UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Transition Period from to
Commission file number 000-19672
American Superconductor Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 04-2959321 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(IRS Employer Identification Number) | |
Sixty Four Jackson Road Devens, Massachusetts |
01434 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (978) 842-3000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of accelerated filer, large accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company ¨ |
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the registrants Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on September 28, 2007, based on the closing price of the shares of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on that date ($20.48 per share) was $827.7 million.
Number of shares outstanding of the registrants Common Stock, as of May 27, 2008 was 42,000,381.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Document |
Form 10-K Part | |
Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than July 29, 2008. |
Part III |
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Part I | ||||
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1B. |
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Part II | ||||
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
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Part III | ||||
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
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13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence |
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Part IV | ||||
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This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that relate to future events or conditions, including without limitation, the statements under Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and located elsewhere herein regarding industry prospects and the Companys prospective results of operations or financial position, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words believes, anticipates, plans, expects, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent managements current expectations and are inherently uncertain. The important factors discussed below under the caption Risk Factors in Item 1A, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made herein and presented elsewhere by management from time to time. Any such forward-looking statements represent managements estimates as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. While the Company may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause its views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Companys views as of any date subsequent to the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART I
Item 1. | BUSINESS |
Overview
We are a leading energy technologies company, offering an array of solutions based on two proprietary technologies: programmable power electronic converters and high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires. Our products, services and system-level solutions enable cleaner, more efficient and more reliable generation, delivery and use of electric power. The programmability and scalability of our power electronic converters differentiates them from most competitive offerings. Our HTS wires carry 150 times the electrical current of comparably sized copper wire. The two primary markets we serve are the wind energy market and the power transmission and distributionor power gridmarket.
The demand for clean and renewable sources of electricity, such as wind energy, and the demand for modernized, intelligent power grid infrastructure are being driven globally by a variety of factors. These factors include increasing electricity usage, power grid capacity constraints, fossil fuel price volatility, and harmful levels of pollution and greenhouse gases. In addition, our growing digital-based economy demands better power reliability and quality. Concerns about these factors have led to increased spending by corporations and supportive government regulations and initiatives on local, state, national and global levels, including renewable portfolio standards, tax incentives and international treaties.
We conduct our operations through two business units:
| AMSC Power Systems. AMSC Power Systems (Power Systems) produces a broad range of products to increase electrical grid capacity and reliability; supplies electrical systems used in wind turbines; sells power electronic products that regulate wind farm voltage to enable their interconnection to the power grid; licenses proprietary wind turbine designs to manufacturers of such systems; provides consulting services to the wind industry; and offers products that enhance power quality for industrial operations. |
| AMSC Superconductors. AMSC Superconductors (Superconductors) manufactures HTS wire and coils; designs and develops HTS products, such as power cables, fault current limiters and motors; and manages large-scale HTS projects. |
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. This document refers to fiscal 2007, which is the period beginning on April 1, 2007 and concluding on March 31, 2008. Likewise, fiscal 2006 began on April 1, 2006 and concluded on March 31, 2007. Other fiscal years follow similarly.
Competitive Strengths
Our competitive strengths position us well to execute on our growth plans in the markets we serve.
| Technology Leadership and Engineering Expertise. We are a technology leader in the development of power electronics and HTS wire-based solutions for the wind energy and power grid markets. As of March 31, 2008, we owned more than 415 patents and patent applications worldwide, and had rights through exclusive and non-exclusive licenses to more than 360 additional patents and patent applications. Our technology and manufacturing know-how, customer and product knowledge and patent portfolio provide us with a strong competitive position. We employ more than 20 years of development expertise toward the design and commercialization of new products and solutions and toward the implementation of proprietary manufacturing processes. |
| Sophisticated, Flexible Product Design. Our products are highly flexible, and their sophisticated design allows for a high degree of customization. These products leverage our proprietary software and |
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hardware combinations that enable us to configure our power converters to efficiently and quickly meet the specific requirements of customers in a diverse range of markets. Furthermore, our proprietary HTS wire design and product engineering capabilities enable products with superior performance when compared to other market alternatives. Our wire design, for instance, allows us to tailor the lamination of our HTS wire to meet the electrical and mechanical performance requirements of widely varying end-use applications. |
| Highly Scalable, Low Cost Manufacturing Platform. Our proprietary manufacturing technique for 344 superconductors, which is our brand name for what is generically known as second generation (2G) HTS wire, is modular in nature, which we believe will allow us to readily expand manufacturing capacity at a relatively low incremental cost. All of the equipment we have installed for the 344 superconductors manufacturing line is designed with the capability to process either 4 cm or 10 cm wide strips, which will allow us to increase gross capacity by 2.5 times without significant additional capital expenditures when we migrate from 4 cm to 10 cm production in the future. We believe our capacity expansion on this manufacturing line will eventually enable us to manufacture this wire at approximately one-fifth the cost of our first generation (1G) HTS wire, which we no longer manufacture. |
| Close Consultative Relationships with Customers. We have built a team of skilled engineers with extensive experience in the design, structure and modeling of power transmission and distribution grids and in the operation of wind farms and industrial sites. We work closely with our customers to understand their needs and develop solutions to their unique operational challenges. By determining solutions, our team is able to identify applications for our technology. We are then able to customize and target our offerings to specific customers. |
| Highly Experienced Management and Technical Team. Senior management has over 150 years of cumulative energy technologies experience. This team is composed of veterans of the electrical equipment, utility and wind power markets and is backed by our 382 employees worldwide as of March 31, 2008, 22 of whom held Ph.D.s in materials science, physics, metallurgy, engineering or other fields. |
Strategy
Our strategy is to drive revenue growth and enhance operating results by increasing adoption of our products.
| Target High-Growth Segments with Commercial Products. We target high-growth segments of the power and utility industry. Our Power Systems offerings are designed to meet the needs of the wind energy market, which is expected to grow by at least 20 percent annually through 2010, according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). Our HTS and grid-support solutions fill the needs of capacity-constrained transmission assets globally and address the demand for more reliable, secure and efficient transmission and distribution assets. Edison Electric Institute, the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies, expects investment in the transmission grid to increase from $6.3 billion in 2005 to $10.2 billion in 2010. |
| Pursue Overseas Markets. We are increasingly focusing our sales efforts on overseas markets and have been successful in targeting business in emerging economies, such as China, India and South Korea. We also have built significant sales momentum in countries where dynamic voltage standards for wind farms have been put in place, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In fiscal 2007, which ended March 31, 2008, 74 percent of our revenues came from sales outside the United States compared with 47 percent the prior fiscal year. In support of this expansion, we maintain operations in Austria, China and the United States and sales and service support centers in Germany and Singapore. |
| Anticipate Customer Needs in the Development of System-Level Solutions. We develop close working relationships with our customers that enable us to provide customized solutions and identify opportunities to employ our products. Our Network Solutions team collects and analyzes data |
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regarding our customers systemsfrom entire power grids to wind farms to manufacturing operations dependent on premium quality power. For example, our Network Solutions team carries out dynamic simulations for customers on the effects power grid disturbances may have on grid reliability under all operating conditions. They then can quantify how the incorporation of volt-amp-reactive (VAR) solutions, such as static VAR compensators (SVCs) and dynamic VAR (D-VAR) systems, and advanced technologies, such as HTS cables and fault current limiters (FCLs), can improve power grid operations. The group performs similar analyses to determine the optimum power quality solutions for industrial manufacturing sites and wind farms. |
| Strengthen Our Technology Leadership While Lowering Cost. We work continuously to strengthen our leadership position in terms of reliability, cost and total product offering. We interact with our customers and suppliers not only to improve the performance and efficiency of our Power Systems solutions, but also to reduce material and manufacturing costs. In addition, we maintain a vigorous research and development effort that continues to yield increases in electrical and mechanical performance of our 344 superconductors, which has been demonstrated at levels that are comparable to or better than our 1G HTS wire. We continue to achieve productivity enhancements in our manufacturing of 344 superconductors, which we believe will eventually enable us to manufacture this wire at approximately one-fifth the cost of our 1G HTS wire. |
| Pursue Targeted Strategic Acquisitions and Alliances. We will continue to pursue strategic business relationships and acquisitions that complement our product portfolio and increase our rate of growth. We have built strategic alliances and close corporate relationships with many industry leaders including Nexans, Siemens, Southwire, TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company and Vestas to develop and commercialize our products and to bring them to market. We also have been successful in closing key acquisitions, including Windtec and Power Quality Systems, Inc. in calendar 2007. The Windtec acquisition has provided increased access to the growing wind market and has complemented sales of our D-VAR and PowerModule power electronics products in the wind market. The Power Quality Systems acquisition enhanced our reactive compensation product offerings for utility and industrial customers. |
Market Opportunities
Our products and services address two substantial global demands:
| the demand for cleaner, renewable sources of electricity, such as wind power, and |
| the demand for a modernized, intelligent power grid infrastructure to alleviate capacity constraints and improve reliability, security, stability and efficiency of electricity. |
Wind Energy
The market for wind-generated, zero-emission electricity has been growing dramatically for more than a decade. According to the GWEC, approximately 20,000 megawatts (MW) of wind generation capacity was added worldwide in calendar 2007, increasing the global installed base by approximately 27 percent. Global wind power capacity is expected to more than double by 2011. This growth is being driven in part by the substantial government incentives and mandates that have been established on local, state and national levels. Additionally, wind power costs have been declining rapidly. According to the GWECs Global Wind Energy Outlook 2006 report, A modern wind turbine annually produces 180 times more electricity at less than half the cost per unit (kWh) than its equivalent twenty years ago. At good locations, wind can compete with the cost of both coal and gas-fired power. According to GWEC, more than $37 billion was spent on wind power equipment globally in 2007. We offer our wind power solutions globally, and we have successfully entered markets in the United States and Europe as well as emerging economies like China and India.
The installed base of wind generated electricity in the United States grew 45 percent to 16,818 MW in 2007 according to GWEC. Growth in the U.S. wind market is currently being driven by both strong demand as well as
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government support programs. The production tax credit (PTC) expiration date for wind energy was extended to 2008 in the 2005 Energy Policy Act. The PTC provides a two cent-per-kilowatt-hour tax credit for electricity generated with wind turbines over the first 10 years of a projects operations. In addition, at least half of the states in the U.S. have already adopted renewable portfolio standards, requiring local utilities to obtain a specified percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources.
In 2007, GWEC estimates that nearly 8,700 MW of wind generated electricity was installed in the European Union. Supporting the growth of the European wind market is strong policy support at EU and national levels. In January 2007, the European Commission released a proposal intended to enable Europe to produce 20 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. Various incentive programs have been established in Europe, including feed-in tariffs, fixed premiums, and green certificate systems, which are often complemented by tax incentives or environmental taxes.
In China, the National Development and Reform Commission is promoting wind power concessions for large-scale commercial development. The program encourages local authorities to invite both local and international investors to develop 100 MW size wind farms at specific sites. In February of 2005, a law was published requiring the creation of a national target for renewable development, a feed-in tariffs system for renewable energy power, a nation-wide cost sharing system, and a national fund for promoting renewable energy development. GWEC estimates the installed base of wind generated electricity in China grew more than 100 percent in 2007 to 6,050 MW. Some industry experts have predicted that Chinas wind power capacity will reach 100 gigawatts by the end of 2020.
Indias installed base of wind generated electricity increased approximately 28 percent in 2007 to 8,000 MW, making it the fourth largest producer in the world, behind Germany, Spain and the U.S. The fiscal incentives provided by the government to the wind energy sector in India include direct taxes (80 percent depreciation in the first year of installation of a project), tax holiday for 10 years and no income tax paid on power sales to utilities. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has also issued guidelines to all state governments to create an attractive environment for the export, purchase, wheeling and banking of electricity generated by wind power projects.
Our Approach to the Wind Energy Market
At the end of fiscal 2007, we had product sales and orders to support approximately 7,190 MW of wind generated electricity worldwide, an increase of approximately 91 percent from 3,760 MW at the end of fiscal 2006. We address the wind energy market by providing services and designing, developing, manufacturing and selling critical components.
| Electrical Systems. We provide core electrical systems and components to manufacturers of wind energy systems. These electrical systems and components incorporate our PowerModule power electronic converters and are installed inside the nacelle of wind energy systems to regulate voltage and control power flows, among other functions. |
| Grid Interconnection. We have been selling D-VAR systems and ancillary components since 2002 to wind farm developers, among others, to enable them to meet grid interconnection standards for dynamic voltage regulation that have been established in certain countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Spain and the U.K. In other countries, such as the United States, utilities assess grid interconnection requirements on a case-by-case basis. We currently have an installed base and orders for D-VAR systems for 35 wind farms worldwide. |
| Development Contracts. Our AMSC Windtec subsidiary designs and develops entire state-of-the-art wind energy systems for manufacturers who are in the business of producing wind energy systems or who plan to enter the business of manufacturing wind energy systems. These customers typically pay |
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us an upfront fee for the development work and provide us with a right of first refusal on the provision of core electrical systems and components needed to operate the wind energy systems. |
| Licensed Designs. We license our proprietary wind energy system designs to companies who wish to manufacture such systems. Companies that license our designs typically pay an upfront fee, pay royalties for each system they install, and provide us with a right of first refusal on our offerings ranging from core electrical components to whole electrical systems needed to operate the wind energy systems. |
| Service Contracts. We sell service contracts to our customers who purchase our core electrical systems and components as well as our D-VAR systems. |
| Consulting Services. We sell consulting services to customers who want to improve their wind energy system designs. |
Our AMSC Windtec business primarily targets emerging markets outside the United States for its products and services. Our AMSC Windtec offerings are well-suited for economies where local manufacturers are needed to meet increasing domestic demands for wind energy systems. AMSC Windtec is currently designing wind energy systems for, or licensing wind energy systems to, customers in China and India, among others. According to GWEC, wind power capacity in China and India grew at 132 percent and 28 percent, respectively, in 2007.
Our D-VAR solution is sold primarily in countries that have specific dynamic voltage grid interconnection standards in place. In countries that do not yet have well defined requirements, such as the United States, utilities sometimes require dynamic reactive compensation on wind farms to ensure the stability of their grids. This creates an additional business opportunity for our offerings.
Power Grid Infrastructure Market
Until the early part of this decade, transmission grid investment experienced a prolonged depression caused by uncertainties with respect to the ownership of and return on transmission grid assets caused by potential changes in power grid regulations and policies. This period of underinvestment resulted in an increasing number of grid disturbances and blackouts, including the Northeast Blackout of August 14, 2003, which was the largest such event in U.S. history, affecting over 50 million people and costing up to an estimated $6 billion in lost business for U.S. companies. A recent study conducted by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that electric power outages and blackouts cost America approximately $80 billion annually.
Events and statistics such as these were pivotal in prompting broad public recognition of the need for concerted action to modernize and enhance the security of the nations power grid. At the federal level, the Department of Energy (DOE) is supporting the development and implementation of new technologies and programs to enhance grid capacity, efficiency and reliability. This includes promoting the adoption of intelligent grid technologies that make the grid stronger, more resilient, more responsive and more fail-safe.
At the utility level, U.S. grid investment is now increasing rapidly, driven by a national awareness and federally regulated incentives providing returns on investment for such expenditures. The Edison Electric Institute estimates that transmission investment by utilities was expected to grow by 20 percent in 2007 over 2006, to $8.3 billion, and spending is expected to grow another 23 percent to $10.2 billion in 2010.
As these expenditures are being considered, power grid operators are increasingly confronting reliability issues arising from the capacity limitations of transmission and distribution lines (overhead) and cables (underground). Pushing too much power through a line or cable will heat it up to its thermal limit. At that point, more power flow through the line or cable will cause it to fault (forced to be taken out of service) or, in severe cases, fail. Thus, as demand for power increases, it is necessary to upgrade existing transmission and distribution corridors with additional or higher capacity lines or cables.
Traditional transmission lines and cables often reach their voltage stability limit well below their thermal threshold. Driving more power through a power grid when some of its lines and cables are operating above their
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voltage stability limit at peak demand times causes either low voltage in the power grid (a brownout) or risk of a sudden, uncontrollable voltage collapse (a blackout). The Northeast Blackout of 2003 was ascribed to a voltage collapse owing to operation of the grid above its voltage stability limit.
The traditional way to increase power grid capacity and voltage stability is to install more overhead power lines and underground cables. This allows for redundancy of power flow pathways and allows power grid operators to safely run systems closer to the thermal limits of the weakest links in the power grid. However, as a result of rising public resistance to new overhead lines due to environmental, aesthetic and health concerns, permitting processes of five to 10 years or more have become common for new projects.
In urban and metropolitan areas, installing additional conventional underground copper cables is similarly challenging for two important reasons: many existing underground corridors carrying power distribution cables are already filled to their physical capacity and cannot accommodate any additional conventional cables; and adding new conduits requires expanding or securing new corridors and digging up streets to lay new conduit. These tasks are costly and impose significant disruptions.
Our Approach to the Power Grid Infrastructure Market
We currently address the power grid infrastructure market opportunity by providing components and solutions designed to increase the power grids capacity, reliability, security, stability and efficiency.
| HTS Cables. Our Superconductors business manufactures HTS wire used in superconductor power cables, which are a new class of high-capacity, environmentally benign and easy-to-install transmission and distribution cables that address power grid capacity issues by increasing the thermal limit of existing or new corridors. Power cables are cylindrically shaped systems that consist of wires, which conduct electricity, surrounded by electrical insulation, which in turn is encased in a metal or polymeric jacket. Today, power cables are made primarily using copper wires. Because our HTS wire is able to carry 150 times the electrical current of comparably sized copper wire, power cables of the same diameter can use significantly less HTS wire than copper wire and yet conduct up to 10 times the current of copper cables of the same diameter. These new cable systems also bring efficiency advantages. Traditional cable systems heat up due to the electrical resistance of copper, and this heat causes electrical losses. It is estimated that, on average, eight percent of the electricity produced at generation sites is lost due to resistance in the power grid. Conversely, HTS materials carry direct current (DC) with 100 percent efficiency and alternating current (AC) with nearly 100 percent efficiency when they are cooled below a critical temperature. As a result, AC HTS power cables lose significantly less power to resistive heating than copper cables and DC HTS power cables have no energy losses due to resistive heating. According to the analysis by Frost & Sullivan, the underground transmission and distribution power cable market in North America alone was expected to be more than $900 million in 2005 and was expected to grow by eight percent annually through 2012. We believe the annual transmission and distribution power cable market worldwide today is at least $2 billion. |
| Reactive Compensation. The power that flows through AC networks comprises both real power, measured in watts, and reactive power, measured in VARs. In simple terms, reactive power is required to support voltage in the power network. Voltage is the pressure that drives electrical current through the grid. Operators of AC power networks must closely and continuously balance real power and reactive power. Where reactive power support is inadequate, grids must be operated with heightened caution. Many lines within a power grid are rated well below their full thermal capacity because when grids are stressed, even brief voltage drops caused by transient events (e.g., line outages, plant trips, lightning strikes) can trigger instability and voltage collapse. Our Power Systems business offers solutions that rapidly inject precise amounts of reactive power into transmission grids to compensate for fluctuations in reactive power. We expect the need for reactive compensation to support both steady-state and transient power grid operation will continue to rise as the demand for power increases |
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and utilities increase their focus on energy efficiency. Reliability-must-run generators are used by utilities to support voltage during peak load timeframes. These systems, which consume significant amounts of fuel and emit greenhouse gases, can often be replaced by reactive compensation solutions. We estimate that the current annual addressable market for these products is at least $250 million worldwide, and we expect this market to grow considerably as global demand for electricity also continues to increase. |
| Fault Current Limiters and Secure Super Grid Systems. Our Superconductors business develops stand-alone fault current limiter devices and Secure Super Grid systems, which combine the advantages of HTS power cables with fault current limiting capability in one system. Fault current limiters are designed to protect the grid against power surges. As grids continue to expand, the frequency and magnitude of power surges or fault currents that arise from short circuits also increase. In some cities, power surges are approaching and surpassing the ratings of circuit breakers that have been used to protect the power grid, resulting in an increased risk of blackouts. We believe there is a need for a new solution that will be able to limit fault currents and protect ancillary utility equipment. We estimate that the worldwide addressable market for fault current limiters and Secure Super Grid systems exceeds $1 billion annually. |
AMSC Power Systems
Our Power Systems business unit designs, develops, manufactures and markets power electronic products, systems and solutions that generate and rapidly switch, control and modulate power. AMSC Power Systems offers products that service the needs of customers in a broad array of industries, including the transmission and distribution, wind power and manufacturing industries. AMSC Power Systems accounted for 86%, 59% and 29% of our revenues for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Core Technologies
Power conversion and active grid management are enabled by power electronic devices, which convert generated or transmitted electric power to the appropriate form for a particular electrical application.
| PowerModule Power Converters. Our PowerModule power electronic converters incorporate power semiconductor devices that switch, control and move large amounts of power faster and with far less disruption than the electromechanical switches that have historically been used. With power ratings from 60 to 1,000 kW per converter, this product utilizes a proprietary printed circuit board design that incorporates a microprocessor, thereby making it programmable for many uses. Programmability is important because individual PowerModule converters and integrated stacks of PowerModule converters can be programmed to meet the needs of different customers to control and condition varying levels of power from tens of kilowatts to megawatts across a wide range of applications. Our primary commercial PowerModule product is known as the PM1000. This products flexible design can be applied in many market applications. In order to simplify the adoption of PowerModule products, we also offer the PowerModule PM1000 Product Developer Kit and PM1000 System Developer Kit to enable potential new customers to more easily integrate and adopt the product in their applications. In addition, we also design, manufacture and sell converters specifically designed for applications including grid reliability and wind energy systems, such as our new PowerModule PM3000 product. The PM3000, which we expect to introduce in the second half of fiscal 2008, will be used in wind turbine electrical systems and core components. In addition to PowerModule power converter hardware, our AMSC Power Systems business unit is responsible for software development for the PowerModule power converters, as well as for the software needed to integrate the PowerModule power converters into larger scale systems. |
While PowerModule systems today are used primarily in wind and power grid applications, they also have been incorporated into electric motor drives; distributed and dispersed generation devices (micro-
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turbines, fuel cells and photovoltaics) and power quality solutions (PQ-IVR, battery and flywheel-based uninterruptible power supplies).
| Thyristor Switches. At the heart of several of our grid reliability and power quality offerings is a thyristor switching technology that we obtained in April 2007 through the acquisition of Power Quality Systems, Inc. This is a modular solid-state switch, or valve, that can be configured in a variety of different ways for specific reactive compensation and power quality needs. Today, these products are solely used as a component in our static VAR compensator and power quality static VAR compensator offerings and are not sold as a stand-alone product. |
Grid Reliability, Power Quality and Grid Interconnection Systems
Our grid reliability, power quality and grid interconnection systems consist of the following core reactive compensation and voltage regulation offerings:
Product |
Description | |
D-VAR | Our D-VAR (Dynamic VAR) reactive compensation systems provide a powerful and cost-effective source of dynamic reactive compensation for a wide range of operational needs. Also known as STATCOMs, which are considered a Flexible AC-Transmission System (FACTS) device, our D-VAR solutions are customized to meet specific customer needs and include inherent flexibility to accommodate changing grid conditions. They can correct voltage instability problems on transmission networks, provide dynamic voltage and power factor control and regulation on transmission and distribution networks, and support a stable point of interconnection for distributed generation facilities and large-scale wind farms. D-VAR systems utilize our proprietary and advanced control and monitoring system that detects and instantaneously compensates for voltage disturbances by injecting leading or lagging reactive power, precisely where it is needed on the grid. D-VAR systems are extremely flexible and scalable, ranging from 2 megaVAR (MVAR) to hundreds of MVAR. | |
SVC |
Our SVCs (Static VAR Compensators) are a large, single-point solution geared toward utilities that are looking to stabilize their power grid. Our SVC is a transmission-level FACTS solution that utilizes thyristor switched capacitors and reactors to alleviate power flow restraints on stability limited lines and increase overall power grid reliability. Benefits of installing an SVC on a transmission system include: stabilized voltages on weaker networks, reduced transmission losses, increased transmission capacity, reducing or delaying the need for new lines, voltage control and stability, power swing damping and higher transient stability limits. | |
PQ-IVR |
Our PQ-IVR (Power Quality-Industrial Voltage Restorer) systems offer large industrial customers a superior solution to disruptive power quality problems. PQ-IVR systems are voltage protection solutions that can detect power quality problems within milliseconds, and counteract them before they turn into costly productivity problems. PQ-IVR systems incorporate our latest PowerModule power electronic converters and can be configured to meet a wide range of customer requirements. Our system engineers work with customers to find the optimum low-cost solution for any industrial application. | |
PQ-SVC |
Our power quality static VAR compensators, or PQ-SVC systems, address power system disturbances for the distribution grid and industrial facilities. This is a cost-effective, highly reliable solution that allows large electric loads to operate on the AC power system while minimizing the impacts of voltage sags and flicker problems. |
Our grid reliability, power quality and interconnection systems have been purchased by more than 100 customers worldwide in a variety of industries. Representative customers include:
| grid operators, such as American Electric Power, Bonneville Power Authority and Northeast Utilities; |
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| wind farm developers, owners, operators and vendors, such as Econnect, Enbridge and Suzlon; and |
| industrial customers, such as Bridgestone, Micron Technologies and Universal Compression. |
Wind Energy Systems and Solutions
Through our AMSC Windtec subsidiary, AMSC Power Systems provides a wide range of wind turbine designs and services. To date, we have undertaken the design of turbines with power ratings ranging from 600 KW to 5 MW for use both on- and off-shore. We both license proprietary designs and develop custom designs based on specific customer needs. We offer these designs through technology transfer or licensing agreements. Customers then are able to begin manufacturing the wind turbines. In addition to the design and development work, we offer customer training and support services as well as wind turbine electrical systems and core components. Leveraging our PowerModule converters, our wind turbine electrical systems and core components perform various functions, including wind turbine power control and controlling the pitch and variable speed of blades.
Representative customers include the following wind turbine manufacturers:
| AAER in Canada; |
| Dongfang Steam Turbine Works in China; |
| Doosan Heavy Industries in South Korea; |
| Ghodawat Industries in India; |
| Sinovel in China; and |
| Wikov in the Czech Republic. |
Facilities & Manufacturing
Our Power Systems business unit currently operates out of facilities in New Berlin and Middleton, Wisconsin; West Mifflin, Pennsylvania; Klagenfurt, Austria; and Suzhou, China. In New Berlin, we design, develop, assemble and test our PowerModule power electronic converters. We outsource the manufacture of components of our PowerModule power converters, allowing us to focus on our core competency of design and final assembly and test of PowerModule systems. This also provides Power Systems with the flexibility to utilize best-of-breed subcomponents in the assembly of our converters. We assemble and test components and PowerModule power converters for incorporation into our grid reliability, power quality and interconnection systems, such as D-VAR, SVC and PQ-IVR in our Middleton, Wisconsin facility. Our West Mifflin, Pennsylvania facility is responsible for the design, manufacture, service and sale of our thyristor switch-based technology that we integrate into our SVC and PQ-SVC products. Our Windtec subsidiary operates out of Klagenfurt, Austria. This location is home to Windtecs core engineering, design and sales teams. In fiscal 2007, we opened a new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China to help reduce manufacturing costs and meet the growing global demand for our Power Systems products. We will begin shipping PowerModule products out of this facility in fiscal 2008.
AMSC Superconductors
Our Superconductors business unit designs, develops, manufactures and sells HTS wire and products made with HTS wire. We sell wire to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that incorporate HTS wire into value-added products, which are, in turn, sold to electric utilities, ship integrators and industrial end-users, among others. We also develop power cable systems, fault current limiters and rotating machines (including electric motors, generators and synchronous condensers) based on our HTS wire. In addition, the business unit manages projects that demonstrate these value-added HTS products to create market demand for HTS wire. AMSC
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Superconductors business unit accounted for 14%, 41% and 71% of our revenues for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
HTS Wire
We have supplied approximately 80 percent of the 1G HTS wire used in HTS product development and system demonstrations worldwide. In fiscal 2007, we initiated volume production of our proprietary 2G HTS wire, which we have named 344 superconductors. Our 344 superconductors have been designed to be easily adopted by our customers who have been developing products based on our 1G HTS wire.
With the ability to carry more than 150 times the power of copper wires of the same dimensions, our 344 superconductors have demonstrated electrical and mechanical performance that is comparable to or better than our 1G HTS wire, and we expect to manufacture this wire at one fifth the cost our 1G HTS wire when gross production volumes reach approximately three to four million meters per year. The superconductor compound we utilize in our 2G HTS wire is YBa2Cu3O7, commonly referred to as YBCO.
Our 344 superconductors are hair-thin, ribbon-shaped wires that are approximately 0.4 cm wide. The core of our 344 superconductors consists of multiple thin coatings of several materials, including HTS material, on a base metal or alloy. A graphic representation of the multiple coatings in our 344 superconductors is shown in the following figure:
Architecture of the core of 344 superconductors (un-laminated, not to scale)
Many different manufacturing techniques can be utilized to produce each of the thin coatings in a 2G HTS wire. We believe we have chosen the optimal high-volume, low-cost manufacturing processes for the production of each of the coatings in our proprietary 344 superconductors, which we believe gives us a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The final form of our 344 superconductors comprises a core ribbon-shaped wire that is laminated on both sides with a thin strip of a metal or alloy in the final step of manufacturing to tailor the mechanical properties of the product. Different end-use products require different mechanical and electrical properties; so the ability to tailor these properties in the final manufacturing step is important. We also believe our ability to cost-effectively laminate our wires provides us with a competitive advantage.
Because they have the same general dimensions, and because the electrical and mechanical performance of 344 superconductors has been demonstrated to equal or exceed that of 1G HTS wire, 344 superconductors can
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easily replace 1G HTS wire in applications that have already adopted 1G HTS wire. However, the two generations of HTS wire differ in the superconductor materials of which they are comprised, their internal architecture, how they are manufactured, and, in some instances, their end-use applications because 344 superconductors possess unique physical properties that enable a new class of superconductor products.
Our 344 superconductors are smart materials because they are able to switch from a superconducting state with zero resistance to the flow of electricity, to the resistive state when the current passing through the wire exceeds a critical value. Because a high resistance reduces current in an electrical network, the smart switching feature of superconductor wire can be used to limit high fault currents that arise because of network short circuits. This is the basis of fault current limiting devices for utility and military applications. Our 344 superconductors are well suited for such applications because the resistance of the other layers in its structure can be kept high, thus decreasing the amount of wire required to achieve the required resistance. By contrast, the significant amount of silver in 1G HTS wire keeps the resistance low. Our lamination process also permits the economical addition of thick stabilizer to our 344 superconductors to minimize the temperature rise during a fault event. This lamination process is a further competitive advantage of our 344 superconductors and associated manufacturing process as it allows us to customize our product to meet the materials and performance needs of our customers specific applications.
As of March 31, 2008, we had remaining approximately 150,000 meters of 1G HTS wire available for sale in inventory, most of which we believe we will sell over the next several years. We are now manufacturing only 344 superconductors. Our new manufacturing line in Devens, Massachusetts has an initial gross capacity of 720,000 meters annually.
HTS Wire-Based Products and Applications
Our HTS wire is now being used in the development and commercialization of a broad array of products and applications. The business is currently focused on the development and commercialization of three main product areas for power grids: superconductor power cables, Secure Super Grid systems, and stand-alone fault current limiters.
Superconductor Power Cables and Secure Super Grids Systems. An important application for our HTS wire is high-capacity AC and DC power cables. Because of the high power capacity of HTS wire, HTS power cables can carry up to 10 times more power (depending on the design and operating characteristics of the cable) than copper-based cables of the same diameter. The performance levels and mechanical properties of our HTS wire are sufficient today to meet the technical requirements for cables that can alleviate congestion in power transmission systems. We expect that the price for HTS wire for cable systems (as measured in dollars per kiloamp meter) will approach that of copper wire used in power cable systems in the years ahead.
There are several designs for HTS power cables being developed and tested by cable manufacturers around the world. In all cases, the cryogenic coolant for the HTS wires in these cables is liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen, which comprises approximately 79 percent of the air we breathe, is an environmentally friendly, nonflammable material. When cooled by standard industrial refrigeration techniques, nitrogen gas turns into a relatively inexpensive liquid that is used in many applications, ranging from steel making and freezing of foods, to crushing of spices and to cryogenic freezing of biological materials on farms.
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Key components of a co-axial, cold dielectric superconductor power cable.
Among the advantages presented by HTS cables over conventional copper cables are increased power density, ease of installation, reduced voltage for comparable power and increased reliability and security. In order for electric utilities and power grid operators to realize these advantages, they must first observe the successful testing and operation of HTS cables in high voltage test facilities and in actual power grid installations. The first HTS cable demonstration project was undertaken more than a decade ago. Today, two HTS cables are operating in the live grid in the United States. One in Columbus, Ohio utilizes our 1G HTS.
The second system was recently commissioned in Long Island, New York. In April 2003, we were selected by the DOE as the prime contractor to install a half-mile long, 574 MW, 138 kilo-Volt (kV) HTS cable system in the power grid of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). This is the worlds first in-grid deployment of a transmission-voltage HTS cable system and is expected to remain as a permanent addition to the LIPA grid.
In addition to the U.S. HTS cable projects, additional demonstrations are underway in China, Japan, Korea, Russia and Spain. We have supplied 80 percent of HTS wire for such projects worldwide.
Secure Super Grids systems increase the capacity of power grids while also being able to rapidly suppress fault currents. In May 2007, we announced that we had begun working with Consolidated Edison, Inc. to develop and deploy our Secure Super Grid technology in Manhattan in 2010. Under a contract finalized in January 2008, the Department of Homeland Security is expected to invest up to $24.9 million in the development of this technology. We believe this technology has the potential to significantly enhance the capacity, security and efficiency of electric power infrastructures in urban and metropolitan areas around the world, enabling Secure Super Grids technology.
Fault Current Limiters. The availability of 344 superconductors with their smart switching capability, coupled with our proprietary lamination technology, opens a path for stand-alone fault current limiting devices, which serve as surge suppressors for the electric power grid. Fault current limitation is becoming an increasingly critical issue for utilities with growing and highly meshed urban grids, and utility interest in finding a solution is high. Fault currents today are reaching levels that could exceed the safe operating levels of circuit breakers and other power equipment in numerous locations around the world. This results in millions of dollars in damaged utility equipment and is also a common cause of brownouts and blackouts.
Many different designs of FCLs have been proposed to address this problem. The most widely investigated class is called a resistive FCL in which a current exceeding the critical current of the HTS material causes it to switch into a resistive state. We have years of experience and many patents in this area. As the first long-length
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344 superconductors became available, we established in February 2005 a development agreement with Siemens Corporate Technology in Erlangen, Germany to develop 344 superconductors for a stand-alone FCL application. In January 2007, this collaboration succeeded in demonstrating a single phase, 13 kV-class, 2.25 MVA-rated fault current limiter using our 344 superconductors and a proprietary bifilar coil concept. This work led to a cooperative agreement award in fiscal 2007 from the Department of Energy on a project to develop and perform in-grid testing of a transmission-FCL for Southern California Edisons grid. Our collaboration with Siemens continues with the goal of developing more advanced wire and higher rated FCL systems for commercial application.
Rotating Machinery. The use of HTS wire in rotating machines provides significant competitive advantages by enabling dramatic reductions in size, weight and manufacturing costs relative to conventional machines. Because of the manufacturing cost reductions associated with the reduced size of our HTS rotating machines, we expect the market price for rotating machines using our design to eventually be equivalent to that of copper-based machines at power ratings of 1 MW (1,333 horsepower) and above.
We have produced several such rotating machines in the past and have pursued patent protection on many aspects of these machines. In March 2007, we completed factory acceptance testing of our 36.5 MW (49,000 horsepower) HTS motor for the U.S. Navy.
In September 2007, we entered into a research joint venture with TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company to develop core technologies for superconductor generators that can power 10 MW class wind turbines.
We plan to license designs for such HTS rotating machines to companies that have the infrastructure to manufacture these systems. We believe contracts of this kind would yield license and consulting service fees from these companies and a growing stream of royalty payments and revenues from the sale of HTS wire and coils to licensees.
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HTS Wire Manufacturing and Facilities
We have investigated many different techniques for manufacturing each of the layers in our 344 superconductors. We have discovered and demonstrated a combination of high-volume, low-cost manufacturing steps that yield our proprietary 344 superconductors with very high electrical performance. The manufacturing steps we currently utilize to manufacture our proprietary 344 superconductors, are illustrated in the following figure.
Ten individual steps are utilized in our reel-to-reel manufacturing process for 344 superconductors
We believe the manufacturing steps we currently utilize will produce 344 superconductors at substantially lower costs than the 1G and generic 2G HTS wire manufacturing techniques being pursued by competitors. Our current estimates suggest we should be able to produce 344 superconductors at approximately one-fifth the cost at which we had been producing 1G wire once we reach approximately three to four million meters per year in gross production capacity. We believe the performance and manufacturing costs inherent in our manufacturing process for 344 superconductors will give us a competitive edge in the commercial market for HTS wires. We have also developed a strong portfolio of patents related to our fabrication methodology for 344 superconductors, with more than 120 worldwide patents and patent applications pending, and licenses to more than 50 worldwide patents and patent applications owned by others, as of March 31, 2008. However, we can make no assurances that we will be successful in fully scaling up our proprietary manufacturing process for 344 superconductors.
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We now produce 4 cm wide strips of superconductor material by our proprietary manufacturing process. One of the last steps of manufacturing is to slit the 4 cm wide strips into the industry-standard width, which is approximately 0.4 cm. As shown below, the result is that we produce multiple, ribbon-shaped wires from one manufacturing operation, which reduces manufacturing costs.
Multiple, ribbon-shaped HTS wires with industry-standard dimensions can be produced after first producing coatings on a wider strip. Shown is a partially slit 4 cm wide strip.
The equipment for our 344 superconductors manufacturing line is designed with the capability to process either 4 cm wide or 10 cm wide strips. In November 2007, we initiated production of 344 superconductors on our new manufacturing line in Devens, Massachusetts, which has an initial gross capacity of 720,000 meters annually. Because our proprietary wire manufacturing technique is modular, we expect to be able to expand the current operation at a rate dictated by market demand by commissioning additional production modules and by widening the process strip from 4 cm to 10 cm, yielding a 2.5x increase in output with the same manufacturing equipment once we complete the migration to 10 cm strips. We have incurred $14.5 million in capital expenditures to date to purchase and install the equipment for the new manufacturing line. We estimate that an additional $28 million to $35 million of capital expenditures would be needed for a full commercial manufacturing operation with a gross capacity of approximately 9 million meters of wire per year.
Sales and Marketing
During fiscal 2007, we merged the sales forces of our AMSC Power Systems and AMSC Superconductors business units into one organization to accelerate revenue growth and better serve our target markets. Our sales force interacts closely with our Network Solutions Team, which is comprised of skilled engineers who were previously employed at electric utilities and who have extensive experience in the design and structure of transmission and distribution grids and in the operation of industrial sites and wind farms. This team plays a key role in our sales process, providing us with an in-depth understanding of customer needs. Using sophisticated software programs, which are common to the utility industry, the team performs analyses on the effects of disturbances in power grids to determine grid reliability under normal and peak loading conditions. This group also analyzes how the use of standard technologies, such as capacitors, and advanced technologies, such as HTS cables, fault current limiters, D-VAR STATCOM systems and static VAR compensators (SVCs), will enable the reliable operation and improve the performance of power grids. This team performs similar analyses to determine
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the optimum power quality solution for industrial manufacturing sites and the solution needed to meet grid interconnection standards for wind farms. We believe our Network Solutions Team is a competitive differentiator because it enables us to leverage a thorough understanding of customer needs to offer highly customized solutions.
Our products are sold directly by our sales force, which operates out of sales offices in the U.S., Germany, Singapore and China. We also utilize manufacturers representatives for our AMSC Power Systems products as well as distributors, such as Kiswire in Korea and Suzuki Shokan in Japan for our HTS wire.
For fiscal 2007, we had one customer, Sinovel, which represented approximately 51 percent of total revenue. For fiscal 2006, the U.S. Navy represented approximately 25 percent of total revenue and Sinovel represented approximately 11 percent. For fiscal 2005, the U.S. Navy represented approximately 41 percent of total revenue, the Department of Energy represented approximately 19 percent and General Electric represented approximately 12 percent of total revenue.
The portion of total revenue derived from customers located outside the United States was 74 percent, 47 percent and 24 percent for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Of the revenue derived from customers outside the United States, 55% and 11% were derived from customers in China in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenue derived from China in fiscal 2005 was immaterial. For additional financial information, see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, including Note 16, entitled Business Segment and Geographic Information, regarding our business segments.
Backlog
We had backlog at March 31, 2008 (excluding amounts included in accounts receivable) of approximately $199.1 million from government and commercial customers, compared to $76.8 million at March 31, 2007. Backlog represents the value of contracts and purchase orders received, less the revenue recognized to date on those contracts and purchase orders. The increase in backlog is due primarily to strong demand for wind electrical systems from our customers. The current backlog, including $35.0 million on U.S. government contracts, is subject to certain standard cancellation provisions. The current backlog includes approximately $32.1 million related to DOE awards for a 2G cable installation with LIPA, a fault current limiter project with Southern California Edison, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for Project HYDRA. Additionally, several of our government contracts are being funded incrementally, and as such, are subject to the future authorization and appropriation of government funding on an annual basis. We have a history of successful performance under incrementally-funded contracts with the government.
Of the backlog amount of $199.1 million as of March 31, 2008, more than 75% is billable to and potentially collectable from our customers within the next 12 months.
Competition
Competition for AMSC Power Systems
We face competition from companies that are developing power electronic converters for use in applications for which we expect to sell our PowerModule products. These companies include ABB, Inverpower, SatCon, Semikron and Xantrex.
We face competition from other companies selling power reliability products similar in application to our D-VAR and PQ-SVC products such as STATCOM and SVC products made by ABB, AREVA, Mitsubishi Electric and Siemens; adaptive VAR compensators and STATCOMs produced by S&C Electric; DVRs (dynamic voltage restorers) produced by companies such as ABB and S&C Electric; and flywheels and battery-based UPS systems offered by various companies around the world.
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Our Windtec subsidiary faces competition for the supply of wind turbine engineering design services from other full-service design engineering firms such as Garrad Hassan. We also face competition for the licensing of wind turbine systems by companies, such as Aerodyn, DeWind and REpower.
Competition for AMSC Superconductors
We face competition both from vendors of traditional wires made from materials, such as copper and from companies who are developing HTS wires. While we no longer manufacture 1G HTS wire, we continue to sell this wire from inventory and face competition from EHTS (a division of Bruker BioSciences in the Germany), Innova Superconductor Technologies (China) and Sumitomo Electric Industries (Japan).
We also face competition for our 344 superconductors from a number of companies in the U.S. and abroad who are developing 2G HTS wire technology. These include Superpower (a subsidiary of Royal Philips Electronics) and MetOx in the U.S.; Fujikura, Furukawa, Showa and Sumitomo in Japan; and EHTS, Evico, Nexans and Zenergy in Europe. We believe that the proprietary processes we have adopted will prove to be the best processes to provide not only high-performance wire, but also commercial quantities at the lowest cost. Five companiesEvico, Nexans, Furukawa, Showa, Sumitomo Electric and Zenergy Powerhave been focusing their research programs more recently on the development of 2G HTS wire made by the same or similar processes we have chosen to utilize to manufacture 2G HTS wire.
We are developing a stand-alone HTS FCL in collaboration with Siemens and our Secure Super Grids technology, which incorporates HTS fault-current-limiting capability in HTS power cables. The industrial competition for stand-alone FCLs based on HTS includes Hypertech, SC Power (Zenergy Power) and SuperPower in the US; Nexans and Rolls-Royce in Europe; Sumitomo Electric and Toshiba in Japan; Beijing Superconductor and Innopower in China; and Hyundai and LS Industrial Systems in Korea. Initial work on HTS cables that incorporate fault current limiting characteristics was carried out several years ago by EHTS and Nexans using a different concept. The competition for stand-alone FCLs also includes non-HTS systems based on power electronics, including a system developed recently by Powell and Silicon Power. We believe we have a strong intellectual property position in Secure Super Grids technology and also a strong position on stand-alone FCLs in collaboration with Siemens.
Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources, research and development, manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we do. In addition, as our target markets develop, other large industrial companies may enter these fields and compete with us.
Patents, Licenses and Trade Secrets
Patent Background
An important part of our business strategy is to develop a strong worldwide patent position in all of our technology areas. Our intellectual property (IP) patent portfolio comprises both patents we own and patents we license from others. We devote substantial resources to building a strong patent position, and we believe that we have significantly strengthened our position in the past several years. As of March 31, 2008, we owned (either alone or jointly) 120 U.S. patents and had 55 U.S. patent applications on file. We also hold licenses from third parties covering over 123 issued U.S. patents and 23 U.S. patent applications. Together with the international counterparts of each of these patents and patent applications, we own more than 415 patents and patent applications worldwide, and have rights through exclusive and non-exclusive licenses to more than 360 additional patents and patent applications.
We believe that our current patent position, together with our expected ability to obtain licenses from other parties to the extent necessary, will provide us with sufficient proprietary rights to develop and sell our products. However, for the reasons described below, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.
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Despite the strength of our patent position, a number of U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications of third parties relate to our current products, to products we are developing, or to technology we are now using in the development or production of our products. We may need to acquire licenses to those patents, or to successfully contest the scope or validity of those patents, or to design around patented processes or applications.
If companies holding patents or patent applications that we need to license are competitors, we believe the strength of our patent portfolio will significantly improve our ability to enter into license or cross-license arrangements with these companies. We have already successfully negotiated cross-licenses with several competitors. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain all necessary licenses from competitors on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
We may be required to obtain licenses to some patents and patent applications held by companies or other institutions, such as national laboratories or universities, not directly competing with us. Those organizations may not be interested in cross-licensing or, if willing to grant licenses, may charge unreasonable royalties. We have successfully obtained licenses related to HTS wire from a number of such organizations with royalties we consider reasonable. Based on past experience, we expect that we will be able to obtain other necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.
Failure to obtain all necessary licenses upon reasonable terms could significantly reduce the scope of our business and have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations. We do not now know the likelihood of successfully contesting the scope or validity of patents held by others. In any event, we could incur substantial costs in challenging the patents of other companies. Moreover, third parties could challenge some of our patents or patent applications, and we could incur substantial costs in defending the scope and validity of our own patents or patent applications whether or not a challenge is ultimately successful.
There are no patents which we own or license expiring in the next 12 months that we consider to be material to our business or competitiveness.
Power Systems Patents
We have received patents and filed a significant number of additional patent applications on power quality and reliability systems, including D-VAR and PQ-IVR systems. Our Power Systems products are covered by more than 63 patents and patents pending worldwide on both our systems and power converter products. The patents and applications are directed to inventions that significantly improve product performance and reduce product costs, thereby providing a competitive advantage. One invention of note allows for a reduction in the number of power inverters required in the system by optimally running the inverters in overload mode, thereby significantly reducing overall system costs. Another important invention utilizes inverters to offset transients due to capacitor bank switching, which provides improved system performance.
Our Windtec subsidiary designs a variety of wind turbine systems and licenses these designs, including know-how and patent rights, to third parties for an upfront fee and royalty payments for each installation of a wind turbine system. Windtecs wind turbine designs are covered by more than 45 patents and patents pending worldwide on wind turbine technology. Windtec has patent coverage on the unique design features of its blade pitch control system, which ensures optimal aerodynamic flow conditions on the turbine blades and improves system efficiency and performance. The pitch system includes a patented SafetyLOCK feature which causes the blades to rotate to a feathered position to prevent the rotor blades from spinning during a fault. We have also focused our patent protection on Windtecs SuperGEAR drive train technology, which provides additional control over a wind turbines electrical output and enhances its power quality.
With our Power Systems business growing rapidly now in China, we recognize the importance of IP protection in that region. It is our judgment that China is steadily moving in the direction of recognizing and acting on international norms for IP. As such, we have incorporated China in our patent strategy for all of our various products. Nevertheless, we recognize that the risk of IP piracy is still higher there than in most other developed countries, and so we are careful to limit the technology we provide through our product sales and other
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expansion plans in China. While we take the steps necessary to ensure the safety of our IP, there can be no assurance that that these measures will be fully successful.
HTS Patents
Since the discovery of high temperature superconductors in 1986, the HTS industry has been characterized by rapid technical advances, which in turn have resulted in a large number of patents, including overlapping patents, relating to superconductivity being applied for and granted worldwide. As a result, the patent situation in the field of HTS technology and products is unusually complex.
We have obtained licenses to patents and patent applications covering some HTS materials. However, we may have to obtain additional licenses to HTS materials.
We are ramping up production of our 2G HTS wire, which we call 344 superconductors, and we intend to continue to obtain a proprietary position in 2G HTS wire through a combination of patents, licenses and proprietary know-how. In addition to our owned patents and patent applications in 2G HTS wire, we have obtained licenses from MIT for the MOD process we use to deposit the YBCO layer, and from University of Tennessee/Battelle to the RABiTS process we use for the substrate and buffer layers for this technology. If alternative processes become more promising in the future, we will also seek to develop a proprietary position in these alternative processes.
We have a significant number of patents and pending patents covering applications of HTS wire, such as HTS fault current limiters, Secure Super Grids technology, which includes both HTS power cables and fault current limiting capability, and HTS rotating machines. Since the HTS rotating machine and Secure Super Grids fields are relatively new fields, we believe we are building a particularly strong patent position in these areas. At present, we believe we have the broadest and most fundamental patent position in HTS rotating machines technology. We have also filed a series of patents on our concept for our proprietary Secure Super Grids technology. However, there can be no assurance that that these patents will be sufficient to assure our freedom of action in these fields without further licensing from others.
Trade Secrets
Some of the important technology used in our operations and products is not covered by any patent or patent application owned by or licensed to us. However, we take steps to maintain the confidentiality of this technology by requiring all employees and all consultants to sign confidentiality agreements and by limiting access to confidential information. No assurance can be given that these measures will prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of that information. In addition, there is no assurance that others, including our competitors, will not independently develop the same or comparable technology that is one of our trade secrets.
Employees
As of March 31, 2008, we employed a total of 382 persons, 22 of whom have a Ph.D. in materials science, physics or other fields. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. Retaining our key employees is important for achieving our goals, and we are committed to developing a working environment that motivates and rewards our employees.
Corporate Information
We file reports, proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC Headquarters at Office of Investor Education and Assistance, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You should call 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information
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on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to you on the SECs Internet site at www.sec.gov.
American Superconductor Corporation was incorporated in Delaware in 1987.
Our internet address is www.amsc.com. We are not including the information contained in our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge through our web site our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish such materials to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We intend to disclose on our website any amendments to our code of business conduct and ethics that are required to be disclosed pursuant to the SEC rules.
American Superconductor and design, Revolutionizing the Way the World Uses Electricity, AMSC, Powered by AMSC, SuperVAR, D-VAR, PQ-IVR, PowerModules, Secure Super Grids, SuperGEAR and Windtec are trademarks or registered trademarks of American Superconductor Corporation. Other trademarks or service marks appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective holders.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The table and biographical summaries set forth below contain information with respect to our executive officers:
Name |
Age | Position | ||
Gregory J. Yurek |
61 | Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President | ||
Charles W. Stankiewicz |
49 | Executive Vice President and General Manager, AMSC Power Systems and Americas/Europe | ||
Alexis P. Malozemoff |
64 | Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer | ||
David A. Henry |
46 | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | ||
Daniel P. McGahn |
36 | Senior Vice President and General Manager, AMSC Superconductors and Asia/Pacific | ||
Timothy D. Poor |
41 | Vice President, Global Sales and Business Development | ||
Angelo R. Santamaria |
45 | Vice President, Global Manufacturing Operations |
Gregory J. Yurek co-founded American Superconductor in 1987 and has been chief executive officer since December 1989, president since June 2005 and chairman of the board of directors since October 1991. Dr. Yurek also served as president from March 1989 to February 2004, as vice president and chief technical officer from August 1988 until March 1989 and as chief operating officer from March 1989 until December 1989. Prior to joining American Superconductor, Dr. Yurek was a professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT for 12 years. Dr. Yurek has been a director of American Superconductor since 1987.
Charles W. Stankiewicz joined us in July 1998 as general manager of our Power Systems business unit based in Middleton and New Berlin, Wisconsin. In March 2006, he was appointed to senior vice president, AMSC Power Systems. He was promoted to executive vice president in June 2007. Prior to joining American Superconductor, Mr. Stankiewicz spent eighteen years in a variety of technical and business management positions at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) where he most recently was the vice president of power development.
Alexis P. Malozemoff joined us as vice president, research and development in January 1991 and was elected our chief technical officer in January 1993 and senior vice president in May 1998. In May 2003, Dr. Malozemoff
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was appointed executive vice president in addition to retaining the position of chief technical officer. Prior to joining us, Dr. Malozemoff spent 19 years at IBM in a variety of research and management positions, most recently as IBMs research coordinator for high temperature superconductivity.
David A. Henry joined us in July 2007 as senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. He previously served as chief financial officer of AMIS Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AMI Semiconductor, from April 2004 to July 2007. For the previous seven years, Mr. Henry worked at Fairchild Semiconductor International as vice president finance, worldwide operations from November 2002 to April 2004 and as corporate controller from March 1997 to November 2002. He was appointed vice president, corporate controller in August 1999. Mr. Henry also previously served as a finance director at National Semiconductor Corporation
Daniel P. McGahn joined us in December 2006 and serves as senior vice president and general manager of AMSC Superconductors and Asia/Pacific, to which he was promoted in May 2008. He served in this role as vice president from January 2008 to May 2008. Previously, Mr. McGahn was vice president of strategic planning and development from December 2006 to January 2008. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. McGahn served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Konarka Technologies. Prior to 2003, Mr. McGahn served as general manager and chief operating officer of Hyperion Catalysis. He also held managerial positions at IGEN International and Princeton Consultants.
Timothy D. Poor joined us in September 2001 and serves as vice president, global sales and business development, responsible for our global sales, business development and marketing. From May 2007 to March 2008, Mr. Poor was the vice president and deputy general manager, Power Systems. From September 2001 to May of 2007, Mr. Poor held the position of director, Power Systems sales & business development. He was promoted to managing director in March 2006. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Poor worked at General Electric (GE) in the GE Industrial Systems division for seven years in various sales, six sigma, and sales management positions. Prior to GE, Mr. Poor was an engineering consultant at Arthur Andersen & Company.
Angelo R. Santamaria joined us in April 2004 as vice president and general manager of the AMSC Superconductors business unit. In August 2007, he was named vice president of global manufacturing operations. Prior to joining us, Mr. Santamaria served as vice president and general manager at Microsemi Corporation, a semiconductor manufacturer. Mr. Santamaria had served in this role since 1997. Previously, Mr. Santamaria held various management positions in Operations and Engineering at Microsemi Corporation.
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Item 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
We have a history of operating losses, and we expect to incur losses in the future.
We have incurred net losses in each year since our inception, driven primarily by the research and development activities in our AMSC Superconductors business unit. Our net losses were $25.4 million, $34.7 million and $30.9 million for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our accumulated deficit at the end of fiscal 2007 was $410.5 million. We expect to continue to incur operating losses until at least the end of fiscal 2008, and we cannot be certain that we will ever achieve profitability.
We had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $106.2 million at the end of fiscal 2007. We believe our available cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditures and other cash requirements for the next several years. However, we may need additional funds if our performance deviates significantly from our current business plan, if there are significant changes in competitive or other market factors, or if unforeseen circumstances arise. Such funds may not be available, or may not be available under terms acceptable to us.
A significant portion of our revenues are derived from a single customer.
Revenue growth in fiscal 2007 was driven largely by our prior acquisitions, particularly Windtec. Our largest customer is Sinovel in China. For fiscal 2007, Sinovel accounted for approximately 51% of our total revenues. Revenues from Sinovel are supported by purchase orders for electrical system components which generally specify delivery schedules for a 12 month period, as well as development contracts for the design of wind energy systems. If Sinovel cancelled purchase orders or development contracts, or discontinued future purchases from us, we might be unable to replace the related revenues. This would have a serious negative impact on our operating results and financial position.
There are a number of technological challenges that must be successfully addressed before our superconductor products can gain widespread commercial acceptance, and our inability to address such technological challenges could adversely affect our ability to acquire customers for our products.
Many of our superconductor products are in the early stages of commercialization, while others are still under development. There are a number of technological challenges that we must successfully address to complete our development and commercialization efforts for superconductor products. We also believe that several years of further development in the cable, fault current limiter and motor industries will be necessary before a substantial number of additional commercial applications for our HTS wire in these industries can be developed and proven. We will also need to improve the performance and reduce the cost of our HTS wire to expand the number of commercial applications for it. We may be unable to meet such technological challenges or to sufficiently improve the performance and reduce the costs of our HTS wire. Delays in development, as a result of technological challenges or other factors, may result in the introduction or commercial acceptance of our superconductor products later than anticipated.
The commercial uses of superconductor products are limited today, and a widespread commercial market for our products may not develop.
To date, there has been no widespread commercial use of HTS products. Even if the technological hurdles currently limiting commercial uses of HTS products are overcome, it is uncertain whether a robust commercial market for those new and unproven products will ever develop. To date, many projects to install HTS cables and products in power grids have been funded or subsidized by the governmental authorities. If this funding is curtailed, grid operators may not continue to utilize HTS cables and products in their projects. It is possible that the market demands we currently anticipate for our HTS products will not develop and that they will never achieve widespread commercial acceptance.
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We have limited experience manufacturing our Power Systems products in commercial quantities, and failure to manufacture our Power Systems products in commercial quantities at acceptable cost and quality levels would impair our ability to meet customer delivery requirements.
To be financially successful, we will have to manufacture our Power Systems products in commercial quantities at acceptable costs while also preserving the necessary performance and quality levels. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in developing product designs and manufacturing processes that permit us to manufacture our Power Systems products in commercial quantities at acceptable costs while preserving the necessary performance and quality. In addition, we may incur significant unforeseen expenses in our product design and manufacturing efforts.
We recently commenced production of our primary Power Systems product, the PM1000, at our new manufacturing facility in China. We do not have significant experience managing foreign manufacturing operations, and such operations are subject to complexities that we may not be able to adequately anticipate or manage. Our inability to successfully manufacture our PM1000 product through our China facility may affect our future revenue and profit potential.
We have not manufactured our 344 superconductors in commercial quantities, and a failure to manufacture our 344 superconductors in commercial quantities at acceptable cost and quality levels would substantially limit our future revenue and profit potential.
We are developing commercial-scale manufacturing processes for our 344 superconductors, which, while very different from our 1G HTS wire manufacturing processes, are also extremely complex and challenging. In November 2007, we started initial production of our 344 superconductors and completed installing the manufacturing line capable of an annual capacity of 720,000 meters. However, in order to be able to offer our wire at pricing that we believe will be commercially competitive, we estimate that we will need to develop the capacity to manufacture nine million meters of our 344 superconductors annually. We believe it will cost between approximately $28 million and $35 million to purchase and install the additional equipment to achieve this commercial-scale manufacturing capability. We may not be able to manufacture satisfactory commercial quantities of 344 superconductors of consistent quality with an acceptable yield and cost. Failure to successfully scale up manufacturing of our 344 superconductors would result in a significant limitation of the broad market acceptance of our HTS products and of our future revenue and profit potential.
We have limited experience in marketing and selling our superconductor products and system-level solutions, and our failure to effectively market and sell our products and solutions could adversely affect our revenue and cash flow.
To date, we have limited experience marketing and selling our superconductor products and system-level solutions, and there are few people who have significant experience marketing or selling superconductor products and system-level solutions. Once our products and solutions are ready for widespread commercial use, we will have to develop a marketing and sales organization that will effectively demonstrate the advantages of our products over both more traditional products and competing superconductor products or other technologies. We may not be successful in our efforts to market this new technology, and we may not be able to establish an effective sales and distribution organization.
We may decide to enter into arrangements with third parties for the marketing or distribution of our products, including arrangements in which our products, such as HTS wire, are included as a component of a larger product, such as a power cable system or a motor. By entering into marketing and sales alliances, the financial benefits to us of commercializing our products are dependent on the efforts of others.
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Our success in addressing the wind energy system market is dependent on the system manufacturers that license our system designs.
Because an important element of our strategy for addressing the wind energy system market involves the license of our system designs to manufacturers of wind energy systems, the financial benefits to us of our products for the wind energy market are dependent on the success of these manufacturers in selling wind energy systems that incorporate our designs. We may not be able to enter into marketing or distribution arrangements with third parties on financially acceptable terms, and third parties may not be successful in selling our products or applications incorporating our products.
Growth of the wind energy market depends largely on the availability and size of government subsidies and economic incentives.
At present, the cost of wind energy exceeds the cost of conventional power generation in many locations around the world. Various governments have used different policy initiatives to encourage or accelerate the development and adoption of wind energy and other renewable energy sources. Renewable energy policies are in place in the European Union, most notably Germany and Spain, certain countries in Asia, including China, Japan and South Korea, and many of the states in Australia and the United States. Examples of government sponsored financial incentives include capital cost rebates, feed-in tariffs, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end-users, distributors, system integrators and manufacturers of wind energy products to promote the use of wind energy and to reduce dependency on other forms of energy. Governments may decide to reduce or eliminate these economic incentives for political, financial or other reasons. Reductions in, or eliminations of, government subsidies and economic incentives before the wind energy industry reaches a sufficient scale to be cost-effective in a non-subsidized marketplace could reduce demand for our products and adversely affect our business prospects and results of operations.
Many of our revenue opportunities are dependent upon subcontractors and other business collaborators.
Many of the revenue opportunities for our business involve projects, such as the installation of superconductor cables in power grids and electrical system hardware in wind energy systems, in which we collaborate with other companies, including suppliers of cryogenic systems, manufacturers of electric power cables and manufacturers of wind energy systems. In addition, a key element of our business strategy is the formation of business alliances with motor manufacturers and/or marine propulsion system integrators. As a result, most of our current and planned revenue-generating projects involve business collaborators on whose performance our revenue is dependent. If these business partners fail to deliver their products or perform their obligations on a timely basis or fail to generate sufficient demand for the systems they manufacture, our revenue from the project may be delayed or decreased, and we may not be successful in selling our products.
We may not realize all of the sales expected from our backlog of orders and contracts.
At March 31, 2008, we had approximately $199.1 million of backlog. There can be no assurances that the revenue we expect to generate from our backlog will be realized in the periods we expect to realize such revenue, or at all. In addition, the backlog of orders, if realized, may not result in profitable revenue. Backlog represents the value of contracts and purchase orders received, less the revenue recognized to date on those contracts and purchase orders. Our customers have the right under some circumstances and with some penalties or consequences to terminate, reduce or defer firm orders that we have in backlog. In addition, our government contracts are subject to the risks described below. If our customers terminate, reduce or defer firm orders, we may be protected from certain costs and losses, but our sales will nevertheless be adversely affected and we may not generate the revenue we expect. Although we strive to maintain ongoing relationships with our customers, there is an ongoing risk that orders may be cancelled or rescheduled due to fluctuations in our customers business needs or purchasing budgets.
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Our contracts with the U.S. government are subject to audit, modification or termination by the U.S. government, and the continued funding of such contracts remains subject to annual congressional appropriation which, if not approved, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
As a company that contracts with the U.S. government, we are subject to financial audits and other reviews by the U.S. government of our costs and performance, accounting and general business practices relating to these contracts. For fiscal 2007, 13% of our total revenues were derived from government contracts. Based on the results of these audits, the U.S. government may adjust our contract-related costs and fees. We cannot be certain that adjustments arising from government audits and reviews would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
All of our U.S. government contracts can be terminated by the U.S. government for its convenience. Termination-for-convenience provisions provide only for our recovery of costs incurred or committed, and for settlement of expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination. In addition to the right of the U.S. government to terminate its contracts with us, U.S. government contracts are conditioned upon the continuing approval by Congress of the necessary spending to honor such contracts. Congress often appropriates funds for a program on a fiscal-year basis even though contract performance may take more than one year. Consequently, at the beginning of many major governmental programs, contracts often may not be fully funded, and additional monies are then committed to the contract only if, as and when appropriations are made by Congress for future fiscal years. We cannot be certain that our U.S. government contracts will not be terminated or suspended in the future. The U.S. governments termination of, or failure to fully fund, one or more of our contracts would have a negative impact on our operating results and financial condition. Further, in the event that any of our government contracts are terminated for cause, it could affect our ability to obtain future government contracts which could, in turn, seriously harm our ability to develop our technologies and products.
In July 2007, we learned that the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce (the Committee) and its Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations has sent a letter to the United States DHS indicating that it is reviewing the origins of the sole source contract that DHS awarded to American Superconductor and Consolidated Edison for a project to develop electricity grids in New York City that can withstand major disruptions. The Committee also sent a letter to the Department of the Navy in July 2007 seeking information and documents regarding completed contracts between the U.S. Navy and us.
The Committee did not state the reason for its review of these matters. On August 2, 2007, we received a letter requesting that we provide certain information to the Committee. We believe we have complied with the Committees request for information.
We entered into a final contract with DHS on January 22, 2008. The cumulative value of the contract is $39.1 million, of which up to $24.9 million is expected to be funded by DHS. The balance is being funded by Consolidated Edison and by us. As of March 31, 2008, DHS has provided us with $9.8 million of the expected $24.9 million of funding. In April 2008, DHS provided an additional $0.5 million to bring the total obligated funding up to $10.3 million. We expect the contract to continue to be incrementally funded subject to governmental approvals through September 2010.
We are becoming increasingly reliant on contracts that require the issuance of performance bonds.
While we have been required to obtain performance bonds in the form of surety bonds or letters of credit in the past, the size of the bonds was not material. Recently, we have entered into contracts which require us to post bonds of significant magnitude. In many instances, we are required to deposit cash in escrow accounts as collateral for these instruments, which is unavailable to us for general use for significant periods of time. At the end of fiscal 2007, $13.2 million of our cash was classified as restricted, the majority of which is used as collateral for performance bonds. Should we be unable to obtain performance bonds in the future, significant
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future potential contract revenue could become unavailable to us. Further, should our working capital situation deteriorate, we would not be able to access the escrowed cash to meet working capital requirements.
Our products face intense competition both from superconductor products developed by others and from traditional, non-superconductor products and alternative technologies, which could limit our ability to acquire or retain customers.
The market for superconductor products is intensely competitive. We face competition both from competitors in the superconductor field and from vendors of traditional products and new technologies. There are many companies in the United States, Europe, Japan and China engaged in the development of HTS wire, including EHTS (a division of Bruker Biospin), Evico, Fujikura, Furukawa Electric, Innova Superconductor Technology, Nexans, MetOx, Showa, Sumitomo Electric Industries, SuperPower (a subsidiary of Royal Philips Electronics) and Zenergy. The superconductor industry is characterized by rapidly changing and advancing technology. Our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to keep pace with advancing HTS technology and developing industry standards.
Our power electronic products, such as D-VAR, or STATCOMS, SVC, or static VAR compensators, and PQ-SVC products, compete with a variety of other power reliability products such as dynamic voltage restorers, or DVRs, flywheels, battery-based power quality systems and competing power electronic converter systems. The manufacturers of products that compete with our power electronic products and PowerModule products include ABB, Alstom, Mitsubishi Electric, S&C Electric and Siemens.
Our AMSC Windtec business faces competition for the supply of wind turbine engineering design services from design engineering firms, such as Garrad Hassan, and from licensors of wind turbine systems, such as Aerodyn, DeWind and REpower. We also face indirect competition in the wind energy market from manufacturers of wind energy systems, such as Gamesa, General Electric, Suzlon and Vestas.
The stand-alone FCL products that we are developing in collaboration with Siemens face competition from several competitors developing alternative solutions, including Beijing Superconductor, Hypertech, Hyundai, Innopower, KEPRI, LS Industrial Systems, Nexans, Rolls-Royce, SC Power, SuperPower and Toshiba. The HTS motor and generator products that we are developing face competition from copper wire-based motors and generators, from permanent magnet motors that are being developed, including by DRS Technologies, and from companies developing HTS rotating machinery, including Baldor Electric, Converteam, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, General Electric, Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. and Siemens. Research efforts and technological advances made by others in the superconductor field, in the wind energy market or in other areas with applications to the power quality and reliability markets may render our development efforts obsolete.
Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources, research and development, manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we have. In addition, as the HTS wire, HTS electric motors and generators, and power electronic systems markets develop, other large industrial companies may enter those fields and compete with us. If we are unable to compete successfully, it may harm our business, which in turn may limit our ability to acquire or retain customers.
Third parties have or may acquire patents that cover the materials, processes and technologies we use or may use in the future to manufacture our HTS products, and our success depends on our ability to license such patents or other proprietary rights.
We expect that some or all of the HTS materials, processes and technologies we use in designing and manufacturing our products are or will become covered by patents issued to other parties, including our competitors. The owners of these patents may refuse to grant licenses to us, or may be willing to do so only on terms that we find commercially unreasonable. If we are unable to obtain these licenses, we may have to contest
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the validity or scope of those patents or re-engineer our products to avoid infringement claims by the owners of these patents. It is possible that we will not be successful in contesting the validity or scope of a patent, or that we will not prevail in a patent infringement claim brought against us. Even if we are successful in such a proceeding, we could incur substantial costs and diversion of management resources in prosecuting or defending such a proceeding.
Our patents may not provide meaningful protection for our technology, which could result in us losing some or all of our market position.
We own or have licensing rights under many patents and pending patent applications. However, the patents that we own or license may not provide us with meaningful protection of our technologies and may not prevent our competitors from using similar technologies, for a variety of reasons, such as:
| the patent applications that we or our licensors file may not result in patents being issued; |
| any patents issued may be challenged by third parties; and |
| others may independently develop similar technologies not protected by our patents or design around the patented aspects of any technologies we develop. |
Moreover, we could incur substantial litigation costs in defending the validity of our own patents. We also rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how to protect our intellectual property. However, our non-disclosure agreements and other safeguards may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets and other proprietary information. If the patents that we own or license or our trade secrets and proprietary know-how fail to protect our technologies, our market position may be adversely affected.
Our success is dependent upon attracting and retaining qualified personnel, and our inability to do so could significantly damage our business and prospects.
Our success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified research and development, management, manufacturing, marketing and sales personnel. Hiring those persons may be especially difficult due to the specialized nature of our business.
We may acquire additional complementary businesses or technologies, which may require us to incur substantial costs for which we may never realize the anticipated benefits.
We may in the future acquire complementary businesses or technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements to do so. As a result of any acquisitions we pursue, managements attention and resources may be diverted from our other businesses. An acquisition may also involve significant purchase price and significant transaction-related expenses.
Achieving the benefits of any acquisition involves additional risks, including:
| difficulty assimilating acquired operations, technologies and personnel; |
| inability to retain management and other key personnel of the acquired business; |
| changes in management or other key personnel that may harm relationships with the acquired businesss customers and employees; and |
| diversion of management attention as a result of the integration process. |
We cannot ensure that we will realize any of the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, and if we fail to realize these anticipated benefits, our operating performance could suffer.
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Our international operations are subject to risks that we do not face in the U.S., which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
We are expanding our sales and service operations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, including a new operation in China. We expect our revenue and operations outside the United States will continue to expand in the future. For fiscal 2007, 74% of our consolidated revenues were derived from customers outside of the United States. Our international operations are subject to a variety of risks that we do not face in the U.S., including:
| difficulties in staffing and managing our foreign offices and the increased travel, infrastructure and legal compliance costs associated with multiple international locations; |
| potentially longer payment cycles for sales in foreign countries and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; |
| additional withholding taxes or other taxes on our foreign income, and tariffs or other restrictions on foreign trade or investment, including export duties and quotas, trade and employment restrictions; |
| imposition of, or unexpected adverse changes in, foreign laws or regulatory requirements; |
| increased exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk; |
| reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; and |
| political unrest, war or acts of terrorism. |
Our overall success in international markets depends, in part, upon our ability to succeed in differing legal, regulatory, economic, social and political conditions. We may not be successful in developing and implementing policies and strategies that will be effective in managing these risks in each country where we do business or conduct operations. Our failure to manage these risks successfully could harm our international operations and reduce our international sales, thus adversely affecting our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our common stock may experience extreme market price and volume fluctuations, which may prevent our stockholders from selling our common stock at a profit and could lead to costly litigation against us that could divert our managements attention.
The market price of our common stock has historically experienced significant volatility and may continue to experience such volatility in the future. Factors such as technological achievements by us and our competitors, the establishment of development or strategic relationships with other companies, our introduction of commercial products, and our financial performance may have a significant effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, the stock market in general, and the stock of high technology companies in particular, have in recent years experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, which are often unrelated to the performance or condition of particular companies. Such broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Due to these factors, the price of our common stock may decline and investors may be unable to resell their shares of our common stock for a profit. Following periods of volatility in the market price of a particular companys securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If we become subject to this kind of litigation in the future, it could result in substantial litigation costs, a damages award against us and the diversion of our managements attention.
Item 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
Not applicable.
Item 2. | PROPERTIES |
Our corporate headquarters and HTS wire manufacturing operations are located in a 355,000-square-foot facility owned by us and located in Devens, Massachusetts. In December 2007, we completed the relocation of
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our corporate personnel and headquarters to this facility from leased space located in Westborough, Massachusetts. Our lease on the 102,000 square foot Westborough facility, which has been vacated, expires on May 31, 2009.
Our AMSC Power Systems business unit operates out of leased facilities located in Middleton and New Berlin, Wisconsin, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania and Suzhou, China with a combined total of approximately 181,000 square feet of space. The Middleton, Wisconsin facility comprises approximately 60,000 square feet of space in two buildings with leases expiring on December 31, 2010. The New Berlin, Wisconsin facility comprises approximately 50,000 square feet of space under a lease that expires on September 30, 2011. The West Mifflin, Pennsylvania facility comprises approximately 17,000 square feet of space under a lease that expires on December 31, 2010. Our new Suzhou, China facility comprises approximately 54,000 square feet of space under a lease that expires on July 31, 2010.
We operate our AMSC Windtec subsidiary out of two leased facilities in Austria (one in Klagenfurt and one in Ebenthal) with a combined total of approximately 13,000 square feet of space. The lease in Klagenfurt expires December 31, 2013. The lease in Ebenthal expires on June 30, 2008.
Item 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We are not currently involved in any legal proceedings other than routine litigation or related proceedings incidental to our business that we do not consider material.
Item 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
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Item 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Market Information
Our common stock has been quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol AMSC since 1991. The following table sets forth the high and low price per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market for the two most recent fiscal years:
Common Stock Price | ||||||
High | Low | |||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2007: |
||||||
First quarter |
$ | 11.52 | $ | 8.25 | ||
Second quarter |
10.39 | 6.73 | ||||
Third quarter |
11.26 | 8.90 | ||||
Fourth quarter |
15.20 | 9.20 | ||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2008: |
||||||
First quarter |
21.48 | 13.10 | ||||
Second quarter |
27.59 | 17.25 | ||||
Third quarter |
32.74 | 20.28 | ||||
Fourth quarter |
29.30 | 15.51 |
Holders
The number of shareholders of record on May 21, 2008 was 536.
Dividend Policy
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion.
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Item 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
The following selected financial data reflects the results of operations and balance sheet data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2004 to 2008. The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Form 10-K, in order to understand further the factors that may affect the comparability of the financial data presented below.
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 112,396 | $ | 52,183 | $ | 50,872 | $ | 58,283 | $ | 41,309 | ||||||||||
Net loss |
(25,447 | ) | (34,675 | ) | (30,876 | ) | (19,660 | ) | (26,733 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss per share |
(0.65 | ) | (1.04 | ) | (0.94 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (1.10 | ) | ||||||||||
Total assets |
261,234 | 132,433 | 133,470 | 158,917 | 129,899 | |||||||||||||||
Working capital |
124,334 | 34,942 | 66,220 | 77,272 | 46,202 | |||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and short and long-term marketable securities |
106,232 | 35,324 | 65,669 | 87,581 | 52,647 | |||||||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
208,452 | 101,621 | 115,100 | 143,510 | 115,452 |
Included in fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 net loss was $5.7 million in employee stock-based compensation expense, a $6.7 million charge primarily for restructuring related to our decision to consolidate our Massachusetts operations into one facility in Devens, Massachusetts and $0.8 million for long-lived asset impairments. Fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 net loss included a $3.7 million in employee stock-based compensation expense and a $0.7 million charge for restructuring and long-lived asset impairments related to our decision to re-align the AMSC Wires and AMSC SuperMachines business units into the newly formed AMSC Superconductors business unit. Fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 net loss included a $5.0 million long-lived asset impairment charge related to our decision to complete the transition from 1G HTS wire to a lower cost 2G HTS wire manufacturing technology.
On January 5, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Windtec Consulting GmbH (Windtec). Windtec is an Austria-based designer and licensor of wind energy systems. Windtec is now a wholly-owned subsidiary and is operated by our AMSC Power Systems business unit. The Windtec purchase price was 1.3 million shares of our common stock, valued at approximately $13.1 million based on a five-day average stock price of $10.08 per share at the time of signing the definitive acquisition agreements and public announcement of the acquisition on November 28, 2006. The shares are subject to a lockup whereby the former sole owner and founder of Windtec may sell only a certain number of shares per year through January 2010. The all-stock transaction also includes an earn-out opportunity with the potential for the issuance of up to an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock to be granted to the former owner and founder based on the achievement by Windtec of certain revenue growth targets for fiscal 2007 through 2010. As of March 31, 2008, an additional 350,000 shares were earned based on achieving the revenue growth targets for fiscal 2007. These shares were valued at approximately $8.1 million, which was recorded to goodwill. Beginning on January 5, 2007, Windtecs results of operations are included in our consolidated financial statements.
On April 27, 2007, we acquired Power Quality Systems, Inc. (PQS), a Pennsylvania corporation. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of PQS, for which we issued 295,329 shares of our common stock. We valued the acquisition at approximately $4.3 million (excluding acquisition costs) using a value of $14.73 per share, which represents the five-day average closing price of the common stock from the two trading days before through two trading days after the signing of the Merger Agreement and the public announcement of the acquisition. The shares are subject to a lockup agreement whereby the former owners of PQS may sell only a certain number of shares per year through April 2009. While the former owners have not been employed by us subsequent to the acquisition, all key PQS engineering
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personnel are employed by us. The all-stock transaction also includes an earn-out opportunity with the potential for up to an additional 475,000 shares of our common stock to be issued to PQS's former owners based on the achievement of certain order growth targets for existing PQS products for fiscal 2007 and 2008. This potential contingent consideration, if and when earned, will be recorded as additional goodwill based on the fair value of our common stock at the time of issuance. As of March 31, 2008, an additional 75,000 shares were earned based on achieving the order growth targets for fiscal 2007 and we recorded additional goodwill of approximately $1.7 million. As a result of this transaction, PQS is a wholly-owned subsidiary and is operated by AMSC Power Systems. The results of PQSs operations are included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition of April 27, 2007.
The impact of the above mentioned acquisitions is discussed further in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 herein.
Item 7 | MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Executive Overview
American Superconductor Corporation was founded in 1987. We are a leading energy technologies company, offering an array of solutions based on two proprietary technologies: programmable power electronic converters and high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires. Our products, services and system-level solutions enable cleaner, more efficient and more reliable generation, delivery and use of electric power. The programmability and scalability of our power electronic converters differentiate them from most competitive offerings. Our HTS wires carry 150 times the electrical current of comparably sized copper wire. The two primary markets we serve are the wind energy market and the power transmission and distributionor power gridmarket.
Our HTS wire addresses constraints on the power grid by increasing the electric current carrying capacity of the transmission cables comprising these power grids and by providing current limiting functionality in cables and stand alone devices. In addition, our HTS wire, when incorporated into primary electrical equipment such as motors and generators, can provide increased manufacturing and operating savings due to a significant reduction in the size and weight of this equipment. Also, our power electronic converters increase the quantity, quality and reliability of electric power that is transmitted by electric utilities or consumed by large industrial entities.
Our products are in varying stages of commercialization. Our power electronic converters have been sold commercially, as part of integrated systems, to utilities, manufacturers and wind farm developers, owners and operators since 1999. We began production of our first generation, or 1G HTS wire in 2003, although its principal applications (power cables, fault current limiters, rotating machines and specialty magnets) are currently in the prototype stage. Some of these prototypes are funded by U.S. government contracts, primarily with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE).
We started initial production of 344 superconductors, our brand name for what is generically known as second generation or 2G HTS wire, in November 2007. Our gross production capacity is approximately 720,000 meters of 344 superconductors per year.
On July 25, 2007, we completed a public offering of 4.7 million shares of our common stock at $21.25 per share. Net proceeds from the offering (after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses) were $93.6 million.
Our fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. This document refers to fiscal 2007, which is the period beginning on April 1, 2007 and concluding on March 31, 2008. Likewise, fiscal 2006 began on April 1, 2006 and concluded on March 31, 2007. Other fiscal years follow similarly.
Our cash requirements depend on numerous factors, including successful completion of our product development activities, ability to commercialize our product prototypes, rate of customer and market adoption of
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our products and the continued availability of U.S. government funding during the product development phase. Significant deviations to our business plan with regard to these factors, which are important drivers to our business, could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance, financial condition, and future business prospects. We expect to pursue the expansion of our operations through internal growth and potential strategic alliances and acquisitions. At the end of fiscal 2007, we have spent approximately $14.5 million related to our 344 superconductors manufacturing line in Devens, Massachusetts. We expect to spend an additional $0.7 million during fiscal 2008 on this project.
On January 5, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Windtec Consulting GmbH (Windtec). Windtec is an Austria-based designer and licensor of wind energy systems. Windtec is now a wholly-owned subsidiary and is operated by our AMSC Power Systems business unit. The Windtec purchase price was 1.3 million shares of our common stock, valued at approximately $13.1 million based on a five-day average stock price of $10.08 per share at the time of signing the definitive acquisition agreements and public announcement of the acquisition on November 28, 2006. The shares are subject to a lockup whereby the former sole owner and founder of Windtec may sell only a certain number of shares per year through January 2010. The all-stock transaction also includes an earn-out opportunity with the potential for the issuance of up to an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock to be granted to the former owner and founder based on the achievement by Windtec of certain revenue growth targets for fiscal 2007 through 2010. As of March 31, 2008, an additional 350,000 shares were earned based on achieving the revenue growth targets for fiscal 2007. These shares were valued at approximately $8.1 million, which was recorded to goodwill. Beginning on January 5, 2007, Windtecs results of operations are included in our consolidated financial statements.
On April 27, 2007, we acquired Power Quality Systems, Inc. (PQS), a Pennsylvania corporation. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of PQS, for which we issued 295,329 shares of our common stock. We valued the acquisition at approximately $4.3 million (excluding acquisition costs) using a value of $14.73 per share, which represents the five-day average closing price of the common stock from the two trading days before through two trading days after the signing of the Merger Agreement and the public announcement of the acquisition. The shares are subject to a lockup agreement whereby the former owners of PQS may sell only a certain number of shares per year through April 2009. While the former owners have not been employed by us subsequent to the acquisition, all key PQS engineering personnel are employed by us. The all-stock transaction also includes an earn-out opportunity with the potential for up to an additional 475,000 shares of our common stock to be issued to PQS's former owners based on the achievement of certain order growth targets for existing PQS products for fiscal 2007 and 2008. This potential contingent consideration, if and when earned, will be recorded as additional goodwill based on the fair value of our common stock at the time of issuance. As of March 31, 2008, an additional 75,000 shares were earned based on achieving the order growth targets for fiscal 2007 and we recorded additional goodwill of approximately $1.7 million. As a result of this transaction, PQS is a wholly-owned subsidiary and is operated by AMSC Power Systems. The results of PQSs operations are included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition of April 27, 2007.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ under different assumptions or conditions.
Our accounting policies that involve the most significant judgments and estimates are as follows:
| Revenue; |
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| Impairment of long-lived assets; |
| Inventory; |
| Income taxes; |
| Goodwill; and |
| Acquisition accounting |
Revenue. For certain arrangements, such as prototype development contracts and certain product sales, we record revenues using the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. We use the percentage-of-completion revenue recognition method when a purchase arrangement meets all of the criteria in Statement of Position 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. Percentage-of-completion revenue recognition accounting is predominantly used on certain turnkey power systems installations for electric utilities and long-term prototype development contracts with the U.S. government. We follow this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. However, the ability to reliably estimate total costs at completion is challenging, especially on long-term prototype development contracts, and could result in future changes in contract estimates. Since many contracts extend over a long period of time, revisions in scope and cost and funding estimates during the progress of work have the effect of adjusting earnings applicable to prior-period performance in the current period. Recognition of contract revenues and profit or loss are subject to revisions as the contract work progresses to completion. Revisions in profit or loss estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. For contracts where reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs cannot be made, the Company follows the completed-contract method.
We recognize revenue for other product sales upon customer acceptance, which can occur at the time of delivery, installation, or post-installation, where applicable, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and the collectibility is reasonably assured. For multiple-element arrangements, we use the residual method to allocate value to the delivered item. Under the residual method, each undelivered item is allocated value based on verifiable objective evidence of fair value for that item and the remainder of the total arrangement price is allocated to the delivered items. For a delivered item to be considered a separate unit of accounting, the delivered item must have value to the customer on a standalone basis, there must be objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the undelivered items in the arrangement and the delivery or performance of the undelivered items must be considered probable and substantially within our control. We do not provide our customers with contractual rights of return for any of our products. When other significant obligations remain after products are delivered, revenue is recognized only after such obligations are fulfilled. The determination of what constitutes a significant post-delivery performance obligation (if any post-delivery performance obligations exist) is the primary subjective consideration we systemically evaluate in the context of each product shipment in order to determine whether to recognize revenue on the order or to defer the revenue until all post-delivery performance obligations have been completed.
We occasionally enter into construction contracts that include a performance bond. As these contracts progress, we continually assess the probability of a payout from the performance bond. Should we determine that such a payout is likely, we would record a liability. Under the guidance of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given to a Customer or a Retailer of the Vendors Products, we would reduce revenue to the extent a liability is recorded.
We enter into certain arrangements to license our technologies and to provide training services. We have determined that the license has no stand alone value to the customer and is not separable from the training. Accordingly, we account for these arrangements as one unit of accounting and recognize revenue over the period of our performance.
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We have elected to record taxes collected from customers on a net basis and do not include tax amounts in Revenue or Costs of revenue.
Customer deposits received in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue until customer acceptance is received. Deferred revenue also represents the amount billed to and/or collected from commercial and government customers on contracts which permit billings to occur in advance of contract performance/revenue recognition.
Impairment of long-lived assets. We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets consisting principally of fixed and intangible assets for potential impairment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. We perform these evaluations whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market and operational performance. Indicators of potential impairment include:
| a significant change in the manner in which an asset is used; |
| a significant decrease in the market value of an asset; |
| a significant adverse change in its business or the industry in which it is sold; |
| a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the asset; and |
| significant advances in our technologies that require changes in our manufacturing process. |
If we believe an indicator of potential impairment exists, we test to determine whether impairment recognition criteria in SFAS No. 144 have been met. To analyze a potential impairment, we project undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or primary asset in the asset group over its remaining useful life. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset or asset group and its fair value, less any disposition costs. Evaluating the impairment requires judgment by our management to estimate future operating results and cash flows. If different estimates were used, the amount and timing of asset impairments could be affected.
Inventory. We write down inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated realizable value based upon assumptions of future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Program costs may be deferred and recorded as inventory on contracts on which costs are incurred in excess of approved contractual amounts and/or funding, if future recovery of the costs is deemed probable.
Income taxes. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, we regularly assess our ability to realize our deferred tax assets. Assessments of the realization of deferred tax assets require that management consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, make significant judgments about many factors, including the amount and likelihood of future taxable income. Based on all the available evidence, we have recorded a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realizable due to the taxable losses incurred by us since our inception. Under current federal law, the utilization of the net operating loss and research and development and other tax credit carryforwards may be subject to limitations due to changes in ownership.
We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48) on April 1, 2007. FIN 48 prescribes the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. It also provides guidance on
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derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We performed a comprehensive review of our tax positions in accordance with recognition standards established by FIN 48. In this regard, an uncertain tax position represents the companys expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. As a result of this review, we do not believe that it has included any uncertain tax positions in our federal tax return or any of the state or foreign income tax returns we are currently filing or have filed. At the adoption date of April 1, 2007 and as of March 31, 2008, we had no unrecognized tax benefits. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of the adoption date of April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, we had no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. We file federal, state and foreign income tax returns. Major tax jurisdictions include the U.S. and Austria. All years from our fiscal 1992 income tax filings to the current year remain open and subject to examination in the United States and all years from calendar year 2002 through fiscal 2007 remain open and subject to examination in Austria.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over net assets of acquired businesses that are consolidated. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not amortized. In lieu of amortization, we perform an impairment review of our goodwill at least annually in our fourth quarter or when events and changes in circumstances indicate the need for such a detailed impairment analysis. Goodwill is considered impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, we make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. To date, we have determined that goodwill is not impaired, but we could in the future determine that goodwill is impaired, which would result in a charge to earnings.
Acquisition accounting. We account for acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. We allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price paid by us over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Results of Operations
We operate and report our financial results to the Chief Executive Officer in two reportable business segments: AMSC Superconductors and AMSC Power Systems.
AMSC Power Systems supplies power electronic systems used in wind turbines; produces products to increase electrical grid capacity and reliability and to regulate wind farm voltage for the electrical grid; licenses proprietary wind turbine designs to manufacturers of such systems and provides consulting services to the wind industry.
AMSC Superconductors focuses on the manufacturing of HTS wire and coils; the design and development of HTS products, such as power cables, fault current limiters and motors; and the management of large-scale HTS projects, such as HTS power cable system design, manufacturing and installation.
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Years Ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007
Revenues
Total revenues increased by 115% to $112.4 million in fiscal 2007, from $52.2 million for fiscal 2006. Our revenues are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
AMSC Power Systems |
$ | 96,823 | $ | 30,850 | ||
AMSC Superconductors |
15,573 | 21,333 | ||||
Total |
$ | 112,396 | $ | 52,183 | ||
Revenues in our AMSC Power Systems unit consist of revenues from D-VAR, PQ-IVR, PQ-SVC, SVC, and PowerModule product sales, service contracts, consulting arrangements and wind turbine prototype development contracts. We also offer to engineer, install and commission our products in a turnkey solution for our customers. Our Power Systems business unit accounted for 86% and 59% revenues for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenues in the Power Systems unit increased 214% to $96.8 million in fiscal 2007 from $30.9 million in fiscal 2006. The increase was driven primarily by the effect of our acquisitions of Windtec and PQS, which contributed $50.8 million to revenues in fiscal 2007 in the aggregate. The remainder of the increase was primarily due to higher sales related to new turnkey power systems projects as well as additional sales of our PowerModules to support wind technology applications primarily in Asia-Pacific.
A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from one customer, Sinovel, a manufacturer of wind energy systems based in China. Sales to Sinovel represented 51% and 11% of our consolidated total revenues for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Revenues in our AMSC Superconductors business unit consist of contract revenues, HTS wire sales, revenues under government sponsored electric utility projects, and other prototype development contracts. Revenue is primarily recorded using the percentage-of-completion method. AMSC Superconductors accounted for 14% and 41% revenues for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. AMSC Superconductors revenue decreased 27% to $15.6 million in fiscal 2007 from $21.3 million in fiscal 2006. Revenues from significant AMSC Superconductors government funded contract revenues are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Expected Contract Value |
Revenue Earned through March 31, 2008 |
Revenue for the fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||
Project Name |
2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
HYDRA |
$ | 24,908 | $ | 3,645 | $ | 3,645 | $ | | ||||
LIPA I |
27,458 | 27,323 | 3,867 | 4,144 | ||||||||
LIPA II |
9,000 | 478 | 478 | | ||||||||
DOE-FCL |
3,065 | 923 | 923 | | ||||||||
36.5 MW Motor |
90,150 | 90,150 | 1,283 | 12,061 | ||||||||
NAVSEA Motor Study |
5,254 | 2,940 | 2,551 | 389 |
The decrease in AMSC Superconductors revenue for fiscal 2007 was driven primarily by lower revenues from the 36.5 MW motor program for the U.S. Navy as work has been substantially completed on this program. We also experienced a decrease in 1G wire sales, as this product line was discontinued. These decreases were partially offset by new project revenue, including the HYDRA project.
We realized additional HTS cable project revenues in fiscal 2007 from the Project HYDRA contract with Consolidated Edison, Inc., which is being funded by the DHS and was announced on May 21, 2007. DHS is expected to invest up to a total of $24.9 million in the development of a new high temperature superconductor
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power grid technology to enable Secure Super Grids. Secure Super Grids utilize customized HTS wires, HTS power cables and ancillary controls to deliver more power through the grid while also being able to suppress power surges that can disrupt service. While the final contract was being negotiated, we had been working under letter contracts with DHS. On January 22, 2008, we executed the final contract with DHS, which has contributed $9.8 million toward the project as of March 31, 2008. We recognized $3.6 million in revenue related to the HYDRA project during fiscal 2007. Consolidated Edison and Southwire Company are subcontractors to us on this project.
Cost-sharing funding
In addition to reported revenues, we also received funding of $2.5 million for fiscal 2007 under U.S. government cost-sharing agreements with the U.S. Air Force and DOE, compared to $2.9 million for fiscal 2006. The decrease in cost-sharing funding is primarily due to the DOE Wire Initiative program nearing completion. All of our cost-sharing agreements provide funding in support of development work on 344 superconductors being done in the AMSC Superconductors business unit. We anticipate that a portion of our funding in the future will continue to come from cost-sharing agreements as we continue to develop joint programs with government agencies. Funding from government cost-sharing agreements is recorded as an offset to research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses, rather than as revenue. As of March 31, 2008, we anticipate recognizing an additional $3.5 million offset to research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses related to these cost-sharing agreements.
Costs of Revenue
Costs of revenue increased by 53% to $80.4 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $52.5 million for fiscal 2006. Gross margin was 28.5% for fiscal 2007 compared to (0.6%) for fiscal 2006. The increase in gross margin was due primarily to a higher mix of Power Systems sales as compared to Superconductors sales. In addition, AMSC Superconductors costs of revenue in the prior fiscal year included a $3.1 million charge for the 36.5MW motor program for additional losses in connection with technical issues that caused delays and additional costs on the project.
Operating Expenses
Research and development
A portion of our R&D expenditures related to externally funded development contracts has been classified as costs of revenue (rather than as R&D expenses). Additionally, a portion of R&D expenses was offset by cost-sharing funding. Our R&D expenditures are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
R&D expenses per Consolidated Statements of Operations |
$ | 15,651 | $ | 17,453 | ||
R&D expenditures reclassified as costs of revenue |
16,218 | 24,482 | ||||
R&D expenditures offset by cost-sharing funding |
1,323 | 1,505 | ||||
Aggregated R&D expenses |
$ | 33,192 | $ | 43,440 | ||
R&D expenses (exclusive of amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding) decreased by 10% to $15.7 million, or 14% of revenue for fiscal 2007, from $17.5 million, or 33% of revenue, for fiscal 2006. The decrease in R&D expenses was driven by a reduction in workforce as a result of the re-alignment of the AMSC Wires and SuperMachines business units in March 2007, partially offset by the added costs from the acquisitions of Windtec and PQS and additional internal product development costs in our Power Systems business unit. The decrease in R&D expenditures reclassified as a cost of revenues is a result of less
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R&D reclassified into cost of revenues to support government funded programs, primarily related to completing and delivering the 36.5MW motor to the Navy in June 2007. Aggregated R&D expenses, which include amounts classified as costs of revenues and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding, decreased 24% to $33.2 million, or 30% of revenue, for fiscal 2007 compared to $43.4 million, or 83% of revenue, for fiscal 2006. The decrease in fiscal 2007 was driven primarily by a lower level of externally funded program costs on the 36.5 MW motor program, as well as the factors described above.
Selling, general, and administrative
A portion of the SG&A expenditures related to externally funded development contracts has been classified as costs of revenue (rather than as SG&A expenses). Additionally, a portion of SG&A expenses was offset by cost-sharing funding. Our SG&A expenditures are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
SG&A expenses per Consolidated Statements of Operations |
$ | 28,752 | $ | 17,503 | ||
SG&A expenditures reclassified as costs of revenue |
1,014 | 3,915 | ||||
SG&A expenditures offset by cost sharing funding |
1,216 | 1,415 | ||||
Aggregated SG&A expenses |
$ | 30,982 | $ | 22,833 | ||
SG&A expenses (exclusive of amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding) increased by 64% to $28.8 million, or 26% of revenue, in fiscal 2007 from $17.5 million, or 34% of revenue, for fiscal 2006. The increase in SG&A expenses was due primarily to higher expenses associated with stock-based compensation, less absorption of SG&A costs into costs of revenue, higher payroll expenses due to headcount growth and variable compensation costs and the inclusion of the incremental SG&A from Windtec and PQS in the current year. Aggregated SG&A expenses, which include amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost sharing funding, increased 36% to $31.0 million, or 28% of revenue, for fiscal 2007, from $22.8 million, or 44% of revenue, for fiscal 2006. The increase was due primarily to the incremental SG&A from the Windtec and PQS acquisitions, increased stock compensation expense and higher payroll expenses due to headcount growth and variable compensation costs.
We present Aggregated R&D and Aggregated SG&A expenses, which are non-GAAP measures, because we believe this presentation provides useful information on our aggregate R&D and SG&A spending and because R&D and SG&A expenses as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations have been and may in the future be subject to significant fluctuations solely as a result of changes in the level of externally funded contract development work, resulting in significant changes in the amount of the costs recorded as costs of revenue rather than as R&D and SG&A expenses, as discussed above.
Amortization of acquisition related intangibles
We recorded $5.1 million and $0.6 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively, in amortization related to our contractual relationships/backlog, customer relationships, core technology and know-how, trade names and trademark intangible assets. These intangible assets are a result of our Windtec and PQS acquisitions.
Restructuring and impairments
On October 25, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the Fiscal 2007 Plan) to reduce operating costs through the closure of our last remaining facility in Westborough, Massachusetts and the consolidation of operations there, including our corporate headquarters, into our Devens, Massachusetts facility. No headcount reductions were associated with this plan.
Aggregate restructuring charges associated with the Fiscal 2007 Plan were $6.4 million, all of which was recorded in fiscal 2007. The charge primarily represents $3.8 million in costs associated with the write-off of the
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present value of the remaining lease payments, $2.2 million in unforeseen costs determined necessary to decontaminate, clean and return the building back to its original state to the landlord, and $0.5 million in costs associated with the relocation of people and equipment to our Devens facility. The aggregate expected charge above assumes the facility will not be subleased. All restructuring charges associated with the Fiscal 2007 Plan are expected to result in the disbursement of cash.
Excluding potential continuing restructuring charges associated with our Westborough lease through May 2009, we began to realize annual cost savings from the Fiscal 2007 Plan at a rate of approximately $2.5 million per year beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
On March 26, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the Fiscal 2006 Plan) to reduce operating costs and to transition our high temperature superconductor products to the manufacturing stage by consolidating AMSC Wires, SuperMachines and Power Electronic Systems business segments into two operating segments: AMSC Superconductors and AMSC Power Systems. We consolidated our manufacturing operations by closing one of our two Westborough, Massachusetts facilities, moving operations from that facility into the Devens, Massachusetts plant, and reducing headcount by 37 employees.
Our aggregate restructuring charges associated with the Fiscal 2006 Plan were $0.8 million. The restructuring charge was allocated to the AMSC Superconductors operating segment. Of this total, $0.3 million of the restructuring charges were incurred in fiscal 2007 and $0.5 million were incurred during fiscal 2006. As of March 31, 2008, the plan was completed.
As of March 31, 2007, we reclassified our previously impaired first generation wire manufacturing equipment from Property, Plant and Equipment to Assets held for sale. The estimated salvage value of these assets was $2.2 million as of March 31, 2007 and was recorded as other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. A public auction for the sale of these assets was held in June 2007 and private sales were negotiated with interested parties for the remaining equipment. Based on the results of the auction and our recent work to sell through private sales, we determined that additional impairment charges of $0.8 million were required during fiscal 2007 to write down the value of the assets to their net realizable value. There were no Assets held for sale at March 31, 2008.
Operating income (loss)
Our operating income (loss) is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, |
||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
AMSC Power Systems |
$ | 10,865 | $ | 402 | ||||
AMSC Superconductors |
(21,784 | ) | (31,419 | ) | ||||
Unallocated corporate expenses |
(13,971 | ) | (5,515 | ) | ||||
Total |
$ | (24,890 | ) | $ | (36,532 | ) | ||
The operating income at AMSC Power Systems increased to $10.9 million in fiscal 2007 from $0.4 million in fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily the result of benefiting from the Windtec acquisition during all of fiscal 2007 compared to only one quarter in fiscal 2006. This was partially offset by higher SG&A and R&D costs resulting from the Windtec and PQS acquisitions, including amortization of acquisition related intangibles and higher operating expenses in support of the revenue growth in AMSC Power Systems
The operating loss at AMSC Superconductors decreased to $21.8 million in fiscal 2007 from $31.4 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in the operating loss was primarily a result of the contract losses in the prior year
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related to the 36.5MW motor program, a prior year write-off for a SuperVAR synchronous condenser, lower corporate allocations and lower operating expenses as a result of the re-alignment of the AMSC Wires and SuperMachines business units.
Non-operating expenses/Interest income
Interest income increased to $4.0 million for fiscal 2007 from $2.2 million in fiscal 2006. This increase in interest income reflects higher combined cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances available for investment, largely the result of the $93.6 million in net proceeds we received in the stock offering completed on July 25, 2007.
Other expense, net, was $1.7 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2006. The increase was due primarily to higher mark to market expense on the revaluation of the stock warrant issued in April 2005 related to a litigation settlement. The warrant was re-valued at $3.0 million and $1.4 million as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, resulting in a charge of $1.6 million and $0.4 million for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Warrant will be marked-to-market until such time as the Warrant is exercised or forfeited.
Income Taxes
During fiscal 2007 and 2006, we recorded income tax expense of $2.9 million and an income tax benefit of $0.1 million, respectively. We incur losses in the U.S. and for fiscal 2007, China, but due to a history of operating losses, we do not record a tax benefit on those losses. Operations in foreign jurisdictions are profitable and associated income tax expense is recorded.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the IRC), limits the amount of net operating loss (NOL) and general business tax credit carryforwards that a corporation may deduct from its income if the corporation has undergone an ownership change. Our utilization of NOL and general business tax credit carryforwards may be subject to the substantial annual limitations imposed by Section 382 of the IRC due to ownership changes that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOL and general business tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, results from transactions increasing the ownership of certain shareholders or public groups in the stock of a corporation by more than 50% over a three year period. Since our formation, we have raised capital through the issuance of capital stock which, combined with the purchasing shareholders subsequent disposition of those shares, may have resulted in an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, or could result in an ownership change in the future upon subsequent disposition. We have not completed an in-depth study to assess whether there have been multiple ownership changes since our formation due to the significant complexity and cost associated with such study. If we have experienced an ownership change at any time since our formation, utilization of our NOL or general business tax credit carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382. Any limitation may result in expiration of a portion of the NOL or general business tax credit carryforwards before utilization. Until a study is completed and any limitation known, no NOL or general business tax credit carryforward amounts are being presented as uncertain tax positions under FIN 48.
Based on our latest operating plan, we expect to continue to incur operating losses through at least fiscal 2008 as we continue to devote significant financial resources to our commercialization efforts for 344 superconductors and to our ongoing research and development activities.
Please refer to the Risk Factors section in Item 1A for a discussion of certain factors that may affect our future results of operations and financial condition.
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Years Ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006
Revenues
Total consolidated revenues increased 3% to $52.2 million in fiscal 2006 from $50.9 million for fiscal 2005. Our revenues are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
AMSC Power Systems |
$ | 30,850 | $ | 15,001 | ||
AMSC Superconductors |
21,333 | 35,871 | ||||
Total |
$ | 52,183 | $ | 50,872 | ||
AMSC Power Systems accounted for 59% and 29% revenues for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Revenues in our AMSC Power Systems business unit increased 106% to $30.9 million for fiscal 2006 from $15.0 million for fiscal 2005. The increase was primarily the result of a higher level of D-VAR and PowerModule system sales due to the growing demand for wind energy solutions, and higher PQ-IVR sales to industrial customers and revenue generated by Windtec subsequent to the acquisition. D-VAR system sales contributed approximately 51% growth from the prior year. This growth in D-VAR system sales can be partially attributed to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand where transmission grid operators have adopted stringent interconnection standards for wind farms requiring dynamic voltage control.
The Windtec acquisition completed on January 5, 2007 contributed approximately $4.0 million of additional revenue in the quarter ended March 31, 2007, net of the revenue that would have been recognized on the PowerModule shipments from us to Windtec absent the acquisition. PowerModule sales increased by over 500% from the prior fiscal year primarily as a result of PM1000 system shipments to a Windtec electrical systems customer in China.
AMSC Superconductors accounted for 41% and 71% revenues for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Revenues in our AMSC Superconductors business unit decreased 41% to $21.3 million for fiscal 2006 from $35.9 million for fiscal 2005. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower revenues from the 36.5 MW motor program revenues and the LIPA project.
On April 26, 2006, a contract modification from the Navy on the 36.5 MW motor program was received that provided $13.3 million in additional funding, thereby increasing the contract value to $90.2 million and converting it from a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to a firm-fixed-price contract. Revenues on this program are recognized on a percentage of completion basis and, as such, are subject to adjustments when estimates to complete the program are revised. The revenue decrease from the prior year related to the 36.5 MW motor program is due to a lower level of work performed on the motor program in fiscal 2006 as the program neared completion. In addition, delays in the completion of the motor resulted in an increase in estimated costs as well as a delay in revenue recognition of $1.3 million from the year ended March 31, 2007 until the first quarter ending June 30, 2007. During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, a crack was discovered in a non-superconductor component of the 36.5 MW motor that required repair. This event caused an unanticipated cost overrun that resulted in an estimated loss on this program of approximately $1.6 million which was recorded in the quarter ended December 31, 2006. The crack was fully repaired and reassembly of the motor was completed in February 2007. However, additional technical issues occurred during the initial phase of factory acceptance testing in late February 2007, causing additional delays and cost overruns that led to a $1.5 million increase in the estimated loss on this program to $3.1 million. The motor successfully passed factory acceptance testing at the end of March 2007 and was delivered to the Navy in June 2007.
LIPA project revenues decreased to $4.1 million for fiscal 2006 from $9.7 million for fiscal 2005 due to a combination of funding limitations from the DOE and a lower level of work performed compared to prior year.
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In March 2007, the DOE released the remaining incremental funding up to the then-current authorized contract ceiling of $23.5 million, which allowed us to recognize revenue of $2.7 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 related to costs that had previously been deferred and recorded as inventory as of December 31, 2006. In May 2007, the DOE awarded a contract modification of $4.0 million to cover subcontractor cost growth on the LIPA project, increasing the contract ceiling to $27.5 million. On March 31, 2007, as a result of this contract modification being anticipated, we inventoried costs of $1.1 million in excess of the then-current contract ceiling of $23.5 million as management deemed that future funding sufficient to cover these deferred costs was probable. The deferred program costs consisted primarily of materials, labor, overhead, and subcontractor costs. As a result of the DOE awarded contract modification in May 2007, these deferred program costs that were inventoried as of March 31, 2007 were recorded as costs of revenue and the corresponding revenue was recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.
Cost-sharing funding
In addition to reported revenues, we also received funding of $2.9 million for fiscal 2006 under U.S. government cost-sharing agreements with the U.S. Air Force and DOE, compared to $1.6 million for fiscal 2005. This increase in funding which was recognized as an offset to operating expenses, was the result of the $5.4 million Title III contract awarded by the Air Force in December 2005. Under the Title III contract, we recognized cost-sharing funding of $2.3 million and $0.6 million as an offset to operating expenses for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, respectively. As required by government contract accounting guidelines, funding from government cost-sharing agreements is recorded as an offset to research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses, rather than as revenue. All of our cost-sharing agreements provide funding in support of 2G wire development work being performed in the AMSC Superconductors business unit.
Costs of Revenue
Costs of revenue decreased 2% to $52.7 million in fiscal 2006 from $53.4 million in fiscal 2005. Gross margin was (0.6%) for fiscal 2006 compared to (5.1%) for fiscal 2005. The improvement in gross margin was due primarily to increased product sales in AMSC Power Systems during fiscal 2007 which contributes higher margins than AMSC Superconductors. Costs of revenue in fiscal 2006 included a loss related to cost overruns on the 36.5 MW motor program.
Research and development
A portion of our R&D expenditures related to externally funded development contracts has been classified as costs of revenue (rather than as R&D expenses). Additionally, a portion of R&D expenses was offset by cost-sharing funding. Our R&D expenditures are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
R&D expenses per Consolidated Statements of Operations |
$ | 17,453 | $ | 14,961 | ||
R&D expenditures classified as costs of revenue |
24,482 | 29,720 | ||||
R&D expenditures offset by cost-sharing funding |
1,505 | 868 | ||||
Aggregated R&D expenses |
$ | 43,440 | $ | 45,549 | ||
R&D expenses (exclusive of amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding) increased by 17% to $17.5 million, or 33% of revenue, in fiscal 2006 from $15.0 million, or 29% of revenue, in fiscal 2005 as a result of two factors: a lower percentage of the R&D cost was classified as costs of revenue due to the lower level of funded prototype development contract work in AMSC Superconductors related to the Navy 36.5 MW motor program, and a higher level of internally-funded R&D spending incurred which was
43
focused on 2G wire scale-up efforts. Aggregated R&D expenses, which include amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding, decreased by 5% to $43.4 million, or 83% of revenue, in fiscal 2006 from $45.5 million, or 90% of revenue, in fiscal 2005. The decrease was due primarily to a lower level of externally-funded R&D spending at AMSC Superconductors. The decrease in R&D spending at AMSC Superconductors was partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in AMSC Power Systems R&D spending, primarily related to the recently acquired Windtec. In addition, there was $0.9 million in stock-based compensation expense classified as R&D expense in fiscal 2006 in connection with our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).
Selling, general, and administrative
A portion of the SG&A expenditures related to externally funded development contracts has been classified as costs of revenue (rather than as SG&A expenses). Additionally, a portion of SG&A expenses was offset by cost-sharing funding. Our SG&A expenditures are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||
SG&A expenses per Consolidated Statements of Operations |
$ | 17,503 | $ | 10,989 | ||
SG&A expenditures classified as costs of revenue |
3,915 | 4,444 | ||||
SG&A expenditures offset by cost-sharing funding |
1,415 | 776 | ||||
Aggregated SG&A expenses |
$ | 22,833 | $ | 16,209 | ||
SG&A expenses (exclusive of amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding) increased by 59% to $17.5 million, or 34% of revenue, in fiscal 2006 from $11.0 million, or 22% of revenue, in fiscal 2005 primarily as a result of three factors: $2.4 million in higher stock-based compensation expense in connection with our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in April 2006, $1.1 million in higher professional service expense and additional SG&A expenses of $0.6 million related to the Windtec acquisition in January 2007. Other increases in SG&A expenses were the result of expansion efforts related to sales and service in the Asia Pacific region, increased marketing costs and a higher level of management bonus payouts to AMSC Power Systems employees based on performance goals achieved during fiscal 2006. Also, as a result of the lower level of funded prototype development contract work in AMSC Superconductors in fiscal 2006, a lower percentage of the SG&A cost was classified as costs of revenue compared to fiscal 2005. Aggregated SG&A expenses, which include amounts classified as costs of revenue and amounts offset by cost-sharing funding, increased by 41% to $22.8 million, or 44% of revenue, for fiscal 2006 from $16.2 million, or 32% of revenue, for fiscal 2005 primarily as a result of the stock compensation and other SG&A expenses noted above.
Amortization of acquisition related intangibles
We recorded $0.6 million in fiscal 2006 in amortization related to our contractual relationships/backlog, customer relationships, core technology and know-how, trade names and trademark intangible assets. These intangible assets are a result of the Windtec acquisition.
Restructuring and impairments
During fiscal 2006, we recorded approximately $0.5 million in restructuring charges as a result of a restructuring plan announced on March 26, 2007 to consolidate our AMSC Wires, SuperMachines and Power Electronic business segments into two operating segments: AMSC Superconductors and AMSC Power Systems. We consolidated our manufacturing operations by closing one of our two Westborough, Massachusetts facilities, moving operations from that facility into the Devens, Massachusetts plant, and reducing headcount by 37 employees. The restructuring charges included $0.4 million for severance and $0.1 million to write off the
44
remaining six months of facility lease payments and other costs. In addition, there was a related $0.1 million fixed asset impairment for manufacturing equipment written down to its estimated salvage value. In March 2006, we transitioned from 1G to 2G wire manufacturing and to cease manufacturing our 1G wire. As a result, an impairment charge of $5.0 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. The impairment charge included a write-down of 1G equipment of $3.3 million, licenses of $1.2 million and patents of $0.5 million.
Operating income (loss)
Our operating income (loss) is summarized as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal years ended March 31, |
||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
AMSC Power Systems |
$ | 402 | $ | (3,641 | ) | |||
AMSC Superconductors |
(31,419 | ) | (27,549 | ) | ||||
Unallocated corporate expense |
(5,515 | ) | (2,297 | ) | ||||
Total |
$ | (36,532 | ) | $ | (33,487 | ) | ||
The operating income at AMSC Power Systems was $0.4 million during fiscal 2006 compared to an operating loss of $3.6 million in fiscal 2005. The improvement was primarily a result of higher gross margins in fiscal 2006 in connection with the increased level of product sales.
The operating loss at AMSC Superconductors increased to $31.4 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $27.5 million in fiscal 2005 as a result of lower revenues and margins related to the 36.5 MW Navy contract during fiscal 2006. The margin decrease was primarily the result of higher than planned subcontractor spending and an increase in costs related to a delay in the completion and delivery of our 36.5 MW ship propulsion motor into June 2007 resulting in the recognition of a contract loss of $3.1 million in fiscal 2006. The 36.5 MW motor program was converted from a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to a firm-fixed-price contract on April 26, 2006. During the third quarter of fiscal 2006, a crack was discovered in a non-superconductor component of the 36.5 MW motor that required repair. This event caused an unanticipated cost overrun on the Navy 36.5 MW contract that resulted in an estimated loss of approximately $1.6 million being recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The crack was fully repaired and reassembly of the motor was completed in February 2007. However, additional technical issues occurred during the initial phase of factory acceptance testing in late February, causing additional delays and cost overruns that led to a $1.5 million increase in the estimated loss to $3.1 million. The motor successfully passed factory acceptance testing at the end of March 2007 and was delivered to the Navy in June 2007. Cost overruns on this program directly impacted the profitability of this business unit during fiscal 2006.
In addition to the lower margins related to the 36.5MW motor, AMSC Superconductors wrote off $0.9 million of inventoried costs related to one of the two SuperVAR synchronous condensers we had planned to ship to a customer. AMSC Superconductors also recorded restructuring charges of $0.5 million and impairment charges of $0.1 million during March 2007 as a result of the decision to re-align our former SuperMachines and AMSC Wires business units into the newly formed AMSC Superconductors business unit. These increased costs were partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization expense as a result of the $5.0 million impairment charge on the 1G asset group (consisting of equipment, patents and licenses) that was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.
The increase in unallocated corporate expense was due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in April 2006.
45
Non-operating expenses/Interest income
Interest income decreased to $2.2 million in fiscal 2006 from $2.6 million in fiscal 2005, primarily as a result of the lower combined cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances available for investment.
Other expense, net was $0.4 million in fiscal 2006 and was primarily driven by a loss on the revaluation of the stock warrant issued in April 2005 to TM Capital Corp., a past financial advisor to us, related to a litigation settlement. The litigation settlement amount of $2.7 million, which consisted of a $1.7 million cash payment made in April 2005 and a $1.0 million accrued liability relating to the warrant issued for 200,000 shares of our common stock, was accrued in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. The warrant was valued at $1.4 million as of March 31, 2007 as compared to $1.0 million as of March 31, 2006, resulting in an expense of $0.4 million in fiscal 2006. There was no comparable amount recorded in fiscal 2005.
Income Taxes
During fiscal 2006, we recorded a tax benefit of $0.1 million. This tax benefit was primarily the result of adjustments made to the deferred tax liability of our Austrian subsidiary, Windtec, associated with the non-deductible amortization of intangible assets. There was no such income tax expense or benefit in fiscal 2005.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31, 2008, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $106.2 million compared to $35.3 million at March 31, 2007, an increase of $70.9 million. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are summarized as follows (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 67,834 | $ | 15,925 | ||
Marketable securities |
38,398 | 19,399 | ||||
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities |
$ | 106,232 | $ | 35,324 | ||
The increase in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities was primarily the result of receiving $93.6 million in net proceeds from our July 2007 public offering (see below). The amount as of March 31, 2008 excludes $13.2 million of restricted cash.
We have generated operating losses since our inception, and expect to continue incurring operating losses until at least until the end of fiscal 2008.
For fiscal 2007, net cash used by operating activities was $17.8 million compared to a use of $22.8 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in cash used by operations is due to a lower net loss, partially offset by higher cash used for working capital, primarily related to an increase in accounts receivable.
For fiscal 2007, net cash used in investing activities was $40.5 million compared to a use of less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in cash used by investing activities was driven primarily by the net increase in cash invested in marketable securities and an increase in restricted cash used as collateral for performance bonds issued on turnkey projects.
As of March 31, 2008, we have invested in total approximately $14.5 million in the 344 superconductors production line. These expenditures were made to enable us to achieve a gross production capacity of approximately 720,000 meters annually of 344 superconductors on our 4 cm manufacturing technology and prepare to migrate to our 10 cm manufacturing technology. We estimate that an additional $28.0 million to $35.0
46
million of capital expenditures would be needed for a full commercial manufacturing operation with a gross capacity of approximately 9 million meters of wire per year.
For fiscal 2007, cash provided by financing activities was $108.4 million compared to $3.5 million in fiscal 2006. On July 25, 2007, we completed a public offering of 4.7 million shares of our common stock at $21.25 per share. Net proceeds from the offering (after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses) were $93.6 million. An additional $14.8 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options was also received during the period.
Although our cash requirements fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including customer adoption of our products and our research and development efforts to commercialize our products, we believe that our available cash will be sufficient to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, and other cash requirements for the next several years.
We also have an unused line of credit of 0.6 million (or approximately $0.9 million), which is available until June 30, 2010.
The possibility exists that we may pursue additional acquisition and joint venture opportunities in the future that may affect liquidity and capital resource requirements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, such as relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating transactions that are not required to be reflected on our balance sheet except as discussed below.
We occasionally enter into construction contracts that include a performance bond. As these contracts progress, we continually assess the probability of a payout from the performance bond. Should we determine that such a payout is likely, we would record a liability. As of March 31, 2008, we have not recorded a liability with respect to performance bonds.
Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2008, we are committed to make the following payments under contractual obligations (in thousands):
Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||
Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
3-5 years |
More than 5 years | |||||||||||
Operating leases (rent) |
$ | 9,192 | $ | 3,916 | $ | 3,707 | $ | 1,229 | $ | 340 | |||||
Operating leases (other) |
87 | 55 | 31 | 1 | | ||||||||||
Purchase obligations (subcontracts) |
8,529 | 8,199 | 330 | | | ||||||||||
Purchase obligations (purchase orders) |
35,606 | 35,606 | | | | ||||||||||
Total contractual cash obligations |
$ | 53,414 | $ | 47,776 | $ | 4,068 | $ | 1,230 | $ | 340 | |||||
New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements related to derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Statement requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives,
47
quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 are effective for the year beginning January 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS No. 161.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (revised 2007), Business combinations, which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after an entity's fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. Although there are not any current plans for an acquisition, should there be an acquisition in the future, we will adopt this statement for acquisitions consummated after its effective date.
In February 2007, the FASB Issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and provides the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. This statement will not impact our financial statements as we do not expect to elect to measure any items at fair market value under the guidance in SFAS No. 159.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier adoption permitted. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, with limited exceptions. The FASB recently concluded to defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Item 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Our exposure to market risk through financial instruments, such as investments in marketable securities, is limited to interest rate risk and is not material. Our investments in marketable securities consist primarily of corporate debt instruments and are designed, in order of priority, to preserve principal, provide liquidity, and maximize income. Investments are monitored to limit exposure to mortgage-backed securities and similar instruments responsible for the recent turmoil in the credit markets. Interest rates are variable and fluctuate with current market conditions. We do not believe that a 10% change in interest rates would have a material impact on our financial position or results of operation.
The functional currency of all our foreign entities is the U.S. dollar, except for our AMSC Windtec subsidiary for which the local currency (Euro) is the functional currency. We monitor foreign currency exposures, but we currently do not hedge currency risk. Cumulative translation adjustments are excluded from net loss and reported as a separate component of stockholders equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in our net loss and have not been material to date. Future operating results could be impacted by material foreign currency fluctuations. In the future, should foreign currency fluctuations become material, management will review options to limit the financial impact to our operations.
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Item 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a15(f) and 15d15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a companys chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets;
(2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and
(3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, an evaluation was conducted of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2008.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
American Superconductor Corporation:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Superconductor Corporation and its subsidiaries at March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a) (2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 8. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for uncertain tax positions during the year ended March 31, 2008. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share-based compensation during the year ended March 31, 2007.
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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
May 29, 2008
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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
March 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 67,834 | $ | 15,925 | ||||
Marketable securities |
38,398 | 19,399 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
37,108 | 18,054 | ||||||
Inventory |
10,907 | 6,853 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
12,312 | - | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
4,467 | 1,505 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets, net |
2,293 | 513 | ||||||
Total current assets |
173,319 | 62,249 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment: |
||||||||
Land |
4,022 | 4,022 | ||||||
Construction in progressequipment |
2,037 | 7,361 | ||||||
Building |
35,143 | 34,894 | ||||||
Equipment |
32,106 | 20,664 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
3,816 | 3,260 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
1,554 | 4,839 | ||||||
78,678 | 75,040 | |||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
(24,370 | ) | (25,112 | ) | ||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
54,308 | 49,928 | ||||||
Goodwill |
18,530 | 5,126 | ||||||
Intangibles, net |
11,583 | 12,849 | ||||||
Long-term restricted cash |
860 | - | ||||||
Other assets |
2,634 | 2,281 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 261,234 | $ | 132,433 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 38,356 | $ | 23,532 | ||||
Deferred revenue |
10,629 | 3,775 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
48,985 | 27,307 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||
Deferred revenue |
2,043 | 867 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities, net |
1,244 | 2,518 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
510 | 120 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
52,782 | 30,812 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value |
||||||||
Authorized shares-100,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 41,541,597 and 35,016,073 at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively |
415 | 350 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
615,025 | 486,194 | ||||||
Deferred contract costswarrant |
(8 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
3,522 | 146 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(410,502 | ) | (385,055 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
208,452 | 101,621 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 261,234 | $ | 132,433 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 112,396 | $ | 52,183 | $ | 50,872 | ||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||
Costs of revenue |
80,363 | 52,502 | 53,449 | |||||||||
Research and development |
15,651 | 17,453 | 14,961 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
28,752 | 17,503 | 10,989 | |||||||||
Amortization of acquisition related intangibles |
5,058 | 590 | | |||||||||
Restructuring and impairments |
7,462 | 667 | 4,960 | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
137,286 | 88,715 | 84,359 | |||||||||
Operating loss |
(24,890 | ) | (36,532 | ) | (33,487 | ) | ||||||
Interest income |
3,977 | 2,179 | 2,611 | |||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
(1,654 | ) | (424 | ) | | |||||||
Loss before income tax expense |
(22,567 | ) | (34,777 | ) | (30,876 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
2,880 | (102 | ) | | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (25,447 | ) | $ | (34,675 | ) | $ | (30,876 | ) | |||
Net loss per common share |
||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted |
$ | (0.65 | ) | $ | (1.04 | ) | $ | (0.94 | ) | |||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted |
39,137 | 33,261 | 32,685 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
53
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (25,447 | ) | $ | (34,675 | ) | $ | (30,876 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
10,095 | 4,750 | 7,475 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
5,665 | 3,680 | 428 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expensenon-employee |
232 | 292 | | |||||||||
Impairment charges on long-lived assets |
757 | 144 | 4,960 | |||||||||
Inventory write-down charges |
933 | 1,201 | 1,591 | |||||||||
Re-valuation of warrant |
1,652 | 408 | (7 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(3,424 | ) | (119 | ) | | |||||||
Other non-cash items |
697 | 391 | 641 | |||||||||
Changes in operating asset and liability accounts, excluding the effect of acquisitions: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(20,330 | ) | (6,281 | ) | (3,549 | ) | ||||||
Inventory |
(4,410 | ) | 1,072 | (3,725 | ) | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(2,853 | ) | 140 | 217 | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
11,635 | 3,595 | 3,396 | |||||||||
Deferred revenue |
6,975 | 2,641 | (140 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(17,823 | ) | (22,761 | ) | (19,589 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
(8,598 | ) | (10,046 | ) | (2,994 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment |
1,360 | 92 | 49 | |||||||||
Purchase of marketable securities |
(174,650 | ) | (62,562 | ) | (88,932 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities |
155,917 | 73,785 | 107,455 | |||||||||
Increase in restricted cash |
(13,172 | ) | | | ||||||||
Acquisition costs, net of cash acquired in acquisitions |
(102 | ) | (387 | ) | | |||||||
Purchase of intangible assets |
(1,264 | ) | (862 | ) | (771 | ) | ||||||
Change in other assets |
49 | (29 | ) | 6 | ||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(40,460 | ) | (9 | ) | 14,813 | |||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from follow-on public offering, net |
93,612 | | (66 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net |
14,820 | 3,524 | 1,421 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
108,432 | 3,524 | 1,355 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
1,760 | | | |||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
51,909 | (19,246 | ) | (3,421 | ) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
15,925 | 35,171 | 38,592 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 67,834 | $ | 15,925 | $ | 35,171 | ||||||
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information: |
||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions |
$ | 4,349 | $ | 13,104 | $ | | ||||||
Noncash issuance of common stock |
362 | 340 | 1,075 | |||||||||
Noncash contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions |
9,856 | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
54
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands)
Common Stock |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Deferred Compensation |
Deferred Contract Costs-Warrant |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Accumulated Deficit |
Total Stockholders Equity |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares |
Par Value |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2005 |
32,545 | $ | 325 | $ | 463,633 | $ | (784 | ) | $ | (26 | ) | $ | (134 | ) | $ | (319,504 | ) | $ | 143,510 | ||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
144 | 1 | 772 | | | | | 773 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Public offering of common stock |
| | (66 | ) | | | | | (66 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock - ESPP |
75 | 1 | 646 | | | | | 647 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation |
66 | 1 | 970 | (970 | ) | | | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred compensation |
| | | 424 | | | | 424 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock for calendar 2004 and calendar 2005 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
401(k) match and fiscal 2006 employee stock awards |
60 | 1 | 650 | | | | | 651 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred warrant costs |
| | | | 6 | | | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on investments |
| | | | | 31 | | 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (30,876 | ) | (30,876 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2006 |
32,890 | 329 | 466,605 | (1,330 | ) | (20 | ) | (104 | ) | (350,380 | ) | 115,100 | |||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
387 | 4 | 3,191 | | | | | 3,195 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of Windtec |
1,300 | 13 | 13,091 | | | | | 13,104 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock - ESPP |
36 | | 328 | | | | | 328 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares |
369 | 4 | (3 | ) | | | | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of deferred compensation on adoption of FAS123R |
| | (1,330 | ) | 1,330 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| | 3,680 | | | | | 3,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-employee stock-based compensation expense |
| | 292 | | | | | 292 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock for calendar 2006 401(k) match |
34 | | 340 | | | | | 340 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred warrant costs |
| | | | 6 | | | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on investments |
| | | | | 116 | | 116 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | | 134 | | 134 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (34,675 | ) | (34,675 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
35,016 | 350 | 486,194 | | (14 | ) | 146 | (385,055 | ) | 101,621 | |||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
1,392 | 14 | 14,551 | | | | | 14,565 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of warrants |
26 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Public offering of common stock |
4,700 | 47 | 93,565 | | | | | 93,612 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of Power Quality Systems |
295 | 3 | 4,346 | | | | | 4,349 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock - ESPP |
14 | | 254 | | | | | 254 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock - restricted shares |
79 | 1 | | | | | | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| | 5,665 | | | | | 5,665 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-employee stock-based compensation expense |
| | 232 | | | | | 232 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of stock for calendar 2007 401(k) match |
20 | | 362 | | | | | 362 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration for acquisitions |
| | 9,856 | | | | | 9,856 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of deferred warrant costs |
| | | | 6 | | | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gains on investments |
| | | | | 264 | | 264 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | | 3,112 | | 3,112 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | | (25,447 | ) | (25,447 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
41,542 | $ | 415 | $ | 615,025 | $ | | $ | (8 | ) | $ | 3,522 | $ | (410,502 | ) | $ | 208,452 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
55
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
Fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (25,447 | ) | $ | (34,675 | ) | $ | (30,876 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
3,112 | 134 | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Unrealized gains on investments |
264 | 116 | 31 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
3,376 | 250 | 30 | |||||||||
Comprehensive loss |
$ | (22,071 | ) | $ | (34,425 | ) | $ | (30,846 | ) | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
56
1. Nature of the Business and Operations
American Superconductor Corporation (the Company or AMSC) was founded on April 9, 1987. The Company is an energy technologies company, offering an array of solutions based on two proprietary technologies: programmable power electronic converters and high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires. The Companys products, services and system-level solutions enable cleaner, more efficient and more reliable generation, delivery and use of electric power. The programmability and scalability of the Companys power electronic converters differentiate them from most competitive offerings. The two primary markets the Company serves are the wind energy market and the power transmission and distribution or power grid market. The Company operates in two business segments AMSC Power Systems and AMSC Superconductors.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
A summary of the Companys significant accounting policies follows:
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications of prior years amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist principally of money market accounts and corporate debt instruments.
Marketable Securities
Short-term marketable securities, with current maturities of greater than 3 months from original purchase date but less than 12 months from the date of the balance sheet, consist primarily of corporate bonds and other debt securities. Long-term marketable securities, with current maturities of 12 months or more, consist primarily of corporate bonds and other debt securities. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such classification as of each balance sheet date, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. All marketable securities are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. Fair values are based on quoted market prices. The unrealized gains and losses related to these securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). When securities are sold, the cost is determined based on the specific identification method and realized gains and losses are included in investment income. The Company periodically reviews the realizability of each short and long-term marketable security when impairment indicators exist with respect to the security. If an other-than-temporary impairment of value of the security exists, the carrying value of the security is written down to its estimated fair value.
Accounts Receivable
The Companys accounts receivable are comprised of amounts owed by government agencies and commercial companies. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.
57
Due to scheduled billing requirements specified under certain contracts, a portion of the Companys accounts receivable balance at March 31, 2008 and 2007 was unbilled (see Note 4). As of March 31, 2008, the Company had three customers that represented approximately 27%, 19%, and 11% of the total accounts receivable balance. As of March 31, 2007, the Company had two customers that represented approximately 37% and 21% of the total accounts receivable balance.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in first-out basis) or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company accounts for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Asset classification |
Estimated useful life in years | |
Building |
40 | |
Process upgrades to the building |
10-40 | |
Machinery and equipment |
3-10 | |
Furniture and fixtures |
3-5 | |
Leasehold improvements |
Shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term |
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement or other disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating expenses.
Depreciation expense was $4.1 million, $3.3 million and $6.2 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, the Company reviews its goodwill at least annually (in the Companys fiscal fourth quarter) or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. If the carrying amount of the net tangible and intangible assets in a given reporting unit exceeds the reporting units fair value, a detailed impairment loss analysis is performed to calculate the amount of impairment, if any.
The Company has intangible assets consisting of licenses, patents, contractual relationships/backlog, customer relationships, trade names and trademarks, core technology and know-how and goodwill.
The Company amortizes its licenses, patents, customer relationships, trade names and trademarks, and core technology and know-how, using the straight-line method over a period of 3 to 10 years, which approximates the expected economic consumption of these assets. The Company amortizes its contractual relationships/backlog using the economic consumption method over an estimated period of 2 years.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically evaluates its long-lived assets for potential impairment under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The Company performs these evaluations
58
whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. The Companys judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market and operational performance. Indicators of potential impairment include:
| a significant change in the manner in which an asset is used; |
| a significant decrease in the market value of an asset; |
| a significant adverse change in its business or the industry in which it is sold; |
| a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the asset; and |
| significant advances in the Companys technologies that require changes in the manufacturing process. |
If the Company believes an indicator of potential impairment exists, it tests to determine whether impairment recognition criteria in SFAS No. 144 have been met. To analyze a potential impairment, the Company projects undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or primary asset in the asset group over its remaining useful life. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset or asset group and its fair value, less any disposition costs. Evaluating the impairment requires judgment by the Companys management to estimate future operating results and cash flows. If different estimates were used, the amount and timing of asset impairments could be affected.
Revenue Recognition
For certain arrangements, such as contracts to perform research and development, prototype development contracts and certain product sales, the Company records revenues using the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the relationship of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. The Company uses the percentage-of-completion revenue recognition method when a purchase arrangement meets all of the criteria in Statement of Position 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. Percentage-of-completion revenue recognition accounting is predominantly used on long-term prototype development contracts with the U.S. government, such as the HYDRA project with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Company follows this method since reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. However, the ability to reliably estimate total costs at completion is challenging, especially on long-term prototype development contracts, and could result in future changes in contract estimates. Since many contracts extend over a long period of time, revisions in scope, cost and funding estimates during the progress of work have the effect of adjusting earnings applicable to prior-period performance in the current period. Recognition of contract revenues and profit or loss are subject to revisions as the work progresses to completion. Revisions in profit or loss estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, as a result of cost overruns and changes in estimates, the Company recorded an estimated loss of $3.1 million related to the Navy 36.5MW motor program. For contracts where reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs cannot be made, the Company follows the completed-contract method.
The Company recognizes revenue for other product sales upon customer acceptance, which can occur at the time of delivery, installation or post-installation, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and the collectibility is reasonably assured. For multiple-element arrangements, the Company uses the residual method to allocate value to each delivered item. Under the residual method, each undelivered item is allocated value based on verifiable objective evidence of fair value for that item and the remainder of the total arrangement price is allocated to the delivered items. For a delivered item to be considered a separate unit, the delivered item must have value to the customer on a standalone basis, there must be objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the undelivered items in the arrangement and the delivery or performance of the undelivered items must be considered probable and substantially within the Companys control. The Company does not provide its customers with contractual rights of return for any of its
59
products. When other significant obligations remain after products are delivered, revenue is recognized only after such obligations are fulfilled. The determination of what constitutes a significant post-delivery performance obligation (if any post-delivery performance obligations exist) is the primary subjective consideration the Company systemically evaluates in the context of each product shipment in order to determine whether to recognize revenue on the order or to defer the revenue until all post-delivery performance obligations have been completed.
The Company occasionally enter into construction contracts that include a performance bond. As these contracts progress, the Company continually assesses the probability of a payout from the performance bond. Should the Company determine that such a payout is likely, the Company would record a liability. Under the guidance of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given to a Customer or a Retailer of the Vendor's Products, the Company would reduce revenue to the extent a liability is recorded.
The Company enters into certain arrangements to license its technologies and to provide training services. The Company has determined that the license has no stand alone value to the customer and is not separable from the training. Accordingly, the Company accounts for these arrangements as one unit of accounting and recognizes revenue over the period of the Companys performance.
The Company has elected to record taxes collected from customers on a net basis and do not include tax amounts in Revenue or Costs of revenue.
Customer deposits received in advance of revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue until customer acceptance is received. Deferred revenue also represents the amount billed to and/or collected from commercial and government customers on contracts which permit billings to occur in advance of contract performance/revenue recognition.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each fiscal year end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against its U.S. and China deferred income tax assets since the Company believes that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets are not currently realizable due to the net operating losses incurred by the Company since its inception. The Company has not provided a valuation allowance against its other foreign deferred income tax assets since the Company believes that it is more likely than not that those deferred tax assets will be realized.
Stock-Based Compensation and Pro Forma Stock-Based Compensation
On April 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which requires the Company to account for stock-based payment transactions using a fair value-based method and recognize the related expense in the results of operations. The Company also applied the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 in its adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). Prior to its adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based payments to employees using the Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, which required the Company to use the intrinsic value method and, therefore, the Company recognized compensation expense for restricted stock awards and did not recognize
60
compensation cost for employee stock options where the exercise price of the stock option was equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. SFAS No. 123(R) allows companies to choose one of two transition methods: the modified prospective method or the modified retrospective transition method. Effective April 1, 2006, the Company elected the modified prospective method of transition and accordingly has not restated the results of prior periods. Stock-based compensation expense in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 includes expense for the unvested awards outstanding at March 31, 2006 and all awards granted subsequent to March 31, 2006.
Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), stock-based compensation is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the award. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined by reference to the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. Consistent with the valuation method the Company used for disclosure-only purposes under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of awards with service and performance conditions under SFAS No. 123(R). For awards with service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service/vesting period. For awards with service and performance conditions and graded-vesting features (a certain percentage of stock awards vest each period), the Company recognizes compensation costs on an accelerated, graded-vesting basis over the requisite service/vesting period. The Company uses the lattice model to value market condition awards. For awards with market conditions with a single cliff vest feature, the Company recognizes compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
Determining the appropriate fair value model and related assumptions requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatilities of the Companys common stock, forfeiture rates and expected terms. The expected volatility rates are estimated based on historical and implied volatilities of the Companys common stock. The expected term represents the average time that the options that vest are expected to be outstanding based on the vesting provisions and the Companys historical exercise, cancellation and expiration patterns.
The Company estimates pre-vesting forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense based on historical and forward-looking factors. Changes in estimated forfeiture rates and differences between estimated forfeiture rates and actual experience may result in significant, unanticipated increases or decreases in stock-based compensation expense from period to period. The termination of employment of certain employees who hold large numbers of stock-based awards may also have a significant, unanticipated impact on forfeiture experience and, therefore, on stock-based compensation expense. The Company will update these assumptions on at least an annual basis and on an interim basis if significant changes to the assumptions are warranted.
Prior to April 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock plans under the provisions of APB No. 25 and elected to apply the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123. Had compensation cost for awards granted under the Companys stock-based compensation plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the method set forth under SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, the effect on certain financial information of the Company would have been as follows:
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 |
||||
Net loss |
$ | (30,876 | ) | |
Add: Stock compensation expense under APB 25 in the statements of operations |
789 | |||
Less: Stock compensation expense had all options been recorded at fair value per SFAS No. 123 |
(3,824 | ) | ||
Pro forma net loss |
$ | (33,911 | ) | |
Weighted average shares, basic and diluted |
32,685 | |||
Net loss per share, as reported |
$ | (0.94 | ) | |
Net loss per share, pro forma |
$ | (1.04 | ) |
61
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants:
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 | ||
Dividend yield |
None | |
Expected volatility |
51% | |
Risk-free interest rate |
4.0% | |
Expected life (years) |
6.1 |
The weighted-average fair value of options granted was $5.85 per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. The expected volatility rate was estimated based on the historical volatility of the Companys common stock.
Computation of Net Loss per Common Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted- average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period, calculated using the treasury stock method. Common equivalent shares include the effect of restricted stock, exercise of stock options and warrants, and contingently issuable shares. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, common equivalent shares of 4,306,699, 4,580,559 and 4,678,975, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as they were considered antidilutive.
The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of the earnings per share calculation for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands except per share amounts):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (25,447 | ) | $ | (34,675 | ) | $ | (30,876 | ) | |||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding |
39,492 | 33,706 | 32,888 | |||||||||
Weighted-average shares subject to repurchase |
(355 | ) | (445 | ) | (203 | ) | ||||||
Shares used in per-share calculationbasic and diluted |
39,137 | 33,261 | 32,685 | |||||||||
Net loss per sharebasic and diluted: |
$ | (0.65 | ) | $ | (1.04 | ) | $ | (0.94 | ) | |||
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of all the Companys foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, except for Windtec, for which the local currency (Euro) is the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of Windtec, an acquisition in Austria completed in calendar 2007, are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense items are translated at average rates for the period. Cumulative translation adjustments are excluded from net loss and shown as a separate component of stockholders equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the net loss and have not been material to date.
Risks and Uncertainties
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates and would impact future results of operations and cash flows.
62
The Company invests its available cash with high-credit, quality financial institutions and invests primarily in investment grade-marketable securities, including, but not limited to, government obligations, repurchase agreements, money market funds and corporate debt instruments.
Several of the Companys government contracts are being funded incrementally, and as such, are subject to the future authorization, appropriation, and availability of government funding. The Company has a history of successfully obtaining financing under incrementally-funded contracts with the U.S. government and it expects to continue to receive additional contract modifications in the fiscal years ending March 31, 2009 and beyond as incremental funding is authorized and appropriated by the government.
Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Companys financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying amounts of its cash equivalents and marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
3. Marketable Securities
The following is a summary of marketable securities at March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
Cost at March 31, 2008 |
Gross Unrealized Gains |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Fair Market Value at March 31, 2008 | |||||||||
Commercial paper |
$ | 38,119 | $ | 269 | $ | | $ | 38,388 | ||||
Certificates of deposit |
10 | | | 10 | ||||||||
Total marketable securities |
$ | 38,129 | $ | 269 | $ | | $ | 38,398 | ||||
Cost at March 31, 2007 |
Gross Unrealized Gains |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Fair Market Value at March 31, 2007 | |||||||||
Commercial paper |
$ | 18,102 | $ | 5 | $ | | $ | 18,107 | ||||
Corporate notes and bonds |
1,284 | | | 1,284 | ||||||||
Certificates of deposit |
8 | | | 8 | ||||||||
Total marketable securities |
$ | 19,394 | $ | 5 | $ | | $ | 19,399 | ||||
The Companys marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and, accordingly, are recorded at fair value. The difference between amortized cost and fair value is included in stockholders equity. At March 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no investments with gross unrealized losses.
4. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable at March 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Accounts receivable (billed) |
$ | 21,645 | $ | 13,991 | ||||
Accounts receivable (unbilled) |
15,468 | 4,068 | ||||||
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts |
(5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Net accounts receivable |
$ | 37,108 | $ | 18,054 | ||||
63
The Company did not record an allowance for doubtful accounts provision in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
5. Inventory
Inventory at March 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Raw materials |
$ | 2,209 | $ | 759 | ||
Work-in-progress |
4,380 | 2,694 | ||||
Finished goods |
3,474 | 2,227 | ||||
Deferred program costs |
844 | 1,173 | ||||
Inventory |
$ | 10,907 | $ | 6,853 | ||
Finished goods inventory of $3.5 million and $2.2 million as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively includes the cost of products shipped to customers on contracts for which revenue is deferred until final customer acceptance.
Deferred program costs of $0.8 million as of March 31, 2008 represent costs incurred primarily on wind turbine development programs where the Company needs to achieve certain milestones or complete the contracts on these programs before revenue can be recognized.
Deferred program costs of $1.2 million as of March 31, 2007 primarily represent $1.1 million of costs incurred in excess of funding on a Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored program to install an HTS power cable in the transmission grid of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). These program costs were inventoried because future funding sufficient to recover these deferred costs was deemed probable. In May 2007, DOE awarded the Company a contract modification of $4.0 million to cover additional subcontractor costs and the deferred program costs were expensed when the corresponding revenue was recognized.
6. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets at March 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amount |
Accumulated Amortization |
Net Book Value |
Gross Amount |
Accumulated Amortization |
Net Book Value |
Estimated useful life | ||||||||||||||||
Licenses |
$ | 1,698 | $ | (1,646 | ) | $ | 52 | $ | 1,699 | $ | (1,623 | ) | $ | 76 | 7 | |||||||
Patents |
7,946 | (4,891 | ) | 3,055 | 6,745 | (3,977 | ) | 2,768 | 7 | |||||||||||||
Contractual relationships/ backlog |
4,049 | (3,980 | ) | 69 | 3,333 | (254 | ) | 3,079 | 2 | |||||||||||||
Customer relationships |
2,993 | (782 | ) | 2,211 | 2,020 | (101 | ) | 1,919 | 3 - 5 | |||||||||||||
Trade names and trademarks |
1,436 | (256 | ) | 1,180 | 1,212 | (43 | ) | 1,169 | 7 | |||||||||||||
Core technology and know-how |
6,357 | (1,341 | ) | 5,016 | 4,040 | (202 | ) | 3,838 | 5 - 10 | |||||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
$ | 24,479 | $ | (12,896 | ) | $ | 11,583 | $ | 19,049 | $ | (6,200 | ) | $ | 12,849 | ||||||||
The Company recorded intangible amortization expense of $6.0 million, $1.5 million and $1.3 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
64
Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Amortization expense |
$ | 2,910 | $ | 2,614 | $ | 2,350 | $ | 1,883 | $ | 657 |
Goodwill of $18.5 million and $5.1 million at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, represents the excess of the purchase price paid for the calendar year 2007 acquisitions of Windtec Consulting, GmbH and Power Quality Systems, Inc. over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, as well as the purchase price paid for the June 2000 acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Integrated Electronics, LLC (IE) over the fair value of IEs assets acquired, less amortization recorded prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142. Goodwill also includes $9.8 million, representing the fair value of common shares earned as contingent consideration as of March 31, 2008 for the Windtec and Power Quality Systems acquisitions. The goodwill is associated with the Power Systems segment. The geographic composition of goodwill and intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Goodwill by geography: |
||||||
U.S. |
$ | 5,638 | $ | 1,108 | ||
Europe |
12,892 | 4,018 | ||||
Total |
$ | 18,530 | $ | 5,126 | ||
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Intangible assets by geography: |
||||||
U.S. |
$ | 4,761 | $ | 2,834 | ||
Europe |
6,822 | 10,015 | ||||
Total |
$ | 11,583 | $ | 12,849 | ||
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the Company impaired certain 1G patents and licenses that had no alternative future use as a result of the Companys transition from 1G to 2G HTS wire. The impairment charge related to the 1G patents and licenses was $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and was recorded in the AMSC Superconductors segment. During the Companys annual testing for impairment, the Company assessed Goodwill and concluded that Goodwill was not impaired as of March 31, 2008 and 2007.
7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses at March 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 10,044 | $ | 9,724 | ||
Accrued expenses |
5,756 | 6,299 | ||||
Accrued subcontractor program costs |
3,392 | 1,906 | ||||
Accrued litigation costs (including warrants) |
3,007 | 1,354 | ||||
Accrued vacation and holiday |
1,367 | 1,319 | ||||
Accrued bonus |
2,118 | 884 | ||||
Income taxes payable |
6,330 | | ||||
Accrued restructuring |
4,567 | 464 | ||||
Accrued warranty |
1,775 | 1,582 | ||||
Total |
$ | 38,356 | $ | 23,532 | ||
65
Product Warranty
The Company generally provides a one to two year warranty on its products, commencing upon installation. A provision is recorded upon revenue recognition to Cost of revenueproduct sales and prototype development for estimated warranty expense based on historical experience. The following is a summary of accrued warranty activity (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 1,582 | $ | 563 | ||||
Accruals for warranties during the period |
2,867 | 1,655 | ||||||
Settlements during the period |
(2,713 | ) | (726 | ) | ||||
Adjustments relating to preexisting warranties |
39 | 90 | ||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 1,775 | $ | 1,582 | ||||
8. Income Taxes
Net income/(loss) before income taxes for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are provided in the table as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) before income tax expense: |
||||||||||||
U.S. |
$ | (32,242 | ) | $ | (34,185 | ) | $ | (30,894 | ) | |||
Foreign |
9,675 | (592 | ) | 18 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | (22,567 | ) | $ | (34,777 | ) | $ | (30,876 | ) | |||
The components of income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations consist of the following (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
Current |
|||||||||||
Federal |
$ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
State |
|||||||||||
Foreign |
5,998 | (6 | ) | | |||||||
Total current |
5,998 | (6 | ) | | |||||||
Deferred |
|||||||||||
Federal |
161 | | | ||||||||
State |
29 | | | ||||||||
Foreign |
(3,308 | ) | (96 | ) | | ||||||
Total deferred |
(3,118 | ) | (96 | ) | | ||||||
Income tax expense/(benefit) |
$ | 2,880 | $ | (102 | ) | $ | | ||||
66
The reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Companys effective income tax rate is shown below.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
|||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Statutory federal income tax rate |
(34 | )% | (34 | )% | (34 | )% | |||
State income taxes, net federal benefit |
(9 | ) | (8 | ) | (6 | ) | |||
Foreign income tax rate |
(3 | ) | | | |||||
Nondeductible expenses |
2 | | 2 | ||||||
Research and development credit |
(1 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Valuation allowance |
58 | 44 | 39 | ||||||
Effective income tax rate |
13 | % | | % | | % | |||
The principal components of the Companys deferred tax assets and liabilities were the following (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
Net operating loss carryforward |
$ | 151,941 | $ | 139,854 | ||||
Research and development and other credits |
6,461 | 7,907 | ||||||
Accruals and reserves |
7,737 | 5,865 | ||||||
Fixed assets and intangibles |
6,209 | 8,784 | ||||||
Other |
2,063 | 806 | ||||||
Gross deferred tax assets |
174,411 | 163,216 | ||||||
Valuation allowance |
(171,664 | ) | (162,703 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax assets |
2,747 | 513 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
Intangibles from acquisitions |
(1,658 | ) | (2,501 | ) | ||||
Fixed assets and intangibles |
(40 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(1,698 | ) | (2,518 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) |
$ | 1,049 | $ | (2,005 | ) | |||
The Company has provided a valuation allowance against its U.S. and China deferred income tax assets since the Company believes that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets are not currently realizable due to the net operating losses (NOLs) incurred by the Company since its inception. The Company has not provided a valuation allowance against its other foreign deferred income tax assets since the Company believes that it is more likely than not that those deferred tax assets will be realized.
At March 31, 2008, the Company has aggregate NOL carryforwards for its U.S operations for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $410.2 million and $269.3 million, respectively, which expire in the fiscal years ending March 31, 2009 through 2028. Of this amount, $16.5 million results from excess tax deductions from stock option exercised in 2006 and 2007. Pursuant to SFAS No. 123R, the deferred tax asset relating to excess tax benefits from these exercises was not recognized for financial statement purposes. The future benefit from these deductions will be recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital when realized.
Also included in the U.S. NOLs is approximately $7.6 million and $4.1 million of acquired losses from Superconductivity, Inc. and Power Quality Systems, Inc., respectively. Their utilization of these losses by the Company will be subject to annual limitation under Section 382.
67
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the IRC), limits the amount of NOL and general business tax credit carryforwards that a corporation may deduct from its income if the corporation has undergone an ownership change. The Companys utilization of NOL and general business tax credit carryforwards may be subject to the substantial annual limitations imposed by Section 382 of the IRC due to ownership changes that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future. These ownership changes may limit the amount of NOL and general business tax credit carryforwards that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax, respectively. In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, results from transactions increasing the ownership of certain shareholders or public groups in the stock of a corporation by more than 50% over a three year period. Since the Companys formation, it has have raised capital through the issuance of capital stock which, combined with the purchasing shareholders subsequent disposition of those shares, may have resulted in an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, or could result in an ownership change in the future upon subsequent disposition. The Company has not completed an in-depth study to assess whether there have been multiple ownership changes since its formation due to the significant complexity and cost associated with such study. If the Company has experienced an ownership change at any time since its formation, utilization of its NOL or general business tax credit carryforwards would be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382. Any limitation may result in expiration of a portion of the NOL or general business tax credit carryforwards before utilization. Until a study is completed and any limitation known, no NOL or general business tax credit carryforward amounts are being presented as uncertain tax positions under FIN 48.
At March 31, 2008, the Company had NOL carryforwards for its foreign operations of $8.9 million, which can expire within five years or can be carried forward indefinitely.
The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $15.3 million reflecting the benefit of deductions from the exercise of stock options prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R. This deferred tax asset has been fully reserved since it is more likely than not that the tax benefit from the exercise of stock options will not be realized. The benefit from this $15.3 million will be recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital when realized. Research and development and other tax credit carryforwards amounting to approximately $4.5 million and $3.0 million are available to offset federal and state income taxes, respectively, and will expire in the fiscal years ending March 31, 2009 through 2028.
In accordance with SFAS No. 109, the accounting for the tax benefits of acquired deductible temporary differences and NOL carryforwards, which are not recognized at the acquisition date because a valuation allowance is established and which are recognized subsequent to the acquisition, will be applied first to reduce to zero goodwill and other non-current intangible assets related to the acquisitions. Any remaining benefits would be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. As of March, 31, 2008, $0.9 million of the deferred tax asset pertains to acquired companies, the future benefit will be applied first to reduce to zero goodwill and other non-current intangible assets related to the acquisitions, prior to reducing income tax expense.
A portion of the deferred tax liabilities are created by goodwill as a result of a U.S. acquisition. These deferred tax liabilities are not allowed as an offset to deferred tax assets for purposes of determining the amount of valuation allowance required. As a result, a deferred tax provision is required to increase the Company's valuation allowance. The deferred tax liability associated with goodwill as of March 31, 2008 was approximately $0.2 million.
The estimated amount of undistributed earnings of the Companys foreign subsidiaries is approximately $8.3 million at March 31, 2008. No amount for U.S. income tax has been provided on undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries because the Company considers such earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. In the event of distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes, subject to an adjustment, if any, for foreign tax credits, and foreign withholding taxes payable to certain foreign tax authorities. Determination of the amount of U.S. income tax liability that would be incurred is not practicable because of the complexities associated with this hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign tax credit carryforwards may be available to reduce some portion of the U.S. tax liability, if any.
68
The Company adopted Financial Interpretation Number 48, Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions on April 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions either upon adoption of FIN 48 or at March 31, 2008.
The Company has not recognized any interest and penalties in the statement of operations because of the Company's net operating losses and tax credits that are available to be carried forward.
The Company will account for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for federal and state income taxes.
The Company does not expect that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly within the next 12 months.
The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and state jurisdictions for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1993 through 2007.
9. Stockholders Equity
Public Offering
In July 2007 the Company completed a public offering of 4,700,000 shares of its common stock and received net proceeds (after the underwriters discount and offering expenses) of $93.6 million.
Stock-Based Compensation
The components of stock-based compensation for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows (in thousands):
For fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Stock options |
$ | 3,139 | $ | 1,851 | ||
Restricted stock and stock awards |
2,481 | 1,771 | ||||
Employee stock purchase plan |
45 | 58 | ||||
Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 5,665 | $ | 3,680 | ||
The estimated fair value of the Companys stock-based awards, less expected annual forfeitures, is amortized over the awards service period. Based on the fair value of options, restricted stock and employee stock purchase rights, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $5.7 million and $3.7 million during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested outstanding stock-based compensation awards was $7.7 million and $4.5 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted average expense period of approximately 1.6 years.
69
The Companys financial statements for periods prior to April 1, 2006 for which stock-based compensation was accounted for under APB No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, have not been restated. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) had a significant impact on the Companys results of operations. The Companys consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 include the following stock-based compensation expense (in thousands):
Stock-based compensation in the Statement of Operations by line item |
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | |||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Costs of revenue |
$ | 515 | $ | 391 | ||
Research and development |
1,046 | 908 | ||||
Selling, general and administrative |
4,104 | 2,381 | ||||
Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 5,665 | $ | 3,680 | ||
The following table summarizes the information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable employee and non-employee options and warrants:
Options/ Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (thousands) | ||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 |
4,140,309 | $ | 16.14 | ||||||||
Granted at fair value |
894,565 | 16.08 | |||||||||
Exercised |
(1,392,354 | ) | 10.46 | ||||||||
Canceled/Forfeited |
(107,263 | ) | 15.12 | ||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2008 |
3,535,257 | $ | 18.39 | 5.2 | $ | 26,433 | |||||
Fully vested at March 31, 2008: |
2,267,914 | 3.3 | |||||||||
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2008:
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||||
Range of |
Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Number Exercisable |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | |||||||
$ 3.44 5.89 | 169,105 | 5.0 | $ | 3.62 | 152,055 | $ | 3.64 | |||||
5.89 11.78 | 1,025,148 | 5.4 | 9.68 | 747,885 | 9.58 | |||||||
11.78 17.66 | 1,034,754 | 7.9 | 14.43 | 222,724 | 13.97 | |||||||
17.66 23.55 | 121,500 | 9.3 | 21.45 | | | |||||||
23.55 29.44 | 389,750 | 2.8 | 25.59 | 350,250 | 25.64 | |||||||
29.44 35.33 | 750,000 | 2.3 | 32.56 | 750,000 | 32.56 | |||||||
35.33 41.21 | 5,000 | 2.4 | 40.75 | 5,000 | 40.75 | |||||||
41.21 58.88 | 40,000 | 1.9 | 58.88 | 40,000 | 58.88 | |||||||
$ 3.44 58.88 | 3,535,257 | 5.2 | $ | 18.39 | 2,267,914 | $ | 20.63 | |||||
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock option awards granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $5.75 per share, $6.41 per share and $5.85 per share, respectively. Intrinsic value represents the amount by which the market price of the common stock exceeds the exercise price of the options. The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options at the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $15.2 million, $1.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $1.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
70
The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model for stock options granted during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Dividend yield |
None | None | ||||
Expected volatility |
58.9 | % | 61.6 | % | ||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.7 | % | 4.6 | % | ||
Expected life (years) |
5.3 | 5.8 |
The expected volatility rate was estimated based on an equal weighting of the historical volatility of the Companys common stock and the implied volatility of the Companys traded options. The expected term was estimated based on an analysis of the Companys historical experience of exercise, cancellation, and expiration patterns. The risk-free interest rate is based on five-year U.S. Treasury rates.
The following table summarizes the employee and non-employee restricted stock activity for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008:
Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Intrinsic Aggregate Value (thousands) | ||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 |
440,250 | $ | 9.51 | 8.86 | |||||||
Granted |
115,250 | 21.06 | |||||||||
Vested |
(177,386 | ) | 12.54 | ||||||||
Forfeited |
(31,672 | ) | 10.41 | ||||||||
Outstanding at March 31, 2008 |
346,442 | $ | 12.46 | 8.24 | $ | 8,033 | |||||
The total fair value of time-based restricted stock that vested during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 was $2.2 million.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
As of March 31, 2008, the Company had two active stock plans: the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) and the 2007 Director Stock Option Plan (the 2007 Director Plan). The 2007 Plan replaced the Companys 2004 Stock Incentive Plan upon the approval by the Companys stockholders on August 3, 2007. The 2007 Director Plan replaced the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Director Stock Option Plan, which expired pursuant to its terms on May 2, 2007.
The Plans provide for the issuance of restricted stock, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to purchase the Companys common stock. In the case of incentive stock options, the exercise price shall be equal to at least the fair market value of the common stock, as determined by the Board of Directors, on the date of grant. The contractual life of options is generally 10 years. Options generally vest over a 3-5 year period while restricted stock generally vests over a 2-5 year period. The 2007 Director Plan is for members of the Board of Directors who are not also employees of the Company (outside directors). Effective August 8, 2007, under the 2007 Director Plan, certain outside directors received an annual award of 5,000 fully-vested shares of common stock.
As of March 31, 2008, the 2007 Plan had 2,860,500 shares and the 2007 Director Plan had 280,000 shares available for future issuance.
71
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Effective April 1, 2006, the Company amended its employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) to provide that the shares are priced based on the market value of the common stock at the end of the offering period, rather than the market value at the beginning or end of the offering period, whichever was lower. However the Company retained the 15% purchase discount. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 related to the ESPP. The Company issued 13,724 shares of common stock related to the ESPP during the year ended March 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2008, the ESPP had 84,978 shares available for future issuance.
Stock Purchase Warrants
There are outstanding warrants held by UT-Battelle, LLC (UT-Battelle) for 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $13.68 per share which become exercisable over a five-year period following the date of grant. These warrants were granted in exchange for a reduction in annual minimum royalty payments to UT-Battelle, which manages the Oak Ridge National Laboratory under a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy. Expense related to these warrants was immaterial to the consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
In March 1998, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with EPRI to develop and commercialize a coated conductor composite HTS wire. In connection with this agreement, the Company granted warrants to EPRI for 110,000 shares of common stock (67,068 of which have been exercised to date and the remaining 42,932 were forfeited to cover the cost to exercise 25,818 shares during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008) at $13.94 per share.
In addition, the Company also granted a warrant to TM Capital in April 2005. See Note 10.
Outstanding common stock warrants as of March 31, 2008 are summarized in the following table:
Warrant Holder |
Issue Date | Exercise Price |
Shares Issued |
Shares Exercised as of March 31, 2008 |
Vesting Period |
Expiration Date | |||||||
UT-Battelle |
06/23/2004 | $ | 13.68 | 5,000 | | 5 years | 06/23/2014 | ||||||
TM Capital |
04/04/2005 | $ | 9.50 | 200,000 | | Immediate | 04/04/2010 |
10. Commitments and Contingencies
In April 2005, the Company issued to TM Capital (which subsequently assigned it to Provident Premier Master Fund, Ltd.) a common stock purchase warrant for 200,000 shares of the Company's common stock, exercisable for a five-year term, with an exercise price of $9.50 per share (the "Warrant") in connection with the settlement of litigation.
The accrued warrant cost will continue to be classified as a current liability until such time as the Warrant is exercised or forfeited, and will be marked-to-market based primarily on the current price and expected volatility of the Companys common stock as of the end of each reporting period. The Warrant was valued at $3.0 million and $1.3 million as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. A loss of $1.7 million was recorded in, Other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, reflecting the change in value. The following Black-Scholes assumptions were used:
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Expected volatility |
64.7 | % | 49.9 | % | ||
Risk-free interest rate |
1.75 | % | 4.75 | % | ||
Expected life (years) |
2.0 | 3.0 |
72
The Company leases two operating facilities in Middleton, Wisconsin, under leases which expire on December 31, 2010, one facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin, under a lease which expires on September 30, 2011, and one facility in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, under a lease which expires on December 31, 2010. The Company also leases two facilities in Austria, one in Klagenfurt and one in Ebenthal, under leases which expire on December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2008, respectively. The Company also rents a facility in Suzhou, China, under a lease that expires on July 31, 2010.
The Company also has an operating lease for a facility in Westborough, Massachusetts, its former corporate headquarters, which expires on May 31, 2009. In October 2007, the Company entered into a restructuring plan to consolidate its headquarters into its Devens, Massachusetts facility (see Note 14). In December 2007, the Company vacated this facility and recorded a lease restructuring charge of $3.8 million and facility closing costs of $2.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 in connection with the restructuring.
Rent expense under the operating leases mentioned above was as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | |||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Rent expense |
$ | 2,819 | $ | 3,122 | $ | 3,153 |
Minimum future lease commitments at March 31, 2008 were as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
Total | ||
2009 |
$ | 3,916 | |
2010 |
2,193 | ||
2011 |
1,514 | ||
2012 |
776 | ||
2013 and beyond |
793 | ||
Total |
$ | 9,192 | |
In September 2001, the Company entered into a standby letter of credit arrangement with a financial institution to provide a guarantee for rent of $1.0 million for the Two Technology Drive facility in Westborough, Massachusetts. The letter of credit amount was reduced to $0.8 million at June 1, 2005 and was reduced to $0.5 million at June 1, 2007. This letter of credit will expire on July 31, 2009.
As of March 31, 2007, the Company had an outstanding performance bond in the form of a bank guarantee for 0.1 million (approximately $0.1 million) issued on behalf of the Companys Windtec subsidiary in connection with a contract to provide power electronics for a Chinese customer. This performance bond expired on June 30, 2007. A new performance bond was issued for 0.9 million (approximately $1.3 million) on April 25, 2007. This performance bond will expire in January 2009. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company entered into two new performance bonds with the same customer for a total of 0.2 million (approximately $0.3 million). In the event that the payment is made in accordance with the requirements of these performance bonds, the Company would record the payment as an offset to revenue. To secure the performance bonds, the Company has 0.8 million (approximately $1.2 million) in restricted cash, included in current assets.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the Company entered into several long-term construction contracts with customers that required the Company to obtain performance bonds. The Company is required to deposit an amount equivalent to some or all the face amount of the performance bonds into an escrow account until the termination of the bond. At March 31, 2008, the Company has recorded $12.3 million of restricted cash included in current assets and $0.9 million of long-term restricted cash.
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The Company also has an unused line of credit of 0.6 million (or approximately $0.9 million) which is available until June 30, 2010. This line of credit is secured with accounts receivable.
11. Cost-Sharing Arrangements
The Company has entered into several cost-sharing arrangements with various agencies of the United States government. Funds paid to the Company under these agreements are not reported as revenues but are used to directly offset the Companys research and development (R&D) and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, and to purchase capital equipment.
Costs incurred and funding received under these contracts is as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | |||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Costs incurred |
$ | 6,066 | $ | 7,063 | $ | 3,735 | |||
Funding received |
$ | 2,539 | $ | 2,920 | $ | 1,644 |
At March 31, 2008, total funding received to date under these agreements was $25.7 million.
12. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has implemented a deferred compensation plan (the Plan) under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Any contributions made by the Company to the Plan are discretionary. The Company has a stock match program under which the Company matched, in the form of Company common stock, 35% of the first 6% of eligible contributions. Effective October 1, 2007 this contribution increased to 50% of the first 6% of eligible contributions. The Company recorded expense of $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and corresponding charges to additional paid-in capital related to this program.
13. Acquisitions
Acquisition of Power Quality Systems, Inc.
On April 27, 2007, the Company acquired Power Quality Systems, Inc. (PQS) for $4.5 million in stock. Located in Pennsylvania, PQS offers reactive compensation products known as Static VAR Compensators, or SVCs, based on its proprietary thyristor switch technology. These products enhance the reliability of power transmission and distribution grids and improve the quality of power for manufacturing operations. PQS was integrated into the AMSC Power Systems business unit. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price of $2.8 million paid by the Company over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill. Goodwill represents the value associated with the acquired workforce and synergies related to the merger of the two companies. The Company estimated the fair value of the intangible assets at $2.3 million, which consisted of contractual relationships and backlog of $0.1 million, customer relationships of $0.6 million and core-technology and know-how of $1.6 million.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of PQS, for which the Company issued 295,329 shares of the Companys common stock. The Company valued the acquisition at $4.3 million (excluding acquisition costs) using a value of $14.73 per share, which represents the five-day average closing price of the common stock from the two trading days before through two trading days after the signing of the Merger Agreement and the public announcement of the acquisition. The shares are subject to a lockup agreement whereby the former owners of PQS may sell only a certain number of shares per year
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through April 2009. While the former owners of PQS have not been employed by the Company subsequent to the acquisition, all key PQS engineering personnel remain employed by the Company. The all-stock transaction also includes an earn-out opportunity with the potential for up to an additional 0.5 million shares of Company common stock to be issued to PQS's former owners based on the achievement of certain order growth targets for existing PQS products for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2008 and 2009. As of March 31, 2008, the Company recorded contingent consideration of $1.7 million to Goodwill and additional paid-in capital, representing 75,000 shares earned for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
The results of PQSs operations are included in the Companys consolidated results from the date of acquisition of April 27, 2007. Assuming the acquisition of PQS had occurred on April 1, 2007 and 2006, the impact on the consolidated results of the Company would not have been significant.
Acquisition of Windtec Consulting GmbH
On January 5, 2007, the Company acquired Windtec Consulting GmbH, a corporation incorporated according to the laws of Austria (Windtec). Windtec develops and sells electrical systems for wind turbine systems. Windtec also provides technology transfer for the manufacturing of wind turbines; documentation services; and training and support regarding assembly, installation, commissioning, and service. Prior to entering into the Stock Purchase Agreement, Windtec was a customer, since 2005, for the Companys PowerModule PM1000 power converters that are utilized for the management and stabilization of electricity produced by wind turbine generators. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had recognized revenues of $2.6 million for products sold to Windtec during the nine months ended December 31, 2006.
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Windtec, in exchange for 1,300,000 shares of the Companys common stock. As a result of this transaction, Windtec is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Additionally, the Company may pay the former owner and current employee up to an additional 1,400,000 shares of common stock upon Windtecs achievement of specified revenue objectives during the first four fiscal years following closing of the acquisition. As of March 31, 2008, the Company recorded contingent consideration of $8.1 million to Goodwill and Additional paid-in capital, based on 350,000 shares earned for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
The fair value of shares of the Companys common stock issued was determined using a value of $10.08 per share, which represents the five-day average closing price of the common stock from the two trading days before through two trading days after the signing of the Stock Purchase Agreement and the public announcement of the acquisition. Transaction costs include accounting and legal fees and other external costs directly related to the acquisition. The total purchase price of approximately $13.6 million includes the fair value of shares of the Companys common stock issued and transaction costs.
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The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and related deferred income taxes in connection with the acquisition (in thousands):
January 5, 2007 | |||
Assets acquired: |
|||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 71 | |
Short-term marketable securities |
8 | ||
Accounts receivable, net |
2,728 | ||
Inventory |
119 | ||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
726 | ||
Deferred tax assets-current |
523 | ||
Property and equipment |
750 | ||
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization |
10,500 | ||
Goodwill |
3,979 | ||
Deferred tax assets-non-current |
22 | ||
Total assets acquired |
19,426 | ||
Liabilities assumed: |
|||
Accounts payable |
2,610 | ||
Short-term borrowings |
443 | ||
Deferred revenue |
67 | ||
Other long-term liabilities |
119 | ||
Deferred income taxes |
2,625 | ||
Total liabilities assumed |
5,864 | ||
Net assets acquired |
$ | 13,562 | |
Goodwill represents the value associated with the acquired workforce and synergies related to the merger of the two companies. Goodwill resulting from the acquisition was assigned to the Companys AMSC Power Systems segment. Deferred taxes were recorded for the differing book and tax bases of all Windtec assets and liabilities other than goodwill. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The Company estimated the fair values of the identifiable intangible assets as follows (in thousands):
January 5, 2007 | |||||
Net Value | Useful life (in years) | ||||
Contractual relationships / backlog |
$ | 3,300 | 2 | ||
Customer relationships |
2,000 | 5 | |||
Trade names and trademarks |
1,200 | 7 | |||
Core technology and know-how |
4,000 | 5 | |||
Total intangible assets |
$ | 10,500 | |||
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Unaudited Pro Forma Operating ResultsThe following table presents the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of the Company for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as if the acquisition of Windtec Consulting GmbH was completed as of April 1, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as shown below (in thousands).
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Revenue |
$ | 64,161 | $ | 63,648 | ||||
Net loss |
(35,314 | ) | (33,230 | ) | ||||
Basic and diluted loss per common share amounts: |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1.06 | ) | $ | (1.02 | ) |
The pro forma amounts include the historical operating results of the Company and Windtec Consulting GmbH with appropriate adjustments that give effect to depreciation, amortization and accretion, interest expense, income taxes, and certain conforming accounting policies of the Company. The pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the acquisition and related transactions had been completed at the beginning of the applicable periods presented. In addition, the pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of operating results in future periods.
The results of Windtecs operations are included in the Companys consolidated results from the date of acquisition of January 5, 2007.
14. Restructuring
On March 26, 2007, the Companys Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the Fiscal 2006 Plan) to reduce future operating costs and to transition its high temperature superconductor products to the manufacturing stage by consolidating the Companys AMSC Wires, SuperMachines and Power Electronic Systems business segments into two operating segments: AMSC Superconductors and AMSC Power Systems.
The Companys aggregate restructuring charges associated with the Fiscal 2006 Plan were $0.8 million, of which $0.3 million was expensed in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and $0.5 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. These charges consisted of severance, relocation and lease termination costs. The restructuring charge was allocated to the AMSC Superconductors operating segment. As of March 31, 2008, the plan was substantially completed.
On October 25, 2007, the Companys Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the Fiscal 2007 Plan) to reduce operating costs through the closure its last remaining facility in Westborough, Massachusetts, and the consolidation of operations there, including its corporate headquarters, into its Devens, Massachusetts, facility. No headcount reductions were associated with this plan.
Aggregate restructuring charges associated with the Fiscal 2007 Plan were $6.4 million, all of which were recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. The charge primarily represents $3.8 million in costs associated with the write-off of the present value of the remaining lease payments, $2.2 million in unforeseen costs determined necessary to return the building back to its original state to the landlord, and $0.5 million in costs associated with the relocation of people and equipment to its Devens facility. The aggregate expected charge above assumes the facility is not subleased. All restructuring charges associated with the Fiscal 2007 Plan are expected to result in cash disbursements.
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The following table presents the restructuring expense and cash disbursements for the Fiscal 2006 Plan and the Fiscal 2007 Plan for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands).
Employee Severance & Related Benefits |
Lease Termination Costs |
Decontamination and Other Facility Closing Costs |
Relocation and Other Costs |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2006 Plan |
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance April 1, 2006 |
$ | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||||||||
Charges to operations |
381 | 94 | | 49 | 524 | |||||||||||||||
Cash disbursements |
(11 | ) | | | (49 | ) | (60 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2007 |
370 | 94 | | | 464 | |||||||||||||||
Charges to operations |
217 | | 58 | | 275 | |||||||||||||||
Cash disbursements |
(587 | ) | (94 | ) | (58 | ) | | (739 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2008 |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Fiscal 2007 Plan |
||||||||||||||||||||
Balance April 1, 2007 |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Charges to operations |
| 3,765 | 2,184 | 481 | 6,430 | |||||||||||||||
Cash disbursements |
| (665 | ) | (275 | ) | (481 | ) | (1,421 | ) | |||||||||||
Balance March 31, 2008 |
$ | | $ | 3,100 | $ | 1,909 | $ | | $ | 5,009 | ||||||||||
Restructuring charges the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 were $6.7 million, of which $0.3 million were from the Fiscal 2006 Plan and $6.4 million were associated with the Fiscal 2007 Plan. The remaining cash disbursements will be completed by the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.
15. Impairments of Long-lived Assets
As of March 31, 2007, the Company reclassified its previously impaired first generation wire manufacturing equipment from Property, Plant and Equipment to Assets held for sale, which is included in Other Assets in the Consolidate Balance Sheet. The estimated salvage value of these assets was $2.2 million as of March 31, 2007. A public auction for the sale of these assets was held in June 2007 and private sales were negotiated with interested parties for the remaining equipment. Based on the results of the auction and the Companys recent work to sell through private sales, the Company determined that additional impairment charges of $0.8 million were required during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, to write down the value to its net realizable value. As of March 31, 2008, all such 1G fixed assets have been sold or disposed.
16. Business Segment and Geographic Information
The Company reports its financial results in two reportable business segments: AMSC Superconductors and AMSC Power Systems.
AMSC Power Systems supplies power electronic systems used in wind turbines; produces products to increase electrical grid capacity and reliability and to regulate wind farm voltage for the electrical grid; and, through its AMSC Windtec subsidiary, licenses proprietary wind energy system designs to manufacturers of such systems and provides consulting services to the wind industry.
AMSC Superconductors focuses on the manufacturing of HTS wire and coils; the design and development of HTS products, such as power cables, fault current limiters and motors; and the management of large-scale HTS projects, such as HTS power cable system design, manufacturing and installation.
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The operating results for the two business segments are as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
Revenues |
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
AMSC Superconductors |
$ | 15,573 | $ | 21,333 | $ | 35,871 | ||||||
AMSC Power Systems |
96,823 | 30,850 | 15,001 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 112,396 | $ | 52,183 | $ | 50,872 | ||||||
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||
AMSC Superconductors |
$ | (21,784 | ) | $ | (31,419 | ) | $ | (27,549 | ) | |||
AMSC Power Systems |
10,865 | 402 | (3,641 | ) | ||||||||
Unallocated corporate expenses |
(13,971 | ) | (5,515 | ) | (2,297 | ) | ||||||
Total |
$ | (24,890 | ) | $ | (36,532 | ) | $ | (33,487 | ) | |||
Total assets for the two business segments are as follows (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
AMSC Superconductors |
$ | 60,986 | $ | 64,198 | ||
AMSC Power Systems |
80,844 | 32,911 | ||||
Cash, marketable securities and restricted cash |
119,404 | 35,324 | ||||
Total |
$ | 261,234 | $ | 132,433 | ||
The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in Note 2, except that certain corporate expenses which the Company does not believe are specifically attributed or allocable to any of the three business segments have been excluded from the segment operating income (loss). Corporate unallocated expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $5.7 million, $3.7 million and $0.4 million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, corporate unallocated expenses also include $6.4 million of restructuring charges related primarily to the closure of the Companys Westborough, Massachusetts, corporate headquarters. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, corporate unallocated expenses also include the rent and occupancy costs associated with the unoccupied portion of the Companys Westborough, Massachusetts, corporate headquarters.
Geographic information about revenue, based on shipments to customers by region is as follows (in thousands):
For the fiscal years ended March 31, | |||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
U.S. |
$ | 29,671 | $ | 27,731 | $ | 38,818 | |||
Other North America |
3,531 | 4,876 | 8,368 | ||||||
Europe |
4,838 | 7,440 | 2,139 | ||||||
Asia-Pacific |
74,356 | 12,136 | 1,547 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 112,396 | $ | 52,183 | $ | 50,872 | |||
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, 74% of the Companys revenues came from sales outside the United States compared with 47% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and 24% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Of the revenue derived from customers outside the United States, 55% and 11% were derived
79
from customers in China in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Revenue derived from China in fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 was immaterial. The Company maintains operations in Austria, China and the United States and sales and service support centers in Germany and Singapore in support of its expansion.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the Company had one customer, Sinovel, which represented approximately 51% of total revenue. For fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the U.S. Navy represented approximately 25% of total revenue and Sinovel represented approximately 11 %. For fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, the U.S. Navy represented approximately 41% of total revenue, the Department of Energy represented approximately 19% and General Electric represented approximately 12% of total revenue.
Geographic information about property, plant and equipment associated with particular regions is as follows (in thousands):
March 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
U.S. |
$ | 52,287 | $ | 49,083 | ||
Europe |
1,392 | 842 | ||||
Asia-Pacific |
629 | 3 | ||||
Total |
$ | 54,308 | $ | 49,928 | ||
17. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amount) | For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008: | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
June 30, 2007 |
September 30, 2007 |
December 31, 2007 |
March 31, 2008 |
||||||||||||
Total Revenue |
$ | 19,770 | $ | 21,623 | $ | 32,624 | $ | 38,379 | ||||||||
Operating Loss |
(8,730 | ) | (7,189 | ) | (6,150 | ) | (2,821 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss |
(9,653 | ) | (6,673 | ) | (7,309 | ) | (1,812 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss per common shareBasic and Diluted |
(0.26 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007: | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended |
June 30, 2006 |
September 30, 2006 |
December 31, 2006 |
March 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||
Total Revenue |
$ | 14,046 | $ | 9,600 | $ | 9,452 | $ | 19,085 | ||||||||
Operating Loss |
(7,438 | ) | (7,477 | ) | (10,211 | ) | (11,406 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss |
(6,724 | ) | (6,976 | ) | (9,546 | ) | (11,429 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss per common shareBasic and Diluted |
(0.21 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.33 | ) |
18. New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements related to derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Statement requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 are effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS No. 161.
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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (revised 2007), Business combinations, which replaces SFAS No. 141. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after an entity's fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. Although there are not any current plans for an acquisition, should there be an acquisition in the future, the Company will adopt this statement for acquisitions consummated after its effective date.
In February 2007, the FASB Issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and provides the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. This statement will not impact the Companys financial statements as the Company does not expect to elect to measure any items at fair market value under the guidance in SFAS No. 159.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier adoption permitted. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which it is initially applied, with limited exceptions. The FASB recently concluded to defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial position and results of operations.
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Item 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
Not Applicable.
Item 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2008. The term disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (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 SECs 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 companys management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2008, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
PART III
Item 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
The response to this item is contained in part under the caption Executive Officers in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in part in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 (the 2008 Proxy Statement) in the sections Corporate GovernanceMembers of the Board, Other MattersSection 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance, Corporate GovernanceCode of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate GovernanceBoard CommitteesAudit Committee, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
The sections of the 2008 Proxy Statement titled Information About Executive and Director Compensation, Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and Compensation Committee Report are incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
The sections of the 2008 Proxy Statement titled Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Information About Executive Officer and Director CompensationSecurities Authorized for Issuance Under our Equity Compensation Plans are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
The sections of the 2008 Proxy Statement titled Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Corporate GovernanceBoard Determination of Independence are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES |
The section of the 2008 Proxy Statement titled Ratification of Selection of Registered Public Accounting Firm (Proposal 2) is incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
Item 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
(a) | Document filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: |
1. | Financial Statements |
The financial statements required by this item are included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data herein.
2. | Financial Statement Schedules |
See Schedule IIValuation and Qualifying Accounts for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. | Exhibits |
The list of Exhibits filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such Exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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American Superconductor Corporation
Schedule IIValuation and Qualifying Accounts
(in thousands)
Balance, Beginning of Year |
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses |
Deductions | Balance, End of Year | ||||||||||||
Actual Write-Off |
Less Recoveries |
||||||||||||||
Description |
|||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivable: |
|||||||||||||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 |
$ | 5 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 5 | |||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 |
| 5 | | | 5 | ||||||||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 |
47 | 2 | 11 | 39 | | ||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Year |
Additions | Deletions | Adjustments | Balance, End of Year | |||||||||||
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance: |
|||||||||||||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 |
$ | 162,703 | $ | 8,961 | $ | | $ | | $ | 171,664 | |||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 |
146,616 | 16,087 | | | 162,703 | ||||||||||
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 |
140,315 | 6,301 | | | 146,616 |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
3.1a | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1) | |
3.1b | Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (2) | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant (3) | |
*10.1 | Employment Agreement dated as of December 4, 1991 between the Registrant and Gregory J. Yurek (4) | |
*10.2 | Employment Agreement dated as of December 4, 1991 between the Registrant and Alexis P. Malozemoff (4) | |
10.3 | Form of Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement (4) | |
*10.4 | Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement dated as of December 26, 1990 between the Registrant and Alexis P. Malozemoff (4) | |
*10.5 | Noncompetition Agreement dated as of July 10, 1987 between the Registrant and John Vander Sande (4) | |
10.6 | Lease dated March 9, 1993 between CGLIC on Behalf of its Separate Account R, as Landlord, and the Registrant (5) | |
10.7 | First Amendment to Lease between CGLIC, on Behalf of its Separate Account R, as Landlord, and the Registrant, as Tenant dated October 27, 1993 (6) | |
*10.8 | 1993 Stock Option Plan (5) | |
*10.9 | Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (7) | |
10.10 | Agreement dated April 1, 1997 by and between Electricite de France and the Registrant (8) | |
10.11 | Third Amendment to Lease for 2 Technology Drive, Westboro, MA between Gateway Sherwood, Inc. (successor in interest to CGLIC, on behalf of its Separate Account R, as Landlord), and the Registrant, dated as of August 24, 2001 (9) | |
*10.12 | Second Amended and Restated 1997 Director Stock Option Plan (10) | |
*10.13 | Form of Stock Option Agreement under Second Amended and Restated 1997 Director Stock Option Plan, as amended (11) | |
10.14 | Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2003, between the Registrant and the U.S. Office of Naval Research (12) | |
*10.15 | 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (14) | |
*10.16 | Form of incentive stock option agreement under 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (11) | |
*10.17 | Form of non-statutory stock option agreement under 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (11) | |
*10.18 | Form of restricted stock agreement under 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (11) | |
10.19 | Settlement Agreement by and between the Registrant and TM Capital Corp., dated April 4, 2005 (13) | |
10.20 | Stock Purchase Warrant issued by the Registrant to TM Capital Corp., dated April 4, 2005 (13) |
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
10.21 | Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Registrant and TM Capital Corp., dated April 4, 2005 (13) | |
10.22 | Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 28, 2006, between the Registrant and Gerald Hehenberger Privatstiftung (15) | |
*10.23 | 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (16) | |
*10.24 | Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement Under 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (16) | |
*10.25 | Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement Under 2007 Stock Option Plan (16) | |
*10.26 | Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Regarding Awards to Executive Officers (16) | |
*10.27 | Form of Restricted Stock Agreement Regarding Awards to Employees (16) | |
*10.28 | 2007 Director Stock Plan (16) | |
*10.29 | Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement Under 2007 Director Stock Plan (16) | |
*10.30 | Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (regarding performance-based awards to executive officers) under 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (17) | |
*10.31 | Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement dated as of January 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Gregory J. Yurek | |
*10.32 | Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement dated as of January 24, 2008 between the Registrant and David A. Henry | |
*10.33 | Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement dated as of January 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Alexis P. Malozemoff | |
*10.34 | Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement dated as of January 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Charles W. Stankiewicz | |
*10.35 | Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement dated as of January 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Angelo R. Santamaria | |
*10.36 | Severance Agreement dated as of January 24, 2008 between the Registrant and Daniel P. McGahn | |
*10.37 | Severance Agreement dated as of May 14, 2008 between the Registrant and Timothy D. Poor | |
+10.38 | Purchase Contract No. 06.7IC014 for the Core Components of the Electrical Control System of FL 1500 Wind Turbine, dated as of December 15, 2006, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
+10.39 | Purchase Contract No. 06.7IC015 for the Software of FL 1500 Wind Turbine, dated as of December 15, 2006, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
+10.40 | Contract Amendment to the Purchase Contract No. 06.7IC014 for the Core Components of the Electrical Control System of FL 1500 Wind Turbine, dated as of March 6, 2007, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
+10.41 | Contract Amendment to the Purchase Contract No. 06.7IC015 for the Software of FL 1500 Wind Turbine, dated as of March 6, 2007, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH |
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
+10.42 | Purchase Contract No. FDCG07060 for the Core Components of the Electrical Control System of SL 1500 Wind Turbine, dated as of December 24, 2007, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd, China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
+10.43 | Purchase Contract No. FDCG07061 for the Software of SL 1500 Wind Turbine, dated as of December 24, 2007, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd, China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
+10.44 | Purchase Contract No. FDCG08050 for the Electrical System of SL 3000 Wind Turbine, dated as of March 7, 2008, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd, China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
+10.45 | Purchase Contract No. FDCG08051 for the Core Components of the Electrical Control System of SL 3000 Wind Turbine, dated as of March 7, 2008, between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd, China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH | |
*10.46 | Executive Incentive Plan for the year ended March 31, 2009 | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries | |
23.1 | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | |
31.1 | Chief Executive OfficerCertification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Chief Financial OfficerCertification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Chief Executive OfficerCertification pursuant to Rule13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.2 | Chief Financial OfficerCertification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
(1) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed with the Commission on January 24, 2000 (File No. 333-95261). |
(2) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 9, 2004 (File No. 000-19672). |
(3) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 30, 2008 (Commission File No. 000-19672 |
(4) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed with the Commission on December 13, 1991 (File No. 333-43647). |
(5) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on June 29, 1993 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(6) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on January 26, 1994 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(7) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on June 27, 2001 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(8) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on June 30, 1997 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(9) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on June 25, 2002 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(10) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 2, 2006 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(11) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 9, 2004 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(12) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 14, 2003 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(13) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 5, 2005 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(14) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on June 14, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(15) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 29, 2006 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(16) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 7, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
(17) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibits to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 20, 2008 (Commission File No. 000-19672). |
| Confidential treatment previously requested and granted with respect to certain portions, which portions were omitted and filed separately with the Commission. |
+ | Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit, which portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Form 10-K. |
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.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
By: | /S/ GREGORY J. YUREK | |
Gregory J. Yurek | ||
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: |
May 29, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name |
Title |
Date | ||
/S/ GREGORY J. YUREK Gregory J. Yurek |
Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ DAVID A. HENRY David A. Henry |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ VIKRAM S. BUDHRAJA Vikram S. Budhraja |
Director | May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ PETER O. CRISP Peter O. Crisp |
Director | May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ RICHARD DROUIN Richard Drouin |
Director | May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ DAVID R. OLIVER, JR. David R. Oliver, Jr. |
Director | May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ JOHN B. VANDER SANDE John B. Vander Sande |
Director | May 29, 2008 | ||
/S/ JOHN W. WOOD, JR. John W. Wood, Jr. |
Director | May 29, 2008 |
Exhibit 10.31
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Gregory J. Yurek (the Executive) is made as of January 24, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive originally entered into this Executive Severance Agreement on October 14, 2004 and now desire to amend and restate it to reflect certain developments in the tax law.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
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1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
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1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 36 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
4
(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if
5
applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
6
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33
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or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
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(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
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(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
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4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
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(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with, and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
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6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d) understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ David A. Henry | |
Print name: | David A. Henry | |
Title: | SVP, CFO & Treasurer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory J. Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory J. Yurek | |
Address:
c/o American Superconductor Corporation 64 Jackson Road Devens, MA 01434 |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated January 24, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
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5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
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Signature: |
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Date of execution: |
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Exhibit 10.32
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and David A. Henry (the Executive) is made as of January 24, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive originally entered into this Executive Severance Agreement on August 3, 2007 and now desire to amend and restate it to reflect certain developments in the tax law.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
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1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
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1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 18 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
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(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if
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applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
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(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33
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or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
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(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
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(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
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4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
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(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with, and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
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6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d) understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory J. Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory Yurek | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ David A. Henry | |
Print name: | David A. Henry | |
Address:
c/o American Superconductor Corporation 64 Jackson Road Devens, MA 01434 |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated January 24, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
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5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
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Signature: |
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Date of execution: |
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Exhibit 10.33
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Alexis P. Malozemoff (the Executive) is made as of January 24, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive originally entered into this Executive Severance Agreement on October 14, 2004 and now desire to amend and restate it to reflect certain developments in the tax law.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
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1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
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1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 18 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
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(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
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(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
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(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
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(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
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(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
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4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not
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provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with, and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication
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shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d)
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understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory J. Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory Yurek | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ Alexis P. Malozemoff | |
Print name: | Alexis P. Malozemoff | |
Address:
c/o American Superconductor Corporation 64 Jackson Road Devens, MA 01434 |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated January 24, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
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5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
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Signature: |
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Date of execution: |
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Exhibit 10.34
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Charles W. Stankiewicz (the Executive) is made as of January 24, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive originally entered into this Executive Severance Agreement on May 4, 2006 and now desire to amend and restate it to reflect certain developments in the tax law.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
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1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
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1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 18 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
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(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
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(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
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(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
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(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
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(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
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4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not
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provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with, and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication
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shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d)
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understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory J. Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory Yurek | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ Charles W. Stankiewicz | |
Print name: | Charles W. Stankiewicz | |
Address: | ||
c/o American Superconductor Corporation 64 Jackson Road Devens, MA 01434 |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated January 24, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
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5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
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Signature: |
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Date of execution: |
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Exhibit 10.35
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Angelo R. Santamaria (the Executive) is made as of January 24, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive originally entered into this Executive Severance Agreement on May 4, 2006 and now desire to amend and restate it to reflect certain developments in the tax law.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
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1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
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1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 12 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
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(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
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(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
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(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
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(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
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(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
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4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not
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provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with, and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication
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shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d)
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understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory J. Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory Yurek | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ Angelo R. Santamaria | |
Print name: | Angelo R. Santamaria | |
Address: | ||
c/o American Superconductor Corporation | ||
64 Jackson Road | ||
Devens, MA 01434 |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Amended and Restated Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated January 24, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
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5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
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Signature: |
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Date of execution: |
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Exhibit 10.36
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Executive Severance Agreement
THIS EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Daniel P. McGahn (the Executive) is made as of January 24, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i)
who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be
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deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
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1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 12 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
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(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to
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receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
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(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid
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to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding
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sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
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(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
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4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
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(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
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6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d) understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory J. Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory Yurek | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ Daniel P. McGahn | |
Print name: | Daniel P. McGahn | |
Address: | ||
c/o American Superconductor Corporation 64 Jackson Road Devens, MA 01434-4020 |
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Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated January 24, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
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5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
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Signature: |
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Date of execution: |
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Exhibit 10.37
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION
Executive Severance Agreement
THIS EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT by and between American Superconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), and Timothy D. Poor (the Executive) is made as of May 14, 2008 (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board) has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to reinforce and encourage the continued employment and dedication of the Executive and to minimize the distraction from the possibility of an unwarranted termination of employment.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive acknowledge and agree that the benefits described in this Agreement are not intended to, and shall not, constitute a severance plan, and shall confer no benefit on anyone other than the parties hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, as an inducement for and in consideration of the Executive remaining in its employ, the Company agrees that the Executive shall receive the severance benefits set forth in this Agreement in the event the Executives employment with the Company is terminated under the specific circumstances described below.
1. Key Definitions.
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
1.1 Change in Control means an event or occurrence set forth in any one or more of subsections (a) through (c) below:
(a) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (a Person) of beneficial ownership of any capital stock of the Company if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company Common Stock) or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (a), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, or (ii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company; or
(b) the Continuing Directors (as defined below) no longer constituting a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to the Company), where the term Continuing Director means at any date a member of the Board (i) who was a member of the Board on the date of the execution of this Agreement or (ii) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of the directors who were
Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election or whose election to the Board was recommended or endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination or election; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from this clause (ii) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the Board; or
(c) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or statutory share exchange involving the Company or a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions (a Business Combination), other than a Business Combination in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately following such Business Combination, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such Business Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or substantially all of the Companys assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, respectively.
1.2 Change in Control Date means the first date during the Term (as defined in Section 2) on which a Change in Control occurs.
1.3 Cause means:
(a) the Executives failure to perform his reasonable assigned duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure is not cured within 30 days after a written notice is received by the Executive from the Company describing in reasonable detail the manner in which the Board of Directors believes the Executive has not performed the Executives duties to the standards reasonably required by the Company; or
(b) the Executives willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this Section 1.3(b), no act or failure to act by the Executive shall be considered willful unless it is done intentionally and without reasonable belief that the Executives action was in the best interests of the Company.
1.4 Good Reason means the occurrence, without the Executives written consent, of any of the events or circumstances set forth in clauses (a) through (e) below. Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such event or circumstance, such occurrence shall not be deemed to constitute Good Reason if, prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination (each as defined in Section 3.2(a)) given by the Executive in respect thereof, such
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event or circumstance has been fully corrected and the Executive has been reasonably compensated for any losses or damages resulting therefrom (provided that such right of correction by the Company shall only apply to the first Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive).
(a) the assignment to the Executive of significant duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executives position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority or responsibilities in effect immediately prior to the earliest to occur of (i) the Change in Control Date, (ii) the date of the execution by the Company of the initial written agreement or instrument providing for the Change in Control or (iii) the date of the adoption by the Board of Directors of a resolution providing for the Change in Control (with the earliest to occur of such dates referred to herein as the Measurement Date), or any other action or omission by the Company which results in a material diminution in such position, authority or responsibilities; or
(b) a reduction in the Executives annual base salary as in effect on the Measurement Date, as the same may be increased thereafter from time to time; or
(c) the failure by the Company to (i) continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan or program (including without limitation any life insurance, medical, health and accident or disability plan and any vacation or automobile program or policy) (a Benefit Plan) in which the Executive participates or which is applicable to the Executive immediately prior to the Measurement Date, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan) has been made with respect to such plan or program or (ii) continue the Executives participation therein (or in such substitute or alternative plan) on a basis not materially less favorable, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of the Executives participation relative to other participants, than the basis existing immediately prior to the Measurement Date; or
(d) a change by the Company in the location at which the Executive performs his principal duties for the Company to a new location that is more than 30 miles from the location at which the Executive performed his principal duties for the Company immediately prior to the Measurement Date (unless such new location is closer to the Executives residence than the prior location); or
(e) any material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any employment agreement with the Executive.
1.5 Disability means the Executives absence from the full-time performance of the Executives duties with the Company for 180 consecutive calendar days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executives legal representative.
1.6 Severance Period shall mean the period of 12 months immediately following the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below).
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2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement, and all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall take effect upon the Effective Date and shall expire upon the first to occur of (a) the expiration of the Term (as defined below) if neither a termination of employment covered by Section 4.1(a) below nor a Change in Control occurred during the Term, or (b) the fulfillment by the Company of all of its obligations under Section 4 following a termination of the Executives employment with the Company. Term shall mean the period commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing in effect through March 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on April 1, 2011 and each April 1 thereafter (each hereinafter referred to as a Renewal Date), the Term shall be automatically extended for one additional year so as to terminate four years from such Renewal Date, unless at least 90 days prior to such Renewal Date, the Company shall have given the Executive written notice that the Term will not be extended.
3. Employment Status; Termination Following Change in Control.
3.1 Not an Employment Contract. The Executive acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment or impose on the Company any obligation to retain the Executive as an employee and that this Agreement does not prevent the Company or the Executive from terminating his employment at any time, before or after a Change in Control.
3.2 Termination of Employment.
(a) Any termination of the Executives employment by the Company at any time during the Term or at any time after the Change in Control Date, or by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date (other than due to the death of the Executive) shall be communicated by a written notice to the other party hereto (the Notice of Termination), given in accordance with Section 6.2. Any Notice of Termination shall: (i) indicate (in the case of a termination by the Company) whether such termination is for Cause and (in the case of a termination by the Executive within 12 months following the Change in Control Date) whether such termination is for Good Reason, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executives employment for Cause or for Good Reason and (iii) specify the Date of Termination (as defined below). The effective date of an employment termination (the Date of Termination) shall be the close of business on the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be less than 15 days or more than 120 days after the date of delivery of such Notice of Termination), in the case of a termination other than one due to the Executives death, or the date of the Executives death, as the case may be.
(b) The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting any such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executives or the Companys rights hereunder.
(c) Any Notice of Termination for Cause given by the Company must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Cause.
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(d) Any Notice of Termination for Good Reason given by the Executive must be given within 90 days of the occurrence of the event(s) or circumstance(s) that constitute(s) Good Reason.
4. Benefits to Executive.
4.1 Termination Prior to Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination Without Cause. If, prior to a Change in Control Date (including a situation in which a Change in Control Date never occurs), the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts: (1) the Executives base salary through the Date of Termination, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and (3) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) through (3) shall be hereinafter referred to as the Accrued Obligations);
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health insurance benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Other Terminations. If, prior to the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.1(a), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive following the Executives termination of employment under any plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company and its subsidiaries (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as the Other Benefits).
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4.2 Termination Following Change in Control Date.
(a) Termination within 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, or if the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason within 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, (A) the Accrued Obligations and (B) the product of (x) the annual target bonus payable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the then-current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365, less any portion of such bonus previously paid to the Executive;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such health benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(b) Termination More Than 12 Months Following Change in Control Date. If the Company terminates the Executives employment other than for Cause, Disability or death more than 12 months following the Change in Control Date, then the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:
(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations;
(ii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to pay to the Executive, in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices, the Executives highest annual base salary during the two-year period prior to the Date of Termination; and
(iii) during the Severance Period, the Company shall continue to provide to the Executive and the Executives family those benefits which would have been
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provided to them if the Executives employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Date of Termination (to the extent such health benefits can be provided to non-employees, or to the extent such benefits cannot be provided to non-employees, then the cash equivalent thereof, based on the cost thereof to the Company, which cash amount shall be paid proportionately over the Severance Period, monthly in advance); provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive a particular type of benefits (e.g., health insurance benefits) from such employer on terms at least as favorable to the Executive and his family as those being provided by the Company, then the Company shall no longer be required to provide those particular benefits to the Executive and his family.
(c) Other Terminations. If, following the Change in Control Date, the Executives employment with the Company is terminated other than under the circumstances described in Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b), then the Company shall (i) pay the Executive (or his estate, if applicable), in a lump sum in cash on the Date of Termination, the Accrued Obligations and (ii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, timely pay or provide to the Executive the Other Benefits.
(d) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all legal and other fees and expenses that the Executive reasonably incurs as a result of any claim or dispute regarding the benefits due to the Executive pursuant to this Section 4.2 if the Executive prevails in such claim or dispute.
4.3 Section 280G Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control (as defined below), the Company shall not be obligated to provide to the Executive a portion of any Contingent Compensation Payments (as defined below) that the Executive would otherwise be entitled to receive to the extent necessary to eliminate Excess Parachute Payments (as defined below) for the Executive, except as set forth in Section 4.3(b). For purposes of this Section 4.3, the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Payments and the aggregate amount (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision) of the Contingent Compensation Payments so eliminated shall be referred to as the Eliminated Amount.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3(a), no such reduction in Contingent Compensation Payments shall be made if (i) the Eliminated Amount (computed without regard to this sentence) exceeds (ii) 110% of the aggregate present value (determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-31, Q/A-32, Q/A-33 or any successor provisions) of the amount of any additional taxes that would be incurred by the Executive if the Eliminated Payments (determined without regard to this sentence) were paid to him (including, state and federal income taxes on the Eliminated Payments, the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code, which term shall include applicable Treasury Regulations), payable with respect to all of the Contingent Compensation Payments in excess of the Executives base amount (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code), and any withholding taxes). The override of such reduction in
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Contingent Compensation Payments pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be referred to as a Section 4.3(b) Override. For purposes of this paragraph, if any federal, state or local income taxes would be attributable to the receipt of any Eliminated Payment, the amount of such taxes shall be computed by multiplying the amount of the Eliminated Payment by the maximum combined federal, state and local income tax rate provided by law.
(c) For purposes of this Section 4.3 the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
(i) Change in Ownership or Control shall mean a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company determined in accordance with Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code.
(ii) Contingent Compensation Payment shall mean any payment (or benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under this Agreement or otherwise) to a disqualified individual (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of the Company.
(iii) Excess Parachute Payment shall mean a payment described in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) Any payments or other benefits otherwise due to the Executive following a Change in Ownership or Control that could reasonably be characterized (as determined by the Company) as Contingent Compensation Payments (the Potential Payments) shall not be made until the dates provided for in this Section 4.3(d).
(i) In the event that the Company undergoes a Change in Ownership or Control, and the Executive becomes entitled to receive Contingent Compensation Payments relating to such Change in Ownership or Control, the Company shall (A) determine at such time or times as may be necessary to comply with the requirements under Section 280G of the Code whether such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments and (B) in the event the Company determines that such Contingent Compensation Payments constitute in whole or in part Excess Parachute Payments, notify the Executive (within 30 days after each such determination and with reasonable detail regarding the basis for its determinations) of the following: (1) which Potential Payments constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount and (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable.
(ii) Within 30 days after delivery of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to the Company (the Executive Response) stating either (A) that he agrees with the Companys determination pursuant to the preceding sentence, in which case he shall indicate, if applicable, which Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments or (B) that he disagrees with such determination, in which case he shall set forth (1) which Potential Payments should be
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characterized as Contingent Compensation Payments, (2) the Eliminated Amount, (3) whether the Section 4.3(b) Override is applicable, and (4) which (if any) Contingent Compensation Payments, or portions thereof (the aggregate amount of which, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q/A-30 or any successor provision, shall be equal to the Eliminated Amount, if any), shall be treated as Eliminated Payments.
(iii) If the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required date, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be determined by the Company in its absolute discretion, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following the due date for delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(iv) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he agrees with the Companys determinations, the Companys initial determinations shall be final, the Contingent Compensation Payments that shall be treated as Eliminated Payments shall be as set forth in the Executive Response, and the Company shall make the Potential Payments (other than the Eliminated Payments) to the Executive within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response (except for any Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due).
(v) If the Executive states in the Executive Response that he disagrees with the Companys determinations, then, for a period of 60 days following delivery of the Executive Response, the Executive and the Company shall use good faith efforts to resolve such dispute. If such dispute is not resolved within such 60-day period, such dispute shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction. The Company shall, within 10 business days following delivery to the Company of the Executive Response, make to the Executive those Potential Payments as to which there is no dispute between the Company and the Executive regarding whether they should be made (except for any such Potential Payments which are not due to be made until after such date, which Potential Payments shall be made on the date on which they are due). The balance of the Potential Payments (other than Eliminated Payments) shall be made within 10 business days following the resolution of such dispute.
(vi) Subject to the limitations contained in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) hereof, the amount of any payments to be made to the Executive following the resolution of such dispute shall be increased by amount of the accrued interest thereon computed at the prime rate announced from time to time by Bank of America, compounded monthly from the date that such payments originally were due.
(vii) In the event the Company is required to perform a redetermination in accordance with Treas. Reg. 1.280G-1 Q/A-33(b) with respect to any Contingent Compensation Payments, this Section 4.3(d) shall apply with respect to such
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redetermination and the parties shall make such adjustments as may be necessary as a result of such redetermination including, if appropriate, the payment by the Company of Contingent Compensation Payments previously treated as Eliminated Payments if the Section 4.3(b) Override applies as a result of such redetermination.
(e) The provisions of this Section 4.3 are intended to apply to any and all payments or benefits available to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or plan of the Company under which the Executive receives Contingent Compensation Payments.
4.4 Release. The obligation of the Company to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) is conditioned upon the Executive signing a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, or such other form as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive (the Employee Release), within 21 days (or such greater period as the Company may specify) (the Release Period) following the Date of Termination and upon the Executive not revoking the Employee Release in a timely manner thereafter. The Company shall not be obligated to make any payments to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) until the expiration of the Release Period, provided that (i) at such time as the Release becomes effective, the Company shall promptly pay to the Executive any payments that would otherwise have been made to the Executive during the Release Period and (ii) the provision of benefits under Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii) shall continue during the Release Period.
4.5 Exclusive Severance Benefits. The making of the payments and the provision of the benefits by the Company to the Executive under Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company to the Executive as a result of the termination of his employment under the circumstances set forth in such Sections, and the Executive shall not be entitled to additional payments or benefits under any other plan, program, policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Company or its subsidiaries.
4.6 Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) by seeking other employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(iii), Section 4.2(a)(iii) or Section 4.2(b)(iii), the amount of any payment or benefits provided for in Section 4.1(a), Section 4.2(a) or Section 4.2(b) shall not be reduced by any compensation earned or benefits received by the Executive as a result of employment by another employer.
4.7 Section 409A.
(a) The following rules shall apply with respect to distribution of the payments and benefits, if any, to be provided to the Executive under Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable:
(i) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the guidance issued thereunder (Section 409A). Neither the Company nor the Executive shall have the right to accelerate or defer the delivery of any such payments or benefits except to the extent specifically permitted or required by Section 409A;
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(ii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company (within the meaning of Section 4.7(b) below), the Executive is not a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A), then each installment of the payments and benefits shall be made on the dates and terms set forth in Sections 4.1 or 4.2, as applicable; and
(iii) If, as of the date of the separation from service of the Executive from the Company, the Executive is a specified employee, then:
(1) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that, in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein, will in all circumstances, regardless of when the separation from service occurs, be paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period (as hereinafter defined) shall be treated as a short-term deferral within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) to the maximum extent permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, the Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Executives tax year in which the separation from service occurs and the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Companys tax year in which the separation from service occurs; and
(2) Each installment of the payments and benefits due under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 that is not paid within the Short-Term Deferral Period and that would, absent this subsection, be paid within the six-month period following the separation from service of the Executive from the Company shall not be paid until the date that is six months and one day after such separation from service (or, if earlier, the Executives death), with any such installments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six months and one day following the Executives separation from service and any subsequent installments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein; provided, however, that the preceding provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any installment of payments and benefits if and to the maximum extent that such installment is deemed to be paid under a separation pay plan that does not provide for a deferral of compensation by reason of the application of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) (relating to separation pay upon an involuntary separation from service). Any installments that qualify for the exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) must be paid no later than the last day of the Executives second taxable year following his taxable year in which the separation from service occurs.
(b) The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made and in a manner consistent with and based on the presumptions set forth in, Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
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(c) All reimbursements and in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A to the extent that such reimbursements or in-kind benefits are subject to Section 409A.
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to the Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A and do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, Section 409A.
5. Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial and the provisions of this Agreement relied upon. Any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators award in any court having jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive or his family hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executives estate.
6.2 Notice. All notices, instructions and other communications given hereunder or in connection herewith shall be in writing. Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be sent either (i) by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (ii) prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service, in each case addressed to the Company, at Two Technology Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-1727, and to the Executive at the Executives address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement (or to such other address as either the Company or the Executive may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith). Any such notice, instruction or communication shall be deemed to have been delivered five business days after it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or one business day after it is sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service. Either party may give any notice, instruction or other communication hereunder using any other means, but no such notice, instruction or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly delivered unless and until it actually is received by the party for whom it is intended.
6.3 Employment by Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executives employment with the Company shall not be deemed to have terminated solely as a result of the Executive continuing to be employed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
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6.4 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
6.5 Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
6.6 Waivers. No waiver by the Executive at any time of any breach of, or compliance with, any provision of this Agreement to be performed by the Company shall be deemed a waiver of that or any other provision at any subsequent time.
6.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
6.8 Tax Withholding. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.
6.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of any stock option agreements between the Company and the Executive (including any terms thereof relating to acceleration of vesting) shall not be superseded by or modified by the terms of this Agreement.
6.10 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and the Executive.
6.11 Executives Acknowledgements. The Executive acknowledges that he: (a) has read this Agreement; (b) has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of the Executives own choice or has voluntarily declined to seek such counsel; (c) understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement; and (d) understands that the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is acting as counsel to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and is not acting as counsel for the Executive.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
13
AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR CORPORATION | ||
Signature: | /s/ Gregory Yurek | |
Print name: | Gregory Yurek | |
Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
EXECUTIVE | ||
Signature: | /s/ Timothy D. Poor | |
Print name: | Timothy D. Poor | |
Address: | ||
c/o American Superconductor Corporation | ||
64 Jackson Road | ||
Devens, MA 01434-4020 |
14
Exhibit A
RELEASE
In consideration of the payment to me of the severance benefits pursuant to Section 4.1(a), 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) of my Executive Severance Agreement with American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) dated May 14, 2008 (the Agreement), I hereby agree as follows:
1. I, on behalf of myself and my representatives, agents, estate, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, remise and discharge the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders, affiliates (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933), attorneys, agents and employees, and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the Company Releasees), from any and all actions or causes of action, suits, claims, complaints, liabilities, contracts, torts, debts, damages, controversies, rights and demands, whether existing or contingent, known or unknown, arising up to and through the date of this Release out of my employment, or the termination of my employment, with the Company, including, but not limited to, all employment discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §621 et seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq., the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act, M.G.L. c.151B, § 1 et seq., the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, M.G.L. c.12, §§ 11H and 11I, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. c.93, § 102 and M.G.L. c.214, § 1C, the Massachusetts Labor and Industries Act, M.G.L. c.149, § 1 et seq., and the Massachusetts Privacy Act, M.G.L. c.214, § 1B, all as amended, and all claims arising out of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., all as amended; and all claims to any non-vested ownership interest in the Company, contractual or otherwise, including, but not limited to, claims to stock or stock options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) nothing in this Release prevents me from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the EEOC or a state Fair Employment Practices Agency (except that I acknowledge that I may not recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding), (b) this Release does not extend to any rights I have that arise after the date hereof under the Agreement and (c) this Release does not extend to any rights I may have to indemnification as an officer or director of the Company under the provisions of the Companys By-laws or applicable law.
2. I have been advised by the Company to consult with counsel before signing this Release, and have been given the opportunity to consult with my own counsel prior to signing this Release.
3. I have been given up to twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of this Release to consider whether to execute this Release.
4. I have been advised that even after I sign this Release, I may revoke it within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by delivering a signed revocation notice to the Secretary of the Company. Delivery by ordinary mail will effectively revoke my assent to this Release if it is postmarked no later than seven days after I sign this Release.
15
5. This Release shall not become effective and in force until eight days after I sign, provided I have not timely revoked my acceptance.
6. I acknowledge and reaffirm my obligations under the American Superconductor Corporation Employee Nondisclosure and Developments Agreement.
7. No representation, promise or inducement has been offered or made to induce me to enter into this Release, and I am competent to execute this Release and accept full responsibility therefor.
Name: |
|
Signature: |
|
Date of execution: |
|
16
Exhibit 10.38
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions. |
The Purchase Contract No. 06.7IC014
for the Core Components of the Electrical Control System of
FL 1500 Wind Turbine
This Purchase Contract is signed between
Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Buyer)
and
Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in Austria (hereinafter referred to as Seller) in a friendly way.
The contract equipment is used for the purchasing contract of the electrical control system for FL 1500 wind turbine which is signed between Buyer and Seller.
Buyer and Seller agreed as follows:
1. Definition
In construing this contract, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them unless otherwise specified in the contract:
1.1 Contract means this contract, including Article 1 to Article 20.
1.2 Contract price means the price payable to Seller under the contract for the full and proper performance of its contractual obligations, which is not influenced by the price fluctuations.
1.3 Contract currency means the currency used in the payment under the contract, which is Euro.
1.4 Buyers Bank means Bank of China designated by Buyer or the other banks designated by Seller.
1.5 Sellers bank, means
1.6 Effective date of the contract means the date when the contract enters into force upon fulfillment of the conditions stated in Article 20.
1.7 Contract equipment means the core components of electrical control system of FL 1500 wind turbine.
2. Scope of Supply:
Each set comprises of:
Item |
Description |
Code no. |
Windtec ID-No. |
Quantity |
Remarks | |||||
1 | PM1000 Converter 3 Pole | +NCC320-V308.2 | 10100957 | 1off | Including water cooling base-plate, DC bus capacitance, control circuit board | |||||
2 | PM1000 Converter 6 Pole | +NCC320-V308.4 | 10100956 | 1off | Including water cooling base-plate, DC bus capacitance, control circuit board |
3 | Crowbar control WTCBA200A | +NCC320-B312.7 | 10100787 | 1off | Crowbar short circuit protection control | |||||
4 | Controller WT 98 | +NCC310-A240.3, +NCC310-A250.3 |
10100068 | 2off | ||||||
5 | Controller WT97 | +TBC100-A120.3 | 10100002 | 1off | ||||||
6 | Analogue input module WTAI91 | +NCC310-A280.3 | 10100006 | 1off | ||||||
7 | Digital input module WTDI92 | +NCC310-A260.3 | 10100005 | 1off | ||||||
8 | Panel Display WT502 | +NCC310-P241.2, +TBC100-P122.2 |
10100775 | 2off | One HMI for nacelle control cabinet, another one at tower base as HMI for SCADA system | |||||
9 | Servo motor [**]-combivert 90° connector | +BM400-M23.2, +BM410-M33.2, +BM420-M43.2 |
10101229 | 3 sets | Including safety lock system, motor cable 2 meters | |||||
10 | Frequency converter [**] combivert F Multi | +HC400-U23.4, +HC410-U33.4, +HC420-U43.4 |
10100098 | 3off | [**] | |||||
11 | DC-filter [**]-combivert | +HC400-Z21.7, +HC410-Z31.7, +HC420-Z41.7 |
10100101 | 3off | ||||||
12 | Static frequency converter F5-Compact | +NCC300-U118.6 | 10100361 | 1off | [**] | |||||
13 | Radio interference filter | +NCC300-Z118.3 | 10100362 | 1off | ||||||
14 | CAN-operator | 10100099 | 4off | For connecting pitch and yaw converter | ||||||
15 | Interface cable WT90 | 10100883 | 2off | |||||||
16 | Lithiumbattery 07LE90 Included in item 10100068 | 10100485 | 1off | |||||||
17 | Spring-operated brake [**]-Combivert mounted in item 10101229 | 10100106 | 3off | |||||||
18 | Motor cable [**]-Combivert | 10100104 | 3off | |||||||
19 | Rectifier [**]-Combivert mounted in item 10101229 | 10100102 | 3off | |||||||
20 | Foamed rubber [**]-combivert | 10100100 | 3off | |||||||
21 | Resolver cable [**]-combivert | 10100103 | 3off |
Remarks: All the core components shall satisfy with the -40°C low temperature requirements.
Optionally -45°C will be checked by Supplier until end of January 2007.
3. Quantities: [**] sets
4. Price:
The delivery price for Seller is [**] Euro/set. The total contracting price will be [**] Euro.
(INCOTERMS 2000, FOB)
5. Port of shipment:
PM1000 Converter shall be on shipment from USA (Wisconsin), others from main European seaport or Austria airport.
6. Delivery-Period:
The delivery will be made in batches as per preliminary schedule below (FOB):
FOB date |
Quantity(Sets) |
|||||
EoDec,2006 | [**] | |||||
5.Jan, 2007 | [**] | |||||
10.Jan, 2007 | [**] | |||||
15.Jan, 2007 | [**] | |||||
01.Feb,2007 | [**] | |||||
10.Feb,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Feb,2007 | [**] | |||||
5.Mar,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Mar,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Apr,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Mai,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Jun,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Jul,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Aug,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Sep,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Oct,2007 | [**] | |||||
19.Nov,2007 | [**] | |||||
20.Dez,2007 | [**] | |||||
Total |
[**] |
Note: Under the precondition that [**] sets core components of the electrical control system shall be purchased in 2007. BUYER will notify Seller three months in advance in writing to revise the plan, in case of any changes to the delivery plan.
7. Documentation
Seller shall provide to the Buyer the certificate and test report of the converter together with the equipment.
8. Payment Schedule:
95% | by L/C at sight. |
Two weeks before each shipment date, an irrevocable Letter of Credit at an amount of 95% of each shipment value shall be issued by a first-class bank. The L/C shall be according to ICC WCP500. If L/C is delayed, the delivery time will be postponed accordingly.
5% | Retention Bond: |
The Retention Bond shall be paid upon the expiry of warrantee period (12 months after WT has arrived on the wind farm and finished the commissioning, or 18 months after the delivery time of Seller, for whichever is earlier, as the warranty period) within 14 days, under the precondition that the availability of the electrical control system for each WT is at least [**]% during such period. Such percentage will be the average of a respective wind park. The dependency of this 5%- payment from an availability of [**]% will only be on the condition that (i) control cabinets have been manufactured by BUYER under supervision and instruction of Seller, (ii) test and quality of electrical cabinets have been released by Seller, (iii) fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller, (iv) replacement of components will be executed by BUYER within 24 hours, and (v) Seller will have continuous and full access to the SCADA system of the respective wind turbines.
BUYER is responsible for item I-V. If any of these items is not fulfilled, the retention bond has to be paid to Seller even in case of an availability of at least [**]% has not been reached.
Seller must provide the following performance bond to Buyer:
Within 30 days after effectiveness of the contract, Seller shall through Sellers bank open an irrevocable performance bond in favor of Buyer, for an amount of 100,000.00 Euro. Validity of the guarantee shall be by the end of June 2008.
9. The Seller shall supply the following documents as part of L/C paperwork:
| B/L |
| Commercial Invoice |
| Packing List |
| Certificate of Origin |
| Certificate of quarantine for Packing Wood |
| Shipping Advice |
| Quality Certificate |
The details refer to the detailed definition in L/C.
10. Delivery notice
Seller shall complete the delivery of Contract Equipment in batches and on time as required in article 6. 2 weeks before shipping, Buyer will be informed about the exact date of delivery.
11. Packing and Marking
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the contract equipment shall be packed by Seller in a properly manner. And necessary measures shall be taken to protect the contract equipment from moisture, rain, rust, corrosion, shock and other damages according to their different characteristics so as to withstand numerous handling, loading and unloading as well as long distance sea and inland transportation.
The following documents shall be enclosed in each package of the Contract Equipment:
Two (2) copies of detailed packing list;
Two (2) of quality certificate;
One (1) copy of technical documentation for relevant Contract Equipment (including the following documentation but not limited to; e.g. the documentation for IGBT module, PLC, control panel, pitch converter, yaw converter and the operational manual for the CAN interface);
12. Inspection
Seller shall inspect the Contract Equipment and issue the quality certificates as well as inspection records, all involved expenses shall be for Sellers account. The quality certificates and inspection records including detail and result of inspection before delivery shall be submitted by Seller to Buyer.
13. Warranty
Seller warrants, that the Contract Equipment shall be completely new, advanced in technology and superior in quality, free from any defect in design, material and workmanship, suitable for the use and purpose and in conformity with the technical specification.
Seller warrants that the technical documentation shall be complete, clear and correct. Warranty period is 12 months after WT has arrived on the wind farm and finished the commissioning, or 18 months after the delivery time of Seller, for whichever is earlier.
Warrantee means within warrantee period in case of any damage or problem of any core components, that the components for replacement will be provided by Seller free of charge, and Seller should ensure timely supply of spare parts. Seller shall correct any such failure either at its option, (i) by repairing any defective or damaged part or parts or the supplied products, or (ii) by making available any necessary repaired or replacement parts. Fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller and replacement of components will be executed by BUYER, each party at his own expense.
14. Penalty for delayed delivery
In case of delayed delivery of any shipment, starting from the second week of delay, every week of delay will be charged [**]% of the price of the delayed set as penalty, only a delay for more than 4 days is counted as one complete week Sum of the above mentioned penalty shall not exceed [**]% of the total contract price. Payment of the delayed delivery penalty shall not relieve Seller from the obligation of continuing delivery of relevant contract equipment.
15. Claims
15.1 | In case the Contract Equipment supplied by Seller does not meet the specified technical performance during the Warranty Period and Seller doesnt fulfil his responsibility according to item 13, Buyer has the right to lodge claims against Seller, and Seller shall settle the claims upon the agreement of Buyer in the following way: |
1) | Repair or remove the defects and discrepancies of the equipment at Sellers expense. In case Seller cannot send his personnel to the Job Site, Buyer shall have the right to do the repair or removal of the defects and discrepancies and all the expensed incurred should be borne by Seller. |
2) | Replace the defective equipment or technical documents with new one at Sellers expenses and Seller shall guarantee the quality of the replaced equipment for a recalculated warrantee period. The replaced and /or supplemented equipment shall be delivered DDP to the Job Site. |
In case Seller fails to make proposals for settling the claims according to any and/or all the ways mentioned above within 14 days after notification of the claim raised by Buyer, Buyer shall have the right to recover the claimed amount from Retention Bond (maximum up to 5% of the total contract price).
15.2 | The notice of claim for the defective equipment shall be effective if it is issued not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the Warranty Period, but the claim must be detected within the warranty period (proved and reported by an independent expert). |
15.3 | In case Seller fails to accept the claim within thirty (30) days after receipt of Buyers claim, the claim shall be regarded as not acceptable by Seller. |
16. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be held responsible for failure or delay to perform all or any party of this Contract due to flood, fire, earthquake, snowstorm, drought, hailstorm, hurricane, or any other events that are beyond the control of the affected party and could not reasonably be expected at the time of conclusion of the Contract or have been avoided or overcome by such party. However, the party whos performance is affected by the event of Force Majeure shall give a notice to the other party of its occurrence as soon as possible and a certificate or a document of the occurrence of the Force Majeure event issued by the relative authority or a neutral independent third party shall be sent to the other party not later than (14) days after its occurrence. If the event of Force Majeure event continues for more than (180) days, both parties shall negotiate the performance or the termination of this Contract. In the case of such a termination either party shall bear its own costs, further claims for compensation in connection with the termination shall be excluded.
17. Taxes and Duties
17.1 All taxes in connection with and in the execution of the Contract levied by the Chinese government on Buyer in accordance with the tax laws of P.R. China shall be borne by Buyer.
17.2 All taxed levied by the Chinese government on Seller, in connection with and in the execution of the Contract, according to Chinese tax laws and the agreement between the government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Sellers country for the reciprocal avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income shall be borne by Seller.
17.3 All taxes arising outside of China in connection with and in execution of the Contract shall be borne by Seller.
18. Arbitration
All disputes arising from, or in connection with the execution of the Contract, shall be settled through friendly discussion between the two Parties. In case no agreement can be reached throughout, the disputes shall be submitted to Chamber of Commerce in Zurich Switzerland, for Arbitration.
Not withstanding any reference to arbitration, the two Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under the Contact unless the two Parties otherwise agree.
19. Termination
19.1 Buyer may, without prejudice to any remedy to any remedy by Seller for Sellers following breach of Contract, by written notice of default sent to Seller, terminate the Contract in whole or in part, if Seller fails to deliver any or all of the Contract Equipment within 120 days after the delivery time specified in Article 6.
19.2 Buyer may at any time terminate the Contract, by giving written notice to Seller in case Seller becomes bankrupt or otherwise insolvent, and such termination does not prejudice or affect any right of action or remedy available to Buyer. The same applies vice versa to Seller.
20. Effectiveness of the Contract and Miscellaneous
20.1 The contract becomes valid on signing by the authorized representatives of the two parties of the Contract.
20.2 The present Contract shall be valid for 3 years from the effective date of the Contract, however the Contract shall become null and void automatically when each party of the Contract has fulfilled its rights and obligations under the Contract.
20.3 At the expiration of the Contract, any unsettled credit and debt under the Contract shall not be affected by the expiration of the Contract. The debtor shall still effect his obligation of reimbursement to the creditor.
20.4 The Contract shall be made in English.
20.5 All amendments, supplements and alternations to the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be made in written form and signed by the authorized representatives of the two Parties.
20.6 Unless otherwise stipulated in the Contract, the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be interpreted in accordance with INCOTERMS (2000 Edition).
20.7 No assignment of any right or obligation under the Contract shall be made by either party to a third party without the previous consent of the other party.
20.8 The communication between the two parties shall be conducted in written form. The fax concerning the important matter shall be confirmed timely by the registered or express mail.
Buyer: | Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd |
Address: | Culture Building, No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China | |
Post code: | 100872 |
Fax: | (0086) 10-82500072 | |
Tel: | (0086) 10-62515566 |
Authorized representative : | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2006.12.15 |
Buyers Agent: | Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry International Co., Ltd |
Address: | 12/F Huarui Building, No. 169, Bayi Road, Xigang Dist., Dalian, China |
Fax: | (0086)411-86852398 | |
Tel: | (0086)411-86852376 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2006.12.15 |
Seller: | Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH |
Address: | Schleppeplatz 5,9020 Klagenfurt |
Fax: | (0043)463-4446044 |
Tel: | (0043)463-444604-10 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 11.Dec.2006 |
Exhibit 10.39
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions. |
The Purchase Contract No. 06.7IC015
for the software of FL 1500 Wind Turbine
This Purchase Contract is signed between
Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Buyer)
and
Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in Austria (hereinafter referred to as Seller) in a friendly way.
Buyer and Seller agreed as follows:
1. | Scope of Supply: |
[**] sets of software comprising:
| FL1500 software program for pitch converter, yaw converter, IGBT converter and PLCs; according to Technical Specification of FL1500 Wind Turbine. |
2. | Prices: |
The delivery price is CIF Dalian [**] EURO per set. The total contract price is CIF Dalian [**] EURO.
3. | Conditions: |
General Terms of Delivery issued by the Austrian Electrical and Electronics Industry Association, Ed. Jan. 2002
4. | Warranty: |
Warranty period is 12 months after wind turbine has arrived on the wind farm and finished the commissioning, or 18 months after the delivery (shippment-date), whichever is earlier.
5. | Delivery: |
The software of PLC and converter will be sent out by 1 off CD and/or email per batch, as a valid licence for the number of sets indicated therein. The delivery will be made in batches as per preliminary schedule below (shippment date):
Month |
EoDec.2006 |
5.Jan.2007 |
10.Jan.2007 |
15.Jan.2007 |
01.Feb.2007 |
10.Feb.2007 | ||||||
Quantity | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets |
Month |
20.Feb.2007 |
5.Mar.2007 |
20.Mar.2007 |
20.Apr.2007 |
20.Mai.2007 |
20.Jun.2007 | ||||||
Quantity | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets |
Month |
20.Jul.2007 |
20.Aug.2007 |
20.Sep.2007 |
20.Oct.2007 |
19.Nov.2007 |
20.Dez.2007 | ||||||
Quantity | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets | [**] sets |
6. | Payments: |
95% of each shipment value will be paid by T/T within 14days after each shipment date against receipt of the invoice;
5% of each shipment value, as the retention bond, shall be paid by T/T within 14 days after the expiry of the warranty period.
7. | Taxes: |
Note: Any applicable withholding tax according to the Austrian-Chinese-Double-Tax-Treaty will be borne by Windtec in Austria.
Buyer: | Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd |
Address: | 19/F, Culture Building, No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China |
Post code: | 100872 |
Fax: | (0086) 10-82500072 |
Tel: | (0086) 10-62515566 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2006.12.15 |
Buyers agency: | Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry International Co., Ltd |
Address: | 12/F Huarui Building, No. 169, Bayi Road, Xigang Dist., Dalian, China |
Fax: | (0086)411-86852398 | |
Tel: | (0086)411-86852376 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2006.12.15 |
Seller: | Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH |
Address: | Schleppeplatz 5,9020 Klagenfurt |
Fax: | (0043)463-44460444 | |
Tel: | (0043)463-444604-11 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 11. Dec. 2006 |
Exhibit 10.40
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
Contract Amendment to the Purchase Contract No.
06.7IC014
for the Core Components of the Electrical Control System of
FL 1500 Wind Turbine
This contract is made according to the purchase contract for FL1500 WT core components of electrical control system.
This contract is made and amended according to the delivery quantities for the core components of electrical system signed between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd and Windtec Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in 2007.
Apart from the following amendment, all other terms and conditions remain the same as what are stated in the original contract.
Quantity: Purchase another [**] sets of core components on the basis of the original purchasing quantity [**] sets, the unit price of each set remains unchanged.
Delivery: The delivery time of the original [**] sets remains unchanged; the delivery time for additional [**] sets will be made according to the delivery time (FOB) as follows:
FOB date |
Quantity (Sets) |
|||||
Jul 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Aug 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Sep 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Oct 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Nov 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Dez 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Total |
[**] |
Buyer: | Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd |
Address: | Culture Building No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China, | |
Postcode: | 100872 |
Fax: | ( 0086 ) 10-82500072 Tel: ( 0086) 10-62515566 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2007.03.06 |
Buyers Agent: | Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry International Co., Ltd |
Address: | 12/F Huarui Building, No. 169, Bayi Road, Xigang Dist., Dalian, China |
Fax: | (0086)411-86852398 Tel: (0086)411-86852376 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||||
(Signature) |
Signing date: |
|
Seller: | Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH |
Address: | Schleppeplatz 5, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria |
Fax: | (0043)463-4446044 Tel: (0043) 463-444604-0 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | Feb. 14th, 2007 |
Exhibit 10.41
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions. |
Contract Amendment to the Purchase Contract No.
06.7IC015
for the software of
FL 1500 Wind Turbine
This contract is made according to the purchase contract for the software of FL1500 WT.
This contract is made and amended according to the delivery quantities for the software of electrical system signed between Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd and Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in 2007.
Apart from the following amendment, all other terms and conditions remain the same as what are stated in the original contract.
Quantity: Purchase another [**] sets of software on the basis of the original purchasing quantity [**] sets, the unit price of each set remains unchanged.
Delivery: The delivery time of the original [**] sets remains unchanged; the delivery time for additional [**] sets will be made according to the delivery time (FOB) as follows:
FOB date |
Quantity (Sets) |
|||||
Jul 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Aug 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Sep 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Oct 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Nov 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Dez 20,2007 | [**] | |||||
Total |
[**] |
Buyer: | Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd |
Address: | Culture Building ,No.59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China, | |||
Postcode: | 100872 |
Fax: | (0086) 10-82500072 Tel: (0086) 10-62515566 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2007.03.06 |
Buyers Agent: | Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry International Co., Ltd |
Address: | 12/F Huarui Building, No. 169, Bayi Road, Xigang Dist., Dalian, China |
Fax: | (0086)411-86852398 Tel: (0086)411-86852376 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||||
(Signature) |
Signing date: |
|
Seller: | Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH |
Address: | Schleppeplatz 5, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria |
Fax: | (0043)463-4446044 Tel: (0043)463-444604-0 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | Feb. 14th, 2007 |
Exhibit 10.42
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
The Purchase Contract No. FDCGO7060
for the Core Components of the Electrical Control
System of
SLI500 Wind Turbine
This Purchase Contract is signed between
Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Buyer)
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Buyers agent)
and
Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in Austria (hereinafter referred to as Seller) in a friendly way.
The contract equipment is used for the purchasing contract of the electrical control system for SL 1500 wind turbine which is signed between Buyer and Seller.
Buyer and Seller agreed as follows:
1. | Definition |
In construing this contract, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them unless otherwise specified in the contract:
1.1 | Contract means this contract, including Article 1 to Article 20. |
1.2 | Contract price means the price payable to Seller under the contract for the full and proper performance of its contractual obligations, which is not influenced by the price fluctuations. |
1.3 | Contract currency means the currency used in the payment under the contract, which is Euro. |
1.4 | Buyers Bank means Bank of China designated by Buyer or the other banks designated by Seller. |
1.5 | Sellers bank, means |
1.6 | Effective date of the contract means the date when the contract enters into force upon fulfillment of the conditions stated in Article 20. |
1.7 | Contract equipment means the core components of electrical control system of SL 1500 wind turbine. |
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2. | Scope of Supply: |
Each set comprises of:
Item |
Description |
Code no. | Windtec ID-No. |
Quantity | Remarks | |||||
1 | PM1000 Converter 3 Pole | +NCC320-V308.2 | 10100957 | 1off | Including water cooling base-plate, DC bus capacitance, control circuit board | |||||
Alternatively PM3000 |
||||||||||
2 | PM1000 Converter 6 Pole | +NCC320-V308.4 | 10100956 | 1off | Including water cooling base-plate, DC bus capacitance, control circuit board | |||||
Alternatively PM3000 |
||||||||||
3 | Crowbar control WTCBA200A | +NCC320-B312.7 | 10100787 | 1off | Crowbar short circuit protection control | |||||
4 | Controller WT 98 | +NCC310-A240.3, +NCC310-A250.3 |
10100068 | 2off | ||||||
5 | Controller WT97 | +TBC100-A120.3 | 10100002 | 1off | ||||||
6 | Analogue input module WTA191 | +NCC310-A280.3 | 10100006 | 1off | ||||||
7 | Digital input module WTD192 | +NCC310-A260.3 | 10100005 | 1off | ||||||
8 | Panel Display WT502 | +NCC310-P241.2, +TBC100-P122.2 |
10100775 | 2off | One HMI for nacelle control cabinet, another one at tower base as HMI for SCADA system |
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9 | Servo motor [**]-combivert 90º connector | +BM400-M23.2 +BM410-M33.2, +BM420-M43.2 |
10101229 | 3 sets | Including safety lock system, motor cable 2 meters | |||||
10 | Frequency converter [**] combivert F Multi | +HC400-U23.4, +HC410-U33.4, +HC420-U43.4 |
10100098 | 3off | [**] | |||||
11 | DC-filter [**]-combivert | +HC400-Z21.7, +HC410-Z31.7, +HC420-Z41.7 |
10100101 | 3off | ||||||
12 | Static frequency converter F5-Compact | +NCC300-U118.6 | 10100361 | 1off | [**] | |||||
13 | Radio interference filter | +NCC300-Z118.3 | 10100362 | 1off | ||||||
14 | CAN-operator | 10100099 | 4off | For connecting pitch and yaw converter | ||||||
15 | Interface cable WT90 | 10100883 | 2off | |||||||
16 | Lithiumbattery 07LE90 Included in item 10100068 | 10100485 | 1off | |||||||
17 | Spring-operated brake [**]-Combivert mounted in item 10101229 | 10100106 | 3off | |||||||
18 | Motor cable [**]-Combivert | 10100104 | 3off | |||||||
19 | Rectifier [**]-Combivert mounted in item 10101229 | 10100102 | 3off | |||||||
20 | Foamed rubber [**]-combivert | 10100100 | 3off | |||||||
21 | Resolver cable [**]-combivert | 10100103 | 3off |
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Remarks: All the core components shall satisfy with the -45°C low temperature requirements.
Description of PM3000: It is updated on the basis of PM1000; regarding to 1.5MW WT, PM3000 is compatible to PM1000. But the capacity is relatively bigger; The rated current value of LSC is 300A; The rated current value of GSC is 650A; it also has the low voltage ride through function which can be applied to the global grid code (including Europe, North America and Canada etc strictest grid conditions) requirements.
3. | Quantities: Total [**] sets which includes: |
[**] sets with PM1000 and [**] sets with PM3000.
Windtec will supply [**] sets of PM3000 to Sinovel in March, 2008; at the same time the relevant auxiliary elements for implementing the PM3000 into a PM1000 cabinet shall be supplied to Sinovel free of charge.
By January, 2008, Windtec shall supply to Sinovel the detailed modification documentation and control cabinet specification for changing the converter cabinet for implementing PM3000 and LVRT.
In case the test for [**] sets of PM3000 supplied on March, 2008 is failed, Windtec shall supply to Sinovel [**] sets PM1000 and the relevant auxiliary switches to be replaced free of charge; The delivery after July, 2008 for the PM3000 shall be stopped and the later supply for PM3000 shall be replaced by PM1000.
4. | Price: |
The delivery price for Seller is as follows:
[**] Euro/set regarding the [**] sets of PMI000.
[**] Euro/set regarding the [**] sets of PM3000 delivered in March, 2008.
[**] Euro/set regarding the [**] sets of PM3000.
The total contracting price will be [**] Euros (INCOTERMS 2000, FOB).
5. | Port of shipment: |
PM1000 and PM3000 Converter shall be on shipment from USA (Wisconsin), others from main European seaport or Austria airport.
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6. | Delivery-Period: |
The delivery will be made in batches as per preliminary schedule below (FOB):
Jan |
Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||
PM1000 |
[**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | ||||||||||||
PM3000 |
[**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] |
Note: Under the precondition that [**] sets core components of the electrical control system shall be purchased in 2008. BUYER will notify Seller three months in advance in writing to revise the plan, in case of any changes to the delivery plan. BUYER shall also notify SELLER six months in advance in writing in case theres any change for changing the purchased core components from core components with PMI000 to core components with PM3000.
7. | Documentation |
Seller shall provide to the Buyer the certificate and test report of the converter together with the equipment.
8. | Payment Schedule: |
95% | by L/C at sight.
Two weeks before each shipment date, an irrevocable Letter of Credit at an amount of 95% of each shipment value shall be issued by a first-class bank. The L/C shall be according to ICP600. If L/C is delayed, the delivery time will be postponed accordingly. | |
5% | Retention Bond:
The Retention Bond shall be paid upon the expiry of warrantee period [12 months (for the converter, it shall be 18 months) after WT has arrived on the wind farm and finished the commissioning, or 18 months (for the converter it shall be 24 months) after the delivery time of Seller, for whichever is earlier, as the warranty period] within 14 days, under the precondition that the availability of the electrical control system for each WT is at least [**]% during such period. Such percentage will be the average of a respective wind park. The dependency of this 5%- payment from an availability of [**]% will only be on the condition that (i) control cabinets have been manufactured by BUYER under supervision and instruction of Seller, (ii) test and quality of electrical cabinets have been released by Seller, (iii) fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller, (iv) replacement of components will be executed by BUYER within 24 hours, and (v) Seller will have continuous and full access to the SCADA system of the respective wind turbines.
BUYER is responsible for item I-V. If any of these items is not fulfilled, the retention bond has to be paid to Seller even in case of an availability of at least [**]% has not been reached. |
Seller must provide the following performance bond to Buyer:
Within 30 days after effectiveness of the contract, Seller shall through Sellers bank open an irrevocable performance bond in favor of Buyer, for an amount of 100,000.00 Euro. Validity of the guarantee shall be by the end of June 2009.
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9. | The Seller shall supply the following documents as part of L/C paperwork: |
| B/L or Air Way Bill |
| Commercial Invoice |
| Packing List |
| Certificate of Origin |
| Certificate of quarantine for Packing Wood; Declaration for Packing Wood issued by Seller marking IPPC |
| Shipping Advice |
| Quality Certificate |
The details refer to the detailed definition in L/C.
10. | Delivery notice |
Seller shall complete the delivery of Contract Equipment in batches and on time as required in article 6. 2 weeks before shipping, Buyer will be informed about the exact date of delivery.
11. | Packing and Marking |
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the contract equipment shall be packed by Seller in a properly manner. And necessary measures shall be taken to protect the contract equipment from moisture, rain, rust, corrosion, shock and other damages according to their different characteristics so as to withstand numerous handling, loading and unloading as well as long distance sea and inland transportation.
The following documents shall be enclosed in each package of the Contract Equipment:
Two (2) copies of detailed packing list;
Two (2) of quality certificate;
One (1) copy of technical documentation for relevant Contract Equipment (including the following documentation but not limited to; e.g. the documentation for IGBT module, PLC, control panel, pitch converter, yaw converter and the operational manual for the CAN interface);
12. | Inspection |
Seller shall inspect the Contract Equipment and issue the quality certificates as well as inspection records, all involved expenses shall be for Sellers account. The quality certificates and inspection records including detail and result of inspection before delivery shall be submitted by Seller to Buyer.
13. | Warranty |
Seller warrants, that the Contract Equipment shall be completely new, advanced in technology and superior in quality, free from any defect in design, material and workmanship, suitable for the use and purpose and in conformity with the technical specification.
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Seller warrants that the technical documentation shall be complete, clear and correct. Warranty period is 12 months (it shall be 18 months for the converter) after WT has arrived on the wind farm and finished the commissioning, or 18 months (it shall be 24 months for the converter) after the delivery time of Seller, for whichever is earlier.
Warranty means within warranty period in case of any damage or problem of any core components, that the components for replacement will be provided by Seller free of charge, and Seller should ensure timely supply of spare parts. Seller shall correct any such failure either at its option, (i) by repairing any defective or damaged part or parts or the supplied products, or (ii) by making available any necessary repaired or replacement parts. Fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller and replacement of components will be executed by BUYER, each party at his own expense.
14. | Penalty for delayed delivery |
In case of delayed delivery of any shipment, starting from the second week of delay, every week of delay will be charged [**]% of the price of the delayed set as penalty, only a delay for more than 4 days is counted as one complete week Sum of the above mentioned penalty shall not exceed [**]% of the total contract price. Payment of the delayed delivery penalty shall not relieve Seller from the obligation of continuing delivery of relevant contract equipment.
15. | Claims |
15.1 | In case the Contract Equipment supplied by Seller does not meet the specified technical performance during the Warranty Period and Seller doesnt fulfill his responsibility according to item 13, Buyer has the right to lodge claims against Seller, and Seller shall settle the claims upon the agreement of Buyer in the following way: |
1) | Repair or remove the defects and discrepancies of the equipment at Sellers expense. In case Seller cannot send his personnel to the Job Site, Buyer shall have the right to do the repair or removal of the defects and discrepancies and all the expensed incurred should be borne by Seller. |
2) | Replace the defective equipment or technical documents with new one at Sellers expenses and Seller shall guarantee the quality of the replaced equipment for a recalculated warrantee period. The replaced and /or supplemented equipment shall be delivered DDP to the Job Site. |
In case Seller fails to make proposals for settling the claims according to any and/or all the ways mentioned above within 14 days after notification of the claim raised by Buyer, Buyer shall have the right to recover the claimed amount from Retention Bond (maximum up to 5% of the total contract price).
15.2 | The notice of claim for the defective equipment shall be effective if it is issued not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the Warranty Period, but the claim must be detected within the warranty period (proved and reported by an independent expert). |
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15.3 | In case Seller fails to accept the claim within thirty (30) days after receipt of Buyers claim, the claim shall be regarded as not acceptable by Seller. |
16. | Force Majeure |
Neither party shall be held responsible for failure or delay to perform all or any party of this Contract due to flood, fire, earthquake, snowstorm, drought, hailstorm, hurricane, or any other events that are beyond the control of the affected party and could not reasonably be expected at the time of conclusion of the Contract or have been avoided or overcome by such party. However, the party whos performance is affected by the event of Force Majeure shall give a notice to the other party of its occurrence as soon as possible and a certificate or a document of the occurrence of the Force Majeure event issued by the relative authority or a neutral independent third party shall be sent to the other party not later than (14) days after its occurrence. If the event of Force Majeure event continues for more than (180) days, both parties shall negotiate the performance or the termination of this Contract. In the case of such a termination either party shall bear its own costs, further claims for compensation in connection with the termination shall be excluded.
17. | Taxes and Duties |
17.1 | All taxes in connection with and in the execution of the Contract levied by the Chinese government on Buyer in accordance with the tax laws of P.R. China shall be borne by Buyer. |
17.2 | All taxed levied by the Chinese government on Seller, in connection with and in the execution of the Contract, according to Chinese tax laws and the agreement between the government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Sellers country for the reciprocal avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income shall be borne by Seller. |
17.3 | All taxes arising outside of China in connection with and in execution of the Contract shall be borne by Seller. |
18. | Arbitration |
All disputes arising from, or in connection with the execution of the Contract, shall be settled through friendly discussion between the two Parties. In case no agreement can be reached throughout, the disputes shall be submitted to Chamber of Commerce in Zurich Switzerland, for Arbitration.
Not withstanding any reference to arbitration, the two Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under the Contact unless the two Parties otherwise agree.
19. | Termination |
19.1 | Buyer may, without prejudice to any remedy by Seller for Sellers following breach of Contract, by written notice of default sent to Seller, terminate the Contract in whole or in part, if Seller fails to deliver any or all of the Contract Equipment within 120 days after the delivery time specified in Article 6. |
19.2 | Buyer may at any time terminate the Contract, by giving written notice to Seller in case Seller becomes bankrupt or otherwise insolvent, and such termination does not prejudice or affect any right of action or remedy available to Buyer. The same applies vice versa to Seller. |
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20. | Effectiveness of the Contract and Miscellaneous |
20.1 | The contract becomes valid on signing by the authorized representatives of the two parties of the Contract. |
20.2 | The present Contract shall be valid for 3 years from the effective date of the Contract, however the Contract shall become null and void automatically when each party of the Contract has fulfilled its rights and obligations under the Contract. |
20.3 | At the expiration of the Contract, any unsettled credit and debt under the Contract shall not be affected by the expiration of the Contract. The debtor shall still effect his obligation of reimbursement to the creditor. |
20.4 | The Contract shall be made in English. |
20.5 | All amendments, supplements and alternations to the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be made in written form and signed by the authorized representatives of the two Parties. |
20.6 | Unless otherwise stipulated in the Contract, the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be interpreted in accordance with INCOTERMS (2000 Edition). |
20.7 | No assignment of any right or obligation under the Contract shall be made by either party to a third party without the previous consent of the other party. |
20.8 | The communication between the two parties shall be conducted in written form. The fax concerning the important matter shall be confirmed timely by the registered or express mail. |
Buyer: Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd
Address: Culture Building, No.59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China
Post code: 100872
Fax: (0086) 10-82500072
Tel: (0086) 10-62515566
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: 2007.12.24 |
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation
Address: 12/F 178,Guangan Men Wai Street, Xuan Wu District, Beijing, China
Fax: 0086(0)10-63452264
Tel : 0086(0)10-63452250
Authorized representative: |
/s/ [Illegible] | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: 2007.12.18 |
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Seller: Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH
Address: Schleppeplatz 5,9020 Klagenfurt
Fax: (0043)463-4446044
Tel: (0043)463-444604-10
Gerald Hehenberger: | /s/ Gerald Hehenberger | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: 2007-11-30 |
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Exhibit 10.43
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
The Purchase Contract No. FDCG07061
for the software of SL1500 Wind Turbine
This Purchase Contract is signed between
Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Buyer)
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Buyers agent)
and
Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in Austria (hereinafter referred to as Seller) in a friendly way.
Buyer and Seller agreed as follows:
1. | Scope of Supply: |
[**] sets of software comprising:
| SL1500 software program for pitch converter, yaw converter, IGBT converter and PLCs; according to Technical Specification of SL1500 Wind Turbine. |
2. | Prices: |
The delivery price is CIF Dalian [**] EURO per set. The total contract price is CIF Dalian [**] EURO.
3. | Conditions: |
General Terms of Delivery issued by the Austrian Electrical and Electronics Industry Association, Ed. Jan. 2002
4. | Warranty: |
Warranty period is 12 months after wind turbine has arrived on the wind farm and finished the commissioning, or 18 months after the delivery (shippment-date), whichever is earlier.
5. | Delivery: |
The software of PLC and converter will be sent out by 1 off CD and/or email per batch, as a valid licence for the number of sets indicated therein. The delivery will be made in batches as per preliminary schedule below (shippment date):
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec | |||||||||||
[**] |
[**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] | [**] |
6. | Payments: |
95% of each shipment value will be paid by T/T within 14 days after each shipment date against receipt of the invoice;
5% of each shipment value, as the retention bond, shall be paid by T/T within 14 days after the expiry of the warranty period.
7. | Taxes: |
Note: Any applicable withholding tax according to the Austrian-Chinese-Double-Tax-Treaty will be borne by Windtec in Austria.
Buyer: | Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd |
Address: | 19/F, Culture Building, No. 59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China |
Post code: | 100872 |
Fax: | (0086) 10-82500072 | |
Tel: | (0086) 10-62515566 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2007.12.24 |
Buyers Agent: | China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation |
Address: | 12/F 178, Guangan Men Wai Street, Xuan Wu District, Beijing, China |
Fax: | 0086(0)10-63452264 |
Tel: | 0086(0)10-63452250 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ [Illegible] |
|||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2007.12.19 |
Seller: | Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH |
Address: | Schleppeplatz 5,9020 Klageenfurt |
Fax: | (0043)463-44460444 | |
Tel: | (0043)463-444604-11 |
Authorized representative: | /s/ Gerald Heneberger |
/ General Manager | ||
(Signature) |
Signing date: | 2007-11-30 |
Exhibit 10.44
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
The Purchase Contract No. FDCG08050
for the Electrical System of SL 3000 Wind Turbine
This Purchase Contract is signed between:
Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Buyer)
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Buyers agent)
And
Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in Austria (hereinafter referred to as Seller) in a friendly way.
The contract equipment is used for the purchasing contract of the electrics for SL 3000 wind turbine which is signed between Buyer and Seller.
Buyer and Seller agreed as follows:
1. | Definition |
In construing this contract, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them unless otherwise specified in the contract.
1.1 | Contact means this contract, including Article 1 to Article 20. |
1.2 | Contract price means the price payable to Seller under the contract for the full and proper performance of its contractual obligations, which is not influenced by the price fluctuations. |
1.3 | Contract currency means the currency used in the payment under the contract, which is Euro. |
1.4 | Buyers Bank means Bank of China designated by Buyer for the other banks designated by Seller. |
1.5 | Sellers Bank means Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG. |
1.6 | Effective date of the contract means the date when the contract enters into force upon fulfillment of the conditions stated in Article 20. |
1.7 | Contract equipment means the 50 Hz electrics of SL 3000 wind turbine. |
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2. | Scope of Supply: |
Each set comprises of:
Pos. |
Name |
No. | Units | Total Price | ||||
1 | Nacelle Cabinet (incl. Converter) plus Power Supply Cabinet (located in TB) | +CC300/+CC310 | 1 | EUR [**] | ||||
+NC300/+NC310 | EUR [**] | |||||||
+PSC100 | EUR [**] | |||||||
+CRO300 | EUR [**] | |||||||
2 | IPS (Internal Power Supply) | +IPS100 | 1 | EUR [**] | ||||
3 | Slip Ring inc,. Overvoltage Protection | +SR300/+OVP400 | 1 | EUR [**] | ||||
4 | Hub Cabinets inc,. Power Caps Cabinets | +HC400/+HC410 | 3 | EUR [**] | ||||
+HC420/+PC400/ | ||||||||
+PC410/+PC420 | ||||||||
5 | Servo Pitch Motor | +PM400/+PM410/ | 3 | EUR [**] | ||||
+PM420 | ||||||||
6 | Tower Base Cabinet incl. SCADA | +TBC100 | 1 | EUR [**] | ||||
7 | CMS (Condition Monitoring System)(1) | 1 | EUR [**] | |||||
- incl. CPU MX213 | ||||||||
- incl. AIC 212 Module | ||||||||
- incl. Dummy Module LM201 | ||||||||
- incl. Electrical Cabinet MKL4 machined | ||||||||
TOTAL VALUE | EUR [**] | |||||||
(1) | Sensors are beyond SELLERs scope of core components supply. The respective specification shall be defined by SELLER but purchased by BUYER separately. |
3. | Quantities: |
Total number of goods is 4 sets.
4. | Price |
The total contracting price will be [**] Euros (INCOTERNS 2000, FOB packed).
5. | Port of shipment: |
Goods shall be on shipment from main European seaport or Austria airport.
6. | Delivery Period: |
The delivery will be made in batches as per preliminary schedule below.
CW 30, 2008 [**] sets, tested
CW 35, 2008 [**] sets, tested
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7. | Documentation |
Seller shall provide to the Buyer the certificate and test report of the converter together with the equipment.
8. | Payment Schedule |
95% by L/C at sight.
Two weeks before each shipment date, an irrevocable Letter of Credit at an amount of 95% of each shipment value shall be issued by a first class bank. The L/C shall be according to ICP600. If L/C is delayed, the delivery time will be postponed accordingly.
5% Retention Bond:
The Retention Bond shall be paid upon the expiry of warranty period of 24 months after finished commissioning, or 30 months after the delivery, whichever is earlier within 14 days, under the precondition that the availability of the electrical control system for each WT is at least [**]% during such period. Such percentage will be the average of a respective wind park. The dependency of this 5%-payment from an availability of [**]% will only be on the condition that (i) control cabinets have been manufactured by BUYER under supervision and instruction of Seller, (ii) test and quality of electrical cabinets have been released by Seller, (iii) fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller, (iv) replacement of components will be executed by BUYER within 24 hours, and (v) Seller will have continuous and full access to the SCADA system of the respective wind turbines.
BUYER is responsible for item I-V. If any of these items is not fulfilled, the retention bond has to be paid to Seller even in case of an availability of at least [**]% has not been reached.
Seller must provide the following performance bond to Buyer:
Within 30 days after effectiveness of the contract, SELLER shall through SELLERs bank open an irrevocable performance bond in favour of BUYER, for an amount of EUR 100,000.00. Validity of the guarantee shall be by the end of February 2009.
9. | The Seller shall supply the following documents as part of L/C paperwork: |
| B/L or Air Way Bill |
| Commercial Invoice |
| Packing List |
| Certificate of Origin |
| Certificate of quarantine for Packing Wood; Declaration for Packing Wood issued by Seller marking IPPC |
| Shipping Advice |
| Quality Certificate |
The details refer to the detailed definition in L/C.
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10. | Delivery notice |
Seller shall complete the delivery of Contract Equipment in batches and on time as required in article 6. Two (2) weeks before shipping, Buyer will be informed about the exact date of delivery.
11. | Packing and Marking |
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the contract equipment shall be packed by Seller in a properly manner. And necessary measures shall be taken to protect the contract equipment from moisture, rain, rust, corrosion, shock and other damages according to their different characteristics so as to withstand numerous handling, loading and unloading as well as long distance sea and inland transportation.
The following documents shall be enclosed in each package of the Contract Equipment:
| Two (2) copies of detailed packing list; |
| Two (2) of quality certificate; |
| One (1) copy of technical documentation for relevant Contract Equipment. |
12. | Inspection |
Seller shall inspect the Contract Equipment and issue the quality certificates as well as inspection records. All involved expenses shall be for Sellers account. The quality certificates and inspection records including detail and result of inspection before delivery shall be submitted by Seller to Buyer.
13. | Warranty |
Seller warrants, that the Contract Equipment shall be completely new, advanced in technology and superior in quality, free from any defect in design, material and workmanship, suitable for the use and purpose and in conformity with the technical specification.
Seller warrants that the technical documentation shall be complete, clear and correct. Warranty period is 24 months after finished commissioning, or 30 months after the delivery, whichever is earlier.
Warranty means within warranty period in case of any damage or problem of any core components, that the components for replacement will be provided by Seller free of charge and Seller should ensure timely supply of spare parts. Seller shall correct any such failure either at its option, (i) by repairing any defective or damaged part or parts or the supplied products, or (ii) by making available any necessary repaired or replacement parts. Fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller and replacement of components will be executed by BUYER, each party at his own expense.
14. | Penalty for delayed delivery |
In case of delayed delivery of any shipment, starting from the second week of delay, every week of delay will be charged [**]% of the price of the delayed set as penalty, only a delay for more than 4 days is counted as one complete week Sum of the above mentioned penalty shall not exceed [**]% of the total contract price. Payment of the delayed delivery penalty shall not relieve Seller from the obligation of continuing delivery of relevant contract equipment.
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15. | Claims |
15.1 In case the Contract Equipment supplied by Seller does not meet the specified technical performance during the Warranty Period and Seller doesnt fulfill his responsibility according to article 13, Buyer has the right to lodge claims against Seller, and Seller shall settle the claims upon the agreement of Buyer in the following way:
1) Repair or remove the defects and discrepancies of the equipment at Sellers expense. In case Seller cannot send his personnel to the Job Site, Buyer shall have the right to do the repair or removal of the defects and discrepancies and all the expensed incurred should be borne by Seller.
2) Replace the defective equipment or technical documents with new one at Sellers expenses and Seller shall guarantee the quality of the replaced equipment for a recalculated warrantee period. The replaced and/or supplemented equipment shall be delivered DDP to the Job Site.
In case Seller fails to make proposals for settling the claims according to any and/or all the ways mentioned above within 14 days after notification of the claim raised by Buyer, Buyer shall have the right to recover the claimed amount from Retention Bond (maximum up to 5% of the total contract price).
15.2 The notice of claim for the defective equipment shall be effective if it is issued not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the Warranty Period, but the claim must be detected within the warranty period (proved and reported by an independent expert).
15.3 In case Seller fails to accept the claim within thirty (30) days after receipt of Buyers claim, the claim shall be regarded as not acceptable by Seller.
16. | Force Majeure |
Neither party shall be held responsible for failure or delay to perform all or any party of this contract due to flood, fire, earthquake, snowstorm, drought, hailstorm, hurricane, or any other events that are beyond the control of the affected party and could not reasonably be expected at the time of conclusion of the contract or have been avoided or overcome by such party. However, the party whos performance is affected by the event of Force Majeure shall give a notice to the other party of its occurrence as soon as possible and a certificate or a document of the occurrence of the Force Majeure event issued by the relative authority or a neutral independent third party shall be sent to the other party not later than (14) days after its occurrence. If the event of Force Majeure event continues for more than (180) days, both parties shall negotiate the performance or the termination of this contract. In the case of such a termination either party shall bear its own costs, further claims for compensation in connection with the termination shall be excluded.
17. | Taxes and Duties |
17.1 All taxes in connection with and in the execution of the contract levied by the Chinese government on Buyer in accordance with the tax laws of P.R. China shall be borne by Buyer.
5
17.2 All taxed levied by the Chinese government on Seller, in connection with and in the execution of the contract, according to Chinese tax laws and the agreement between the government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Sellers country for the reciprocal avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income shall be borne by Seller.
17.3 All taxes arising outside of China in connection with and in execution of the contract shall be borne by Seller.
18. | Arbitration |
All disputes arising from, or in connection with the execution of the contract, shall be settled through friendly discussion between the two parties. In case no agreement can be reached throughout, the disputes shall be submitted to Chamber of Commerce in Zurich Switzerland, for Arbitration.
Not withstanding any reference to arbitration, the two parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under the contact unless the two parties otherwise agree.
19. | Termination |
19.1 Buyer may, without prejudice to any remedy by Seller for Sellers following breach of contract, by written notice of default sent to Seller, terminate the contract in whole or in part, if Seller fails to deliver any or all of the contract Equipment within 120 days after the delivery time specified in Article 6.
19.2 Buyer may at any time terminate the contract, by giving written notice to Seller in case Seller becomes bankrupt or otherwise insolvent, and such termination does not prejudice or affect any right of action or remedy available to Buyer. The same applies vice versa to Seller.
20. | Effectiveness of the Contract and Miscellaneous |
20.1 | The contract becomes valid on signing by the authorized representatives of the two parties of the Contract. |
20.2 | The present contract shall be valid for 3 years from the effective date of the contract, however the contract shall become null and void automatically when each party of the contract has fulfilled its rights and obligations under the contract. |
20.3 | At the expiration of the Contract, any unsettled credit and debt under the Contract shall not be affected by the expiration of the Contract. The debtor shall still effect his obligation of reimbursement to the creditor. |
20.4 | The Contract shall be made in English. |
20.5 | All amendments, supplements and alternations to the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be made in written form and signed by the authorized representatives of the two Parties. |
20.6 | Unless otherwise stipulated in the Contract, the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be interpreted in accordance with INCOTERMS (2000 Edition). |
20.7 | No assignment of any right or obligation under the Contract shall be made by either party to a third party without the previous consent of the other party. |
6
20.8 | The communication between the two parties shall be conducted in written form. The fax concerning the important matter shall be confirmed timely by the registered or express mail. |
Buyer: Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd
Address: Culture Building, No.59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China
Post code: 100872
Fx: (0086) 10-82500072
Ph: (0086) 10-62515566
Liu Zhengqi: |
/s/ Liu Zhengqi | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: March 7th, 2008 |
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation
Address: 12/F 178, Guangan Men Wai Street, Xuan Wu District, Beijing, China
Fx: 0086(0)10-63452264
Ph: 0086(0)10-63452250
Authorized representative: |
| |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: |
|
Seller: Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH
Address: Schleppeplatz 5,9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Fx: (0043) 463-444604-44
Ph: (0043) 463-444604-10
Gerald Hehenberger: | /s/ Gerald Hehenberger | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: March 7th, 2008 |
7
APPENDIX 1
Single Line Diagram SL3000
8
[Confidential treatment has been requested for the remainder of this exhibit]
9
APPENDIX 2
Main Components in Cabinets for SL3000
cabinet |
main components |
technical data | ||
+CC3x0 | grid choke | [**] | ||
generator choke | [**] | |||
conntectors | circuit breaker more than [**] | |||
PM3000 | converter | |||
control unit | [**] Components for communication | |||
busbar | [**] per phase lenght [**] meters( not included connections) | |||
high flexible cables | for connections | |||
cabinet | see attached dimensions, protected for vibrations | |||
+PSC100 | Stator Circuit Breaker with min Protection [**] | circuit breaker [**] | ||
Rotor Circiut Breaker with min Protection [**] | circuit breaker [**] | |||
NH-fuse for auxiliary power supply | disconnector functionality | |||
busbar | [**] per phase lenght [**] meters | |||
cabinet | see attached dimensions, protected for vibrations |
10
APPENDIX 3
Dimensions of Cabinets for SL3000
[Confidential treatment has been requested for this exhibit in its entirety.]
11
Exhibit 10.45
Confidential Materials omitted and filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterisks denote omissions.
The Purchase Contract No. FDCG08051
for the Core Components of the Electrical Control
System of SL3000 Wind Turbine
This Purchase Contract is signed between
Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as Buyer)
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Buyers agent)
And
Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH in Austria (hereinafter referred to as Seller) in a friendly way.
The contract equipment is used for the purchasing contract of the core components for SL 3000 wind turbine which is signed between Buyer and Seller.
Buyer and Seller agreed as follows:
1. | Definition |
In construing this contract, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them unless otherwise specified in the contract.
1.1 | Contract means this contract, including Article 1 to Article 20. |
1.2 | Contract price means the price payable to Seller under the contract for the full and proper performance of its contractual obligations, which is not influenced by the price fluctuations. |
1.3 | Contract currency means the currency used in the payment under the contract, which is Euro. |
1.4 | Buyers Bank means Bank of China designated by Buyer or the other banks designated by Seller. |
1.5 | Sellers Bank means Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG. |
1.6 | Effective date of the contract means the date when the contract enters into force upon fulfillment of the conditions stated in Article 20. |
1
1.7 | Contract equipment means the core components of electrical control system of SL 3000 wind turbine. |
2. | Scope of Supply: |
Each set comprises of:
Pos. |
Name |
No. |
Units | Total Price | ||||
1 | PM 3000 | IGBT converter power module | 2 off | EUR [**] | ||||
2 | Crowbar for LVRT | Control unit with power switch | 1 off | EUR [**] | ||||
3 | Pitch Converters
incl. CAN Operator
incl. DC-Filter |
3 pitch cabinets, type (PM M-10, rated current 40A, surge current 80A) | 3 off | EUR [**] | ||||
4 | Pitch-Motor (Synchronous Servo Motor with integrated brake) |
The pitch motors are servo motors (permanent magnet synchronous machines) with integrated position feedback and integrated thermistors | 3 off | EUR [**] | ||||
5 | Converters for Yaw & Gear Oil Pump
incl. CAN Operator
incl. Filter |
PM M-40; rated current 40A; surge current 80A + smaller converter for gear all pump | 2 off | EUR [**] | ||||
6 | Cables | Cables for connection between motor and hub cabinet (+HC4x0) | | EUR [**] | ||||
7 | [**] PLC-Modules incl Displays(1) | See Appendix 1 | 1 off | EUR [**] | ||||
8 | CMS (Condition Monitoring System)(2)
incl. CPU MX213
incl. AIC 212 Module
incl. Dummy Module LM201 |
1 off | EUR [**] | |||||
TOTAL VALUE | EUR [**] | |||||||
Components designed for Cold Climate conditions of -45deg. survival temperature.
(1) |
Items included in scope of delivery see at APPENDIX 1. |
(2) |
Sensors are beyond SELLERs scope of core components supply. The respective specification shall be defined by SELLER but purchased by BUYER separately. |
3. | Quantities: |
Total number of goods is [**] sets.
2
4. | Price |
The total contracting price will be [**] Euros (INCOTERNS 2000, FOB packed)
5. | Port of shipment: |
PM3000 Converters shall be on shipment from USA (Wisconsin), others from main European seaport or Austria airport.
6. | Delivery Period: |
The delivery will be made in batches as per schedule below (FOB):
CW 38, 2008 [**] sets of Pos. No. 2 to Pos. No. 8
CW 44, 2008 [**] sets of Pos. No. 1 (PM3000)
CW 48, 2008 [**] sets
CW 52, 2008 [**] sets
CW 05, 2009 [**] sets
CW 09, 2009 [**] sets
CW 13, 2009 [**] sets
CW 18, 2009 [**] sets
7. | Documentation |
Seller shall provide to the Buyer the certificate and test report of the converter together with the equipment.
8. | Payment Schedule: |
95% by L/C at sight.
Two weeks before each shipment date, an irrevocable Letter of Credit at an amount of 95% of each shipment value shall be issued by a first-class bank. The L/C shall be according to ICP600. If L/C is delayed, the delivery time will be postponed accordingly.
5% Retention Bond:
The Retention Bond shall be paid upon the expiry of warranty period of 24 months after finished commissioning, or 30 months after the delivery, whichever is earlier within 14 days, under the precondition that the availability of the electrical control system for each WT is at least [**]% during such period. Such percentage will be the average of a respective wind park. The dependency of this 5%-payment from an availability of [**]% will only be on the condition that (i) control cabinets have been manufactured by BUYER under supervision and instruction of Seller, (ii) test and quality of electrical cabinets have been released by Seller, (iii) fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller, (iv) replacement of components will be executed by BUYER within 24 hours, and (v) Seller will have continuous and full access to the SCADA system of the respective wind turbines.
BUYER is responsible for item I-V. If any of these items is not fulfilled, the retention bond has to be paid to Seller even in case of an availability of at least [**]% has not been reached.
Seller must provide the following performance bond to Buyer:
Within 30 days after effectiveness of the contract, SELLER shall through SELLERs bank open an irrevocable performance bond in favour of BUYER, for an amount of EUR 100,000.00. Validity of the guarantee shall be by the end of October 2009.
3
9. | The Seller shall supply the following documents as part of L/C paperwork: |
| B/L or Air Way Bill |
| Commercial Invoice |
| Packing List |
| Certificate of Origin |
| Certificate of quarantine for Packing Wood; Declaration for Packing Wood issued by Seller marking IPPC |
| Shipping Advice |
| Quality Certificate |
The details refer to the detailed definition in L/C.
10. | Delivery notice |
Seller shall complete the delivery of Contract Equipment in batches and on time as required in article 6. Two (2) weeks before shipping, Buyer will be informed about the exact date of delivery.
11. | Packing and Marking |
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the contract equipment shall be packed by Seller in a properly manner. And necessary measures shall be taken to protect the contract equipment from moisture, rain, rust, corrosion, shock and other damages according to their different characteristics so as to withstand numerous handling, loading and unloading as well as long distance sea and inland transportation.
The following documents shall be enclosed in each package of the Contract Equipment:
| Two (2) copies of detailed packing list; |
| Two (2) of quality certificate; |
| One (1) copy of technical documentation for relevant Contract Equipment. |
12. | Inspection |
Seller shall inspect the Contract Equipment and issue the quality certificates as well as inspection records. All involved expenses shall be for Sellers account. The quality certificates and inspection records including detail and result of inspection before delivery shall be submitted by Seller to Buyer.
13. | Warranty |
Seller warrants, that the Contract Equipment shall be completely new, advanced in technology and superior in quality, free from any defect in design, material and workmanship, suitable for the use and purpose and in conformity with the technical specification.
Seller warrants that the technical documentation shall be complete, clear and correct. Warranty period is 24 months after finished commissioning, or 30 months after the delivery, whichever is earlier.
Warranty means within warranty period in case of any damage or problem of any core components, that the components for replacement will be provided by Seller free of charge and Seller should ensure timely supply of spare parts. Seller shall correct any such failure either at
4
its option, (i) by repairing any defective or damaged part or parts or the supplied products, or (ii) by making available any necessary repaired or replacement parts. Fault of electrical control system will be diagnosed by Seller and replacement of components will be executed by BUYER, each party at his own expense.
14. | Penalty for delayed delivery |
In case of delayed delivery of any shipment, starting from the second week of delay, every week of delay will be charged [**]% of the price of the delayed set as penalty, only a delay for more than 4 days is counted as one complete week Sum of the above mentioned penalty shall not exceed [**]% of the total contract price. Payment of the delayed delivery penalty shall not relieve Seller from the obligation of continuing delivery of relevant contract equipment.
15. | Claims |
15.1 | In case the Contract Equipment supplied by Seller does not meet the specified technical performance during the Warranty Period and Seller doesnt fulfill his responsibility according to article 13, Buyer has the right to lodge claims against Seller, and Seller shall settle the claims upon the agreement of Buyer in the following way: |
1) Repair or remove the defects and discrepancies of the equipment at Sellers expense. In case Seller cannot send his personnel to the Job Site, Buyer shall have the right to do the repair or removal of the defects and discrepancies and all the expensed incurred should be borne by Seller.
2) Replace the defective equipment or technical documents with new one at Sellers expenses and Seller shall guarantee the quality of the replaced equipment for a recalculated warrantee period. The replaced and/or supplemented equipment shall be delivered DDP to the Job Site.
In case Seller fails to make proposals for settling the claims according to any and/or all the ways mentioned above within 14 days after notification of the claim raised by Buyer, Buyer shall have the right to recover the claimed amount from Retention Bond (maximum up to 5% of the total contract price).
15.2 | The notice of claim for the defective equipment shall be effective if it is issued not later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the Warranty Period, but the claim must be detected within the warranty period (proved and reported by an independent expert). |
15.3 | In case Seller fails to accept the claim within thirty (30) days after receipt of Buyers claim, the claim shall be regarded as not acceptable by Seller. |
16. | Force Majeure |
Neither party shall be held responsible for failure or delay to perform all or any party of this contract due to flood, fire, earthquake, snowstorm, drought, hailstorm, hurricane, or any other events that are beyond the control of the affected party and could not reasonably be expected at the time of conclusion of the contract or have been avoided or overcome by such party. However, the party whos performance is affected by the event of Force Majeure shall give a notice to the other party of its occurrence as soon as possible and a certificate or a document of the occurrence of the Force Majeure event issued by the relative authority or a neutral independent third party shall be sent to the other party not later than (14) days after its occurrence. If the event of Force Majeure event continues for more than (180) days, both parties
5
shall negotiate the performance or the termination of this contract. In the case of such a termination either party shall bear its own costs, further claims for compensation in connection with the termination shall be excluded.
17. | Taxes and Duties |
17.1 | All taxes in connection with and in the execution of the contract levied by the Chinese government on Buyer in accordance with the tax laws of P.R. China shall be borne by Buyer. |
17.2 | All taxed levied by the Chinese government on Seller, in connection with and in the execution of the contract, according to Chinese tax laws and the agreement between the government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Sellers country for the reciprocal avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income shall be borne by Seller. |
17.3 | All taxes arising outside of China in connection with and in execution of the contract shall be borne by Seller. |
18. | Arbitration |
All disputes arising from, or in connection with the execution of the contract, shall be settled through friendly discussion between the two parties. In case no agreement can be reached throughout, the disputes shall be submitted to Chamber of Commerce in Zurich Switzerland, for Arbitration.
Not withstanding any reference to arbitration, the two parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under the contact unless the two parties otherwise agree.
19. | Termination |
19.1 | Buyer may, without prejudice to any remedy by Seller for Sellers following breach of contract, by written notice of default sent to Seller, terminate the contract in whole or in part, if Seller fails to deliver any or all of the contract Equipment within 120 days after the delivery time specified in Article 6. |
19.2 | Buyer may at any time terminate the contract, by giving written notice to Seller in case Seller becomes bankrupt or otherwise insolvent, and such termination does not prejudice or affect any right of action or remedy available to Buyer. The same applies vice versa to Seller. |
20. | Effectiveness of the Contract and Miscellaneous |
20.1 | The contract becomes valid on signing by the authorized representatives of the two parties of the Contract. |
20.2 | The present Contract shall be valid for 3 years from the effective date of the contract, however the Contract shall become null and void automatically when each party of the Contract has fulfilled its rights and obligations under the Contract. |
20.3 | At the expiration of the Contract, any unsettled credit and debt under the Contract shall not be affected by the expiration of the Contract. The debtor shall still effect his obligation of reimbursement to the creditor. |
6
20.4 | The Contract shall be made in English. |
20.5 | All amendments, supplements and alternations to the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be made in written form and signed by the authorized representatives of the two Parties. |
20.6 | Unless otherwise stipulated in the Contract, the terms and conditions of the Contract shall be interpreted in accordance with INCOTERMS (2000 Edition). |
20.7 | No assignment of any right or obligation under the Contract shall be made by either party to a third party without the previous consent of the other party. |
20.8 | The communication between the two parties shall be conducted in written form. The fax concerning the important matter shall be confirmed timely by the registered or express mail. |
7
Buyer: Sinovel Wind Co., Ltd
Address: Culture Building, No.59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian, Beijing, China
Post code: 100872
Fx: (0086) 10-82500072
Ph: (0086) 10-62515566
Liu Zhengqi: | /s/ Liu Zhengqi | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: March 7th, 2008 |
Buyers Agent: China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation
Address: 12/F 178, Guangan Men Wai Street, Xuan Wu District, Beijing, China
Fx: 0086(0)10-63452264
Ph: 0086(0)10-63452250
Authorized representative: |
| |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: |
|
Seller: Windtec Systemtechnik Handels GmbH
Address: Schleppeplatz 5, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
Fx: (0043) 463-444604-44
Ph: (0043) 463-444604-11
Gerald Hehenberger: | /s/ Gerald Hehenberger | |
(Signature) | ||
Signing date: March 7th, 2008 |
8
APPENDIX 1
PLC-Modules for SL 3000
Module Nacelle |
Units | |
Backplane 14 Modules |
1 | |
One FAST-BUS Extention Modules with int. Powermodule |
1 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
1 | |
Ethernet Module Master |
1 | |
Interface Module 4x RS 232/422/485 |
1 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
1 | |
Digital Input Module 32 |
3 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
3 | |
Digital In/Output Module 48 |
2 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
2 | |
Temperature Recording Module |
4 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
4 | |
Backplane 3 Modules |
1 | |
One FAST-BUS Extension Module with int. Powermodule |
1 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
1 | |
CAN-BUS Module |
1 | |
Dummy Module |
1 |
Module Towerbase |
Units | |
Backplane 7 Modules |
1 | |
One FAST-BUS Extension Module |
1 | |
Power Modules [**] |
1 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
1 | |
Processor Modules |
1 | |
Temperature Recording Module |
1 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
1 | |
Digital In-/Output Module 32 |
1 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
1 | |
Dummy Module |
1 |
Module Converter Cabinet |
Units | |
Digital In-/Output Module |
2 | |
Cage Clamp Terminal Set with Labeling |
2 | |
Operating Panel, Type OP2 |
2 | |
Data Cabels for OP2 |
2 |
9
APPENDIX 2
OPERATING PANEL OP2
10
Exhibit 10.46
Executive Incentive Plan for Fiscal 2008
On May 15, 2008, the Committee, as well as the Board of Directors of the Company, approved an executive incentive plan for the Companys fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 (fiscal 2008). Participants in the plan include the Companys Chief Executive Officer and all other executive officers. The Committee is responsible for determining the payout under the plan to each executive officer except the Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors of the Company determines the payout under the plan for the Chief Executive Officer, taking into account the recommendation received from the Committee.
Pursuant to the plan, the Committee designated for each executive officer a target cash incentive amount, expressed as a percentage of the officers base salary. In establishing these targets, the Committee took into account for each officer the level of total compensation including base salary, cash incentive and equity paid by similar companies for comparable positions based on market data compiled by our Vice President of Human Resources.
The amount of the incentive award actually paid to each executive officer may be less than or greater than the executives target cash incentive, with the amount capped at 156% of the target incentive. Individual incentive awards will be determined following the end of fiscal 2008 based on the following factors and their corresponding weightings:
| the Companys earnings before interest, other income (expense), taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (EBITDAS) for fiscal 2008 as compared to the target established by the Committee 40% |
| the executives achievement of individual, measurable objectives during fiscal 2008 as determined by the Committee for all executives with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer, who is evaluated by the Board of Directors 40% |
| the executives overall contribution during fiscal 2008 towards the achievement of the Companys financial and non-financial objectives 20% |
The following table sets forth each current executive officers target cash incentive for fiscal 2008.
Executive Officer |
Title |
Target Incentive as % of Base Salary |
Target Incentive | |||||
Gregory J. Yurek | Chief Executive Officer and President | 60 | % | $ | 345,000 | |||
Charles W. Stankiewicz | Executive Vice President, AMSC Power Systems | 50 | % | $ | 150,000 | |||
David A. Henry | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary | 50 | % | $ | 135,000 | |||
Daniel P. McGahn | Senior Vice President and General Manager, AMSC Superconductors and Asia Pacific | 50 | % | $ | 122,500 | |||
Angelo R. Santamaria | Vice President, Global Manufacturing Operations | 50 | % | $ | 105,000 | |||
Timothy D. Poor | Vice President, Global Sales and Business Development | 50 | % | $ | 100,000 | |||
Alexis P. Malozemoff | Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer | 35 | % | $ | 82,250 |
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries
1. American Superconductor Europe GmbH (*)established in Germany
2. ASC Devens LLC (*)incorporated in Delaware
3. ASC Securities Corp. (*)incorporated in Massachusetts
4. Superconductivity, Inc. (*)incorporated in Delaware
5. NST Asset Holding Corporation (*)incorporated in Delaware
6. AMSC Windtec GmbH (*)incorporated in Austria
7. Power Quality Systems, Inc. (*)incorporated in Pennsylvania
8. American Superconductor Singapore PTE. Ltd. (*) incorporated in Singapore
9. Suzhou AMSC-China Superconductor Co., Ltd. (*) incorporated in China
* | Wholly owned subsidiary of American Superconductor Corporation |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-74418, 33-86108, 333-39653, 333-37163, 333-71539, 333-58016, 333-111477, 333-119125, 333-119126 and 333-145685) and Form S-3 (File No. 333-124235) of American Superconductor Corporation of our report dated May 29, 2008 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, MA
May 29, 2008
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Gregory J. Yurek, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Superconductor Corporation; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 29, 2008
/s/ GREGORY J. YUREK |
Gregory J. Yurek |
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, David A. Henry, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Superconductor Corporation; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: May 29, 2008
/s/ DAVID A. HENRY |
David A. Henry |
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) for the period ended March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), the undersigned, Gregory J. Yurek, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
/s/ GREGORY J. YUREK |
Gregory J. Yurek |
Chief Executive Officer |
May 29, 2008
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Superconductor Corporation (the Company) for the period ended March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), the undersigned, David A. Henry, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
/s/ David A. Henry |
David A. Henry |
Chief Financial Officer |
May 29, 2008