UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016

 

or

 

☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from          to         

 

Commission File Number: 001-15957

 

 

Capstone Turbine Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

818-734-5300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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 ☒   No ☐

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

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

 

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of July 29, 2016 was 30,129,019.

 

 

 

 

CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION

INDEX

 

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1.  Business and Organization

Capstone Turbine Corporation (“Capstone” or the “Company”) develops, manufactures, markets and services microturbine technology solutions for use in stationary distributed power generation applications, including cogeneration (combined heat and power (“CHP”), and combined cooling, heat and power (“CCHP”)), renewable energy, natural resources, critical power supply, transportation and marine. In addition, the Company’s microturbines can be used as battery charging generators for hybrid electric vehicle applications. The Company was organized in 1988 and has been producing its microturbine generators commercially since 1998.

The Company has incurred significant operating losses since its inception. Management anticipates incurring additional losses until the Company can produce sufficient revenue and gross profit to cover its operating costs. To date, the Company has funded its activities primarily through private and public equity offerings.

 

2.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles” or “GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 was derived from audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) refers to the Company’s fiscal years ending March 31 as its “Fiscal” years.

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company continues to be negatively impacted by the volatility of the global oil and gas markets, a substantially stronger U.S. dollar (making our products more expensive overseas) and ongoing geopolitical tensions in Russia, North Africa and Middle East. The Company’s net loss from operations for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 was $4.4 million. Management believes that the Company will continue to make progress on its path to profitability by improving its net loss from operations through lowering its operating costs and the continued development of other geographical and vertical markets. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016 were $19.0 million ($24.0 million when combined with restricted cash related to the line of credit (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”)) and $11.7 million ($16.7 million when combined with restricted cash related to the Credit Facility with Wells Fargo), respectively. See Note 11—Revolving Credit Facility for discussion of the Credit Facility. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, less the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility, was $18.0 million and $7.2 million as of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016, respectively. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, the Company’s working capital requirements were in accordance with management’s plan, primarily because of a reduction in inventory and continued management of the timing of payments of accounts payable. Although the Company didn’t fully achieve its planned number of product shipments during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, resulting in lower than expected revenue, the Company achieved lower than expected net loss primarily because of reductions in operating expenses and bad debt recovery.

 

Based on management’s projections, free cash of approximately $18.0 million (cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash less amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility), which includes the net proceeds of approximately $13.1 million from the April 22, 2016 underwritten public offering, is sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. See Note 9— Underwritten Offering of Common Stock and At-the-Market Offering Program for disclosure with respect to the April 22, 2016 underwritten offering. If revenue is less than management’s projections, management has the ability to manage certain operating expenses, assets and liabilities, specifically the procurement of inventory, timing of payments of accounts payable and capital expenditures depending on the results of the Company’s operations to preserve its cash and cash equivalents. 

If the Company is unable to manage its cash flows in the areas discussed above, the Company may need to raise additional capital in the near term. The Company may seek to raise funds by selling additional securities to the public or to selected investors (through the at-the-market offering or otherwise) after the expiration of the lock-up period that expires in September 2016  to which the Company agreed in connection with the April 22, 2016 underwritten public offering or by obtaining additional debt financing. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain additional funds on commercially favorable terms or at all. If the Company raises additional funds by issuing additional equity or convertible debt securities, the fully diluted ownership percentages of existing stockholders will be reduced. In addition, any equity or debt securities that the Company would issue may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of its common stock. Should the Company be unable to execute its plans (including raising funds through the at-the-market offering program after the lock-up period and maintaining availability under its Credit Facility) or obtain additional financing that may be needed, the Company may need to significantly reduce its operations. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

On November 6, 2015, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, effective as of 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the filing date. For purposes of presentation, all share and per share information and instruments outstanding under stock plans contained in this report on Form 10-Q has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, Capstone Turbine International, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in June 2004, Capstone Turbine Singapore Pte., Ltd., its wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in February 2011, and Capstone Turbine Financial Services, LLC, its wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in October 2015, after elimination of inter-company transactions.

 

3.  Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). The standard is intended to simplify several areas of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax impact, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact ASU 2016-09 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires inventory that is recorded using the first-in, first-out method to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted at the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact ASU 2015-11 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). The ASU was issued as part of FASB’s current plan to simplify overly complex standards. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying

amount of that debt liability. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this ASU. The update requires retrospective application to all prior period amounts presented. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015, with early application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The Company has adopted ASU 2015-03 with no impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 applies to all entities and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company will apply the requirements of ASU 2014-15 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company has adopted ASU 2014-12 effective March 31, 2016 with no impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is evaluating its existing revenue recognition policies to determine whether any contracts in the scope of the guidance will be affected by the new requirements. The Company will be required to adopt the revenue recognition standard in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal year ending March 31, 2019) and interim periods within those annual periods.

 

4.  Customer Concentrations and Accounts Receivable

 

Sales to Regatta Solutions, Inc. (“Regatta”) and E-Finity Distributed Generation, LLC (“E-Finity”), two of the Company’s domestic distributors, accounted for 17% and 10%, respectively, of revenue for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. Sales to Horizon Power Systems, one of the Company’s domestic distributors, and Industrias Energeticas, S.A. de C.V., one of the Company’s Mexican distributors, accounted for 22% and 10%, respectively, of revenue for the first quarter of Fiscal 2016.

Additionally, Regatta, Dtc Soluciones Inmobiliarias S.A. de C.V. (“DTC”), one of the Company’s Mexican distributors, and E-Finity accounted for 20%, 17%, and 12%, respectively, of net accounts receivable as of June 30, 2016. DTC, Optimal Group Australia Pty Ltd, one of the Company’s Australian distributors, Reliable Secure Power Systems, one of the Company’s domestic distributors, and Regale Energy Zrt, the Company’s Hungarian distributor, accounted for 28%, 11%, 10% and 10%, respectively, of net accounts receivable as of March 31, 2016.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, the Company recorded approximately $0.9 million in bad debt recovery primarily with respect to the collection of cash for receivables from Electro Mecanique Industries (“EMI”), one of the Company’s distributors in the Middle East and Africa. The Company recorded approximately $2.6 million during the second quarter of Fiscal 2015 with respect to the accounts receivable allowance from EMI. As of June 30, 2016, the accounts receivable allowance for EMI was cleared. There was no bad debt expense or recovery recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016.

During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2015 we shipped approximately $0.7 million of product to BPC Engineering (“BPC”), one of the Company’s Russian distributors. Given the uncertainty as to the collectability of the sale, revenue

recognition on this shipment was deferred at that time. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, the remaining $0.5 million of deferred revenue for this shipment was fully recognized as revenue upon collection of the invoice.

 

5.  Inventories

 

Inventories are valued on a first in first out (“FIFO”) basis and lower of cost or market net of provisions for slow moving, excess, obsolete or otherwise impaired inventories and consisted of the following as of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

The non-current portion of inventories represents that portion of the inventories in excess of amounts expected to be sold or used in the next twelve months. The non-current inventories are primarily comprised of repair parts for older generation products that are still in operation but are not technologically compatible with current configurations. The weighted average age of the non-current portion of inventories on hand as of June 30, 2016 is 1.5 years. The Company expects to use the non-current portion of the inventories on hand as of June 30, 2016 over the periods presented in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

 

6.  Property, Plant and Equipment

 

The Company recorded depreciation expense of $0.3 million during the first quarter of each of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016. Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following as of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Intangible Assets

 

The Company recorded amortization expense of $0.1 million during the first quarter of each of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016. Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Expected future amortization expense of intangible assets as of June 30, 2016 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The manufacturing license provides the Company with the ability to manufacture recuperator cores previously purchased from Solar Turbines Incorporated (“Solar”). The Company is required to pay a per-unit royalty fee over a seventeen-year period for cores manufactured and sold by the Company using the technology. Royalties of approximately $8,300 and $12,200 were earned by Solar for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Earned royalties of approximately $31,100 and $35,000 were unpaid as of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016, respectively, and are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheets.

 

8.  Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock effective November 6, 2015. The reverse stock split did not change the authorized number of shares or par value of the Company’s common stock or preferred stock, but did effect a proportionate adjustment to the per share exercise price and the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock and performance restricted stock units, and the number of shares of common

stock eligible for issuance. All per-share amounts and the Company’s shares outstanding for all periods have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse split.

The following table summarizes, by statement of operations line item, stock-based compensation expense for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

Stock Plans

 

2000 Equity Incentive Plan

 

In June 2000, the Company adopted the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”). The 2000 Plan provides for a total maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued of 1,849,000 shares.

 

Stock Options

 

The Company issues stock options under the 2000 Plan to employees, non-employee directors and consultants that vest and become exercisable over a four-year period and expire 10 years after the grant date. The Company uses a Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of the options at the grant date, and compensation cost is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Generally, stock based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest and accordingly, stock based compensation recognized is reduced by estimated forfeitures. Management’s estimate of forfeitures is based on historical forfeitures. All options are subject to the following vesting provisions: one-fourth vest one year after the issuance date and 1/48th vest on the first day of each full month thereafter, so that all options will be vested on the first day of the 48th month after the grant date. Information relating to stock options for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 is as follows:

 

 

Black-Scholes Model Valuation Assumptions

 

There were no stock options granted during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The Company calculated the estimated fair value of each stock option granted during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

 

The Company’s computation of expected volatility for the Company’s first quarter of Fiscal 2016 was based on historical volatility. The expected life, or term, of options granted is derived from historical exercise behavior and represents the period of time that stock option awards are expected to be outstanding. Management has selected a risk-free rate based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury Securities with a maturity equivalent to the options’ expected term.  During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s executive management team voluntarily agreed to cancel and terminate a total of 65,508 unvested stock options that had been previously issued to them. There were no unvested stock option awards as of June 30, 2016. There was no expense associated with stock options during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The Company recorded expense of approximately $0.1 million associated with its stock options during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016.

 

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Restricted Stock Units

 

The Company issues restricted stock units under the 2000 Plan to employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The restricted stock units are valued based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance, and compensation cost is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The related compensation expense recognized is reduced by estimated forfeitures. The Company’s estimate of forfeitures is based on historical forfeitures. The restricted stock units vest in equal installments over a period of four years. For restricted stock units with four year vesting, one-fourth vest annually beginning one year after the issuance date. The restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors vest one year after the issuance date. The following table outlines the restricted stock unit and performance restricted stock unit (“PRSU”) activity:

 

 

 

The following table provides additional information on restricted stock units for the Company’s first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and 2016:

 

 

As of June 30, 2016, there was approximately $0.7 million of total compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.

 

PRSU activity is included in the above restricted stock units tables. The PRSU Program has a three-year performance measurement period. The performance measurement period will begin on April 1st of the first fiscal year and end on March 31 of the third fiscal year. The program is intended to have overlapping performance measurement periods (e.g., a new three year cycle begins each year on April 1), subject to Compensation Committee approval. The Chief Executive Officer was the only participant for Fiscal 2016. At the end of each performance measurement period, the Compensation Committee will determine the achievement against the performance objectives. Any earned PRSU awards will vest 50% after the end of the applicable performance measurement period and 50% one year thereafter.

There were no PRSUs granted during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company granted a total of 10,000 PRSUs to the Chief Executive Officer. The weighted average per share grant date fair value of PRSUs granted during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 was $15.50. Based on the Company’s assessment as of March 31, 2016, the PRSU threshold for the first performance measurement of the PRSUs granted in Fiscal 2016 likely will not be met and, as a result, the Chief Executive Officer PRSU awards were adjusted and no compensation expense was recorded or recognized during Fiscal 2016. Any compensation expense will be recognized over the corresponding requisite service period and will be adjusted in subsequent reporting periods if the Company’s assessment of the probable level of achievement of the performance goals changes. The Company will continue to periodically assess the likelihood of the PRSU threshold being met until the end of the applicable performance period.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company issues restricted stock awards under the 2000 Plan to employees and non-employee directors. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and 2016 the Company granted stock awards to non-employee directors who elected to take payment of all or any part of the directors’ fees in stock in lieu of cash. The following table outlines the restricted stock award activity for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and 2016:

 

 

For each term of the Board of Directors (beginning on the date of an annual meeting of stockholders and ending on the date immediately preceding the next annual meeting of stockholders), a non-employee director may elect to receive a stock award in lieu of all or any portion of their annual retainer or committee fee cash payment. The shares of stock were valued based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Grants outside of 2000 Plan

As of June 30, 2016, the Company had outstanding 148,229 non-qualified common stock options and 1,562 restricted stock units issued outside of the 2000 Plan. The Company granted these stock options and restricted stock units prior to Fiscal 2016 as inducement grants to new officers and employees of the Company, with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

 

Although the options and restricted stock units were not granted under the 2000 Plan, they are governed by terms and conditions identical to those under the 2000 Plan. All options are subject to the following vesting provisions: one-fourth vest one year after the issuance date and 1/48th vest on the first day of each full month thereafter, so that all options will be vested on the first day of the 48th month after the grant date. All outstanding options have a contractual term of ten years. The restricted stock units vest in equal installments over a period of four years.

Stockholder Rights Plan

On May 6, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No. 5 (the “Amendment”) to the Rights Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2005, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of July 3, 2008, Amendment No. 2, dated as of June 9, 2011, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 1, 2014 and Amendment No. 4, dated as of August 5, 2014, (the “Original Rights Agreement”) between the Company and Computershare Inc. 

The Amendment accelerated the expiration of the Company’s preferred share purchase rights (the “Original Rights”) from 5:00 p.m., California time, on the 30th day after the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to 5:00 p.m., California time, on May 6, 2016, and had the effect of terminating the Original Rights Agreement on that date. At the time of the termination of the Original Rights Agreement, all of the Original Rights distributed to holders of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Original Rights Agreement expired.

On May 6, 2016, the Company entered into a rights agreement (the “NOL Rights Agreement”) with Computershare Inc., as rights agent. In connection with the NOL Rights Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized and declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right (a “New Right”) for each share of the Company’s common stock authorized and outstanding. Each New Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company a unit consisting of one one-thousandth of a share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $8.76 per unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the New Rights are set forth in the NOL Rights Agreement.

The purpose of the NOL Rights Agreement is to diminish the risk that the Company’s ability to use its net operating losses and certain other tax assets (collectively, “Tax Benefits”) to reduce potential future federal income tax obligations would become subject to limitations by reason of the Company’s experiencing an “ownership change,” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. A company generally experiences such an ownership change if the percentage of its stock owned by its “5-percent shareholders,” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, increases by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. The NOL Rights Agreement is designed to reduce the likelihood that the Company will experience an ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by (i) discouraging any person or group from becoming a 4.99% shareholder and (ii) discouraging any existing 4.99% shareholder from acquiring additional shares of the Company’s stock.

The New Rights will not be exercisable until the earlier to occur of (i) the close of business on the tenth business day after a public announcement or filing that a person has, or group of affiliated or associated persons or persons acting in concert have, become an “Acquiring Person,” which is defined as a person or group of affiliated or associated persons or persons acting in concert who, at any time after the date of the NOL Rights Agreement, have acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 4.99% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, subject to certain exceptions or (ii) the close of business on the tenth business day after the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to commence, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of

which would result in any person becoming an Acquiring Person (the earlier of such dates being called the “Distribution Date”). Certain synthetic interests in securities created by derivative positions, whether or not such interests are considered to be ownership of the underlying common stock or are reportable for purposes of Regulation 13D of the Exchange Act, are treated as beneficial ownership of the number of shares of common stock equivalent to the economic exposure created by the derivative position, to the extent actual shares of the common stock are directly or indirectly held by counterparties to the derivatives contracts.

The New Rights, which are not exercisable until the Distribution Date, will expire prior to the earliest of (i) May 6, 2019 or such later day as may be established by the Board of Directors prior to the expiration of the New Rights, provided that the extension is submitted to the Company’s stockholders for ratification at the next annual meeting of stockholders of the Company succeeding such extension; (ii) the time at which the New Rights are redeemed pursuant to the NOL Rights Agreement; (iii) the time at which the New Rights are exchanged pursuant to the NOL Rights Agreement; (iv) the time at which the New Rights are terminated upon the occurrence of certain transactions; (v) the close of business on the first day after the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, if approval by the stockholders of the Company of the NOL Rights Agreement has not been obtained on or prior to the close of business on the first day after the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders; (vi) the close of business on the effective date of the repeal of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, if the Board of Directors determines that the NOL Rights Agreement is no longer necessary or desirable for the preservation of Tax Benefits; and (vii) the close of business on the first day of a taxable year of the Company to which the Board of Directors determines that no Tax Benefits are available to be carried forward.

Each share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock will be entitled, when, as and if declared, to a preferential per share quarterly dividend payment equal to the greater of (i) $1.00 per share or (ii) an amount equal to 1,000 times the dividend declared per share of common stock. Each share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock will entitle the holder thereof to 1,000 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of common stock are converted or exchanged, each share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive 1,000 times the amount received per one share of common stock.

 

9.   Underwritten Offering of Common Stock and At-the-Market Offering Program

 

On April 19, 2016, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. as the sole book-running manager, and Rodman & Renshaw, a unit of H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, as the co-manager, related to the public offering of 2.7 million shares of our common stock and pre-funded Series B warrants to purchase up to 5.5 million shares of common stock, which were offered in lieu of common stock to those purchasers whose purchase of common stock in the offering otherwise would result in the purchaser beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding common stock following the completion of the offering. Also included in the offering were Series A warrants to purchase 4.1 million shares of common stock. Every two shares of common stock were sold with one Series A warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a collective negotiated price of $3.50. Every two Series B warrants were sold with one Series A warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a collective negotiated price of $3.48. The Series A warrants are exercisable, subject to certain limitations, during the period commencing six months after the date of the issuance and expire five years after the first day they are exercisable. The pre-funded Series B warrants are exercisable, subject to certain limitations, upon issuance and expire nine months from the date of issuance, subject to extension under certain circumstances. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the common stock and warrants, after deducting fees and other offering expenses, were approximately $13.1 million. The offering closed on April 22, 2016.

The following table outlines the warrant activity during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017:

Effective August 28, 2015, the Company entered into a sales agreement with respect to an at-the-market offering program pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $30.0 million. The Company will set the parameters for sales of the shares, including the number to be sold, the time period during which sales are requested to be made, any limitation on the number that may be sold in one trading day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. In connection with the April 2016 underwritten public offering, the Company is subject to a lock-up with respect to the at-the-market offering program that expires in September 2016. During Fiscal 2016, 6.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock were sold pursuant to the at-the-market offering program and the net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the common stock, after deducting fees and other offering expenses, were approximately $12.7 million.

 

10.  Fair Value Measurements

 

The FASB has established a framework for measuring fair value using generally accepted accounting principles. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

 

Level 1.  Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2.  Inputs to the valuation methodology include:

 

 

 

 

 

If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3.  Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The asset or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

The table below presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2016 and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

 

 

 

Cash equivalents include cash held in money market and U.S. treasury funds at June 30, 2016.

 

The table below presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Basis for Valuation

 

The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair values because of the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments. As the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are based on adjustable market rates reflective of what would currently be available to the Company, the Company has determined that the carrying value approximates the fair value. The carrying values and estimated fair values of these obligations are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

11.  Revolving Credit Facility

 

The Company maintains two Credit and Security Agreements, as amended (the “Credit Agreements”), with Wells Fargo, which provide the Company with a line of credit of up to $20.0 million in the aggregate. As previously disclosed, the twelfth amendment to the Credit Agreements provided the Company the right, under certain circumstances, to increase the borrowing capacity available under the Company’s revolving lines of credit to an aggregate maximum of $20.0 million from an aggregate maximum of $15.0 million (the “Accordion Feature”). In addition, Wells Fargo has provided the Company with a non-revolving capital expenditure line of credit up to $0.5 million to acquire additional eligible equipment for use in the Company’s business. Effective as of June 30, 2015, the Company exercised the Accordion Feature, thereby increasing the maximum borrowing capacity available to a maximum of $20.0 million. The amount actually available to the Company may be less and may vary from time to time depending on, among other factors, the amount of its eligible inventory and accounts receivable. As security for the payment and performance of the Credit Facility, the Company granted a security interest in favor of Wells Fargo in substantially all of the assets of the Company. One of the Credit Agreements will terminate in accordance with its terms on September 1, 2017, and the other one will terminate on September 30, 2017. On June 7, 2016, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreements which set the financial covenants for Fiscal 2017.

The Credit Agreements include affirmative covenants as well as negative covenants that prohibit a variety of actions without Wells Fargo’s consent, including covenants that limit the Company’s ability to (a) incur or guarantee debt, (b) create liens, (c) enter into any merger, recapitalization or similar transaction or purchase all or substantially all of the assets or stock of another entity, (d) pay dividends on, or purchase, acquire, redeem or retire shares of, the Company’s capital stock, (e) sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, (f) change the Company’s accounting method or (g) enter into a different line of business. Furthermore, the Credit Agreements contain financial covenants, including (i) a requirement not to exceed specified levels of losses, (ii) a requirement to maintain a substantial minimum cash balance relative to the outstanding line of credit advances, which was $5.2 million as of June 30, 2016, and (iii) limitations on the Company’s annual capital expenditures. The Credit Agreements also define an event of default to include a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, as determined by Wells Fargo. An event of default for this or any other reason, if not waived, would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Several times since entering into the Credit Agreements the Company was not in compliance with certain covenants under the Credit Facility. In connection with each event of noncompliance, Wells Fargo waived the event of default and, on several occasions, the Company amended the Credit Agreements in response to the default and waiver.  If the Company had not obtained the waivers and amended the Credit Agreements, the Company would not have been able to draw additional funds under the Credit Facility. In addition, the Company has pledged its accounts receivables, inventories, equipment, patents and other assets as collateral for its Credit Agreements, which would be subject to seizure by Wells Fargo if the Company were in default under the Credit Agreements and unable to repay the indebtedness. Wells Fargo also has the option to terminate the Credit Agreements or accelerate the indebtedness during a period of noncompliance.  Based on the Company’s current forecasts, the Company believes it will maintain compliance with the covenants contained in the amended Credit Agreements through the end of Fiscal 2017. If a covenant violation were to occur, the Company would attempt to negotiate a waiver of non-compliance from Wells Fargo. As of June 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the covenants contained in the amended Credit Agreements for Fiscal 2017.

The Company is required to maintain a Wells Fargo collection account for cash receipts on all of its accounts receivable. These amounts are immediately applied to reduce the outstanding amount on the Credit Facility. The floating rate for line of credit advances is the sum of daily three month London Inter–Bank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”), which interest rate shall change whenever daily three month LIBOR changes, plus applicable margin. Based on the revolving nature of the Company’s borrowings and payments, the Company classifies all outstanding amounts as current liabilities. The applicable margin varies based on net income and the minimum interest floor is set at $66,000 each calendar quarter. The Company’s borrowing rate was 4.4% at each of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016.

 

The Company is required to pay an annual unused line fee of one-quarter of one percent of the daily average of the maximum line amount and 1.5% interest with respect to each letter of credit issued by Wells Fargo. These amounts, if any, are also recorded as interest expense by the Company. As of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016, $6.1 million and $9.5 million in borrowings were outstanding, respectively, under the Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2016, approximately $12.3 million was available for additional borrowing. Interest expense related to the Credit Facility during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 was $0.1 million, which includes $43,750 in amortization of deferred financing costs. Interest expense related to the Credit Facility during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 was $0.1 million, which includes $42,000 in amortization of deferred financing costs.

 

12.  Accrued Warranty Reserve

 

The Company provides for the estimated costs of warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the microturbine product sold and geography of sale.  The Company’s product warranties generally start from the delivery date and continue for up to eighteen months. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty obligation include product failure rates, anticipated hours of product operations and costs of repair or replacement in correcting product failures. These factors are estimates that may change based on new information that becomes available each period. Similarly, the Company also accrues the estimated costs to address reliability repairs on products no longer in warranty when, in the Company’s judgment, and in accordance with a specific plan developed by the Company, it is prudent to provide such repairs. The Company assesses the adequacy of recorded warranty liabilities quarterly and makes adjustments to the liability as necessary. When the Company has sufficient evidence that product changes are altering the historical failure occurrence rates, the impact of such changes is then taken into account in estimating future warranty liabilities. Changes in accrued warranty reserve during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

13.  Deferred Revenue

Changes in deferred revenue during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Deferred revenue attributed to Comprehensive Factory Protection Plan (“FPP”) contracts represents the unearned portion of the billed agreements. FPP agreements are generally paid quarterly in advance with revenue recognized on a straight line basis over the contract period. Deposits are primarily non-refundable cash payments from distributors for future orders.

 

14.  Other Current Liabilities

The Company is a party to a Development and License Agreement with Carrier Corporation (“Carrier”) regarding the payment of royalties on the sale of each of the Company’s 200 kilowatt (“C200”) microturbines. Carrier earned $0.2 million and $0.4 million in royalties for C200 and C1000 Series system sales during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Earned royalties of approximately $0.2 million were unpaid as of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016, respectively, and are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheets.

 

15.  Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

As of June 30, 2016, the Company had firm commitments to purchase inventories of approximately $21.9 million through Fiscal 2019. Certain inventory delivery dates and related payments are not firmly scheduled; therefore, amounts under these firm purchase commitments will be payable upon the receipt of the related inventories.

Lease Commitments

The Company leases offices and manufacturing facilities under various non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various times through the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. All of the leases require the Company to pay maintenance, insurance and property taxes. The lease agreements for primary office and manufacturing facilities provide for rent escalation over the lease term and renewal options for five-year periods. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The difference between rent expense recorded and the amount paid is credited or charged to deferred rent, which is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. The balance of deferred rent was approximately $0.2 million as of each of June 30, 2016 and March 31, 2016. Rent expense was approximately $0.6 million during the first quarter of each of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016.

Other Commitments

In September 2010, the Company was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) for the research, development and testing of a more efficient microturbine CHP system. The contract had a term of five years and was completed in September 2015. The project cost approximately $11.7 million. The DOE contributed $5.0 million toward the project, of which $4.2 million was allocated to the Company, and the Company incurred approximately $6.7 million in research and development expense. The Company billed the DOE under the contract for this project a cumulative amount of $4.2 million through September 30, 2015, the date on which the contract was completed.

The Company has agreements with certain of its distributors requiring that if the Company renders parts obsolete in inventories the distributors own and hold in support of their obligations to serve fielded microturbines, then the Company is required to replace the affected stock at no cost to the distributors. While the Company has never incurred costs or obligations for these types of replacements, it is possible that future changes in the Company’s product

technology could result and yield costs to the Company if significant amounts of inventory are held at distributors. As of June 30, 2016, no significant inventories were held at distributors.

Legal Matters

Federal Securities Class Action

Two putative securities class action complaints were filed against the Company and certain of its current and former officers in the United States District Court for the Central District of California under the following captions:  David Kinney, etc. v. Capstone Turbine, et al., No. 2:15-CV-08914 on November 16, 2015 (the “Kinney Complaint”) and Kevin M. Grooms, etc. v. Capstone Turbine, et al., No. 2:15-CV-09155 on December 18, 2015 (the “Grooms Complaint”).

The putative class in the Kinney Complaint is comprised of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between November 7, 2013 and November 5, 2015.  The Kinney Complaint alleges material misrepresentations and omissions in public statements regarding BPC and the likelihood that BPC would not be able to fulfill many legal and financial obligations to the Company.  The Kinney Complaint also alleges that the Company’s financial statements were not appropriately adjusted in light of this situation and were not maintained in accordance with GAAP, and that the Company lacked adequate internal controls over accounting.  The Kinney Complaint alleges that these public statements and accounting irregularities constituted violations by all named defendants of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, as well as violations of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act by the individual defendants.  The Grooms Complaint makes allegations and claims that are substantially identical to those in the Kinney Complaint, and both complaints seek compensatory damages of an undisclosed amount.  On January 16, 2016, several shareholders filed motions to consolidate the Kinney and Grooms actions and for appointment as lead plaintiff.  On February 29, 2016, the Court granted the motions to consolidate, and appointed a lead plaintiff.  On May 6, 2016, a Consolidated Amended Complaint with allegations and claims substantially identical to those of the Kinney Complaint was filed in the consolidated action.  The putative class period in the Consolidated Amended Complaint is June 12, 2014 to November 5, 2015. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Complaint on June 17, 2016. Plaintiffs’ opposition was filed July 29, 2016, and Defendants’ reply is due August 26, 2016. The Company has not recorded any liability as of June 30, 2016 since any potential loss is not probable or reasonably estimable given the preliminary nature of the proceedings.

State Derivative Lawsuits — California

On February 18, 2016, a purported shareholder derivative action was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in the State of California against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors under the following caption:  Stesiak v. Jamison, et al., No. BC610782.  The lawsuit alleges that certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors knew or should have known that BPC would be unable to fulfill its obligations to the Company, but allowed the Company to make false and misleading statements regarding BPC and the Company’s financial condition.  The complaint also alleges that the defendants failed to timely adjust the Company’s account receivables and backlog to reflect BPC’s inability to pay the Company.  The complaint asserts causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment.  It demands damages for the amount of damage sustained by the Company as a result of the individual defendants’ alleged breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment, that the Company institute corporate governance reforms, and disgorgement from the individual defendants.  On May 5, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation and proposed order seeking to stay this action until such time as the defendants’ motion(s) to dismiss the federal securities class action are decided.  On May 10, 2016, the Court entered that proposed order, and scheduled a status conference for August 24, 2016.

On June 8,  2016, a purported shareholder derivative action entitled Velma Kilpatrick v. Simon, et al., No. BC623167, was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in the State of California against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint alleges that certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors knew or should have known that BPC would be unable to fulfill its obligations to the Company, but allowed the Company to make false and misleading statements regarding BPC and the Company’s financial condition. The complaint also alleges that the defendants failed to timely adjust the Company’s account receivables and backlog to reflect BPC’s inability to pay the Company. The complaint asserts causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty.  It demands damages for the amount of damage sustained by the Company as a result of the individual defendants’ alleged breach of fiduciary duties, and that the Company institute corporate governance reforms. 

Federal Derivative Lawsuits

On March 7, 2016, a purported shareholder derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors under the following caption:  Haber v. Jamison, et al., No. CV16-01569-DMG (RAOx).  The lawsuit alleges that certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors knew or should have known that BPC would be unable to fulfill its obligations to the Company, but allowed the Company to make false and misleading statements regarding BPC and the Company’s financial condition.  The complaint asserts a cause of action for breach of fiduciary duty.  It demands damages for the amount of damage sustained by the Company as a result of the individual defendants’ alleged breach of fiduciary duties, and equitable relief, including that the Company institute appropriate corporate governance reforms.  On May 11, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation and proposed order seeking to stay this action until such time as the defendants’ motion(s) to dismiss the federal securities class action are decided.  On May 13, 2016, the Court entered that proposed order.

On July 12, 2016, another purported shareholder derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors, under the caption Tuttle v. Atkinson, et al., No. CV16-05127.  The lawsuit alleges that certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors knew or should have known that BPC would be unable to fulfill its obligations to the Company, but allowed the Company to make false and misleading statements regarding BPC and the Company’s financial condition.  The complaint asserts causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, and unjust enrichment.  It demands damages sustained by the Company as a result of the individual defendants’ alleged breaches of fiduciary duties, and equitable relief, including that the Company institute appropriate corporate governance reforms.

16.  Net Loss Per Common Share

Basic loss per share of common stock is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments because the Company incurred losses in the three months ended June 30, 2016 which would make these instruments anti-dilutive. As of June 30, 2016 and 2015, the number of anti-dilutive stock options and restricted stock units excluded from diluted net loss per common share computations was approximately 0.7 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2016, the number of warrants excluded from diluted net loss per common share computations was approximately 6.0 million. As of June 30, 2015, the Company did not have any warrants outstanding.

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

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016. When used in this Form 10-Q, and in the following discussion, the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include those under Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 2016 and in other reports we file with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained herein after the filing of this Form 10-Q to conform such statements to actual results or changes in expectations except as may be required by law. All dollar amounts are approximate.

 

Overview

 

Capstone is the market leader in microturbines based on the number of microturbines sold. Generally, power purchased from the electric utility grid is less costly than power produced by distributed generation technologies. Utilities may also charge fees to interconnect to their power grids. However, we can provide economic benefits to end users in instances where the waste heat from our microturbine has value (combined heat and power (“CHP”) and combined cooling, heat and power (“CCHP”)), where fuel costs are low (renewable energy/renewable fuels), where the costs of connecting to the grid may be high or impractical (such as remote power applications), where reliability and power quality are of critical importance, or in situations where peak shaving could be economically advantageous because of highly variable electricity prices. Because Capstone microturbines can provide a reliable source of power and can operate on multiple fuel sources, management believes they offer a level of flexibility not currently offered by other technologies such as reciprocating engines.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 our net loss decreased by 25% to $4.5 million and our net loss per share decreased by 53% to $0.17 compared to the same period last year. The decrease in the net loss during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 was primarily the result of a reduction of operating expenses of approximately 30% from the same period last year through our cost reduction program. In addition, the net loss during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 included bad debt recovery primarily from Electro Mecanique Industries (“EMI”), one of the Company’s distributors in the Middle East and Africa, previously reserved during Fiscal 2015. Our gross margin was 16% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, which represents a decrease of approximately 100 basis points from our gross margin of 17% for the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 despite 29% lower revenue in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2016.  The slight decrease in gross margin on substantially lower revenue was the result of cost reduction initiatives implemented during Fiscal 2016. Our revenue continues to be negatively impacted by the volatility of the global oil and gas markets, a substantially stronger U.S. dollar (making our products more expensive overseas) and ongoing geopolitical tensions in Russia, North Africa and Middle East.

Capstone products continue to gain interest in all six of the major vertical markets (energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resources, critical power supply, transportation and marine). In the energy efficiency market, we continue to expand our market presence in hotels, office buildings, hospitals, retail and industrial applications globally. The renewable energy market is fueled by landfill gas, biodiesel, and biogas from sources such as food processing, agricultural waste and cow, pig and chicken manure. Our product sales in the oil and gas and other natural resources market is driven by our microturbines’ reliability, emissions profile and ease of installation. Given the volatility of the oil and gas market, however, we have refocused our business strategy to target projects within the energy efficiency and renewal energy markets. We have also seen increased interest in critical power supply applications as customers want solutions that can handle both primary and backup power.

We continue to focus on improving our products based on customer input, building brand awareness and new channels to market by developing a diversified network of strategic distribution partners. Our focus is on products and solutions that provide near term opportunities to drive repeatable business rather than discrete projects for niche markets. In addition, management closely monitors operating expenses and strives to improve manufacturing efficiencies while simultaneously lowering direct material costs and increasing average selling prices. The key drivers to Capstone’s success are revenue growth, higher average selling prices, lower direct material costs, positive new order flow and reduced cash usage.

 

To support our opportunities to grow in our targeted markets, we continue to enhance the reliability and performance of our products by regularly developing new processes and enhancing training to assist those who apply, install and use our products.

An overview of our direction, targets and key initiatives are as follows:

The following table summarizes our product shipments by vertical market:

 

Energy Efficiency—CHP/CCHP

Energy efficiency maximizes the use of energy produced by the microturbines, reduces emissions compared with traditional power generation and enhances the economic advantage to customers. Energy efficiency applications use both the heat and electric energy produced in the power generation process. Using the heat and electricity created from a single combustion process increases the efficiency of the system from approximately 30% to 75% or more. The increased operating efficiency reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional independent sources such as power generation and local thermal generation and, through displacement of other separate systems, can reduce variable production costs.

Natural Resources—Oil, Natural Gas, Shale Gas & Mining

On a worldwide basis, there are thousands of locations where the drilling, production, compression and transportation of natural resources and other extraction and production processes create fuel byproducts, which traditionally have been released or burned into the atmosphere.  Our microturbines are installed in the natural resource market to be used in oil and gas exploration, production, compression and transmission sites both onshore and offshore as a highly reliable critical source of power generation. In addition, our microturbines can use flare gas as a fuel to provide prime power. Typically these oil and gas or mining operations have no access to an electric utility grid and rely solely on Capstone’s microturbines for a reliable low emission power supply.

Renewable Energy

Our microturbines can use renewable methane gases from landfills, wastewater treatment facilities and biogas from sources such as food processing, agricultural waste and cow, pig and chicken manure. Capstone’s microturbines can burn these renewable waste gases with minimal emissions, thereby, in some cases, avoiding the imposition of penalties incurred for pollution while simultaneously producing electricity from this “free” renewable fuel for use at the site or in the surrounding area. Capstone’s microturbines have demonstrated effectiveness in these applications and outperform conventional combustion engines in a number of situations, including when the gas contains a high amount of sulfur.

Critical Power Supply

Because of the potentially catastrophic consequences of even momentary system failure, certain power users, such as high technology and information systems companies, require particularly high levels of reliability in their power service.  Management believes that Capstone’s critical power supply offerings are the world’s only microturbine powered Uninterruptible Power Source solutions that can offer clean, IT-grade power produced from microturbines, the utility or a combination of both.

Transportation

Our technology is also used in hybrid electric vehicle (“HEV”) applications. Our customers have applied our products in hybrid electric mobile applications, including transit buses and trucks. In these applications the microturbine acts as an onboard battery charger to recharge the battery system as needed. The benefits of microturbine hybrids include extended range, fuel economy gains, quieter operation, reduced emissions and higher reliability compared with traditional internal combustion engines.

Marine

 

Our technology is also used in marine applications. Our customers have applied our products in the commercial vessel, work boats and cargo ship markets. The most immediate market for our marine products is for use as ship auxiliaries. In this application, the microturbines provide power to the vessel’s electrical loads and, in some cases, the vessel is able to utilize the exhaust energy to increase the overall efficiency of the application, reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions. The other application is similar to our HEV application where the vessel is driven by an electric propulsion system and the microturbine serves as an on board range extender.

Backlog

 

Backlog represents the estimated amount of future product revenue to be recognized under negotiated contracts as shipments convert backlog to revenue. A significant portion of our backlog is concentrated in the international oil and gas market which may impact the overall timing of shipments or the conversion of backlog to revenue. The timing of the backlog is based on the requirement date indicated by our customers. However, based on historical experience, management expects that a significant portion of our backlog may not be shipped within the next 18 months. The timing of shipments is subject to change based on several variables (including customer deposits, payments, availability of credit and customer delivery schedule changes), most of which are not in our control and can affect the timing of our revenue.

The following table summarizes changes in our backlog (amounts in thousands):

Ending backlog as of June 30, 2016, includes the removal of approximately $51.6 million for 186 units, or 63.8 megawatts, from BPC Engineering (“BPC”), one of the Company’s Russian distributors. This removal, which occurred during the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, was a proactive measure taken to align our backlog to management’s expectations because of the unsteady global macroeconomic environment experienced during Fiscal 2015, such as the volatility of the global oil and gas market, a substantially stronger U.S. dollar (making our products more expensive overseas) and on-going geopolitical tensions in Russia. In addition, a portion of our 100 kW microturbine (“TA100”) backlog of approximately $2.4 million for 17 units, or 1.7 megawatts, acquired from Calnetix Power Solutions, Inc. was removed during the three months ended March 31, 2016. This impairment aligns our TA100 backlog with management’s decision to limit the production of TA100

systems on a case-by-case basis for key customers. The backlog balances as of June 30, 2015 in the above table do not reflect these adjustments.

The following table summarizes our backlog:

 

 

 

 

We are also developing a more efficient microturbine CHP system with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy, which awarded us a grant of $5.0 million in support of this development program, of which $4.2 million was allocated to us and was used through September 30, 2015. We successfully completed the first phase of the development program on September 30, 2015 and achieved 270 kW with a prototype C250 microturbine in our development test lab. Management intends to continue with the next phase of development and commercialization after we achieve profitability. The next phase will be to continue development of the C250 product architecture as well as the associated power electronics and software controls required for successful commercialization.