount of $5.4 million was in default as a result of the bankruptcy of the customer for the energy output of the plant financed by the loan. The bankruptcy filing by the customer had constituted an event of default under the credit agreement; however, the customer emerged from bankruptcy in 2010 and continued operations. To cure the default we decided to pay the loan in full during the third quarter of 2010.
Federal ESPC Receivable Financing. We have arrangements with certain lenders to provide advances to us during the construction or installation of projects for certain customers, typically federal governmental entities, in exchange for our assignment to the lenders of our rights to the long-term receivables arising from the ESPCs related to such projects. These financings totaled $185.3 million and $159.0 million in principal amounts at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Under the terms of these financing arrangements, we are required to complete the construction or installation of the project in accordance with the contract with our customer, and the debt remains on our consolidated balance sheet until the

 
33

Table of Contents
 
 

completed project is accepted by the customer.
Our revolving senior secured credit facility and construction and term loan agreements require us to comply with a variety of financial and operational covenants. As of March 31, 2011 we were in compliance with all of our financial and operational covenants. In addition, we do not consider it likely that we will fail to comply with these covenants during the term of these agreements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2011:
 
 
Payments due by Period
 
 
 
 
Less than
 
One to
 
Three to
 
More than
(in $'000s)
 
Total
 
One Year
 
Three Years
 
Five Years
 
Five Years
Federal ESPC receivable financing(1)
 
$
185,254
 
 
$
 
 
$
185,254
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
Term loans
 
52,727
 
 
6,044
 
 
10,232
 
 
8,693
 
 
27,758
 
Interest obligations(2)
 
23,077
 
 
3,637
 
 
6,115
 
 
4,792
 
 
8,533
 
Operating leases
 
8,329
 
 
2,524
 
 
2,989
 
 
1,980
 
 
836
 
Revolving senior secured credit facility(3)
 
5,000
 
 
5,000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
274,387
 
 
$
17,205
 
 
$
204,590
 
 
$
15,465
 
 
$
37,127
 
(1
)
 
Federal ESPC receivable financing arrangements relate to the installation and construction of projects for certain customers, typically federal governmental entities, where we assign to the lenders our right to customer receivables. We are relieved of the financing liability when the project is completed and accepted by the customer. We typically expect to be relieved of the financing liability between one and three years from the date of project construction commencement.
 
 
 
(2
)
 
The table does not include, for our federal ESPC receivable financing arrangements, the difference between the aggregate amount of the long-term customer receivables sold by us to the lender and the amount received by us from the lender for such sale.
(3
)
 
For our revolving senior secured credit facility, the table above assumes that the variable interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2011 remains constant for the term of the facility.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, such as relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating financing transactions that are not required to be reflected on our balance sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no new accounting pronouncements during the three months ended March 31, 2011, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, that are of significance, or potential significance, to us.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because we finance certain operations through fixed and variable rate debt instruments and denominate our transactions in U.S. and Canadian dollars. Changes in these rates may have an impact on future cash flows and earnings. We manage these risks through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.
Interest Rate Risk
We had cash and cash equivalents totaling $29.3 million as of March 31, 2011 and $44.7 million as of December 31, 2010. Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest expense paid on our senior secured credit facility.
 

 
34

Table of Contents
 
 

Derivative Instruments
We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. However, through our subsidiaries we do enter into derivative instruments for purposes other than trading purposes. Certain of the term loans that we use to finance our renewable energy projects bear variable interest rates that are indexed to short-term market rates. We have entered into interest rate swaps in connection with these term loans in order to seek to hedge our exposure to adverse changes in the applicable short-term market rate. In some instances, the conditions of our renewable energy project term loans require us to enter into interest rate swap agreements in order to mitigate our exposure to adverse movements in market interest rates. The interest rate swaps that we have entered into qualify, and have been designated, as fair value hedges.
By using derivative instruments, we are subject to credit and market risk. The fair market value of the derivative instruments is determined by using valuation models whose inputs are derived using market observable inputs, including interest rate yield curves, and reflects the asset or liability position as of the end of each reporting period. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, thus creating a receivable risk for us. We are exposed to counterparty credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to our derivative agreements. We minimize counterparty credit (or repayment) risk by entering into transactions with major financial institutions of investment grade credit rating.
Our exposure to market interest rate risk is not hedged in a manner that completely eliminates the effects of changing market conditions on earnings or cash flow.
Foreign Currency Risk
As a result of our operations in Canada, we have significant expenses, assets and liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency. Also, a significant number of employees are located in Canada and we transact a significant amount of business in Canadian currency. Consequently, we have determined that Canadian currency is the functional currency for our Canadian operations. When we consolidate the operations of our Canadian subsidiary into our financial results, because we report our results in U.S. dollars, we are required to translate the financial results and position of our Canadian subsidiary from Canadian currency into U.S. dollars. We translate the revenues, expenses, gains, and losses from our Canadian subsidiary into U.S. dollars using a weighted average exchange rate for the applicable fiscal period. We translate the assets and liabilities of our Canadian subsidiary into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the applicable balance sheet date. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are disclosed and accumulated in a separate component of consolidated equity until sale or until a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in our Canadian subsidiary takes place. Changes in the values of these items from one period to the next which result from exchange rate fluctuations are recorded in our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to changes in the U.S.-Canadian exchange rate that were favorable to the value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, our foreign currency translation resulted in a gain of $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which we recorded as an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.
As a consequence, gross profit, operating results, profitability and cash flows are impacted by relative changes in the value of the Canadian dollar. We have not repatriated earnings from our Canadian subsidiary, but have elected to invest in new business opportunities there. We do not hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2011. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management

 
 
35

Table of Contents
 
 

necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our management, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, or the evaluation date, have concluded that as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed below.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, other than those stated below, during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2011, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the company’s internal controls. In 2009 and for most of 2010, we did not have personnel with an appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in the selection, application and implementation of GAAP as it relates to certain complex accounting issues, income taxes and SEC financial reporting requirements. In addition, in connection with our fiscal 2010 audit, we concluded that we did not have certain personnel in place for the appropriate amount of time and lacked certain other personnel to ensure adequate levels of review of accounting and financial reporting matters, which resulted in our closing process not identifying all required adjustments in a timely fashion. Although we recently hired directors of SEC reporting and taxation, these new employees will require time and training to learn our business and operating processes and procedures. Moreover, we expect to find it necessary to hire additional accounting personnel to improve the levels of review of accounting and financial reporting matters. We may experience delays in doing so and any such additional employees would require time and training to learn our business and operating processes and procedures. For the near-term future, until such personnel are familiar with our business and reporting structure, this will continue to constitute a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that could result in material misstatements in our financial statements not being prevented or detected.

 
36

Table of Contents
 
 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary conduct of our business we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations and claims. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of such lawsuits, investigations and claims against us, we do not believe that any currently pending or threatened legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
For additional information about certain proceedings, please refer to Note 5, Commitments and Contingencies, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, which is incorporated into this item by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
As of March 31, 2011, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On January 26, 2011, we granted options pursuant to our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan to purchase an aggregate of 28,688 shares of Class A common stock each with an exercise price of $16.29 per share, in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as sales by an issuer not involving any public offering.
Item 6. Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits are filed (other than exhibits 32.1 and 32.2) as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and such Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 
37

Table of Contents
 
 

 
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
AMERESCO, INC.
Date: May 13, 2011
By:
/s/ Andrew B. Spence
 
 
Andrew B. Spence 
 
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(duly authorized and principal financial officer)
 

 
 
38

Table of Contents
 
 

 
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number
Description
31.1*
Principal Executive Officer Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Principal Financial Officer Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**
Principal Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**
Principal Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*    Filed herewith.
**    Furnished herewith.

 
 
39