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Ameresco, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2011 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents



 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
R
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
OR
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________.
Commission File Number: 001-34811
Ameresco, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
04-3512838
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
111 Speen Street, Suite 410
Framingham, Massachusetts
 
01701
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(508) 661-2200
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes R No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer o 
Non-accelerated Filer þ
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Shares outstanding as of November 4, 2011
Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
25,360,711
Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
18,000,000
 
 

Table of Contents



AMERESCO, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 (Unaudited)
4
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 (Unaudited)
8
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
49 
 
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Index
 


Table of Contents





PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,691,021

 
$
31,734,749

Restricted cash
9,197,447

 
12,687,929

Accounts receivable, net
68,584,304

 
143,856,513

Accounts receivable retainage
18,452,777

 
18,562,244

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
35,556,425

 
55,093,772

Inventory, net
6,780,092

 
8,323,380

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,471,628

 
10,216,107

Income tax receivable
2,511,542

 
9,504,152

Deferred income taxes
9,908,240

 
12,668,142

Project development costs
7,556,345

 
8,170,697

Total current assets
211,709,821

 
310,817,685

Federal ESPC receivable
193,551,495

 
236,595,684

Property and equipment, net
5,406,387

 
6,684,625

Project assets, net
145,147,475

 
169,092,913

Deferred financing fees, net
3,412,186

 
3,722,968

Goodwill
20,580,995

 
41,907,853

Intangible assets, net

 
13,221,000

Other assets
4,598,980

 
6,390,885

 
372,697,518

 
477,615,928

 
$
584,407,339

 
$
788,433,613

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
4,722,118

 
$
11,115,586

Accounts payable
95,302,897

 
116,278,050

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
12,517,671

 
12,260,683

Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
27,555,894

 
31,345,206

Income taxes payable
2,488,672

 
802,290

Total current liabilities
142,587,252

 
171,801,815

Long-term debt, less current portion
202,409,484

 
325,905,269

Deferred income taxes
12,013,799

 
24,125,829

Deferred grant income
4,200,929

 
6,109,406

Other liabilities
28,144,144

 
29,673,680

 
$
246,768,356

 
$
385,814,184

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

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


1

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — (Continued)
 
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011
 
$

 
$

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 27,925,649 shares issued and 23,092,365 outstanding at December 31, 2010, 30,150,070 shares issued and 25,316,786 outstanding at September 30, 2011
 
2,793

 
3,015

Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 144,000,000 shares authorized, 18,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011
 
1,800

 
1,800

Additional paid-in capital
 
74,069,087

 
86,725,095

Retained earnings
 
126,609,101

 
153,088,094

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
3,551,521

 
182,181

Less — treasury stock, at cost, 4,833,284 shares
 
(9,182,571
)
 
(9,182,571
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
195,051,731

 
230,817,614

 
 
$
584,407,339

 
$
788,433,613

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
















2

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 

 
 

Energy efficiency revenue
$
147,863,350

 
$
188,718,434

Renewable energy revenue
44,038,079

 
39,085,134

 
191,901,429

 
227,803,568

Direct expenses:
 
 
 

Energy efficiency expenses
121,906,348

 
155,890,159

Renewable energy expenses
35,114,345

 
32,058,319

 
157,020,693

 
187,948,478

Gross profit
34,880,736

 
39,855,090

Operating expenses:
 
 
 

Salaries and benefits
8,409,014

 
10,984,929

Project development costs
2,716,616

 
5,174,930

General, administrative and other
4,841,508

 
7,286,542

 
15,967,138

 
23,446,401

Operating income
18,913,598

 
16,408,689

Other expenses, net (Note 10)
(2,010,030
)
 
(1,359,913
)
Income before provision for income taxes
16,903,568

 
15,048,776

Income tax provision
(4,862,651
)
 
(2,690,196
)
Net income
12,040,917

 
12,358,580

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 

Unrealized loss from interest rate hedge, net of tax
(746,087
)
 
(1,775,890
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
879,842

 
(2,267,225
)
Comprehensive income
$
12,174,672

 
$
8,315,465

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.35

 
$
0.29

Diluted
$
0.28

 
$
0.27

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
34,434,352

 
43,116,861

Diluted
43,445,391

 
46,308,032

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







3

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Revenue:
 

 
 

Energy efficiency revenue
$
323,578,578

 
$
418,697,750

Renewable energy revenue
115,305,944

 
121,007,530

 
438,884,522

 
539,705,280

Direct expenses:
 

 
 

Energy efficiency expenses
267,495,450

 
344,499,360

Renewable energy expenses
91,955,471

 
95,216,122

 
359,450,921

 
439,715,482

Gross profit
79,433,601

 
99,989,798

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

Salaries and benefits
21,893,756

 
29,232,330

Project development costs
7,893,558

 
14,839,723

General, administrative and other
16,156,553

 
17,848,103

 
45,943,867

 
61,920,156

Operating income
33,489,734

 
38,069,642

Other expenses, net (Note 10)
(4,082,417
)
 
(3,248,919
)
Income before provision for income taxes
29,407,317

 
34,820,723

Income tax provision
(8,381,084
)
 
(8,341,730
)
Net income
21,026,233

 
26,478,993

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

Unrealized loss from interest rate hedge, net of tax
(2,297,667
)
 
(1,991,877
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
689,797

 
(1,377,463
)
Comprehensive income
$
19,418,363

 
$
23,109,653

Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
 

 
 

Basic
$
1.02

 
$
0.63

Diluted
$
0.53

 
$
0.58

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

Basic
20,563,849

 
42,275,367

Diluted
39,513,507

 
45,377,104

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




4

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
Series A Preferred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
Stock
 
Class B Common Stock
 
Class A Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Treasury Stock
 
Comprehensive
 
Stockholders’
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Income
 
Equity
Balance, December 31, 2010
 

 
$

 
18,000,000

 
$
1,800

 
27,925,649

 
$
2,793

 
$
74,069,087

 
$
126,609,101

 
4,833,284

 
$
(9,182,571
)
 
$
3,551,521

 
$
195,051,731

Exercise of stock options, net
 

 

 

 

 
2,224,421

 
222

 
4,907,423

 

 

 

 

 
4,907,645

Stock-based compensation expense, including excess tax benefits of $5,721,385
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
7,748,585

 

 

 

 

 
7,748,585

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,377,463
)
 
(1,377,463
)
Unrealized loss from interest rate hedge, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,991,877
)
 
(1,991,877
)
Net income
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
26,478,993

 

 

 

 
26,478,993

Balance, September 30, 2011
 

 
$

 
18,000,000

 
$
1,800

 
30,150,070

 
$
3,015

 
$
86,725,095

 
$
153,088,094

 
4,833,284

 
$
(9,182,571
)
 
$
182,181

 
$
230,817,614

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





5

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 

 
 

Net income
$
12,040,917

 
$
12,358,580

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:


 


Depreciation of project assets
4,206,992

 
2,676,004

Depreciation of property and equipment
589,029

 
845,947

Amortization of deferred financing fees
306,398

 
106,776

Amortization of intangible assets

 
501,000

Provision for bad debts

 
154

Stock-based compensation expense
651,352

 
432,624

Deferred income taxes
792,193

 
4,097,831

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

 
(1,819,749
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:


 
 
(Increase) decrease in:


 
 
Restricted cash draws
53,185,373

 
20,465,804

Accounts receivable
(21,103,490
)
 
(45,257,456
)
Accounts receivable retainage
(5,204,217
)
 
(915,906
)
Federal ESPC receivable
(51,833,048
)
 
(21,910,697
)
Inventory
23,790

 
439,704

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
(8,859,603
)
 
2,294,809

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,817,278
)
 
(1,149,248
)
Project development costs
(872,942
)
 
(1,383,993
)
Other assets
4,560,707

 
(1,554,165
)
Increase (decrease) in:


 


Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
25,940,748

 
38,898,718

Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
(1,341,379
)
 
4,517,219

Other liabilities
337,826

 
(4,679,466
)
Income taxes payable
(2,541,814
)
 
1,352,618

Net cash provided by operating activities
9,061,554

 
10,317,108

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(877,781
)
 
(863,145
)
Purchases of project assets
(12,415,691
)
 
(16,837,529
)
Acquisitions, net of cash received
(6,138,941
)
 
(60,953,588
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(19,432,413
)
 
$
(78,654,262
)
 
 

 
 

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







6

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements
$

 
$
1,819,749

Payments of financing fees
(402,625
)
 
(78,924
)
Proceeds from exercises of options and warrants, and issuance of stock
59,649,893

 
905,557

Proceeds from senior secured credit facility
(31,351,119
)
 
41,571,429

Restricted cash
(1,137,175
)
 
(1,136,862
)
Repayment of subordinated debt
(2,998,750
)
 

Payments on long-term debt
(5,755,902
)
 
(1,444,018
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
18,004,322

 
41,636,931

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
498,142

 
(1,347,221
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
8,131,605

 
(28,047,444
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
21,134,396

 
59,782,193

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
29,266,001

 
$
31,734,749

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
710,265

 
$
1,246,530

Income taxes
$
3,652,142

 
$
1,764,698

Acquisitions, net of cash received:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
$
8,354,669

 
$
18,287,718

Accounts receivable retainage
423,927

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
1,947,639

 
11,269,294

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
33,922

 
95,674

Property and equipment
127,512

 
604,637

Project assets

 
6,970,185

Goodwill
2,539,561

 
21,262,668

Intangible assets

 
13,722,000

Other assets
18,551

 
52,062

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(7,032,052
)
 
(7,175,650
)
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
(274,788
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
(2,500,000
)
Other liabilities

 
(1,635,000
)
 
$
6,138,941

 
$
60,953,588

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








7

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 

 
 

Net income
$
21,026,233

 
$
26,478,993

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:


 


Depreciation of project assets
7,623,850

 
7,126,617

Depreciation of property and equipment
1,234,415

 
1,927,669

Amortization of deferred financing fees
474,403

 
312,431

Amortization of intangible assets

 
501,000

Provision for bad debts

 
24,374

Write-down of long-term receivable
2,111,000

 

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
133,591

 

Stock-based compensation expense
1,758,503

 
2,027,200

Deferred income taxes

 
7,243,425

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements

 
(5,721,385
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:


 


(Increase) decrease in:


 


Restricted cash draws
108,936,357

 
98,682,379

Accounts receivable
(24,037,153
)
 
(57,839,917
)
Accounts receivable retainage
(7,491,725
)
 
(580,598
)
Federal ESPC receivable
(110,522,731
)
 
(95,550,030
)
Inventory
(1,071,268
)
 
(1,543,288
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
(16,660,465
)
 
(8,600,351
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(5,518,403
)
 
(1,812,750
)
Project development costs
(790,904
)
 
(623,548
)
Other assets
6,582,019

 
(1,758,820
)
Increase (decrease) in:


 


Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
6,749,903

 
16,997,701

Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
2,311,175

 
4,189,191

Other liabilities
1,702,081

 
97,928

Income taxes payable
(946,361
)
 
(3,336,415
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(6,395,480
)
 
(11,758,194
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(1,361,876
)
 
(2,669,779
)
Purchases of project assets
(24,783,062
)
 
(31,558,420
)
Grant awards received on project assets

 
6,695,711

Acquisitions, net of cash received
(6,138,941
)
 
(60,953,588
)
Additional purchase price paid on 2010 acquisition (Note 3)

 
(1,956,366
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(32,283,879
)
 
$
(90,442,442
)
 
 

 
 

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


8

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AMERESCO, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements
$

 
$
5,721,385

Payments of financing fees
(1,300,058
)
 
(623,213
)
Proceeds from exercises of options and warrants, and issuance of stock
60,062,759

 
4,907,645

Repurchase of stock
(768,970
)
 

Proceeds from senior secured credit facility
(19,915,218
)
 
81,571,429

Proceeds from long-term debt financing
812,398

 
5,500,089

Restricted cash
(5,956,433
)
 
(2,812,428
)
Repayment of subordinated debt
(2,998,750
)
 

Payments on long-term debt
(10,548,598
)
 
(3,998,627
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
19,387,130

 
90,266,280

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
630,690

 
(1,021,916
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(18,661,539
)
 
(12,956,272
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
47,927,540

 
44,691,021

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
29,266,001

 
$
31,734,749

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
3,228,744

 
$
3,063,570

Income taxes
$
5,052,664

 
$
6,800,454

Acquisitions, net of cash received:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
$
8,354,669

 
$
18,287,718

Accounts receivable retainage
423,927

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
1,947,639

 
11,269,294

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
33,922

 
95,674

Property and equipment
127,512

 
604,637

Project assets

 
6,970,185

Goodwill
2,539,561

 
21,262,668

Intangible assets

 
13,722,000

Other assets
18,551

 
52,062

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(7,032,052
)
 
(7,175,650
)
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
(274,788
)
 

Deferred income taxes

 
(2,500,000
)
Other liabilities

 
(1,635,000
)
 
$
6,138,941

 
$
60,953,588

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


9

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


1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Ameresco, Inc. (including its subsidiaries, the "Company") was organized as a Delaware corporation on April 25, 2000. The Company is a provider of energy efficiency solutions for facilities throughout North America. The Company provides solutions, both products and services, that enable customers to reduce their energy consumption, lower their operating and maintenance costs and realize environmental benefits. The Company's comprehensive set of services includes upgrades to a facility's energy infrastructure and the construction and operation of small-scale renewable energy plants. It also sells certain photovoltaic equipment worldwide. The Company operates in the United States, Canada, and Europe. 
The Company is compensated through a variety of methods, including: 1) direct payments based on fee-for-services contracts (utilizing lump-sum or cost-plus pricing methodologies); 2) the sale of energy from the Company's generating assets; and 3) direct payment for photovoltaic equipment and systems.
The condensed consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2011, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, are unaudited. In addition, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation in conformity with GAAP. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, and notes thereto, included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2011. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Codification 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles that the Company follows to ensure its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are consistently reported. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). 
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements follows. 
Principles of Consolidation 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ameresco, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Gains and losses from the translation of all foreign currency financial statements are recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) account within stockholders' equity. 
Use of Estimates 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates with regard to these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to the estimation of final construction contract profit in accordance with accounting for long-term contracts, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, project development costs, fair value of derivative financial instruments and stock-based awards, impairment of long lived assets, income taxes and estimating potential liability in conjunction with certain commitments and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Cash includes cash on deposit, overnight repurchase agreements and amounts invested in highly liquid money market funds. Cash equivalents consist of short term investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains accounts with financial institutions and the balances in such accounts, at times, exceed federally insured limits. This


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credit risk is divided among a number of financial institutions that management believes to be of high quality. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value. 
Restricted Cash 
Restricted cash consists of cash held in an escrow account in association with construction draws for energy savings performance contracts ("ESPCs") and construction of project assets, as well as cash required under term loans to be maintained in debt service reserve accounts until all obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full.
Accounts Receivable 
Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for those accounts receivable considered to be uncollectible based upon historical experience and management's evaluation of outstanding accounts receivable at the end of the year. Bad debts are written off against the allowance when identified. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2010
 
2011
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,602,079

 
$
1,677,278

Charges to costs and expenses
 

 
24,374

Account write-offs and other
 
(17,006
)
 
4,915

Balance, end of period
 
$
1,585,073

 
$
1,706,567

At December 31, 2010 and at September 30, 2011, no customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total accounts receivable. 
During the three months ended September 30, 2010 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, no customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's total revenue.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company had one customer that accounted for approximately 11.3% of the Company's total revenue.
Accounts Receivable Retainage 
Accounts receivable retainage represents amounts due from customers, but where payments are withheld contractually until certain construction milestones are met. Amounts retained typically range from five percent to ten percent of the total invoice.
 Inventory 
Inventories, which consist of photovoltaic solar panels, batteries and related accessories, are stated at the lower of cost ("first-in, first-out" method) or market (determined on the basis of estimated realizable values). Provisions have been made to reduce the carrying value to the realizable value. 
Prepaid Expenses 
Prepaid expenses consist primarily of short-term prepaid expenditures that will amortize within one year. 
Federal ESPC Receivable 
Federal ESPC receivable represents the amount to be paid by various federal government agencies for work performed and earned by the Company under specific ESPCs. The Company assigns certain of its rights to receive those payments to third-party lenders that provide construction and permanent financing for such contracts. The receivable is recognized as revenue as each project is constructed. Upon completion and acceptance of the project by the government, the assigned ESPC receivable and corresponding related project debt is eliminated from the Company's financial statements. 
Project Development Costs 
The Company capitalizes as project development costs only those costs incurred in connection with the development of energy projects, primarily direct labor, interest costs, outside contractor services, consulting fees, legal fees and travel, if incurred after a point in time where the realization of related revenue becomes probable. Project development costs incurred


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prior to the probable realization of revenue are expensed as incurred. The Company classifies project development costs as a current asset as the development efforts are expected to proceed to construction activity in the twelve months that follow.  The Company periodically reviews these balances and writes off any amounts where the realization of the related revenue is no longer probable.
Property and Equipment 
Property and equipment consists primarily of office and computer equipment. These assets are recorded at cost. Major additions and improvements are capitalized as additions to the property and equipment accounts, while replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Asset Classification
 
Estimated Useful Life
Furniture and office equipment
 
Five years
Computer equipment and software costs
 
Five years
Leasehold improvements
 
Lesser of term of lease or five years
Automobiles
 
Five years
Land
 
Unlimited
Project Assets 
Project assets consist of costs of materials, direct labor, interest costs, outside contract services and project development costs incurred in connection with the construction of small-scale renewable energy plants that the Company owns and the implementation of energy savings contracts. These amounts are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related assets or the terms of the related contracts.
The Company capitalizes interest costs relating to construction financing during the period of construction. The interest capitalized is included in the total cost of the project at completion. The amount of interest capitalized for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $252,113. No interest was capitalized for the three months ended September 30, 2010 or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. 
Routine maintenance costs are expensed in the current year's condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income to the extent that they do not extend the life of the asset. Major maintenance, upgrades and overhauls are required for certain components of the Company's assets. In these instances, the costs associated with these upgrades are capitalized and are depreciated over the shorter of the life of the asset or until the next required major maintenance or overhaul period. Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are reflected in general, administrative and other expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.dd
The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used by estimating the undiscounted future cash flows before interest associated with the expected uses and eventual disposition of those assets. When these comparisons indicate that the carrying value of those assets is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. d
In February and March 2011, the Company received a total of $6,695,711 in grant awards from the U.S. Treasury Department (the "Treasury") under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "Act"). The Act authorized the Treasury to make payments to eligible persons who place in service qualifying renewable energy projects. The grants are paid in lieu of investment tax credits. All of the proceeds from the grants were used and recorded as a reduction in the cost basis of the applicable project assets. If the Company disposes of the property, or the property ceases to qualify as specified energy property, within five years from the date the property is placed in service, then a prorated portion of the Section 1603 payment must be repaid. For tax purposes, the Section 1603 payments are not included in federal and certain state taxable income and the basis of the property is reduced by 50% of the payment received. Deferred grant income of $4,200,929 and $6,109,406 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011, respectively, represents the benefit of the basis difference to be amortized to income tax expense over the life of the related property.



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Deferred Financing Fees 
Deferred financing fees relate to the external costs incurred to obtain financing for the Company. All deferred financing fees are amortized over the respective term of the financing. 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company has classified as goodwill the amounts paid in excess of fair value of the net assets (including tax attributes) of companies acquired in purchase transactions. The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives on an annual basis (December 31st) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company would record an impairment charge if such an assessment were to indicate that the fair value of such assets was less than their carrying values. Judgment is required in determining whether an event has occurred that may impair the value of goodwill or identifiable intangible assets. 
Factors that could indicate that an impairment may exist include significant underperformance relative to plan or long-term projections, significant changes in business strategy, significant negative industry or economic trends or a significant decline in the base price of the Company's publicly traded stock for a sustained period of time.  Although the Company believes goodwill and intangible assets are appropriately stated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require an adjustment to the recorded balance.
During April 2011, the Company made an additional payment of approximately $2,000,000 in accordance with certain provisions of the stock purchase agreement with the former shareholders of Quantum Engineering and Development, Inc. ("Quantum"). The payment has been reflected retrospectively as additional goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.
During the third quarter of 2011, the Company entered into two separate stock purchase agreements to acquire 100% of the capital stock of each of Applied Energy Group ("AEG") and APS Energy Services, Inc. (now known as "Ameresco Southwest"). The net purchase prices have been allocated to the net identified assets acquired based on fair values at the respective date of the acquisition with the residual amounts allocated to goodwill. The acquisition of AEG resulted in the Company recording an initial carrying value of goodwill totaling $5,170,508. For the acquisition of Ameresco Sourthwest, the Company recorded an initial carrying value of goodwill of $16,092,160. Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill that are subject to amortization include customer contracts and relationships as well as software and non-compete agreements. The intangible assets are amortized over a period of approximately five years from the respective date of acquisition. See Note 3 for more information.
Other Assets 
Other assets consist primarily of notes and contracts receivable due to the Company.
 Asset Retirement Obligations 
The Company recognizes a liability for the fair value of required asset retirement obligations ("AROs") when such obligations are incurred. The liability is estimated on a number of assumptions requiring management's judgment, including equipment removal costs, site restoration costs, salvage costs, cost inflation rates and discount rates and is accredited to its projected future value over time. The capitalized asset is depreciated using the convention of depreciation of plant assets. Upon satisfaction of the ARO conditions, any difference between the recorded ARO liability and the actual retirement cost incurred is recognized as an operating gain or loss in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011, the Company had no AROs. 
Other Liabilities 
Other liabilities consist primarily of deferred revenue related to multi-year operation and maintenance contracts which expire as late as 2031. Other liabilities also include the fair value of derivatives and deferred compensation relating to the 2010 and July 2011 acquisitions . See Note 3 and 7.
Revenue Recognition 
The Company derives revenue from energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services. Energy efficiency products and services include the design, engineering, and installation of equipment and other measures to improve the efficiency, and control the operation, of a facility's energy infrastructure. Renewable energy products and services include the construction of small-scale plants that produce electricity, gas, heat or cooling from renewable sources of energy, the sale of


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such electricity, gas, heat or cooling from plants that the Company owns, and the sale and installation of solar energy products and systems. 
Revenue from the installation or construction of projects is recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis. The percentage-of-completion for each project is determined on an actual cost-to-estimated final cost basis. Maintenance revenue is recognized as related services are performed. In accordance with industry practice, the Company includes in current assets and liabilities the amounts of receivables related to construction projects realizable and payable over a period in excess of one year. The revenue associated with contract change orders is recognized only when the authorization for the change order has been properly executed and the work has been performed and accepted by the customer. 
When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, or claims against costs incurred reduce the likelihood of recoverability of such costs, the Company records the entire expected loss immediately, regardless of the percentage of completion. 
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings represents advanced billings on certain construction contracts. Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings represent certain amounts under customer contracts that were earned and billable but not invoiced at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011. 
The Company sells certain products and services in bundled arrangements, where multiple products and/or services are involved. The Company divides bundled arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on the relative selling price. The relative selling price is determined using vendor specific objective evidence, third party evidence or management's best estimate of selling price.
The Company recognizes revenue from the sale and delivery of products, including the output from renewable energy plants, when produced and delivered to the customer, in accordance with specific contract terms, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the Company's price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
 The Company recognizes revenue from operations and maintenance ("O&M") contracts and consulting services as the related services are performed.
 For a limited number of contracts under which the Company receives additional revenue based on a share of energy savings, such additional revenue is recognized as energy savings are generated.
Direct Expenses
Direct expenses include the cost of labor, materials, equipment, subcontracting and outside engineering that are required for the development and installation of projects, as well as preconstruction costs, sales incentives, associated travel, inventory obsolescence charges, and, if applicable, costs of procuring financing. A majority of the Company's contracts have fixed price terms; however, in some cases the Company negotiates protections, such as a cost-plus structure, to mitigate the risk of rising prices for materials, services and equipment. 
Direct expenses also include the costs of maintaining and operating the small-scale renewable energy plants that the Company owns, including the cost of fuel (if any) and depreciation charges. 
Income Taxes 
The Company provides for income taxes based on the liability method. The Company provides for deferred income taxes based on the expected future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities calculated using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be reflected in the tax return. 
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a "more-likely-than-not" threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors that include, but are not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and adjusts the level of the liability to reflect any subsequent changes in the relevant facts surrounding the uncertain positions.
The Company's liabilities for uncertain tax positions can be relieved only if the contingency becomes legally extinguished through either payment to the taxing authority or the expiration of the statute of limitations, the recognition of the benefits associated with the position meet the "more-likely-than-not" threshold or the liability becomes effectively settled through the


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examination process.
The Company considers matters to be effectively settled once the taxing authority has completed all of its required or expected examination procedures, including all appeals and administrative reviews; the Company has no plans to appeal or litigate any aspect of the tax position; and the Company believes that it is highly unlikely that the taxing authority would examine or re-examine the related tax position. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. See Note 5 for additional information on the Company's income taxes. 
Foreign Currency Translation 
The local currency of the Company's foreign operations is considered the functional currency of such operations. All assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 
Financial Instruments 
Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, long-term contract receivables, accounts payable, long-term debt and interest rate swaps. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, long-term contract receivables and accounts payable approximates their carrying value. See below for fair value measurements of long-term debt. See Note 11 for fair value of interest rate swaps. 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense 
Stock-based compensation expense results from the issuances of shares of restricted common stock and grants of stock options and warrants to employees, directors, outside consultants and others. The Company recognizes the costs associated with restricted stock, option and warrant grants using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards. 
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the stock-based awards, including stock options, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards requires the use of highly subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the common stock underlying the award, the expected term of the award and expected stock price volatility. 
The assumptions used in determining the fair value of stock-based awards represent management's estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change, and different assumptions are employed, the stock-based compensation could be materially different in the future. The risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant, with maturities approximating the expected life of the stock options.
The Company has no history of paying dividends. Additionally, as of each of the grant dates, there was no expectation to pay dividends over the expected life of the options. The expected life of the awards is estimated using historical data and management's expectations. Because there was no public market for the Company's common stock prior to the Company's initial public offering, management lacked company-specific historical and implied volatility information. Therefore, estimates of expected stock volatility were based on that of publicly-traded peer companies, and it is expected that the Company will continue to use this methodology until such time as there is adequate historical data regarding the volatility of the Company's publicly-traded stock price. 
The Company is required to recognize compensation expense for only the portion of options that are expected to vest. Actual historical forfeiture rate of options is based on employee terminations and the number of shares forfeited. These data and other qualitative factors are considered by the Company in determining the forfeiture rate used in recognizing stock compensation expense. If the actual forfeiture rate varies from historical rates and estimates, additional adjustments to compensation expense may be required in future periods. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities or the terms of the stock option, it may be necessary to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense. 
The Company also accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employee directors and consultants at fair value. All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more


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reliably measurable. The measurement date of the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the date on which the counterparty's performance is complete. No awards to individuals who were not either an employee or director of the Company occurred during the year ended December 31, 2010 or for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. 
Fair Value Measurements 
In 2009, the Company adopted fair value measurements for all of its non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for those recognized at fair value in the financial statements at least annually. These assets include goodwill and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments, and non-financial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination. The Company's adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. 
The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, interest rate swaps, accounts payable, accrued expenses, equity-based liabilities and short- and long-term borrowings. Because of their short maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and short-term borrowings approximate fair value. The carrying value of long-term variable-rate debt approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2011, the carrying value of the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt exceeds its fair value by approximately $1,181,464. This is based on quoted market prices or on rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities. 
The Company accounts for its interest rate swaps as derivative financial instruments in accordance with the related guidance. Under this guidance, derivatives are carried on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps are determined based on observable market data in combination with expected cash flows for each instrument. 
Derivative Financial Instruments  
In the normal course of business, the Company utilizes derivatives contracts as part of its risk management strategy to manage exposure to market fluctuations in interest rates. These instruments are subject to various credit and market risks. Controls and monitoring procedures for these instruments have been established and are routinely reevaluated. Credit risk represents the potential loss that may occur because a party to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. The measure of credit exposure is the replacement cost of contracts with a positive fair value. The Company seeks to manage credit risk by entering into financial instrument transactions only through counterparties that the Company believes to be creditworthy.
Market risk represents the potential loss due to the decrease in the value of a financial instrument caused primarily by changes in interest rates. The Company seeks to manage market risk by establishing and monitoring limits on the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. As a matter of policy, the Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. The Company considers the use of derivatives with all financing transactions to mitigate risk. 
A portion of the Company's project financing includes two projects that each utilize an interest rate swap instrument. During 2007, the Company entered into two fifteen-year interest rate swap contracts under which the Company agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. The swaps cover notional amounts of approximately $13,100,000 and $2,900,000, each a variable rate note at fixed interest rates of 5.4% and 5.3%, respectively, and expire in September 2023 and February 2021, respectively. These interest rate swaps qualified, but were not designated, as cash flow hedges until April 1, 2010. Since April 2010, they have been designated as hedges. Accordingly, the Company recognized the change in fair value of these derivatives in the consolidated statements of income prior to April 1, 2010, and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) thereafter. Cash flows from derivative instruments were reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
In March 2010, the Company entered into a fourteen-year interest rate swap contract under which the Company agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. The swap covers a notional amount of approximately $27,900,000 variable rate note at a fixed interest rate of 6.99% and expires in December 2024.
As of April 1, 2010, and in accordance with accounting standards, all then existing swaps held by the Company have been designated as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the swaps in its consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss).


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In July 2011, the Company entered into a five-year interest rate swap contract under which the Company agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. The swap covers a notional amount of $38,571,429 variable rate note at a fixed interest rate of 1.965% and expires in June 2016.
With respect to the Company's interest rate swaps that had been designated as cash flow hedges, the Company recorded an unrealized loss in earnings during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 of approximately $133,591, as other expenses, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  No unrealized gains (losses) were recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2010 or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
See Note 12 for additional information on the Company's derivative instruments.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated using the Company’s weighted-average outstanding common shares, including vested restricted shares. When the effects are not anti-dilutive, diluted earnings per share is calculated using: the weighted-average outstanding common shares; the dilutive effect of convertible preferred stock, under the "if converted" method; and the treasury stock method with regard to warrants and stock options; all as determined under the treasury stock method.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
Basic and diluted net income
$
12,040,917

 
$
12,358,580

 
$
21,026,233

 
$
26,478,993

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
34,434,352

 
43,116,861

 
20,563,849

 
42,275,367

Effect of dilutive securities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Preferred stock
4,396,304

 

 
14,250,988

 

Stock options
4,614,735

 
3,191,171

 
4,698,670

 
3,101,737

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
43,445,391

 
46,308,032

 
39,513,507

 
45,377,104

 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, 856,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, 694,688 and 88,688 shares of common stock, respectively, related to stock options were excluded from the calculation of dilutive shares since the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 
Business Segments 
The Company reports four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The other U.S. regions segment is an aggregation of four regions: northeast U.S., southeast U.S., southwest U.S. and northwest U.S. These regions have similar economic characteristics — in particular, expected and actual gross profit margins. In addition, they sell products and services of a similar nature, serve similar types of customers and use similar methods to distribute their products and services. Accordingly, these four regions meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280, Segment Reporting. The "all other" category includes activities, such as O&M and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at the Company's corporate headquarters. It also includes all corporate operating expenses — salaries and benefits, project development costs and general, administrative and other — not specifically allocated to the segments. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, unallocated corporate expenses were $7,712,229 and $10,259,457, respectively. Income before taxes and unallocated corporate expenses for all other for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, was $866,405 and $194,499, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, unallocated corporate expenses were $21,700,187 and $28,636,642, respectively. Income before taxes and unallocated corporate expenses for all other for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 was $9,671,347 and $7,564,040, respectively. See Note 13. 
3. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In August 2010, the Company acquired Quantum Engineering and Development Inc. ("Quantum") for an initial cash payment of $6,150,000. During April 2011, the Company made an additional payment of approximately $1,956,366 in accordance with certain provisions of the stock purchase agreement with the former shareholders of Quantum. The payment has been reflected retrospectively as additional goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with AS 805, Business Combinations.


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In July 2011, the Company acquired AEG from its stockholders. The Company made an initial cash payment of $10,650,000 to acquire all of the outstanding stock of AEG. The purchase price is subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment that is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2011. The former stockholders of AEG, all of whom are now employees of the Company, may be entitled to receive up to $5,000,000 in additional consideration if AEG meets certain financial performance milestones. The fair value of the additional consideration is estimated to be $1,635,000, and is included in other liabilities in the purchase allocation table below.
In August 2011, the Company acquired Ameresco Southwest (then known as APS Energy Services, Inc.) from Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. The Company made an initial cash payment of $50,618,230 to acquire all of the outstanding stock of Ameresco Southwest. The purchase price is subject to a post-closing working capital and certain other adjustments that are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012.
The Company's acquisitions in 2010 and 2011 were accounted for using the acquisition method in accordance with ASC-805, Business Combinations. The purchase price for each has been allocated to the assets based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisitions as set forth in the table below. The excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of the next assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill. In the Quantum acquisition, identified intangible assets had de minimis value as the Company was primarily acquiring an assembled workforce in addition to the tangible net assets identified below.
 
2010
 
2011
 
Quantum
 
AEG
 
Ameresco Southwest
Cash
$
11,059

 
$
314,642

 
$

Accounts receivable
8,354,669

 
4,138,015

 
14,149,703

Accounts receivable retainage
423,927

 

 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
1,947,639

 

 
11,269,294

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
33,922

 
62,345

 
33,329

Property and equipment and project assets
127,512

 
7,301

 
7,567,521

Goodwill
4,495,927

 
5,170,508

 
16,092,160

Intangible assets

 
6,525,000

 
7,197,000

Other assets
18,551

 
52,062

 

Accounts payable
(6,374,371
)
 
(1,610,734
)
 
(3,007,748
)
Accrued liabilities
(657,681
)
 
125,861

 
(2,683,029
)
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings
(274,788
)
 

 

Deferred taxes and other liabilities

 
(4,135,000
)
 

Purchase price
$
8,106,366

 
$
10,650,000

 
$
50,618,230

Total, net of cash received
$
8,095,307

 
$
10,335,358

 
$
50,618,230

Total fair value of consideration
$
8,106,366

 
$
10,650,000

 
$
50,618,230

The allocation of the purchase price for the 2011 acquisitions are preliminary and based on management's current best estimates.
The results of the acquired companies since the dates of the acquisitions have been included in the Company's operations as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows. The year-to-date revenue and pre-tax income (loss) of the acquisitions in 2011 following their corresponding acquisition dates, is as follows:
 
2011
 
AEG
 
Ameresco Southwest
Revenue
$
6,424,803

 
$
9,579,694

Pre-tax income
$
(1,727,360
)
 
$
766,329




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


The acquisition related information does not include any data related to the 2010 Quantum acquisition as this has been deemed immaterial to the Company. This supplemental pro forma information that follows has been prepared for informational purposes only and is intended to represent or be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed on January 1, 2010, and are not indicative of any future results. Financial information for the period prior to the dates of the acquisitions have been provided by the sellers for purposes of this pro forma presentation:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
Pro forma consolidated results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
219,168,728

 
$
235,726,015

 
$
500,519,430

 
$
586,450,766

Income
$
14,152,507

 
$
11,927,395

 
$
22,840,097

 
$
27,312,934

Basic earnings per share
$
0.41

 
$
0.28

 
$
1.11

 
$
0.65

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.33

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.60

4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table presents goodwill balances included in total assets by segment. Goodwill consisted of the following at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011:
 
December 31, 2010
 
Acquisitions
 
Foreign Currency Translation and Other Adjustments
 
September 30, 2011
U.S. Federal
$
3,374,967

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,374,967

Central U.S. Region
1,972,415

 

 

 
1,972,415

Other U.S. Regions
4,906,875

 
16,092,160

 

 
20,999,035

Canada
2,680,933

 

 
64,190

 
2,745,123

All Other
7,645,805

 
5,170,508

 

 
12,816,313

Total
$
20,580,995

 
$
21,262,668

 
$
64,190

 
$
41,907,853

Intangible assets recorded by the Company are amortized over a period of approximately five years from the dates of recognition. The following table presents intangible asset balances included in total assets by segment. Intangible assets, net, consisted of the following December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011:
 
December 31, 2010
 
Acquisitions
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
September 30, 2011
Other U.S. Regions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer contracts and relationships
$

 
$
5,110,000

 
$
(145,000
)
 
$
4,965,000

Non-compete agreements

 
1,860,000

 
(47,000
)
 
1,813,000

Technology

 
227,000

 
(6,000
)
 
221,000

All Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer contracts and relationships

 
5,196,000

 
(236,000
)
 
4,960,000

Technology

 
491,000

 
(25,000
)
 
466,000

Non-compete agreements

 
448,000

 
(22,000
)
 
426,000

Trade names

 
390,000

 
(20,000
)
 
370,000

Total
$

 
$
13,722,000

 
$
(501,000
)
 
$
13,221,000

Amortization expense of intangible assets for both three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $501,000 and is included in general, administrative and other expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.



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


5. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes was $4,862,651 and $2,690,196, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The provision for income taxes was $8,381,084 and $8,341,730 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate changed to 17.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from 28.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The effective tax rate changed to 24.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from 28.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The tax rate for the third quarter of 2011 included a net tax benefit of $936,389 relating to accrued interest on tax positions that were resolved during the quarter.
6. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”) and authorized the Company to reserve 12,000,000 shares of its then authorized common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Common Stock") for issuance under the 2000 Plan. From 2001 to 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to reserve an additional 16,500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2000 Plan, bringing the total number of shares of Common Stock reserved under the 2000 Plan to 28,500,000. The 2000 Plan provided for the issuance of restricted stock grants, incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. The Company will grant no further stock options or restricted stock awards under the 2000 Plan.
The Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan"), which became effective upon the closing of the Company’s initial public offering, was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors in May 2010 and approved by its stockholders in June 2010. The 2010 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock awards and other stock-based awards. Upon its effectiveness, 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan. As of December 31, 2010, no stock options had been granted under the 2010 Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company granted options to purchase 228,688 shares of Class A common stock under the 2010 Plan. The options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $12.63 per share.
Stock Option Grants 
The Company has granted stock options to certain employees and directors, including its principal and controlling stockholder, under the 2000 Plan. The Company will grant no further stock options or restricted stock awards under the 2000 Plan. The Company has also granted stock options to certain employees and directors under the 2010 Plan. At September 30, 2011, 9,771,312 shares were available for grant under the 2010 Plan. The following table summarizes the collective activity under the 2000 Plan and the 2010 Plan:
 
 
Number of Options
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
 
8,274,000

 
$
4.177

Granted (1)
 
228,688

 
12.633

Exercised
 
(2,226,421
)
 
(2.208
)
Forfeited
 
(305,700
)
 
(10.999
)
Outstanding at September 30, 2011
 
5,970,567

 
$
4.886

Options exercisable at September 30, 2011
 
4,387,929

 
$
3.593

Expected to vest at September 30, 2011
 
1,255,406

 
$
8.478

Options exercisable at December 31, 2010
 
6,066,750

 
$
2.956

 
(1) Grants are related to the 2010 Plan.
The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all options expected to vest at September 30, 2011 was 4.26 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $18,026,604.



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


The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at September 30, 2011: 
 
 
 
Outstanding Options
 
Exercisable Options
Related Plan
Exercise Price
 
Number Outstanding
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Number Exercisable
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
2000 Plan
$
0.875

 
424,862

 
0.82

 
$
0.875

 
424,862

 
$
0.875

2000 Plan
1.500

 
20,000

 
1.33

 
1.500

 
20,000

 
1.500

2000 Plan
1.750

 
207,399

 
1.79

 
1.750

 
207,399

 
1.750

2000 Plan
1.875

 
112,500

 
2.04

 
1.875

 
112,500

 
1.875

2000 Plan
2.750

 
857,239

 
2.80

 
2.750

 
851,239

 
2.750

2000 Plan
3.000

 
50,500

 
3.33

 
3.000

 
50,500

 
3.000

2000 Plan
3.250

 
883,376

 
1.76

 
3.250

 
883,376

 
3.250

2000 Plan
3.410

 
1,010,150

 
1.79

 
3.410

 
887,900

 
3.410

2000 Plan
4.220

 
544,853

 
2.45

 
4.220

 
329,353

 
4.220

2000 Plan
6.055

 
1,025,000

 
4.22

 
6.055

 
441,800

 
6.055

2010 Plan
10.950

 
140,000

 
6.25

 
10.950

 

 
10.950

2000 Plan
13.045

 
606,000

 
4.93

 
13.045

 
179,000

 
13.045

2010 Plan
14.810

 
60,000

 
6.16

 
14.810

 

 
14.810

2010 Plan
16.290
 
28,688

 
5.82

 
16.290

 

 
16.290

 
 
 
5,970,567

 
 

 
 

 
4,387,929

 
 

 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a total of 2,226,421 shares were issued upon the exercise of options under the 2000 Plan at an average price of $2.208 per share. Cash received from option exercise under all stock-based payment arrangements for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $4,907,645.
Under the 2000 Plan and the 2010 Plan, all options expire if not exercised within ten years after the grant date. The options generally vest over five years at a rate of 20% after the first year, and at a rate of five percent every three months beginning one year after the grant date. If the employee ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason before vested options have been exercised, the employee has 90 days to exercise vested options or they are forfeited. 
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted-average fair value of options granted. The Company will recognize the compensation cost of stock-based awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. 
The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes model is affected by the stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The following table sets forth the significant assumptions used in the model during 2010 and 2011:
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2010
 
2011
Future dividends
 
$ -
 
$ -
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.59%-3.11%
 
1.36%-2.58%
Expected volatility
 
57%-59%
 
42%-45%
Expected life
 
6.5 years
 
6-6.5 years
 
The Company will continue to use judgment in evaluating the expected term, volatility and forfeiture rate related to the stock-based compensation on a prospective basis, and incorporating these factors into the Black-Scholes pricing model. Higher volatility and longer expected lives result in an increase to stock-based compensation expense determined at the date of grant. In addition, any changes in the estimated forfeiture rate can have a significant effect on reported stock-based compensation


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


expense, as the cumulative effect of adjusting the rate for all expense amortization is recognized in the period that the forfeiture estimate is changed. If a revised forfeiture rate is higher than the previously estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made that will result in a decrease to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. If a revised forfeiture rate is lower than the previously estimated rate, an adjustment is made that will result in an increase to the stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. These expenses will affect the direct expenses, salaries and benefits and project development costs expenses. 
The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, under the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $5.777 per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $651,352 and $432,624, respectively, in connection with stock-based payment awards. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1,758,503 and $2,027,200, respectively, in connection with stock-based payment awards. The compensation expense is allocated between direct expenses, salaries and benefits and project development costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income based on the salaries and work assignments of the employees holding the options. As of September 30, 2011, there was approximately $7,810,053 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.37 years.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
On February 27, 2009, the Company received notice of a default termination from a customer for which the Company was performing construction services. The dispute involves the customer's assertion of its understanding of the contractual scope of work involved and with the completion date of the project. The Company disputes the customer's assertion as it believes that the basis of the default arose from a delay due to the discovery of and need for remediation of previously undiscovered hazardous materials not identified by the customer during contract negotiations. In February 2010, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment as to a portion of the complaint. In March 2010, the customer filed its response. Discovery is currently ongoing. A hearing on the Company's motion is scheduled for July 1, 2012.
The Company did not record an additional accrual for this matter beyond the adjustments made to the Company's expected profit on this contract because the Company believes that the likelihood is remote that any additional liability would be incurred related to this matter. Based on the contract termination notice, the Company has adjusted its expected contract revenue and profit until such time as this contingency is resolved. The Company had claims of approximately $4.0 million outstanding with the customer as of September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, the Company has not recognized any revenue or profit associated with these claims.
The Company also is involved in a variety of claims and other legal proceedings generally incidental to its normal business activities. While the outcome of any of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted, the Company does not believe the ultimate resolution of any of these existing matters would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Commitments as a Result of Acquisitions
Related to the Company's acquisition of Quantum in the third quarter of 2010 (see Note 3), certain individuals are eligible to receive additional compensation. Total potential additional compensation is up to $1,150,000 and will be recognized as compensation expense as earned.
Related to the Company's acquisition of AEG in the third quarter of 2011 (see Note 3), the former stockholders of AEG, who are now employees of the Company, may be entitled to receive up to $5 million in additional consideration if AEG meets certain financial performance milestones.
8. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company attributes revenue to customers based on the location of the customer. The composition of the Company's assets at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011 and revenues from sales to unaffiliated customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 between those in the United States and those in other locations, is as follows:
 


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


 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
Assets:
 

 
 

United States
$
512,290,125

 
$
714,831,896

Canada
72,012,318

 
73,491,855

Other
104,896

 
109,862

 
$
584,407,339

 
$
788,433,613

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
Revenue:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
United States
$
159,173,097

 
$
189,745,710

 
$
364,673,963

 
$
449,089,445

Canada
32,442,118

 
37,235,830

 
73,468,415

 
89,063,210

Other
286,214

 
822,028

 
742,144

 
1,552,625

 
$
191,901,429

 
$
227,803,568

 
$
438,884,522

 
$
539,705,280


9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company's principal and controlling stockholder previously provided a limited personal indemnification to the surety companies that provide performance and payment bonds and other surety products to the Company. During 2010, in connection with the initial public offering the limited personal indemnification provided by the Company's principal and controlling stockholder was removed.
10. OTHER EXPENSES, NET
Other expenses, net, consisted of the following items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011: 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
Unrealized loss from derivatives
$

 
$

 
$
(133,591
)
 
$

Interest expense, net of interest income
(1,703,632
)
 
(1,253,137
)
 
(3,474,423
)
 
(2,936,488
)
Amortization of deferred financing fees
(306,398
)
 
(106,776
)
 
(474,403
)
 
(312,431
)
 
$
(2,010,030
)
 
$
(1,359,913
)
 
$
(4,082,417
)
 
$
(3,248,919
)
11. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The Company recognizes its financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually). Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1:  Inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. 
Level 2:  Inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. 
Level 3:  Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques. 
The following table presents the input level used to determine the fair values of the Company's financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011:
 



23

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


 
 
 
Fair Value as of
 
 
 
December 31,
 
September 30,
 
Level
 
2010
 
2011
Liabilities:
 
 
 

 
 

Interest rate swap instruments
2
 
$
3,632,238

 
$
6,952,034

Total liabilities
 
 
$
3,632,238

 
$
6,952,034

 
The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps was determined using cash flow analysis on the expected cash flow of the contract in combination with observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. As part of this valuation, the Company considered the credit ratings of the counterparties to the interest rate swaps to determine if a credit risk adjustment was required. 
The Company is also required periodically to measure certain other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company determined the fair value used in its annual impairment analysis with its own discounted cash flow analysis. The Company has determined the inputs used in such analysis as Level 3 inputs. The Company did not record any impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets as no significant events requiring non-financial assets and liabilities to be measured at fair value occurred for the year ended December 31, 2010 or for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
At December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2011, the following table presents information about the fair value amounts of the Company's derivative instruments:
 
 
 
Liability Derivatives as of
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Interest rate swap contracts
 
Other liabilities
 
$
3,632,238

 
Other liabilities
 
$
6,952,034

 There were no derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011. 
The following table presents information about the effects of the Company's derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income:
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Nine Months Ended September 30, are as follows:
 
 
Income on Derivative
 
2010
 
2011
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
Interest (expense) income
 
$
(133,591
)
 
$


 
 
As of September 30, 2011
 
 
Loss Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$
3,319,796

 
$
1,207,255


13. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company reports four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The other U.S. regions segment is an aggregation of four regions: northeast U.S., southeast U.S., southwest U.S. and northwest U.S. These regions have similar economic characteristics — in particular, expected and actual gross profit margins. In addition, they sell products and services of a similar



24

Table of Contents

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


nature, serve similar types of customers and use similar methods to distribute their products and services. Accordingly, these four regions meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280, Segment Reporting. The "all other" category includes activities, such as O&M and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at the Company's corporate headquarters. It also includes all corporate operating expenses — salaries and benefits, project development costs, and general, administrative and other — not specifically allocated to the segments. The Company does not allocate any indirect expenses to the segments. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 unallocated corporate expenses were $7,712,229 and $10,259,457, respectively. Income before taxes and unallocated corporate expenses for all other for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 was $866,405 and $194,499, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, unallocated corporate expenses were $21,700,187 and $28,636,642, respectively. Income before taxes and unallocated corporate expenses for all other for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011 was $9,671,347 and $7,564,040, respectively. The accounting policies are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2).
Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Segment Reporting
Three Months Ending September 30, 2011 
 
U.S. Federal
 
Central U.S. Region
 
Other U.S. Regions
 
Canada
 
All Other
 
Total
Total revenue
$
28,525,581

 
$
32,206,277

 
$
96,496,756

 
$
37,235,830

 
$
33,339,124

 
$
227,803,568

Interest income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
90,650

 
$
90,652

Interest expense
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
172

 
$
1,343,612

 
$
1,343,784

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets
$
47,112

 
$
(2,231
)
 
$

 
$
416,104

 
$
3,561,966

 
$
4,022,951

Income (loss) before taxes
$
2,393,199

 
$
4,326,876

 
$
17,116,611

 
$
1,277,048

 
$
(10,064,958
)
 
$
15,048,776

Total assets
$
250,568,886

 
$
20,482,833

 
$
309,664,125

 
$
73,491,855

 
$
134,225,914

 
$
788,433,613

Capital expenditures
$
95,389

 
$
3,469

 
$
1,226,426

 
$
833,666

 
$
15,541,724

 
$
17,700,674

 
Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Segment Reporting
Three Months Ending September 30, 2010 
 
U.S. Federal
 
Central U.S. Region
 
Other U.S. Regions
 
Canada
 
All Other
 
Total
Total revenue
$
53,278,830

 
$
37,541,875

 
$
40,486,208

 
$
33,466,031

 
$
27,128,485

 
$
191,901,429

Interest income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,058

 
$
1,170

 
$
6,228

Interest expense
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
855

 
$
1,842,596

 
$
1,843,451

Depreciation
$
19,855

 
$
2,399

 
$

 
$
103,970

 
$
4,669,797

 
$
4,796,021

Income (loss) before taxes
$
8,060,725

 
$
6,436,116

 
$
6,558,649

 
$
2,693,902

 
$
(6,845,824
)
 
$
16,903,568

Total assets
$
174,640,659

 
$
24,709,712

 
$
122,388,247

 
$
65,692,668

 
$
161,078,922

 
$
548,510,208

Capital expenditures
$
23,573

 
$
26,927

 
$
697,471

 
$
4,722,434

 
$
7,823,067

 
$
13,293,472





25

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


Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Segment Reporting
Nine Months Ending September 30, 2011 
 
U.S. Federal
 
Central U.S. Region
 
Other U.S. Regions
 
Canada
 
All Other
 
Total
Total revenue
$
109,090,632

 
$
71,466,960

 
$
185,531,536

 
$
88,735,802

 
$
84,880,350

 
$
539,705,280

Interest income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,028

 
$
268,857

 
$
273,885

Interest expense
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,097

 
$
3,208,271

 
$
3,210,368

Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets
$
160,624

 
$
13,590

 
$

 
$
727,148

 
$
8,653,924

 
$
9,555,286

Income (loss) before taxes
$
16,379,811

 
$
5,016,384

 
$
31,824,515

 
$
2,672,615

 
$
(21,072,602
)
 
$
34,820,723

Total assets
$
250,568,886

 
$
20,482,833

 
$
309,664,125

 
$
73,491,855

 
$
134,225,914

 
$
788,433,613

Capital expenditures
$
160,441

 
$
17,939

 
$
2,493,579

 
$
2,749,326

 
$
28,806,914

 
$
34,228,199


Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Segment Reporting
Nine Months Ending September 30, 2010
 
U.S. Federal
 
Central U.S. Region
 
Other U.S. Regions
 
Canada
 
All Other
 
Total
Total revenue
$
114,272,081

 
$
76,743,452

 
$
98,267,620

 
$
74,141,379

 
$
75,459,990

 
$
438,884,522

Interest income
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,357

 
$
106,377

 
$
126,734

Interest expense
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,094

 
$
3,732,654

 
$
3,734,748

Depreciation
$
60,954

 
$
5,328

 
$

 
$
323,591

 
$
8,468,392

 
$
8,858,265

Income (loss) before taxes
$
13,375,554

 
$
9,581,094

 
$
14,675,621

 
$
3,803,888

 
$
(12,028,840
)
 
$
29,407,317

Total assets
$
174,640,659

 
$
24,709,712

 
$
122,388,247

 
$
65,692,668

 
$
161,078,922

 
$
548,510,208

Capital expenditures
$
47,466

 
$
37,764

 
$
1,163,624

 
$
5,989,314

 
$
18,906,770

 
$
26,144,938


14. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Warrants 
As part of a previous financing agreement, the Company issued warrants to acquire 2,000,000 and 1,600,000 shares of Common Stock in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The warrants initially had a per share exercise price of $0.005 and $0.30, respectively; however, the $0.30 per share exercise price was subsequently reduced to $0.005. During 2008, the Company repurchased 3,194,714 of these warrants at an average price of $2.505 per share, for a total price of $8.0 million. The Company recorded this transaction in additional paid-in capital. In June 2010, the Company issued 405,286 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of these warrants at an exercise price of $0.005 per share, and no warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s capital stock remain outstanding.
Stock Split and Reclassification
In July 2010, in connection with the initial public offering (discussed below), the Company implemented a “dual class” capital structure with two classes of common stock: Class A common stock and Class B common stock. In implementing this capital structure, (i) a two-for-one split of the Company’s Common Stock was effected, (ii) all outstanding shares of Common Stock were reclassified as Class A common stock; (iii) each outstanding option to purchase shares of Common Stock was converted into an option to purchase shares of Class A common stock, (iv) all holders of shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock (other than George P. Sakellaris, the Company’s founder, principal stockholder, president and chief executive officer) elected to convert their shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Class A common stock, and (v) all outstanding shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock (which were then held solely by Mr. Sakellaris) automatically converted into shares of Class B common stock. The rights of the holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except with respect to voting and conversion. Each share of the Company’s Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and is not convertible into any other shares of the Company’s capital stock. Each share of the



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


Company’s Class B common stock is entitled to five votes per share, is convertible at any time into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder of such share and will automatically convert into one share of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including a transfer of such shares (other than to such holder’s family members, descendants or certain affiliated persons or entities). 
All common share and per share amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split of the Common Stock effected on July 20, 2010.  A At September 30, 2011 the Company has authorized 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 144,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
Initial Public Offering
On July 27, 2010, the Company completed its initial public offering of 8,696,820 shares of Class A common stock at a price to the public of $10.00 per share. Of the shares sold, the Company issued and sold 6,000,000, and existing stockholders sold 2,696,820. In addition, on August 25, 2010, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, the Company sold an additional 342,889 shares of its Class A common stock at an offering price of $10.00 per share. The offering generated gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $63,400,000, or approximately $56,400,000 net of underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The offering generated gross proceeds to selling stockholders of approximately $27,000,000, or approximately $25,100,000 net of underwriting discounts. The Company incurred approximately $7,000,000 of expenses in connection with the offering.
15. LONG-TERM DEBT
7.25% Term Loan
On March 31, 2011, the Company entered into a term loan with a bank with an original principal amount of $5,500,089. The note evidencing the loan bears interest at a rate of 7.25%. The principal amounts are due in quarterly installments ranging from $98,311 to $170,902, plus interest, with remaining principal balances and unpaid interest due March 31, 2021. In the event a payment is defaulted on, the payee has the option to accelerate payment terms and make due the remaining principal and accrued interest balance. At September 30, 2011, $5,301,686 was outstanding under the term loan.
Senior Secured Credit Facility - Revolver and Term Loan
On June 10, 2008, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit and security agreement with a bank, consisting of a $50,000,000 revolving facility. The agreement required the Company to pay monthly interest at various rates in arrears, based on the amount outstanding. In 2010, the weighted-average interest rate was 2.3875%. This facility had an original maturity date of June 30, 2011. At December 31, 2010, no balance was outstanding under the facility. The agreement contained various restrictive covenants and was secured by a lien on all of the assets of the Company other than renewable energy projects that the Company owns and that are financed by others.
On June 30, 2011, the Company again amended and restated the credit and security agreement and continues as the sole borrower under the agreement. The amended and restated facility extends and expands the Company's prior facility. The facility consists of a $60,000,000 revolving credit facility and a $40,000,000 term loan. The revolving credit facility may be increased up to an additional $25,000,000 at the Company's option, if the lenders agree. The facility matures on June 30, 2016, and all remaining unpaid amounts outstanding under the facility will be due at that time. At September 30, 2011, $43 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $38,571,429 was outstanding under the term loan. Payments on the term loan are due in quarterly installments of $1,428,571, with all remaining unpaid principal amounts due June 30, 2016. The obligations under the facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries and are secured by a lien on all of the assets of the Company other than renewable energy projects that the Company owns and that are financed by others.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 3, 2011 the Company entered into a construction and term loan with a syndication group with an original principal amount of $7,380,068.  The note evidencing the loan bears interest at a rate of 6.11%.  Monthly interest payments are due from November 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012.  The principal amounts are due starting on May 1, 2012 in monthly installments ranging from $33,466 to $101,215, plus interest, with remaining principal balances and unpaid interest due April 1, 2027.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing. Except as disclosed above, there were no other subsequent events to report.



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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed on March 31, 2011 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that refer to projections regarding our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, our future capital needs and capital expenditures; our future market position and competitive changes in the marketplace for our services; our ability to integrate new technologies into our services; our ability to access credit or capital markets; our reliance on subcontractors; potential acquisitions or divestitures; the continued availability of key personnel; and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not exclusively, identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate," "target," "project," "predict" or "continue," and similar expressions or variations. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially and adversely from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section titled "Risk Factors," set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and elsewhere in this Report. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q represent our views as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
Ameresco is a leading provider of energy efficiency solutions for facilities throughout North America. We provide solutions that enable customers to reduce their energy consumption, lower their operating and maintenance costs and realize environmental benefits. Our comprehensive set of services includes upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the construction and operation of small-scale renewable energy plants.
We report results under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, for four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. These segments do not include results of other activities, such as operations and maintenance, or O&M, and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at our corporate headquarters, or corporate operating expenses not specifically allocated to the segments. See Note 13 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our revenue has increased from $20.9 million in 2001, our first full year of operations, to $618.2 million in 2010. We achieved profitability in 2002, and we have been profitable every year since.
In addition to organic growth, strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses and assets have been an important part of our development. Since inception, we have completed fourteen acquisitions, which have enabled us to broaden our service offerings and expand our geographical reach. Our acquisition of the energy services business of Duke Energy in 2002 expanded our geographical reach into Canada and the southeastern United States and enabled us to penetrate the federal government market for energy efficiency projects. The acquisition of the energy services business of Exelon in 2004 expanded our geographical reach into the Midwest. Our acquisition of the energy services business of Northeast Utilities in 2006 substantially grew our capability to provide services for the federal market and in Europe. Our acquisition of Southwestern Photovoltaic in 2007 significantly expanded our offering of solar energy products and services. Our acquisition of energy services company Quantum Engineering and Development, Inc., or Quantum, in 2010 expanded our geographical reach into the Northwest.
Recent Developments
On July 14, 2011 we acquired Applied Energy Group, Inc., or AEG, an energy efficiency and demand side management



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consulting services provider active in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, midwest and other regions.
On August 19, 2011, we acquired APS Energy Services Company, Inc., which we renamed Ameresco Southwest, a full-service company that provides integrated energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, strengthening our geographical position into the southwest.
Energy Savings Performance and Energy Supply Contracts
For our energy efficiency projects, we typically enter into energy savings performance contracts, or ESPCs, under which we agree to develop, design, engineer and construct a project and also commit that the project will satisfy agreed-upon performance standards that vary from project to project. These performance commitments are typically based on the design, capacity, efficiency or operation of the specific equipment and systems we install. Our commitments generally fall into three categories: pre-agreed, equipment-level and whole building-level. Under a pre-agreed energy reduction commitment, our customer reviews the project design in advance and agrees that, upon or shortly after completion of installation of the specified equipment comprising the project, the commitment will have been met. Under an equipment-level commitment, we commit to a level of energy use reduction based on the difference in use measured first with the existing equipment and then with the replacement equipment. A whole building-level commitment requires demonstration of energy usage reduction for a whole building, often based on readings of the utility meter where usage is measured. Depending on the project, the measurement and demonstration may be required only once, upon installation, based on an analysis of one or more sample installations, or may be required to be repeated at agreed upon intervals generally over up to 20 years.
Under our contracts, we typically do not take responsibility for a wide variety of factors outside our control and exclude or adjust for such factors in commitment calculations. These factors include variations in energy prices and utility rates, weather, facility occupancy schedules, the amount of energy-using equipment in a facility, and failure of the customer to operate or maintain the project properly. Typically, our performance commitments apply to the aggregate overall performance of a project rather than to individual energy efficiency measures. Therefore, to the extent an individual measure underperforms, it may be offset by other measures that over perform. In the event that an energy efficiency project does not perform according to the agreed-upon specifications, our agreements typically allow us to satisfy our obligation by adjusting or modifying the installed equipment, installing additional measures to provide substitute energy savings, or paying the customer for lost energy savings based on the assumed conditions specified in the agreement. Many of our equipment supply, local design, and installation subcontracts contain provisions that enable us to seek recourse against our vendors or subcontractors if there is a deficiency in our energy reduction commitment. From our inception to September 30, 2011, our total payments to customers and incurred equipment replacement and maintenance costs under our energy reduction commitments, after customer acceptance of a project, have been less than $100,000 in the aggregate. See “We may have liability to our customers under our ESPCs if our projects fail to deliver the energy use reductions to which we are committed under the contract” in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Payments by the federal government for energy efficiency measures are based on the services provided and the products installed, but are limited to the savings derived from such measures, calculated in accordance with federal regulatory guidelines and the specific contract’s terms. The savings are typically determined by comparing energy use and other costs before and after the installation of the energy efficiency measures, adjusted for changes that affect energy use and other costs but are not caused by the energy efficiency measures.
For projects involving the construction of a small-scale renewable energy plant that we own and operate, we enter into long-term contracts to supply the electricity, processed landfill gas, or LFG, heat or cooling generated by the plant to the customer, which is typically a utility, municipality, industrial facility or other large purchaser of energy. The rights to use the site for the plant and purchase of renewable fuel for the plant are also obtained by us under long-term agreements with terms at least as long as the associated output supply agreement. Our supply agreements typically provide for fixed prices or prices that escalate at a fixed rate or vary based on a market benchmark. See “We may assume responsibility under customer contracts for factors outside our control, including, in connection with some customer projects, the risk that fuel prices will increase” in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Project Financing
To finance projects with federal governmental agencies, we typically sell to the lenders our right to receive a portion of the long-term payments from the customer arising out of the project for a purchase price reflecting a discount to the aggregate amount due from the customer. The purchase price is generally advanced to us over the implementation period based on completed work or a schedule predetermined to coincide with the construction of the project. Under the terms of these


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financing arrangements, we are required to complete the construction or installation of the project in accordance with the contract with our customer, and the debt remains on our consolidated balance sheet until the completed project is accepted by the customer. Once the completed project is accepted by the customer, the financing is treated as a true sale and the related receivable and financing liability are removed from our consolidated balance sheet.
Institutional customers, such as state, provincial and local governments, schools and public housing authorities, typically finance their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through either tax-exempt leases or issuances of municipal bonds. We assist in the structuring of such third-party financing.
In some instances, customers prefer that we retain ownership of the renewable energy plants and related project assets that we construct for them. In these projects, we typically enter into a long-term supply agreement to furnish electricity, gas, heat or cooling to the customer’s facility. To finance the significant upfront capital costs required to develop and construct the plant, we rely either on our internal cash flow or, in some cases, third-party debt. For project financing by third-party lenders, we typically establish a separate subsidiary, usually a limited liability company, to own the project assets and related contracts. The subsidiary contracts with us for construction and operation of the project and enters into a financing agreement directly with the lenders. Additionally, we will provide assurance to the lender that the project will achieve commercial operation. Although the financing is secured by the assets of the subsidiary and a pledge of our equity interests in the subsidiary, and is non-recourse to Ameresco, Inc., we may from time to time determine to provide financial support to the subsidiary in order to maintain rights to the project or otherwise avoid the adverse consequences of a default. The amount of such financing is included on our consolidated balance sheet.
In addition to project-related debt, we currently maintain a $100 million senior secured credit facility with a group of commercial banks to finance our working capital needs.
Effects of Seasonality
We are subject to seasonal fluctuations and construction cycles, particularly in climates that experience colder weather during the winter months, such as the northern United States and Canada, or at educational institutions, where large projects are typically carried out during summer months when their facilities are unoccupied. In addition, government customers, many of which have fiscal years that do not coincide with ours, typically follow annual procurement cycles and appropriate funds on a fiscal-year basis even though contract performance may take more than one year. Further, government contracting cycles can be affected by the timing of, and delays in, the legislative process related to government programs and incentives that help drive demand for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. As a result, our revenue and operating income in the third quarter are typically higher, and our revenue and operating income in the first quarter are typically lower, than in other quarters of the year. As a result of such fluctuations, we may occasionally experience declines in revenue or earnings as compared to the immediately preceding quarter, and comparisons of our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful.
Our annual and quarterly financial results are also subject to significant fluctuations as a result of other factors, many of which are outside our control. See “Our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and may fall below expectations in any particular fiscal quarter” in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Backlog and Awarded Projects
Total construction backlog represents projects that are active within our ESPC sales cycle. Our sales cycle begins with the initial contact with the customer and ends, when successful, with a signed contract, also referred to as fully-contracted backlog. Historically, our sales cycle typically has averaged 12 to 36 months. Awarded backlog is created when a potential customer awards a project to Ameresco following a request for proposal. Once a project is awarded but not yet contracted, we typically conduct a detailed energy audit to determine the scope of the project as well as identify the savings that may be expected to be generated from upgrading the customer's energy infrastructure. At this point, we also determine the sub-contractor, what equipment will be used, and assist in arranging for third party financing, as applicable. Historically, awarded projects typically have taken 6 to 12 months to result in a signed contract and thus convert to fully-contracted backlog. It may take longer, however, depending upon the size and complexity of the project. After the customer and Ameresco agree to the terms of the contract and the contract becomes executed, the project moves to fully-contracted backlog. The contracts reflected in our fully-contracted backlog typically have a construction period of 12 to 24 months; this is the period over which we expect to recognize revenue for customer contracts. Fully-contracted backlog begins converting into revenue generated from backlog on a percentage-of-completion basis once construction has commenced. See "We may not recognize all revenue from our backlog or receive all payments anticipated under awarded projects and customer contracts" in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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As of September 30, 2011, we had backlog of approximately $438 million in future revenue under signed customer contracts for the installation or construction of projects, which we sometimes refer to as fully-contracted backlog; and we also had been awarded projects for which we do not yet have signed customer contracts with estimated total future revenue of an additional $782 million. As of September 30, 2010, we had fully-contracted backlog of approximately $593 million in future revenue under signed customer contracts for the installation or construction of projects; and we also had been awarded projects for which we had not yet signed customer contracts with estimated total future revenue of an additional $531 million. Fully-contracted backlog decreased 26.1% year-over-year during the third quarter as we experienced a lengthening of the sales cycle when converting awarded projects into signed contracts, or fully-contracted backlog. Even though we have experienced a lengthening of the sales cycle, we have not experienced any unusual cancellations or reductions in project scope. Awarded projects increased 47.5% year-over-year during the third quarter as we experienced an increase in the size and number of projects we were selected for.
Financial Operations Overview
Revenue
We derive revenue from energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services. Our energy efficiency products and services include the design, engineering and installation of equipment and other measures to improve the efficiency and control the operation of a facility’s energy infrastructure. Our renewable energy products and services include the construction of small-scale plants that produce electricity, gas, heat or cooling from renewable sources of energy, the sale of such electricity, processed LFG, heat or cooling from plants that we own, and the sale and installation of solar energy products and systems.
During the three months ended September 30, 2010 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 , no customer accounted for more than 10% of our total revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 one customer, the U.S. Department of Energy, Savannah River Site, accounted for 11.3% of our total revenue.
Direct Expenses and Gross Margin
Direct expenses include the cost of labor, materials, equipment, subcontracting and outside engineering that are required for the development and installation of our projects, as well as preconstruction costs, sales incentives, associated travel, inventory obsolescence charges, and, if applicable, costs of procuring financing. A majority of our contracts have fixed price terms; however, in some cases we negotiate protections, such as a cost-plus structure, to mitigate the risk of rising prices for materials, services and equipment.
Direct expenses also include O&M costs for the small-scale renewable energy plants that we own, including the cost of fuel (if any) and depreciation charges.
Gross margin, which is gross profit as a percent of revenue, is affected by a number of factors, including the type of services performed and the geographic region in which the sale is made. Renewable energy projects that we own and operate typically have higher margins than energy efficiency projects, and sales in the United States typically have higher margins than in Canada due to the typical mix of products and services that we sell there.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of salaries and benefits, project development costs, and general, administrative and other expenses.
Salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits consist primarily of expenses for personnel not directly engaged in specific project or revenue generating activity. These expenses include the time of executive management, legal, finance, accounting, human resources, information technology and other staff not utilized in a particular project. We employ a comprehensive time card system which creates a contemporaneous record of the actual time by employees on project activity. We expect salaries and benefits to continue to increase as we continue to incur additional costs related to operating as a publicly-traded company, including accounting, compliance and legal, as well as related to executing our growth plans.
Project development costs. Project development costs consist primarily of sales, engineering, legal, finance and third-party expenses directly related to the development of a specific customer opportunity. This also includes associated travel and marketing expenses. We intend to hire additional sales personnel and initiate additional marketing programs as we expand into new regions or complement existing development resources. Accordingly, we expect that our project development costs will


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continue to increase, but will moderate as a percentage of revenue over time.
General, administrative and other expenses. These expenses consist primarily of rents and occupancy, professional services, insurance, unallocated travel expenses, telecommunications, office expenses and amortization of intangible assets. Professional services consist principally of recruiting costs, external legal, audit, tax and other consulting services. We expect general and administrative expenses to continue to increase as we continue to incur additional costs related to operating as a publicly-traded company, including increased audit and legal fees, costs of compliance with securities, corporate governance and other regulations, investor relations expenses and higher insurance premiums, particularly those related to director and officer insurance, as well as related to executing our growth plans.
Other Expenses, net
Other expenses, net consists primarily of interest income on cash balances, interest expense on borrowings and amortization of deferred financing costs, unrealized gains and losses on derivatives not accounted for as hedges, and realized gains on derivatives not accounted for as hedges. Interest expense will vary periodically depending on the amounts drawn on our revolving senior secured credit facility and the prevailing short-term interest rates.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on various rates set by federal and local authorities and is affected by permanent and temporary differences between financial accounting and tax reporting requirements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expense and related disclosures. The most significant estimates with regard to these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to estimates of final contract profit in accordance with long-term contracts, project development costs, project assets, impairment of goodwill, impairment of long-lived assets, fair value of derivative financial instruments, income taxes and stock-based compensation expense. Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions are made on an ongoing basis, and accordingly, the actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The following are certain critical accounting policies that among others, affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. For a more complete discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, please read Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Revenue Recognition
For each arrangement we have with a customer, we typically provide a combination of one or more of the following services or products:
installation or construction of energy efficiency measures, facility upgrades and/or a renewable energy plant to be owned by the customer;
sale and delivery, under long-term agreements, of electricity, gas, heat, chilled water or other output of a renewable energy or central plant that we own and operate;
sale and delivery of photovoltaic, or PV, equipment and other renewable energy products for which we are a distributor; and
O&M services provided under long-term O&M agreements, as well as consulting services.
Often, we will sell a combination of these services and products in a bundled arrangement. We divide bundled arrangements into separate deliverables and revenue is allocated to each deliverable based on the relative selling price. The relative selling price is determined using vendor specific objective evidence, third party evidence or management's best estimate of selling price.
We recognize revenue from the installation or construction of a project on a percentage-of-completion basis. The


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percentage-of-completion for each project is determined on an actual cost-to-estimated final cost basis. In accordance with industry practice, we include in current assets and liabilities the amounts of receivables related to construction projects that are payable over a period in excess of one year. We recognize revenue associated with contract change orders only when the authorization for the change order has been properly executed and the work has been performed and accepted by the customer.
When the estimate on a contract indicates a loss, or claims against costs incurred reduce the likelihood of recoverability of such costs, our policy is to record the entire expected loss immediately, regardless of the percentage of completion.
Deferred revenue represents circumstances where (i) there has been a receipt of cash from the customer for work or services that have yet to be performed, (ii) receipt of cash where the product or service may not have been accepted by the customer or (iii) when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, but an estimate of the final total cost cannot be determined. Deferred revenue will vary depending on the timing and amount of cash receipts from customers and can vary significantly depending on specific contractual terms. As a result, deferred revenue is likely to fluctuate from period to period. Unbilled revenue, presented as costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, represent amounts earned and billable that were not invoiced at the end of the fiscal period.
We recognize revenue from the sale and delivery of products, including the output of our renewable energy plants, when produced and delivered to the customer, in accordance with the specific contract terms, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, our price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
We recognize revenue from O&M contracts and consulting services as the related services are performed.
For a limited number of contracts under which we receive additional revenue based on a share of energy savings, we recognize such additional revenue as energy savings are generated.
Project Assets
We capitalize interest costs relating to construction financing during the period of construction. The interest capitalized is included in the total cost of the project at completion. The amount of interest capitalized for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $0.3 million. No interest was capitalized for the three months ended September 30, 2010 or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. 
Routine maintenance costs are expensed in the current year’s condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income to the extent that they do not extend the life of the asset. Major maintenance, upgrades and overhauls are required for certain components of our assets. In these instances, the costs associated with these upgrades are capitalized and are depreciated over the shorter of the life of the asset or until the next required major maintenance or overhaul period. Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used by estimating the undiscounted future cash flows before interest associated with the expected uses and eventual disposition of those assets. When these comparisons indicate that the carrying value of those assets is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We account for our interest rate swaps as derivative financial instruments in accordance with the related guidance. Under this guidance, derivatives are carried on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The fair value of our interest rate swaps is determined based on observable market data in combination with expected cash flows for each instrument.
We follow the guidance which expands the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.
In the normal course of business, we utilize derivative contracts as part of our risk management strategy to manage exposure to market fluctuations in interest rates. These instruments are subject to various credit and market risks. Controls and monitoring procedures for these instruments have been established and are routinely reevaluated. Credit risk represents the potential loss that may occur because a party to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. The measure of credit exposure is the replacement cost of contracts with a positive fair value. We seek to manage credit risk by entering into financial instrument transactions only through counterparties that we believe to be creditworthy. Market risk represents the potential loss due to the decrease in the value of a financial instrument caused primarily by changes in interest


33

Table of Contents



rates. We seek to manage market risk by establishing and monitoring limits on the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. As a matter of policy, we do not use derivatives for speculative purposes.
We are exposed to interest rate risk through our borrowing activities. A portion of our project financing includes three projects that utilize a variable rate swap instrument. Prior to December 31, 2010, we entered into two 15-year interest rate swap contracts under which we agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount, and to, in turn, receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. During the year ended 2010, we entered into a 14-year interest rate swap contract under which we agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional principal amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. We entered into the interest rate swap contracts as an economic hedge. In July 2011, we entered into a five-year interest rate swap contract under which we agreed to pay an amount equal to a specified fixed rate of interest times a notional amount, and to in turn receive an amount equal to a specified variable rate of interest times the same notional principal amount. The swap covers a notional amount of approximately $38.6 million variable rate note at a fixed interest rate of 1.965% and expires in June 2016.
We recognize all derivatives in our condensed consolidated financial statements at fair value.
The interest rate swaps that we entered into prior to December 31, 2010 qualified, but were not designated as cash flow hedges until April 1, 2010. Accordingly, any changes in fair value through March 31, 2010 were reported in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income at fair value, and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) thereafter. Cash flows from these derivative instruments are reported as operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The interest rate swaps that we entered into during 2010 and 2011 qualify, and have been designated, as cash flow hedges.
We recognize the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedges in our consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss).
With respect to our interest rate swaps that had not been designated as cash flow hedges, until April 2010 no unrealized gains (losses) were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2010 or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 we recognized $0.1 million as other expenses, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Business Segments
We report four segments: U.S. federal, central U.S. region, other U.S. regions and Canada. Each segment provides customers with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. The other U.S. regions segment is an aggregation of four regions: northeast U.S., southeast U.S., southwest U.S. and northwest U.S. These regions have similar economic characteristics — in particular, expected and actual gross profit margins. In addition, they sell products and services of a similar nature, serve similar types of customers and use similar methods to distribute their products and services. Accordingly, these four regions meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280. The “all other” category includes activities, such as O&M and sales of renewable energy and certain other renewable energy products, that are managed centrally at our corporate headquarters. It also includes all corporate operating expenses — salaries and benefits, project development costs, and general, administrative and other — not specifically allocated to the segments. We do not allocate any indirect expenses to the segments.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2011
The following table sets forth certain financial data from the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, that data expressed as a percentage of revenue and percentage changes in that data for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared with the same period in 2010:


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Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
% of
 
2011
 
% of
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
Revenue
 
(b)
 
Revenue
 
 ((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
147,863

 
77.1
 %
 
$
188,718

 
82.8
 %
 
27.6
 %
Renewable energy revenue
44,038

 
22.9
 %
 
39,085

 
17.2
 %
 
(11.2
)%
 
191,901

 
100.0
 %
 
227,803

 
100.0
 %
 
18.7
 %
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
121,906

 
 
 
155,890

 
 
 
27.9
 %
Renewable energy expenses
35,114

 
 
 
32,058

 
 
 
(8.7
)%
 
157,020

 
81.8
 %
 
187,948

 
82.5
 %
 
19.7
 %
Gross profit
34,881

 
18.2
 %
 
39,855

 
17.5
 %
 
14.3
 %
Total operating expenses
15,967

 
8.3
 %
 
23,446

 
10.3
 %
 
46.8
 %
Operating income
18,914

 
9.9
 %
 
16,409

 
7.2
 %
 
(13.2
)%
Other expenses, net
(2,010
)
 
(1.0
)%
 
(1,360
)
 
(0.6
)%
 
32.3
 %
Income before provision for income taxes
16,904

 
8.9
 %
 
15,049

 
6.6
 %
 
(11.0
)%
Income tax provision
(4,863
)
 
(2.6
)%
 
(2,690
)
 
(1.2
)%
 
(44.7
)%
Net income
$
12,041

 
6.3
 %
 
$
12,359

 
5.4
 %
 
2.6
 %
Revenue
The following table sets forth a comparison of our revenue by mix for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
147,863

 
$
188,718

 
$
40,855

 
27.6
 %
Renewable energy revenue
44,038

 
39,085

 
(4,953
)
 
(11.2
)%
 
$
191,901

 
$
227,803

 
$
35,902

 
18.7
 %
Total revenue.  We derive our revenue primarily from energy efficiency products and services, which accounted for approximately 77.1% and 82.8% of total revenue for the third quarter of 2010 and 2011, respectively. Total revenue increased by $35.9 million, or 18.7%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 due to higher energy efficiency revenue partially offset by a reduction in renewable energy revenue.
Energy efficiency revenue. Energy efficiency revenue increased by $40.9 million, or 27.6%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to increased installation activity in our other U.S. regions segment. Energy efficiency revenue for the third quarter of 2011 includes approximately $11.1 million attributable to our acquisitions of AEG and Ameresco Southwest during the quarter.
Renewable energy revenue. Renewable energy revenue decreased by $5.0 million, or 11.2%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to a decline in revenue from renewable energy installation activity on projects we are undertaking for our customers, including an $8.0 million decline in revenue from a large facility we are building for a federal customer. This was partially offset by increased revenue from O&M, small scale infrastructure projects and sales of integrated PV equipment and systems, or integrated-PV, as well as approximately $4.9 million of revenue from installation attributable to our acquisition of Ameresco Southwest during the quarter. We expect renewable energy installation activity to continue to decline in the fourth quarter of 2011 and possibly into the first quarter of 2012 as some of our renewable energy projects for our customers begin nearing completion.
Revenue from customers outside the United States, principally Canada, was $38.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared with 32.7 million in the third quarter of 2010.


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Business Segment Revenue
The following table sets forth a comparison of our business segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
U.S. Federal
$
53,279

 
$
28,525

 
$
(24,754
)
 
(46.5
)%
Central U.S. Region
37,542

 
32,206

 
(5,336
)
 
(14.2
)%
Other U.S. Regions
40,486

 
96,497

 
56,011

 
138.3
 %
Canada
33,466

 
37,236

 
3,770

 
11.3
 %
All Other
27,128

 
33,339

 
6,211

 
22.9
 %
Total
$
191,901

 
$
227,803

 
$
35,902

 
18.7
 %
Total revenue for the U.S. federal segment decreased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $24.8 million, or 46.5%, to $28.5 million primarily due to decreases in revenues from installation activity on ongoing projects, as a number of projects began nearing completion.
Total revenue for the central U.S. region segment decreased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $5.3 million, or 14.2%, to $32.2 million primarily due to a lengthening of the sales cycle, which has resulted in fewer signed contracts to replace installation activity as projects are completed.
Total revenue for the other U.S. regions segment increased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $56.0 million, or 138.3%, to $96.5 million primarily due to an increase in the size and number of projects under construction in the northeast, southeast and northwest, as well as to our acquisition of Ameresco Southwest in the third quarter of 2011.
Total revenue for the Canada segment increased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $3.8 million, or 11.3%, to $37.2 million primarily due to a larger volume of construction activity related to the installation of energy efficiency measures.
Total revenue not allocated to segments and presented as all other increased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $6.2 million, or 22.9%, to $33.3 million due primarily to our recent acquisition of AEG, as well as to increases in revenue from small scale infrastructure, integrated-PV and O&M.
Direct Expenses and Gross Profit
The following table sets forth a comparison of our direct expenses and gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:


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Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
147,863

 
$
188,718

 
$
40,855

 
27.6
 %
Renewable energy revenue
44,038

 
39,085

 
(4,953
)
 
(11.2
)%
 
191,901

 
227,803

 
35,902

 
18.7
 %
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
121,906

 
155,890

 
33,984

 
27.9
 %
Renewable energy expenses
35,114

 
32,058

 
(3,056
)
 
(8.7
)%
 
157,020

 
187,948

 
30,928

 
19.7
 %
Gross profit:
$
34,881

 
$
39,855

 
$
4,974

 
14.3
 %
Energy efficiency gross margin
17.6
%
 
17.4
%
 

 
(0.2
)%
Renewable energy gross margin
20.3
%
 
18.0
%
 

 
(2.3
)%
Gross profit %
18.2
%
 
17.5
%
 

 
(0.7
)%
Total direct expenses. The majority of our expenses are incurred in connection with energy efficiency projects for which expenses represented approximately 82.4% and 82.6% of corresponding revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Total direct expenses increased by $30.9 million, or 19.7%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 due primarily to increases associated with increased installation activity, as well as approximately $0.6 million in non-recurring charges related to an O&M agreement and a renewable energy project that we own.
Energy efficiency. Energy efficiency gross margin decreased slightly from 17.6% in the third quarter of 2010 to 17.4% in the third quarter of 2011. The margin in the third quarter of 2010 reflected higher than expected gross profit margins on construction projects. The margin in the third quarter of 2011 reflected margins on construction projects more consistent with our historical average, as well as a portion of the non-recurring charge described in the preceding paragraph.
Renewable energy. Renewable energy gross margin decreased from 20.3% in the third quarter of 2010 to 18.0% in the third quarter of 2011. The gross margin in the third quarter of 2011 decreased primarily due to an increase in direct expenses related to unscheduled maintenance for four LFG facilities that are part of our small scale infrastructure offering. There is also a high margin renewable energy project nearing completion and thus contributing less to renewable energy gross margin. Renewable energy gross margin also was negatively affected by a portion of the non-recurring charge described two paragraphs above and by several lower margin solar installations we acquired with our recent acquisition of Ameresco Southwest.
Operating Expenses
The following table sets forth a comparison of our operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
% of
 
2011
 
% of
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
Revenue
 
(b)
 
Revenue
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue
$
191,901

 
 
 
$
227,803

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits
$
8,409

 
4.4
%
 
$
10,985

 
4.8
%
 
$
2,576

 
30.6
%
Project development costs
2,717

 
1.4
%
 
5,175

 
2.3
%
 
2,458

 
90.5
%
General, administrative and other
4,841

 
2.5
%
 
7,286

 
3.2
%
 
2,445

 
50.5
%
 
$
15,967

 
8.3
%
 
$
23,446

 
10.3
%
 
$
7,479

 
46.8
%
Salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits increased by $2.6 million, or 30.6%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011. This was primarily due to additional staff both as a result of the two acquisitions in the third quarter of 2011 and to support expanded sales and development activity, including continued expansion in the northwest and southeast regions of the U.S.


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Project development costs. Project development costs increased by $2.5 million, or 90.5%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011, reflecting continued efforts relating to increased proposal activities and efforts to convert awarded projects to fully-contracted backlog. We have experienced a lengthening of the conversion time from awarded projects to fully-contracted backlog and as a result have been incurring additional expenses in support of conversion, representing, we believe, an investment in future growth. We expect this trend to continue into 2012.
General, administrative and other. General, administrative and other expenses increased by $2.4 million, or 50.5%, from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011. The increase in the third quarter of 2011 is due to our growth, $0.5 million in amortization of intangible assets acquired in connection with the two acquisitions completed during the quarter and approximately $0.5 million in acquisition-related expenses.
Other Expenses, Net
The following table shows the activity in other expenses, net from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in $'000s)
2010
 
2011
Interest expense, net of interest income
$
(1,704
)
 
$
(1,253
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(306
)
 
(107
)
 
$
(2,010
)
 
$
(1,360
)
Other expenses, net in the third quarter of 2010 reflected a termination charge and a write-off of deferred financing fees totaling $0.7 million in connection with terminating and paying off a term loan of one of our project subsidiaries in the third quarter of 2010. The effect of these payments on the period-over-period change was partially offset by higher average balances on our outstanding borrowings, resulting in higher interest expense.
Income Before Taxes
The following table sets forth a comparison of our income before taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
U.S. Federal
$
8,061

 
$
2,393

 
$
(5,668
)
 
(70.3
)%
Central U.S. Region
6,436

 
4,327

 
(2,109
)
 
(32.8
)%
Other U.S. Regions
6,559

 
17,117

 
10,558

 
161.0
 %
Canada
2,694

 
1,277

 
(1,417
)
 
(52.6
)%
All Other
(6,846
)
 
(10,065
)
 
(3,219
)
 
(47.0
)%
Total
$
16,904

 
$
15,049

 
$
(1,855
)
 
(11.0
)%
Income before taxes decreased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $1.9 million, or 11.0%, due primarily to the increases in operating expenses for the reasons described above.
Business Segment Income Before Taxes
Income before taxes for the U.S. federal segment decreased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $5.7 million, or 70.3%, to $2.4 million. The decrease was primarily due to the decline in revenue described above.
Income before taxes for the central U.S. region segment decreased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $2.1 million, or 32.8%, to $4.3 million. The decrease was due to decreased revenue for the reasons described above and a greater portion of lower margin projects within the revenue mix.
Income before taxes for the other U.S. regions segment increased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $10.6 million, or 161.0%, to $17.1 million due primarily to increased revenue, but also reflecting improved operating leverage.


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Table of Contents



Income before taxes for the Canada segment decreased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $1.4 million, or 52.6%, to $1.3 million. Lower gross margins, due to a greater portion of lower gross margin projects in its revenue mix, and higher operating expenses more than offset the increase in revenue.
The loss before taxes not allocated to segments and presented as all other, increased from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 by $3.2 million, or 47.0%, to $10.1 million, primarily due to increases in corporate overhead partially offset by higher revenue. The changes in the expenses allocated to all other from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2011 were consistent with the overall change in consolidated expenses discussed above.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes decreased by $2.2 million to $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 from $4.9 million in the third quarter of 2010. The effective tax rate decreased from 28.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 to 17.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The tax rate for the third quarter of 2011 included a net tax benefit of $0.9 million relating to accrued interest on a tax position that was resolved during the quarter. In addition to this net tax benefit, a one-time item, the principal reasons for the difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate were the effects of deductions permitted under Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code, which relate to the installation of certain energy efficiency equipment in federal, state, provincial and local government-owned buildings, as well as production tax credits to which we are entitled from the electricity generated by certain plants that we own. We expect the effective tax rate for 2011 to be higher than for the third quarter.
Net Income
Net income increased in the third quarter of 2011 by $0.3 million, or 2.6%, to $12.4 million, compared to $12.0 million in the third quarter of 2010 due to the effect of the net tax benefit described above and a lower effective tax rate, partially offset by lower pre-tax income. Earnings per share in the third quarter of 2011 was $0.29 per basic share, representing a decrease of $0.06, or 17.1%, and $0.27 per diluted share, representing a decrease of $0.01, or 3.6%. The weighted-average number of basic and diluted shares increased by 25.2% and 6.6%, respectively. The increase in our basic shares was due mainly to the conversion of 3.2 million shares of Series A preferred stock into 1.3 million shares of Class A common stock and 18.0 million shares of Class B common stock in connection with our initial public offering and the exercise of 2.2 million options and warrants for shares of Class A common stock. The issuance and sale of 6.3 million shares of Class A common stock in our initial public offering contributed to the increase in both. The increase in the weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding also was the result of the grant of new stock options and the increase in the market price of our stock.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2011
The following table sets forth certain financial data from the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, that data expressed as a percentage of revenue and percentage changes in that data for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared with the same period in 2010:


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Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
% of
 
2011
 
% of
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
Revenue
 
(b)
 
Revenue
 
 ((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
323,579

 
73.7
 %
 
$
418,698

 
77.6
 %
 
29.4
%
Renewable energy revenue
115,306

 
26.3
 %
 
121,007

 
22.4
 %
 
4.9
%
 
438,885

 
100.0
 %
 
539,705

 
100.0
 %
 
23.0
%
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
267,496

 
 
 
344,499

 
 
 
28.8
%
Renewable energy expenses
91,955

 
 
 
95,216

 
 
 
3.5
%
 
359,451

 
81.9
 %
 
439,715

 
81.5
 %
 
22.3
%
Gross profit
79,434

 
18.1
 %
 
99,990

 
18.5
 %
 
25.9
%
Total operating expenses
45,944

 
10.5
 %
 
61,920

 
11.5
 %
 
34.8
%
Operating income
33,490

 
7.6
 %
 
38,070

 
7.0
 %
 
13.7
%
Other expenses, net
(4,083
)
 
(0.9
)%
 
(3,249
)
 
(0.6
)%
 
20.4
%
Income before provision for income taxes
29,407

 
6.7
 %
 
34,821

 
6.4
 %
 
18.4
%
Income tax provision
(8,381
)
 
(1.9
)%
 
(8,342
)
 
(1.5
)%
 
0.5
%
Net income
$
21,026

 
4.8
 %
 
$
26,479

 
4.9
 %
 
25.9
%
Revenue
The following table sets forth a comparison of our revenue by mix for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
323,579

 
$
418,698

 
$
95,119

 
29.4
%
Renewable energy revenue
115,306

 
121,007

 
5,701

 
4.9
%
 
$
438,885

 
$
539,705

 
$
100,820

 
23.0
%
Total revenue.  We derive our revenue primarily from energy efficiency products and services, which accounted for approximately 73.7% and 77.6% of total revenue in the first nine months of 2010 and 2011, respectively. Total revenue increased by $100.8 million, or 23.0%, from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 primarily due to higher energy efficiency revenue.
Energy efficiency revenue. Energy efficiency revenue increased by $95.1 million, or 29.4%, from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 due to increased energy efficiency installation activity across most U.S. regions and Canada, which reflects both ongoing and new projects, as well as the effects of our acquisitions of AEG and Ameresco Southwest in the third quarter of 2011 as described above.
Renewable energy revenue. Renewable energy revenue increased by $5.7 million, or 4.9%, from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 primarily due to increases from integrated-PV and small scale infrastructure, as well as the positive effect on renewable energy installation activity of our acquisition of Ameresco Southwest in the third quarter of 2011 described above, partially offset by a decline in revenue from other renewable energy installation activity beginning in the second quarter of 2011.
Revenue from customers outside the United States, principally Canada, was $90.6 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared with $74.2 million in the same period of 2010.
Business Segment Revenue
The following table sets forth a comparison of our business segment revenue for the nine months ended September 30,


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2010 and 2011:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
U.S. Federal
$
114,272

 
$
109,091

 
$
(5,181
)
 
(4.5
)%
Central U.S. Region
76,744

 
71,467

 
(5,277
)
 
(6.9
)%
Other U.S. Regions
98,268

 
185,531

 
87,263

 
88.8
 %
Canada
74,141

 
88,736

 
14,595

 
19.7
 %
All Other
75,460

 
84,880

 
9,420

 
12.5
 %
Total
$
438,885

 
$
539,705

 
$
100,820

 
23.0
 %
Total revenue for the U.S. federal segment decreased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $5.2 million, or 4.5%, to $109.1 million primarily for the reasons described for the third quarter of 2011 above, partially offset by revenue growth during the first and second quarters of 2011, before several projects began nearing completion.
Total revenue for the central U.S. region segment decreased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $5.3 million, or 6.9%, to $71.5 million primarily for the reasons described for the third quarter of 2011 above.
Total revenue for the other U.S. regions segment increased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $87.3 million, or 88.8%, to $185.5 million primarily due to an increase in the size and number of projects under construction, including as a result of our acquisitions of Quantum in 2010 and Ameresco Southwest in 2011.
Total revenue for the Canada segment increased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $14.6 million, or 19.7%, to $88.7 million primarily due to a larger volume of construction activity related to the installation of energy efficiency measures.
Total revenue not allocated to segments and presented as all other, increased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $9.4 million, or 12.5%, to $84.9 million, due to increases in small scale infrastructure, O&M, and integrated-PV, as well as our recent acquisition of AEG.
Direct Expenses and Gross Profit
The following table sets forth a comparison of our direct expenses and gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency revenue
$
323,579

 
$
418,698

 
$
95,119

 
29.4
%
Renewable energy revenue
115,306

 
121,007

 
5,701

 
4.9
%
 
438,885

 
539,705

 
100,820

 
23.0
%
Direct expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy efficiency expenses
267,496

 
344,499

 
77,003

 
28.8
%
Renewable energy expenses
91,955

 
95,216

 
3,261

 
3.5
%
 
359,451

 
439,715

 
80,264

 
22.3
%
Gross profit:
$
79,434

 
$
99,990

 
$
20,556

 
25.9
%
Energy efficiency gross margin
17.3
%
 
17.7
%
 

 
0.4
%
Renewable energy gross margin
20.3
%
 
21.3
%
 

 
1.0
%
Gross profit %
18.1
%
 
18.5
%
 

 
0.4
%


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Total direct expenses. The majority of our expenses are incurred in connection with energy efficiency projects for which expenses represented approximately 82.7% and 82.3% of corresponding revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Total direct expenses increased by $80.3 million, or 22.3%, in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 due primarily to increases associated with increased installation activity.
Energy efficiency. Energy efficiency gross margin increased from 17.3% in the first nine months of 2010 to 17.7% in the first nine months of 2011 primarily for the reasons described above for the third quarter of 2011.
Renewable energy. Renewable energy gross margin increased from 20.3% in the first nine months of 2010 to 21.3% in the first nine months of 2011 due to the mix of renewable energy products, mainly from growth in small scale infrastructure, integrated-PV, and O&M, which typically produce higher margins, partially offset for the reasons described above for the third quarter of 2011.
Operating Expenses
The following table sets forth a comparison of our operating expenses and operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
% of
 
2011
 
% of
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
Revenue
 
(b)
 
Revenue
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
Revenue
$
438,885

 
 
 
$
539,705

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and benefits
$
21,894

 
5.0
%
 
$
29,232

 
5.4
%
 
$
7,338

 
33.5
%
Project development costs
7,894

 
1.8
%
 
14,840

 
2.7
%
 
6,946

 
88.0
%
General, administrative and other
16,156

 
3.7
%
 
17,848

 
3.4
%
 
1,692

 
10.5
%
 
$
45,944

 
10.5
%
 
$
61,920

 
11.5
%
 
$
15,976

 
34.8
%
Salaries and benefits. Salaries and benefits increased by $7.3 million, or 33.5%, from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 primarily for the reasons discussed above for the third quarter of 2011.
Project development costs. Project development costs increased by $6.9 million, or 88.0%, from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 primarily for the reasons discussed above for the third quarter of 2011.
General, administrative and other. General, administrative and other expenses increased by $1.7 million, or 10.5%, from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011. The first nine months of 2010 contained a non-cash charge of $2.1 million relating to an unexpected prepayment of a long-term receivable. The net increase of $3.3 million for the first nine months of 2011 is due to our growth and the costs necessary to support our continued growth, as well as the reasons described above for the third quarter of 2011.
Other Expenses, Net
The following table shows the activity in other expense, net from the first nine months of 2010 compared to the first nine months of 2011:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in $'000s)
2010
 
2011
Unrealized loss from derivatives
$
(134
)
 
$

Interest expense, net of interest income
(3,475
)
 
(2,937
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(474
)
 
(312
)
 
$
(4,083
)
 
$
(3,249
)
Other expenses, net decreased in the first nine months of 2011 as compared to first nine months of 2010 primarily for the reasons discussed above for the third quarter of 2011.
Income Before Taxes


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The following table sets forth a comparison of our income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2010
 
2011
 
$ change
 
% change
(in $'000s)
(a)
 
(b)
 
(b-a)
 
((b-a)/a)
U.S. Federal
$
13,375

 
$
16,380

 
$
3,005

 
22.5
 %
Central U.S. Region
9,581

 
5,016

 
(4,565
)
 
(47.6
)%
Other U.S. Regions
14,676

 
31,825

 
17,149

 
116.9
 %
Canada
3,804

 
2,673

 
(1,131
)
 
(29.7
)%
All Other
(12,029
)
 
(21,073
)
 
(9,044
)
 
(75.2
)%
Total
$
29,407

 
$
34,821

 
$
5,414

 
18.4
 %
Income before taxes increased from the first nine months of 2010 the first nine months of 2011 by $5.4 million, or 18.4%, primarily due to higher gross profit, which was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, both as described above.
Business Segment Income Before Taxes
Income before taxes for the U.S. federal segment increased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $3.0 million, or 22.5%, to $16.4 million. The increase was primarily due to the volume of installation activity during the 2011 period for a high margin renewable energy project.
Income before taxes for the central U.S. region segment decreased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $4.6 million, or 47.6%, to $5.0 million primarily for the reasons described for the third quarter of 2011 above.
Income before taxes for the other U.S. regions segment increased from first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by 116.9%, or $17.1 million, to $31.8 million primarily due to increased revenue as described above.
Income before taxes for the Canada segment decreased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $1.1 million, or 29.7%, to $2.7 million due to a greater portion of lower gross margin projects in its revenue mix and to higher operating expenses.
The loss before taxes not allocated to segments and presented as all other, increased from the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2011 by $9.0 million, or 75.2%, to $21.1 million primarily due to increases in corporate overhead partially offset by higher revenue. The changes in the expenses allocated to all other from the first nine months of 2010 to first nine months of 2011 were consistent with the overall change in consolidated operating expenses discussed above.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes decreased by $0.1 million to $8.3 million in the first nine months of 2011 from $8.4 million in the first nine months of 2010. The effective tax rate decreased to 24.0% for the first nine months of 2011 from 28.5% in the first nine months of 2010. The tax rate in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included a net tax benefit of $0.9 million relating to accrued interest on a tax position that was resolved during the quarter. In addition to this net tax benefit, a one-time item, the principal reasons for the difference between the statutory rate and the effective rate were the effects of deductions permitted under Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code, which relate to the installation of certain energy efficiency equipment in federal, state, provincial and local government-owned buildings, as well as production tax credits to which we are entitled from the electricity generated by certain plants that we own.
Net Income
Net income increased by $5.5 million, or 25.9%, in the first nine months of 2011 to $26.5 million, compared to $21.0 million in the first nine months of 2010, due to higher pre-tax income and a lower effective tax rate. Earnings per share in the first nine months of 2011 was $0.63 per basic share, representing a decrease of $0.39, or 38.2%, and $0.58 per diluted share, representing an increase of $0.05, or 9.4%. The weighted-average number of basic and diluted shares increased by 105.6% and 14.8%, respectively, for the same reasons as for the third quarter of 2011 discussed above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources


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Sources of liquidity. Since inception, we have funded operations primarily through cash flow from operations and various forms of debt. We believe that available cash and cash equivalents and availability under our revolving senior secured credit facility, combined with our access to credit markets, will be sufficient to fund our operations through 2012 and thereafter.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2011
Cash flows from operating activities. Operating activities provided $10.3 million of net cash during the three months ended September 30, 2011. During that period, we had net income of $12.4 million, which is net of non-cash compensation, depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes and other non-cash items totaling $6.8 million. Federal ESPC financing (net of restricted cash draws), inventory, total billings and costs in excess of estimated earnings, accounts payable and income taxes payable provided $46.1 million. These were offset by net decreases in accounts receivable including retainage, prepaid expenses and other current assets, project development costs, other assets and other liabilities used $54.9 million in cash.
Operating activities provided $9.1 million of net cash during the three months ended September 30, 2010. During that period, we had net income of $12.0 million, which is net of non-cash compensation, depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes, unrealized losses and other non-cash items totaling $6.5 million. Net increases in accounts payable and other liabilities provided another $22.4 million in cash. However, net increases in accounts receivables and other assets used $31.9 million of cash.
Cash flows from investing activities. Cash used for investing activities during the three months ended September 30, 2011 totaled $78.7 million, related to the development of renewable energy plants which used $16.8 million, $0.9 million related to purchases of other property and equipment and $61.0 million was used for the acquisitions of AEG and Ameresco Southwest.
Cash used for investing activities during the three months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $19.4 million and consisted primarily of capital investments of $12.4 million related to the development of renewable energy plants and $6.1 million for the acquisition of Quantum. Other investments related to leasehold improvements and office equipment.
Cash flows from investing activities primarily relate to capital expenditures to support our growth.
Cash flows from financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended September 30, 2011 totaled $41.6 million. Most of this was due to the draw down of the $41.6 million term loan portion of our renewed senior secured credit facility (see Note 15 and the discussion below).
Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $18.0 million. Proceeds from the issuance of Class A common stock and the exercise of options totaled $59.6 million. We paid down our senior secured credit facility by $31.4 million during the quarter, and paid off and retired $3.0 million of subordinated debt. We paid off a term loan to one of our project subsidiaries totaling $5.8 million. As previously reported, this loan was in default due to the bankruptcy of one of the counterparties. Increases in certain restricted cash accounts of $1.1 million were necessary to meet terms of our loan agreements. Net payments for financing-related fees used cash of $0.4 million.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2011
Cash flows from operating activities. Operating activities used $11.8 million of net cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. During that period, we had net income of $26.5 million, which is net of non-cash compensation, depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes and other non-cash items totaling $13.4 million. Net increases in restricted cash draws (net of Federal ESPC financing), accounts payable and accrued expenses provided $20.1 million. However net decreases in accounts receivable including retainage, inventory, net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, prepaid expenses and other current assets, and income taxes payable used $71.9 million in cash.
Operating activities used $6.4 million of net cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2010. During that period, we had net income of $21.0 million, which is net of non-cash compensation, depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes, unrealized losses and other non-cash items totaling $13.3 million. Net increases in accounts payable and other liabilities provided another $9.8 million in cash. However, net increases in accounts receivables and other assets used $50.6 million of cash.
Cash flows from investing activities. Cash used for investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 totaled $90.4 million, and consisted of capital investments of $31.6 million related to the development of renewable energy plants, $2.7 million related to purchases of other property and equipment $61.0 million for the acquisitions of AEG and Ameresco Southwest and $2.0 million for acquisition related costs for the 2010 acquisition of Quantum Engineering and Development, Inc. Offsetting these amounts were $6.7 million of Section 1603 rebates received during the period.
Cash used for investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $32.3 million and consisted


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primarily of capital investments of $24.8 million related to the development of renewable energy plants and $6.1 million related to the acquisition of Quantum. Other investments related to leasehold improvements and office equipment.
Cash flows from investing activities primarily relate to capital expenditures to support our growth.
Cash flows from financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 totaled $90.3 million. Most of this was due to the draw down of $38.6 million from the term loan portion and $43.0 million from the revolving portion of the renewed senior secured credit facility (see Note 15 and the discussion below), as well as proceeds from long-term debt financing of $5.5 million. Exercises of options also provided $4.9 million. These were partially offset by a repayment of $4.0 million of long-term project debt.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 totaled $19.4 million. Proceeds from the issuance of Class A common stock and the exercise of options and warrants totaled $60.1 million. Additional proceeds under long-term debt financings totaled $0.8 million during the first nine months of 2010. We paid down our senior secured credit facility by $19.9 million during the first nine months of 2010, and paid off and retired $3.0 million of subordinated debt. We made payments on term loans to our project subsidiaries totaling $10.5 million. Increases in certain restricted cash accounts of $6.0 million were necessary to meet terms of our loan agreements. Net payments for financing-related fees used cash of $1.3 million.
Senior Secured Credit Facility — Revolver and Term Loan
In 2008, we entered into a credit and security agreement with Bank of America, consisting of a $50.0 million revolving facility. The agreement required us to pay monthly interest at various rates in arrears, based on the amount outstanding. This facility had a maturity date of June 30, 2011. The facility was secured by a lien on all of our assets other than renewable energy projects that we own that were financed by others, and limited our ability to enter into other financing arrangements. Availability under the facility was based on two times our EBITDA for the preceding four quarters, and we were required to maintain a minimum EBITDA of $20.0 million on a rolling four-quarter basis and a minimum level of tangible net worth.
On June 30, 2011, we again amended and restated the credit and security agreement with Bank of America, adding Webster Bank as an additional lender. The new credit facility extended and expanded our prior existing credit facility, and consists of a $60.0 million revolving credit facility and a $40.0 million term loan. At September 30, 2011, $43.0 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $38.6 million was outstanding under the term loan. The revolving credit facility may be increased by up to an additional $25.0 million at our option, if the lenders agree. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1,428,571, with the balance due at maturity. Ameresco, Inc. remains the sole borrower under the credit facility. The new credit facility is secured by a lien on all of our assets other than renewable energy projects that we own that were financed by others, and limits our ability to enter into other financing arrangements. Availability under the revolving credit facility is based on two times our EBITDA for the preceding four quarters, and we are required to maintain a minimum EBITDA of $40.0 million on a rolling four-quarter basis. The new credit facility matures on June 30, 2016, when all amounts will be due and payable in full.
Project Financing
Construction and Term Loans. We have entered into a number of construction and term loan agreements for the purpose of constructing and owning certain renewable energy plants. The physical assets and the operating agreements related to the renewable energy plants are owned by wholly-owned, single member special purpose subsidiaries. These construction and term loans are structured as project financings made directly to a subsidiary, and upon acceptance of a project, the related construction loan converts into a term loan. While we are required under generally accepted accounting principles to reflect these loans as liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet, they are generally nonrecourse and not direct obligations of Ameresco, Inc. As of September 30, 2011, we had outstanding $49.6 million in aggregate principal amount under these loans, bearing interest at rates ranging from 3.5% to 8.7% and maturing at various dates from 2013 to 2024. One loan totaling $5.3 million, does require Ameresco, Inc. to provide assurance to the lender of the project performance. As of December 31, 2010, we had outstanding $46.8 million in aggregate principal amount under these loans, bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.3% to 8.7% and maturing at various dates from 2013 to 2024. As of December 31, 2009, a term loan in the amount of $5.4 million was in default as a result of the bankruptcy of the customer for the energy output of the plant financed by the loan. The bankruptcy filing by the customer had constituted an event of default under the credit agreement; however, the customer emerged from bankruptcy in 2010 and continued operations. To cure the default we decided to pay the loan in full during the third quarter of 2010.
Federal ESPC Receivable Financing. We have arrangements with certain lenders to provide advances to us during the


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construction or installation of projects for certain customers, typically federal governmental entities, in exchange for our assignment to the lenders of our rights to the long-term receivables arising from the ESPCs related to such projects. These financings totaled $205.8 million and $159.0 million in principal amounts at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Under the terms of these financing arrangements, we are required to complete the construction or installation of the project in accordance with the contract with our customer, and the debt remains on our consolidated balance sheet until the completed project is accepted by the customer.
Our revolving senior secured credit facility and construction and term loan agreements require us to comply with a variety of financial and operational covenants. As of September 30, 2011 we were in compliance with all of our financial and operational covenants. In addition, we do not consider it likely that we will fail to comply with these covenants during the term of these agreements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2011:
 
 
Payments due by Period
 
 
 
 
Less than
 
One to
 
Three to
 
More than
(in $'000s)
 
Total
 
One Year
 
Three Years
 
Five Years
 
Five Years
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolver(1)
 
$
43,000

 
$

 
$

 
$
43,000

 
$

Term Loan
 
38,571

 
5,714

 
11,429

 
21,428

 

Project Financing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and term loans
 
49,641

 
5,401

 
8,935

 
7,208

 
28,097

Federal ESPC receivable financing(2)
 
205,809

 

 
205,809

 

 

Interest obligations(3)
 
25,936

 
4,723

 
7,704

 
5,636

 
7,873

Operating leases
 
8,470

 
2,489

 
3,245

 
2,253

 
483

Total
 
$
371,427

 
$
18,327

 
$
237,122

 
$
79,525

 
$
36,453

(1
)
 
For our revolving senior secured credit facility, the table above assumes that the variable interest rate in effect as of September 30, 2011 remains constant for the term of the facility.
 
 
 
(2
)
 
Federal ESPC receivable financing arrangements relate to the installation and construction of projects for certain customers, typically federal governmental entities, where we assign to the lenders our right to customer receivables. We are relieved of the financing liability when the project is completed and accepted by the customer. We typically expect to be relieved of the financing liability between one and three years from the date of project construction commencement. The table does not include, for our federal ESPC receivable financing arrangements, the difference between the aggregate amount of the long-term customer receivables sold by us to the lender and the amount received by us from the lender for such sale.
 
 
 
(3
)
 
For the term loan portion of our senior secured credit facility, the table above assumes that the variable interest rate in effect at September 30, 2011 remains constant for the term of the facility.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, such as relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating financing transactions that are not required to be reflected on our balance sheet.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which allows an entity to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-


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step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. ASU 2011-08 is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012 and earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2011-08 on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income, that increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income (OCI) by eliminating the option to present components of OCI as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in this standard require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under either method, adjustments must be displayed for items that are reclassified from OCI to net income in the financial statements where the components of net income and the components of OCI are presented. This guidance does not affect the underlying accounting for components of OCI, but will change the presentation of our financial statements. We will adopt this authoritative guidance retrospectively in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2012.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because we finance certain operations through fixed and variable rate debt instruments and denominate our transactions in U.S. and Canadian dollars. Changes in these rates may have an impact on future cash flows and earnings. We manage these risks through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.
Interest Rate Risk
We had cash and cash equivalents totaling $31.7 million as of September 30, 2011 and $44.7 million as of December 31, 2010. Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest expense paid on our senior secured credit facility.
Derivative Instruments
We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. However, through our subsidiaries we do enter into derivative instruments for purposes other than trading purposes. Certain of the term loans that we use to finance our renewable energy projects bear variable interest rates that are indexed to short-term market rates. We have entered into interest rate swaps in connection with these term loans in order to seek to hedge our exposure to adverse changes in the applicable short-term market rate. In some instances, the conditions of our renewable energy project term loans require us to enter into interest rate swap agreements in order to mitigate our exposure to adverse movements in market interest rates. The interest rate swaps that we have entered into qualify, and have been designated, as fair value hedges.
By using derivative instruments, we are subject to credit and market risk. The fair market value of the derivative instruments is determined by using valuation models whose inputs are derived using market observable inputs, including interest rate yield curves, and reflects the asset or liability position as of the end of each reporting period. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, thus creating a receivable risk for us. We are exposed to counterparty credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties to our derivative agreements. We minimize counterparty credit (or repayment) risk by entering into transactions with major financial institutions of investment grade credit rating.
Our exposure to market interest rate risk is not hedged in a manner that completely eliminates the effects of changing market conditions on earnings or cash flow.
Foreign Currency Risk
As a result of our operations in Canada, we have significant expenses, assets and liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency. Also, a significant number of employees are located in Canada and we transact a significant amount of business in Canadian currency. Consequently, we have determined that Canadian currency is the functional currency for our Canadian operations. When we consolidate the operations of our Canadian subsidiary into our financial results, because we report our results in U.S. dollars, we are required to translate the financial results and position of our Canadian subsidiary from Canadian currency into U.S. dollars. We translate the revenues, expenses, gains, and losses from our Canadian subsidiary into U.S. dollars using a weighted average exchange rate for the applicable fiscal period. We translate the assets and liabilities of our Canadian subsidiary into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the applicable balance sheet date. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are disclosed and accumulated in a separate component of consolidated equity until sale or until a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in our Canadian


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subsidiary takes place. Changes in the values of these items from one period to the next which result from exchange rate fluctuations are recorded in our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). For the year ended December 31, 2010, due to changes in the U.S.-Canadian exchange rate that were favorable to the value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, our foreign currency translation resulted in a gain of $1.7 million which we recorded as an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, due to changes in the U.S.-Canadian exchange rate that were unfavorable to the value of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar, our foreign currency translation resulted in a loss of $1.4 million, respectively, which we recorded as a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income.
As a consequence, gross profit, operating results, profitability and cash flows are impacted by relative changes in the value of the Canadian dollar. We have not repatriated earnings from our Canadian subsidiary, but have elected to invest in new business opportunities there. We do not hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2011. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our management, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, or the evaluation date, have concluded that as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as discussed below.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, other than those stated below, during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2011, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the company’s internal controls. In 2009 and for most of 2010, we did not have personnel with an appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in the selection, application and implementation of GAAP as it relates to certain complex accounting issues, income taxes and SEC financial reporting requirements. In addition, in connection with our fiscal 2010 audit, we concluded that we did not have certain personnel in place for the appropriate amount of time and lacked certain other personnel to ensure adequate levels of review of accounting and financial reporting matters, which resulted in our closing process not identifying all required adjustments in a timely fashion. Although we have hired directors of SEC reporting and taxation, these new employees require time and training to learn our business and operating processes and procedures. Moreover, we expect to find it necessary to hire additional accounting personnel to improve the levels of review of accounting and financial reporting matters. We may experience delays in doing so and any such additional employees would require time and training to learn our business and operating processes and procedures. For the near-term future, until such personnel are familiar with our business and reporting structure, this will continue to constitute a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that could result in material misstatements in our financial statements not being prevented or detected.



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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary conduct of our business we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations and claims. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of such lawsuits, investigations and claims against us, we do not believe that any currently pending or threatened legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
For additional information about certain proceedings, please refer to Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, which is incorporated into this item by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
As of September 30, 2011, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Item 6. Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits are filed (other than exhibits 32.1 and 32.2) as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and such Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
AMERESCO, INC.
Date: November 14, 2011
By:
/s/ Andrew B. Spence
 
 
Andrew B. Spence 

 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


 
 
(duly authorized and principal financial officer)




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Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number
Description
31.1*
Principal Executive Officer Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Principal Financial Officer Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**
Principal Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**
Principal Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101***
The following condensed consolidated financial statements from Ameresco, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (iv), Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.
***
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.





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