ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.
Introduction
Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. (including our subsidiaries, Summer Energy, LLC (“Summer LLC”) and Summer EM Marketing, LLC (“Marketing LLC”), are referred to collectively in this Annual Report, as the “Company,” “Summer Energy,” “we,” “our” and “us”). The Company’s primary business operations are conducted through Summer LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary. Summer LLC is a Texas limited liability company that has been licensed within the State of Texas as a Retail Electric Provider (“REP”) by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (“PUCT”). As stated above, references to the “Company,” the “Registrant,” “we,” our,” and “us” or similar terms, refer to Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Castwell Precast Corporation), and its predecessors and its subsidiaries (including Summer LLC), except where the context makes clear that the reference is only to Summer LLC.
For more information on the Company and our products and services, please see the information set forth below or visit our website at www.summerenergy.com. The inclusion of our internet address in this Annual Report does not include or incorporate by reference into this Annual Report any information on our website. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are generally available through the EDGAR system maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Description of Our Company and Predecessor
The Company was incorporated in the State of Nevada under the name Castwell Precast Corporation on March 25, 2005. On March 27, 2012, the Company (f/k/a Castwell Precast Corporation), closed the transaction (the “Transaction”) contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Contribution entered into on January 17, 2012 among the Company, Summer LLC, and the individual members of Summer LLC. A copy of the Contribution Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 19, 2012, and the description contained herein of the terms of the Contribution Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions thereof. Further, a more complete description of the Transaction is set forth in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 30, 2012. Prior to the consummation of the Transaction, the Company’s principal business activity, carried out entirely through its wholly-owned subsidiary Castwell Precast Inc., was the manufacture and installation of decorative window wells made from precast concrete. Castwell Precast Inc. was incorporated in the State of Utah on March 24, 2005. The Company ceased the business of manufacturing and installing decorative window wells, and currently conducts the business of purchasing and reselling electric power within the State of Texas through its wholly owned subsidiary Summer LLC.
Overview
Following the Transaction, the Company now carries on, through Summer LLC, the business of an REP in the State of Texas, with head offices located at 800 Bering Drive, Suite 260, Houston, Texas 77057. The Company’s telephone number is (713) 375-2790, its fax number is (713) 375-2794, and its website is www.summerenergy.com. The information accessible through the Company’s website does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report.
Summer LLC was organized as a Texas limited liability company on April 6, 2011, by the filing of a certificate of organization with the Texas Secretary of State. In September of 2011, Summer LLC was awarded a license by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to operate as an REP in Texas. In general, Texas regulatory structure permits REPs, such as Summer LLC, to procure and sell electricity at unregulated prices. REPs pay the local transmission and distribution utilities a regulated tariff rate for delivering electricity to their customers. As an REP, we sell electricity and provide the related billing, customer service, collections and remittance services to residential and commercial customers. We offer our customers competitive electricity rates, flexible payment and pricing choices, simple offers with understandable terms, and responsive customer service.
We offer retail electricity to commercial and residential customers in designated target markets within the State of Texas. In the commercial market, the primary targets are small to medium-sized customers (less than one megawatt of peak usage), but we will also selectively pursue larger commercial customers through management’s existing, historical relationships. Residential customers are a secondary target market. At this time, a majority of our customers are located in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas, although we anticipate a growing number will be located in a variety of other metropolitan and rural areas within Texas.
We rely upon established relationships and low-cost branding programs to attract commercial and residential customers. We continue to evaluate opportunities to expand our areas of operations within Texas as certain market regions elect to opt-in to deregulation. In addition, we continue to evaluate and pursue opportunities to acquire other REPs to the extent these acquisitions would provide value to us.
In most jurisdictions, we are required to enter into agreements with local transmission and distribution service providers for use of the local distribution and transmission systems and operation of functional interfaces necessary for us to serve our customers. With respect to energy supply, we utilize wholesale purchase agreements with wholesale energy providers. We serve as our own qualified scheduling entity for open market purchases and sales of electricity, forecasting our energy demand, and conducting procurement activities through an experienced team of professionals. The forecast for electricity load requirements is based on our aggregate customer base currently served and anticipated weather conditions, as well as forecasted customer acquisition and attrition. We continuously monitor and update our supply positions based on our retail demand forecasts and market conditions. Our policy is to maintain a balanced supply/demand book to limit commodity risk exposure. At this time, we do not plan on maintaining a financial book in addition to our physical supply/demand book for risk-hedging purposes.
We began delivering electricity to customers in mid-February, 2012. We have continued to experience growth in our customer base since that time.
As of December 31, 2014, we had 39 full-time employees and one part-time employee. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreement, and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe our employee relations are good.
Regulatory Environment and the Texas Retail Electric Market
Deregulation of the wholesale electricity market in Texas began in 1995, enabling independent power generators and/or suppliers to: (i) establish operations in Texas alongside those of the regulated utilities; and (ii) gain access to the transmission capabilities of the power grid. Additional legislation in 1999 created an integrated marketplace by linking generators, transmission and delivery companies, REPs, and the independent grid operator, which is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”). Beginning January 2002, pursuant to Senate Bill 7, Texas electricity consumers had the choice of picking their Retail Electricity Provider, or REP. As a result of these legislative developments, former integrated utilities were essentially split apart into three business segments: (1) unregulated wholesale power generators; (2) regulated transmission and distribution service providers (“TDSPs”); and (3) unregulated REPs.
In the market, REPs that were spun off from previously integrated utilities are referred to as “affiliated REPs.” When affiliated REPs operate in their incumbent markets (an incumbent market refers to those areas previously served by the integrated utility), they are sometimes referred to as “incumbent REPs.” Incumbent REPs are subject to restrictions on their ability to compete on price in their incumbent markets in order to foster competition. The two largest affiliated REPs in Texas are TXU and Reliant Energy, situated in the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston areas, respectively.
The primary responsibilities of an REP in Texas include customer account initiation and termination, energy supply management and scheduling, billing/remittance processing, and customer service. All REPs must be certified by ERCOT to operate within the Texas market.
ERCOT was founded in 1970, and it oversees all aspects of the Texas power grid for the deregulated market. Under deregulation, ERCOT serves as the Independent System Operator (“ISO”) of the power grid and enables REPs, generators, TDSPs, and ultimately customers, to operate in a deregulated marketplace. ERCOT is responsible for coordinating and monitoring all communications by and between the power generator, the retail electric provider and the TDSP, including customer sign up, meter reading and billing between the end user, power generator and the REP.
Subsequent Legislative Developments in Texas
Following its initial efforts at deregulation, Texas adopted subsequent legislation that: (i) allowed retail customers situated in the ERCOT region of Texas to choose an REP; (ii) permitted REPs who are not affiliated with an incumbent utility in a particular market to, with certain exceptions, directly disconnect customers who fail to pay their power bills in a timely manner; and (iii) removed pricing restrictions otherwise known as “Price to Beat” from Incumbent/affiliated REPs, creating a true deregulated competitive market.
Markets Outside of Texas
If the Company enters deregulated markets outside of Texas, we will be required to operate within the specific regulatory environment of such state or region. The rules in the other markets vary from Texas, with some aspects being more favorable and some less favorable than Texas. We will evaluate the regulatory environment of each market, in addition to other operational, financial and customer considerations, before determining whether to pursue other market area opportunities.
Marketing and Sales
The Company is in the process of implementing a multi-tiered marketing and sales strategy. The short-term emphasis is on controlled growth, utilizing indirect marketing through third-party relationships. Indirect marketing efforts, including the following, allow the Company to facilitate growth while keeping expenses low by avoiding the expense associated with creating and managing a full sales team:
·
Aggregators, Brokers, Consultants - often referred to as “ABC’s” in the retail power industry;
·
Affinity Programs - airline miles, credit card points, and participating gift cards;
·
Multifamily Housing Programs - incentivizing property management companies based on referrals to their tenants;
·
Referrals - reaching out to individuals connected to the community and providing incentives for sign-ups; and
·
Charitable Programs - enhancing referral programs and offering customers the chance to donate referral fees to local charitable organizations.
As the Company grows, we expect to achieve long-term growth by building our in-house sales team to manage our third-party, as well as our direct marketing efforts. Our direct marketing efforts include, or will include, without limitation:
·
In-house sales staff focused on small to medium sized commercial sales;
·
Face-to-face marketing, including presentations, customer meetings, and business development through newly-formed relationships with consumers (a/k/a cold calling);
·
Direct sales using independent sales associates;
·
Responding to website inquiries from commercial businesses;
·
Identifying opportunities in underserved markets (e.g. South Texas and West Texas); and
·
Community Involvement - establishing our brand throughout the community by giving back and volunteering our time and assistance.
Relationship marketing will play a key role in both channels and should facilitate growth in the marketplace.
Competition and Perceived Competitive Advantages
As more fully set forth under the heading entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company faces competition from many competitors who have significantly greater financial resources, well-established brand names, and large, existing installed customer bases. We expect the level of competition to intensify in the future. There is also significant competition from incumbent, traditional, and new electricity providers which may be better capitalized than the Company.
It is understood that there is significant competition in the retail electric market; however, most established competitors target the larger customer segment such as large commercial and industrial operations. This creates a niche that we aggressively target. We focus on small to medium size commercial, residential, and select large businesses in our core marketing efforts. We believe this market segment will yield a higher per-unit-margin with improved customer loyalty.
The Company anticipates the addition of new market participants. Recent entries into the marketplace include single-client companies established for a select number of large electricity users such as refineries or industrial plants. These new participants’ strategy is to focus most of their marketing dollars on high-end users, as they assume the larger customers provide the highest return. The Company differentiates its strategy by focusing on the small to mid-size customer segment and building lasting relationships through excellent customer service, flexible terms, unique sales techniques, and competitive pricing.
The Company’s present management and staff have significant experience working in the Texas retail energy market. Management and staff also have experience with retail electric providers who operate in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Massachusetts. We believe management’s experience with these entities will contribute to management’s ability to market and grow the Company into a successful retail electricity provider in Texas.
Because of management’s prior experience, management and staff have developed and maintained strong connections with agents, brokers, property owners and others in the Texas market. Through these relationships, the Company anticipates building sales momentum.
Intellectual Property
The Company has not applied for any patents or copyrights. The Company has filed a trademark application for
“Summer Energy.” The Company has not spent any significant time since its inception on research and development activities.
Additional Information
As more fully set forth under the heading entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company is subject to governmental regulation and will face additional costs in complying with such regulations. At this time, the Company does not have an estimate of its annual regulatory compliance costs.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
Before deciding to purchase, hold or sell our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report and in our other filings with the SEC, including subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs with material adverse effects on the Company, our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity could be seriously harmed. In that event, the market price of our common stock will likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
In General
Risks Factors Related to Our Business and Industry
We have a limited operating history and limited historical financial information upon which you may evaluate our performance.
You should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies that, like us, are in their early stages of development. We may not successfully address the usual and ordinary risks and uncertainties associated with being an early stage company or successfully implement our existing and new products and services. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business. Even if we accomplish these objectives, we may not generate the positive cash flows or profits we anticipate in the future. Unanticipated problems, expenses and delays are frequently encountered in establishing a new business and developing new products and services. These include, but are not limited to, inadequate funding, lack of consumer acceptance, competition, product development, and inadequate sales and marketing. Our failure to meet any of these conditions would have a material adverse effect upon us and may force us to reduce or curtail our operations. No assurance can be given that we will operate profitably. Even though we are being managed by individuals with significant industry experience, our limited operating history makes it difficult to predict the long-term success of our business model.
We depend on key personnel.
For the foreseeable future, our success will depend largely on management’s industry knowledge, marketing skills and relationships with key investors, customer bases, and industry leaders. The Company has employment agreements with management and other key personnel. Should any of these individuals leave the Company, it may have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations.
Recourse to the Company’s assets.
Outside of our wholesale contracts, our customer contracts, and our REP certificate, the Company currently has limited assets that are available to satisfy liabilities and other obligations of the Company. If the Company becomes subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to the Company’s assets.
We will indemnify Management and the members of the Board of Directors.
These key decision-makers will be entitled to indemnification from the Company except in certain circumstances, as more fully set forth in our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and separate indemnification agreements.
Stockholders shall have no right to participate in management of the Company.
Stockholders in the Company will not have the right to participate in the management of the Company or in decisions made by the Management on the Company’s behalf. As a result, stockholders will have almost no control over their investments in the Company or their prospects with respect thereto.
Uncertain economic conditions.
Recent economic events have created uncertainty with respect to the condition of the economy in the United States. Certain economic factors and indicators have suggested that such events have had a substantial negative effect on the economies of the United States and Texas. Furthermore, several industries have experienced financial difficulties. In addition, there have been material adverse effects on the world’s economies caused by illegal activities in the business and accounting professions resulting in significant declines in the United States equity markets. Other equity markets have been similarly affected. It is impossible to determine at this time the long-term effects of these events and conditions on the economy. Any negative change in the general economic conditions could adversely affect the financial condition and our operating results. Unforeseen incidents, such as terrorist attacks, corporate fraud or general weakness in the economy, could have a negative impact on the overall economic state of the market in which we intend to market and utilize our products and services. The Company may experience difficulty in raising additional capital necessary for expenses and growth, may experience underfunding due to the timing of payments received and due to the seasonality of the Texas market and customer electricity usage.
Adequacy of funds for operations or capital expenditures.
To the extent that the Company’s expenses increase, unanticipated expenses arise, or capital expenditures are necessary, and accumulated reserves are insufficient to meet such expenses, the Company may be required to obtain cash advances and additional funds through borrowing or additional equity raises, if available. Such debt and/or equity raises may have a material negative adverse effect on the Company’s profitability.
We are wholly dependent on power generators.
We rely on a limited number of suppliers of wholesale electricity in order to meet our customers’ needs. The unavailability of electricity from one or more of our suppliers at times of high demand could have an adverse impact on our financial condition if we are forced to purchase substantial electricity supply in the open market to meet customer demand at a time when energy prices are volatile.
Our REP certification is subject to PUCT review.
The PUCT (the Public Utility Commission of Texas) may at any time initiate an investigation into whether our operations comply with PUCT rules and whether we have met all of the requirements for REP certification, including financial requirements. Any revocation of our REP certification would mean that we would no longer be allowed to provide electricity to retail customers. Such decertification would undoubtedly have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
Volatile energy prices and regulatory risk.
Sustained high energy prices and/or ongoing price volatility also creates a risk of increased regulatory and/or legislative intervention, which may limit our flexibility within the deregulated market. In addition, ERCOT possesses significant regulatory control over our business. Factors outside of our control may cause ERCOT to change its regulatory structure at any time, which may have an adverse effect upon our business. Additionally, the PUCT may impose rules and regulations that adversely affect the Company’s operations, finances and business practices.
The Company believes that competitive markets yield a broad range of innovative prices and service alternatives to consumers and ultimately lead to the most efficient use of resources. We believe regulatory entities should continue to take actions that encourage competition in the industry, but no assurance can be given that this will be the case. Regulatory and/or legislative intervention could disrupt the relationship in electricity prices, which could impact the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s earnings and cash flows may also be adversely affected in any period in which the demand for power significantly varies from forecasted supply, which may occur due to, among other factors, weather events, competition and economic conditions.
Reliance on transmission and distribution service providers (“TDSPs”) affiliated with our competitors to perform some functions for our customers.
Under our regulatory structure, we will be required to enter into agreements with local incumbent utilities for use of the local distribution systems, and for the creation and operation of functional interfaces necessary for us to serve our customers. While we are optimistic about our ability to enter into acceptable agreements in Texas, any delay in future negotiations for access or our inability to enter into reasonable agreements to operate could delay or negatively impact our ability to serve our customers, which could have a material negative impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We are dependent on TDSPs for maintenance of the infrastructure through which we deliver electricity to our retail customers. Any infrastructure failure that interrupts or impairs delivery of electricity to our customers could negatively impact the satisfaction of our customers with our service and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Additionally, we are dependent on TDSPs for performing service initiations and changes, and for reading our customers’ energy meters. We are required to rely on the TDSPs, or, in some cases, ERCOT, to provide us with our customers’ information regarding energy usage, and we may be limited in our ability to confirm the accuracy of the information. The provision of inaccurate information or delayed provision of such information by the TDSPs or ERCOT could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flow. In addition, any operational problems with our new systems and processes could similarly have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flow. Further, we rely on the TDSPs to properly repair and maintain electrical lines in outages caused by severe weather which may produce a delay in providing service to the Company’s customers, which can negatively impact the Company.
We are subject to government regulation and extensive government regulation may increase our costs and slow our growth.
Significant regulations imposed at the federal, state, and local levels govern the provision of utility services and affect our business and our existing and potential competitors. Delays in receiving required regulatory approvals, the enactment of adverse legislation, regulations or regulatory requirements, or the application of existing laws and regulations to certain services may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. In addition, future legislative, judicial and regulatory agency actions could alter competitive conditions in the markets in which we intend to operate, in ways not necessarily to our advantage.
In addition, ERCOT has and may continue to modify the market structure and other market mechanisms in an attempt to improve market efficiency. Moreover, existing regulations may be revised or reinterpreted and new laws and regulations may be adopted or become applicable to our commercial activities. These actions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows.
New legislation or regulation.
We cannot determine what effect additional state or federal governmental legislation, regulations, or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on our business in the future. New legislation or regulations may require the reformulation of our business to meet new standards, require us to cease operations, impose stricter qualification and/or registration standards, impose additional record keeping, or require expanded consumer protection measures.
Reliance on information technology systems; Collection of sensitive customer data.
Our business is dependent on information sharing among market participants (including ERCOT, the TDSPs, and third-party service providers). This information includes customer enrollment information, ERCOT transactions, meter readings, invoices for wire line charges, etc. Therefore, our success as an independent REP is impacted by our ability to handle this information and we are dependent on third parties to provide timely and accurate information to us. We rely on a combination of internal systems including telephone, Internet, load forecasting, as well as systems operated by third parties. Failure to receive timely and accurate information could have an adverse impact on our business.
We have implemented, or intend to implement, both processes and infrastructure to provide for redundancy of core data due to business interruption associated with our billing platform; however, that is only one component of our business model. In addition, our systems and those we rely upon from third parties need continued development and investment to ensure reliability and scalability as our business grows at a rapid rate.
Despite the implementation of security measures, our networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses and other disruptive problems. A party who is able to circumvent security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our Internet operations. We may be required to expend significant capital or other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. Although we intend to continue to implement industry-standard security measures, there can be no assurance that measures implemented by us will not be circumvented in the future.
Our business requires access to sensitive customer data in the ordinary course of business. Examples of sensitive customer data are names, addresses, account information, historical electricity usage, expected patterns of use, payment history, credit bureau data, credit and debit card account numbers, driver’s license numbers, social security numbers and bank account information. We may need to provide sensitive customer data to vendors and service providers who require access to this information in order to provide services. It is possible that our security controls over personal data, our training of employees and consultants on data security, and other practices we follow may not prevent the improper disclosure of personally identifiable information. If a significant breach occurred, our reputation may be adversely affected, customer confidence may be diminished, or our business may be subject to legal claims, any of which may contribute to the loss of customers and have a negative impact on the business and/or results of operations.
Certain political and natural events may affect our Company.
Catastrophic events or geo-political conditions may disrupt our business. A disruption or failure of our systems or operations in the event of a major earthquake, weather event, cyber-attack, terrorist attack, or other catastrophic event or natural disaster could cause delays in performing critical functions. A catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption of any of our critical business or information technology systems could harm our ability to conduct normal business operations and our operating results.
Weather and other related commodity risks may affect our ability to manage and maintain a balanced supply/demand book.
Commitments for future purchase of electricity supply (forward power contracts) are based not only on our expected customer base at a given point in time, but also weather forecasts for the geographical areas in which we operate. We plan to maintain a long position in our forward power contracts (contracted electricity supply purchases are slightly greater than forecasted demand by our customers) to minimize the need to purchase power on the balancing markets at varying market prices. However, fluctuations in actual weather conditions may have an impact on the actual power needs of customers on a given day. Extreme weather conditions may force us to purchase electricity in the balancing market on days when weather is unexpectedly severe, and the pricing for balancing market energy may be significantly higher on such days than the cost of electricity in our existing fixed priced contracts. Unusually mild weather conditions could leave us with excess power which may be sold in the balancing market at a loss if the balancing market price is lower than the Company’s cost of electricity in our existing fixed priced contracts.
Commodity pricing is an inherent component of our business operations and our financial results. The prevailing market prices for electricity and fuel may fluctuate substantially over relatively short periods of time, potentially adversely impacting our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Changes in market prices for electricity and fuel may result from any of the following:
·
weather conditions;
·
seasonality;
·
demand for energy commodities and general economic conditions;
·
forced or unscheduled plant outages;
·
disruption of electricity or gas transmission or transportation infrastructure or other constraints or inefficiencies;
·
addition of generating capacity;
·
availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources;
·
availability and levels of storage and inventory for fuel stocks;
·
natural gas, crude oil and refined products, and coal production levels;
·
the creditworthiness or bankruptcy or other financial distress of market participants;
·
changes in market liquidity;
·
natural disasters, wars, embargoes, acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events; and
·
Federal and state governmental regulation and legislation.
We may have difficulty obtaining a sufficient number of customers.
We anticipate that we will incur significant costs as we enter new markets and pursue customers by utilizing a variety of marketing methods. In order for us to recover these expenses, we must attract and retain a large number of customers. While the Company is optimistic, there can be no assurance that efforts to secure customers will provide the revenue base needed to succeed in Texas and/or expand into additional markets.
We may experience difficulty attracting customers because many customers may be reluctant to switch to a new supplier for a commodity as critical to their well-being as electric power. A major focus of our ongoing marketing efforts will be to demonstrate to potential customers that we will be a reliable provider with sufficient resources to meet our commitments. If our marketing strategy does not prove to be successful, our business, results of operations, and financial condition will be materially adversely affected.
We bear the credit risk and billing responsibility for our customers.
In Texas, the sole market in which we currently operate, we are responsible for the billing and collection functions for our customers. As we seek to expand our operations into additional markets, the billing and collection functions may also be our responsibility. In many of these markets, we may be limited in our ability to terminate service to customers who are delinquent in payment. Even if we terminate service to customers who fail to pay their electricity bill in a timely manner, we may remain liable to our suppliers and to the local utilities for services related to the transmission and distribution of the electricity. The failure of our customers to pay their bills in a timely manner or our failure to maintain adequate billing and collection programs could materially adversely affect our business.
We may not be able to manage our growth successfully.
The development of our operations will depend upon, among other things, our ability to create and expand our customer base in Texas and to enter new markets in a timely manner and at reasonable costs. In addition, we anticipate that our employee base will grow in order for us to accommodate our increased customer base. We may experience difficulty managing the growth of a portfolio of customers that is diverse both with respect to the types of services they will require, the market rules in their jurisdiction and the infrastructure required to deliver electricity to those customers. Expanding our operations may also require continued development of our operating and financial controls and may place additional stress on our management, finances and operational resources. If we are unable to manage our growth and development successfully, our operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We face strong competition from incumbent utilities and other competitors.
The market in which the Company operates is highly competitive. The Company faces competition from many competitors with significantly greater financial resources, well-established brand names and large, existing installed customer bases. We expect the level of competition to intensify in the future. We expect significant competition from incumbent, traditional, and new electricity providers which may be better capitalized than the Company.
In most markets, our principal competitor may be the local incumbent utility’s unregulated affiliates. These affiliates have the advantage of long-standing relationships with their customers, and they may have longer operating histories, greater financial and other resources and greater name recognition in their markets than we do. In addition, incumbent utilities have been subject to regulatory oversight, in some cases for close to a century, and thus have a significant amount of experience regarding the regulators’ policy preferences as well as a critical economic interest in the outcome of proceedings concerning their revenues and terms and conditions of service.
Some of our competitors, including affiliated retailers, have formed alliances and joint ventures in order to compete in the restructured, deregulated retail electricity industry. Many customers of these incumbent utilities may decide to stay with their long-time energy provider if they have been satisfied with its service in the past.
In addition to competition from the incumbent utilities and their affiliates, we face competition from a number of other energy service providers, including start-up companies focusing on internet marketing and online services, and other energy industry participants who may develop businesses that will compete with us in both local and national markets. Many of these competitors or potential competitors are larger than the Company and have access to more significant capital resources.
Payment defaults by other REPs to ERCOT.
In the event of a default by an REP of its payment obligations to ERCOT, the portion of that obligation that is unrecoverable by ERCOT from the defaulting REP is assumed by the remaining market participants in proportion to each participant’s load ratio. As an REP and market participant in ERCOT, we may have to pay a portion of the amount owed to ERCOT should such a default occur, and ERCOT is not successful in recovering such amounts. As an early stage company, any such default of an REP in its obligations to ERCOT could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows.
ERCOT has experienced problems with its information systems.
Problems in the flow of information between ERCOT, TDSPs, and the REPs have resulted in delays and other problems in enrolling and billing customers. When customer enrollment transactions are not successfully processed by all involved parties, ownership records in the various systems supporting the market are not synchronized properly and subsequent transactions for billing and settlement are adversely affected. The impact may mean that we are not listed as the electric provider-of-record for intended or agreed upon time periods, delays in receiving customer consumption data that is necessary for billing and settlement either through ERCOT or directly with TDSPs, as well as the incorrect application of rates or prices and imbalances in our electricity supply forecast and actual sales.
Our future results of operations may be negatively impacted by settlement adjustments determined by ERCOT related to prior periods.
Settlement information for most operating activity is due from ERCOT within two months after the operating day, and true-up settlements are due from ERCOT within six months after the operating day. ERCOT has the ability to resettle any operating day at any time after the six month settlement period, usually the result of a lingering dispute, an alternative dispute resolution process, or litigated event. As a result, we are subject to settlement adjustments from ERCOT related to prior periods, which may result in charges or credits impacting our future reported results of operations.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted by any development or event beyond our control that causes economic weakness in the ERCOT market.
We are not geographically diversified. We derive substantially all of our revenues from operations in the ERCOT market, which covers approximately 75% of the geographical area in the State of Texas. As a result, regardless of the state of the economy in areas outside the ERCOT market, economic weakness in the ERCOT market could lead to reduced demand for electricity in the ERCOT market. Such a reduction could have a material negative impact on our results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition.
Risks Related to the Company
We may have contingent liabilities related to the Company’s operations prior to the Transaction of which we are not aware and for which we have not adequately provisioned.
Prior to the consummation of the Transaction, the Company was engaged in the business of manufacturing and installing decorative window wells made from precast concrete. We cannot ensure that there are no material claims outstanding, or other circumstances of which we are not aware, that would give rise to a material liability relating to these prior operations, even though we have not recorded any provisions in our financial statements related to such potential liabilities. If we are subject to past claims or material obligations relating to our operations prior to the consummation of the Transaction, such claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Transaction and the Ownership of the Common Stock of the Company
We face increased costs and demands upon management and accounting and finance resources as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies; any failure to establish and maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting or to recruit, train and retain necessary accounting and finance personnel could have an adverse effect on our ability to accurately and timely prepare our consolidated financial statements.
As a public operating company, we incur significant administrative, legal, accounting and other burdens and expenses beyond those of a private company, including those associated with corporate governance requirements and public company reporting obligations. In particular, we may need to enhance and supplement our internal accounting resources with additional accounting and finance personnel with the requisite technical and public company experience and expertise, as well as refine our quarterly and annual financial statement closing process, to enable us to satisfy such reporting obligations. However, even if we are successful in doing so, there can be no assurance that our finance and accounting organization will be able to adequately meet the increased demands that result from being a public company.
Furthermore, we are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. In order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to document and test our internal control procedures and prepare annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. These assessments will need to include disclosure of identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Testing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting will involve significant costs and could divert management’s attention from other matters that are important to our business. Additionally, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be successful in remediating any deficiencies that may be identified. If we are unable to remediate any such deficiencies or otherwise fail to establish and maintain adequate accounting systems and internal control over financial reporting, or we are unable to recruit, train and retain necessary accounting and finance personnel, we may not be able to accurately and timely prepare our consolidated financial statements and otherwise satisfy our public reporting obligations. Any inaccuracies in our financial statements or other public disclosures (in particular if resulting in the need to restate previously filed financial statements), or delays in our making required SEC filings, could have a material adverse effect on the confidence in our financial reporting, our credibility in the marketplace and the trading price of our common stock.
We devote significant resources to address these public company-associated requirements, including compliance programs and investor relations, as well as our financial reporting obligations. Complying with these rules and regulations increases our legal and financial compliance costs and makes some activities more time-consuming and costly.
An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our common stock may not develop, and the price of our stock may be volatile and may decline in value.
There currently is not an active public market for our common stock. An active trading market may not develop or, if developed, may not be sustained. The lack of an active market may impair the ability of stockholders to sell shares of common stock at the time they wish to sell them or at a price they consider reasonable. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of common stock and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or assets by using shares of our common stock as consideration.
The stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies with securities traded in those markets. Broad market and industry factors may seriously affect the market price of companies’ stock, including ours, regardless of actual operating performance.
The Company may not be able to attract the attention of brokerage firms.
Because the Transaction is characterized as a “reverse acquisition,” securities analysts of brokerage firms may not provide coverage of the Company. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf of the Company in the future, should the need arise.
Our common stock may not be eligible for listing on a national securities exchange.
Our common stock is not currently listed on a national securities exchange, and we do not currently meet the initial quantitative listing standards of a national securities exchange. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet the initial listing standards of any national securities exchange, or, if we do meet such initial qualitative listing standards, that we will be able to maintain any such listing. Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTC Markets and, until our common stock is listed on a national securities exchange, we expect that it will continue to be eligible and quoted on the OTC Markets, another over-the-counter quotation system, or in the “pink sheets.” In these venues, an investor may find it difficult to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. In addition, if we fail to meet the criteria set forth in SEC regulations, various requirements would be imposed by law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our common stock, which may further affect its liquidity. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital in the future.
The Company’s common stock may be considered “a penny stock” and may be difficult to sell.
The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to specific exemptions. The market price of our common stock is likely to be less than $5.00 per share and, therefore, may be designated as a “penny stock” according to SEC rules. This designation requires any broker or dealer selling these securities to disclose certain information concerning the transaction, obtain a written agreement from the purchaser and determine that the purchaser is reasonably suitable to purchase the securities. These rules may restrict the ability of brokers or dealers to sell our common stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their shares.
Our stockholders may experience significant dilution if future equity offerings are used to fund operations or acquire complementary businesses.
If we engage in capital raising activities in the future, including issuances of common stock, to fund the growth of our business, our stockholders could experience significant dilution. In addition, securities issued in connection with future financing activities or potential acquisitions may have rights and preferences senior to the rights and preferences of our common stock. We have an equity incentive plan pursuant to which equity awards may be granted to eligible employees (including our executive officers), directors and consultants, if our board of directors determines that it is in the best interest of the Company and our stockholders to do so. The issuance of shares of our common stock upon the exercise of any such equity awards may result in dilution to our stockholders and adversely affect our earnings.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish, or cease publishing, research or reports about us, our business or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our stock adversely, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by whether industry or securities analysts publish research and reports about us, our business, our market or our competitors and, if any analysts do publish such reports, what they publish in those reports. We may not obtain analyst coverage in the future. Any analysts that do cover us may make adverse recommendations regarding our stock, adversely change their recommendations from time to time, and/or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors. If any analyst who may cover us in the future were to cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, or if analysts fail to cover us or publish reports about us at all, we could lose, or never gain, visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
We do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
We currently intend to retain our future earnings to support operations and to finance expansion and, therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future.
The forward looking statements contained in this Annual Report may prove incorrect.
This Annual Report contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. In addition to the other risks described elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” discussion, important factors to consider in evaluating such forward-looking statements include: (i) changes to external competitive market factors or in our internal budgeting process which might impact trends in our results of operations; (ii) anticipated working capital or other cash requirements; (iii) changes in our business strategy or an inability to execute our strategy due to unanticipated changes in our industry; and (iv) various competitive factors that may prevent us from competing successfully in the marketplace. In light of these risks and uncertainties, many of which are described in greater detail elsewhere in this “Risk Factors” discussion, there can be no assurance that the events predicted in forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report will, in fact, transpire. Any negative change in the factors listed above could adversely affect the financial condition and operating results of the Company and its products.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.
We currently lease approximately 6,467 square feet of office space at 800 Bering Drive, Suite 260, Houston, Texas 77057, pursuant to a lease agreement, as amended, that expires on August 31, 2016. The current base lease payments under the lease are $11,182 per month. Beginning on September 1, 2015 and through the end of the term of the lease, the base lease payments will be increased to $11,451 per month. The premises are sufficient for the Company’s current needs.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Rod Danielson, a former employee and current shareholder of the Company has initiated an arbitration proceeding with the American Arbitration Association in Houston, Texas seeking payment of $156,000 in contractual severance, plus incidental and consequential damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations in the arbitration proceedings made by Mr. Danielson. The parties are engaged in settlement negotiations.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Our common stock is traded on the OTC Markets, OTCQB, under the symbol “SUME.” As such, the market for our common stock may be less liquid, receive less coverage by security analysts and news media, and generate lower prices than might otherwise be obtained if it were listed on a national exchange.
There is not, nor has there been, an active trading market for our common stock. The following table presents quarterly information on the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock through March 30, 2015, and the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, furnished by the OTC Markets.
The high and low sales prices for our Common Stock on March 28, 2015, as quoted on the OTCQB, were $1.50 and $1.50, respectively.
Holders
On March 30, 2015, we had approximately 118 stockholders of record.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying such dividends in the foreseeable future. The future payment of dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors (the “Board”) in light of conditions then existing, including our financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
Repurchases
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we did not repurchase any of our securities.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2014 with respect to our existing equity compensation plans under which shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance.
(1)
This plan is the 2012 Stock Option and Stock Award Plan.
(2)
From time to time and at the discretion of the Board, we may issue warrants and stock options to our key individuals or officers as performance based compensation.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
As set forth in more detail below under Item 9B, on March 12, 2015, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), the Company accepted a subscription from an accredited investor to purchase 100,000 Investment Units (“Units”), comprised of common stock and warrants for a purchase price of $1.00 per Unit, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $100,000. Each Unit consists of (i) one (1) share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) a warrant to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The Company granted piggyback registration rights to the investor in connection with this investment. The Company intends to use the proceeds from this investment for general corporate and working capital purposes. The offering of the Units was made pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not applicable.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion presents information about our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital resources and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto beginning on page of this Annual Report.
Recent Developments
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Summer Energy, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Summer LLC”) and Summer EM Marketing (“Marketing LLC”) (collectively referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).
On March 27, 2012, Summer LLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Castwell Precast Corporation) through a reverse acquisition transaction, which resulted in the former members of Summer LLC owning approximately 92.3% of the Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. outstanding common stock. Our sole operations are conducted through Summer LLC.
Marketing, LLC was formed in the state of Texas on November 6, 2012 to provide marketing services to Summer LLC.
Overview
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Summer LLC, is a licensed Retail Electricity Provider (REP) in the State of Texas. In general, Texas regulatory structure permits REPs, such as Summer LLC, to procure and sell electricity at unregulated prices. REPs pay the local transmission and distribution utilities a regulated tariff rate for delivering electricity to their customers. As a REP, we sell electricity and provide the related billing, customer service, collections and remittance services to residential and commercial customers. We offer retail electricity to commercial and residential customers in designated target markets within the State of Texas. In the commercial market, the primary target is small to medium-sized customers (less than one megawatt of peak usage), but we will also selectively pursue larger commercial customers through management’s existing, historical relationships. Residential customers are a secondary target market. We anticipate that a majority of our customers will be located in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas; although, we anticipate a growing number will be located in a variety of other metropolitan and rural areas within Texas.
We began delivering electricity to customers in mid-February 2012.
During the year ended 2014, we added eleven full-time employees to our workforce, and we anticipate these staffing additions will enable us to effectively expand our presence throughout Texas.
As of December 31, 2014, we had 39 full-time employees and one part-time employee.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management’s view, most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and most demanding of our judgment. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which is referred to as “GAAP.” The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate these estimates, including those related to stock-based compensation, customer programs and incentives, bad debts, supply inventories, intangible assets, income taxes, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We consider the following accounting policies to be those most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and those that require the most subjective judgment:
Revenue Recognition
Our electricity revenue is recognized by our Company upon delivery of electricity to a customer’s meter. This method of revenue recognition is commonly referred to as the flow method. The flow method of revenue relies upon Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”) settlement statements to determine the estimated revenue for a given month. Supply delivered to customers for the month, measured on a daily basis, provides the basis for revenues. Electricity revenue consists of proceeds from energy sales, including, pass through charges from the Transmission and Distribution Providers (“TDSPs”) billed to the customer at cost.
Unbilled Revenue and Accounts Receivable
Electric services not billed by month-end are accrued based upon estimated deliveries to customers as tracked and recorded by ERCOT multiplied by our average billing rate per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) in effect at the time. At the end of each calendar month, revenue is accrued to unbilled receivables based on the estimated amount of power delivered to customers using the flow technique. Unbilled revenue also includes accruals for estimated TDSP charges and monthly service charges applicable to the estimated electricity usage for the period. All charges that were physically billed to customers in the calendar month are recorded from the unbilled account to the customer receivable account. Accounts receivable are customer obligations billed at the conclusion of a month’s electricity usage and due within 16 days of the date of the invoice. Balances past due are subject to a late fee that is assessed on that billing.
Cost Recognition
Direct energy costs are recorded when the electricity is delivered to the customer’s meter.
Cost of Goods Sold (“COGS”) include electric power purchased and pass through charges from the TDSP’s in the areas serviced by the Company. TDSP charges are costs for metering services and maintenance of the electric grid. TDSP charges are established by regulation of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
The energy portion of our COGS is comprised of two components: bilateral wholesale costs and balancing/ancillary costs. These two cost components are incurred and recognized differently as follows:
Bilateral wholesale costs are incurred through contractual arrangements with wholesale power suppliers for firm delivery of power at a fixed volume and fixed price. We are invoiced for these wholesale volumes at the end of each calendar month for the volumes purchased for delivery during the month, with payment due 20 days after the end of the month.
Balancing/ancillary costs are based on the customer load and are determined by ERCOT through a multiple step settlement process. Balancing costs/revenues are related to the differential between supply that we provided through our bilateral wholesale supply and the supply required to serve our customer load. The Company endeavors to minimize the amount of balancing/ancillary costs through our load forecasting and forward purchasing.
Stock-Based Compensation
Under the fair value recognition provisions of the authoritative guidance, stock-based compensation cost granted to employees is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service or performance period, which is the vesting period. Stock options and warrants issued to consultants and other non-employees as compensation for services to be provided to us are accounted for based upon the fair value of the services provided or the estimated fair value of the option or warrant, whichever can be more clearly determined. We currently use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, the expected term of the award, the risk-free interest rate and any expected dividends. Compensation cost associated with grants of restricted stock units are also measured at fair value. We evaluate the assumptions used to value restricted stock units on a quarterly basis. When factors change, including the market price of the stock, share-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what has been recorded in the past. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned share-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of tax-related assets and liabilities and income tax expense. These estimates and assumptions are based on the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) relating to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.
Our policy is to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
We assess whether previously unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized when the tax position is (1) more likely than not of being sustained based on its technical merits, (2) effectively settled through examination, negotiation or litigation, or (3) settled through actual expiration of the relevant tax statutes. Implementation of this requirement requires the exercise of significant judgment. Recognizing deferred tax assets will increase tax benefits and increase net income.
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the period in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense.
New Customer Implementation Costs
We ordinarily incur additional costs to implement our services for new customers. These costs are comprised primarily of additional labor and support. These costs are expensed as incurred, and have a negative impact on our statements of operations and cash flows during the implementation phase.
Warrants
The Company’s common stock warrants are measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model which takes into account, as of the measurement date, factors including the current exercise price, the term of the instrument, the current price of the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected dividends on the stock and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the item.
The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP, with no need for management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. Please see our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which begin on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by GAAP and please refer to the disclosures in Note 2 of our financial statements for a summary of our significant accounting policies.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2014, compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Revenue - For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company generated $49,831,951 in electricity revenue from commercial customers and various long and short-term residential customers. The majority of our revenue comes from the flow of electricity to customers. However, included within these revenues are revenues from contract cancellation fees, disconnection fess and late fees in the amount of $1,473,566. Electricity revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $25,971,694, including $1,025,278 from contract cancellation fees, disconnection fees and late fees.
Management plans to continue to execute on its sales and marketing program to solicit individual commercial and residential customers. Management also plans to continue to acquire portfolios of commercial and residential customers when offered at reasonable prices.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit - For the year ended December 31, 2014, cost of goods sold and gross profit totaled $44,017,303 and $5,814,648, respectively. Cost of goods sold and gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $23,327,793 and $2,643,901, respectively.
Operating expenses - Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014, totaled $7,894,670, consisting of general and administrative of $4,174,085, bank services fees of $489,158, collection fees/sales verification fees of $68,241, outside commissions’ expense of $1,195,272, professional fees of $301,771, bad debt reserve of $1,137,166 and $528,977 of billing fees. Billing fees are primarily costs paid to a third party Electronic Data Inter-Chain (EDI) providers to handle transactions between us, ERCOT and the TSDP’s in order to produce customer bills.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $4,784,392, consisting of general and administrative expenses of $2,822,776, bank services fess of $293,591, collection fees/sales verification fees of $76,934, outside commissions’ expense of $182,973, professional fees of $278,358, bad debt expense of $849,149 and $280,611 of billing fees.
Net loss - Net loss for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, totaled $3,840,170 and $2,424,555, respectively, primarily due to operating expenses and cost of goods sold incurred in excess of revenue as we attempt to obtain economies of scale.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our cash totaled $550,342 and $739,966, respectively. Our principal cash requirements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were for operating expenses and cost of goods sold (including power purchases, employee cost, and customer acquisition and capital expenditures). During the year ended December 31, 2014, the primary source of cash was from electricity revenues, $1,900,000 from the issuance of Series B Preferred Shares, $1,500,000 in loan proceeds, $652,751 in shareholder advance, and $40,000 from capital raised pursuant to private placement of our common stock and warrants. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the primary source of cash was from electricity revenues and $520,000 raised pursuant to a private placement of our common stock and warrants.
General - The Company’s decrease in net cash flows during 2014 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 is attributable to $2,560,519 cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 and $494,267 cash used in investing activities during that same period including $278,909 used for the purchase of property and equipment and net cash of $2,865,162 provided from financing activities. These increases in cash expenditures were offset by $40,000 received by the Company from the sale of our common stock and warrants through private placements conducted in 2014. During the year ended 2013, the Company’s cash increase was attributable to $162,017 cash provided in operating activities and $177,426 cash used in investing activities during that same period. These increases in cash expenditures were offset by $520,000 received by the Company from the sale of common stock and warrants in a private placement.
The Company has no present agreements or commitments with respect to any material acquisitions of other businesses, products, product rights or technologies. However, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions of and/or investments in products, technologies, or companies that complement our business and may make such acquisitions and/or investments in the future. Accordingly, we may need to obtain additional sources of capital in the future to finance any such acquisitions and/or investments. We may not be able to obtain such financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. If we are able to obtain additional financing, such financing may result in restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing, or substantial dilution for stockholders, in the case of equity financing.
Cash Outflows for Capital Assets, Customer Acquisition and Deposits
We expect to expend funds for capital assets, customer acquisition and deposits in connection with the expansion of our business in the upcoming year ending December 31, 2015. The anticipated source of funds is electricity revenues, lending and capital raised in the upcoming year ending December 31, 2015.
Future Financing Needs
The Company did not commence operations and the generation of revenue until the middle of the three month period ended March 31, 2012. Management believes that we have adequate liquidity to support operations. But, this belief is based upon many assumptions and is subject to numerous risks.
While we believe in the viability of our plan of operations and strategy to generate revenues and in our ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances that our plan of operations or ability to raise capital will be successful. The ability to grow is dependent upon our ability to further implement our business plan, generate revenues, and obtain additional financing, if and as needed.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Our existing wholesale power purchase agreement provides that we will provide additional credit support to cover mark-to-market risk in connection with the purchase of long term power. A mark-to-market credit risk occurs when the price of previously purchased long term power is greater than the current market price for power purchased for the same term. While we believe that the current environment of historically low power prices limits our exposure to risk, a collateral call, should it occur, could limit our working capital and, if we fail to meet the collateral call, could cause liquidation of power positions.
Related Party Transactions
Neil Leibman is a party to a three (3) year credit facility agreement (the “2011 Leibman Credit Facility Agreement”) dated November 30, 2011 with the Company. Pursuant to the 2011 Leibman Credit Facility Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Leibman $100,000, or, at Mr. Leibman’s election, common stock of the Company, in exchange for acting as a surety in connection with a $250,000 line of credit from a financial institution and certain extensions of credit by critical vendors that are necessary for the Company to carry out is business. Pursuant to the 2011 Leibman Credit Facility Agreement, and Mr. Leibman’s election, the Company issued 757,576 shares of common stock to Mr. Leibman on December 3, 2012. The 2011 Liebman Credit Facility Agreement expired on November 30, 2014. Mr. Leibman was appointed as an officer and director of the Company on January 21, 2013.
Tom O’Leary is a party to a three (3) year credit facility agreement (the “2011 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement”) dated November 30, 2011 with the Company. Pursuant to the 2011 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. O’Leary $100,000, or, at Mr. O’Leary’s election, common stock of the Company, in exchange for acting as a surety in connection with a $250,000 line of credit from a financial institution and certain extensions of credit by critical vendors that are necessary for the Company to carry out is business. Pursuant to the 2011 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement, and Mr. O’Leary’s election, the Company issued 757,576 shares of common stock to Mr. O’Leary on December 3, 2012. The 2011 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement expired on November 30, 2014. Mr. O’Leary was appointed as a director of the Company on March 8, 2013.
Rod Danielson and Wallace DeHay entered into a (3) year agreement with the Company on December 16, 2011 and amended on January 19, 2013 to provide a credit enhancement to assist the Company in obtaining a $50,000 credit facility. In consideration for such assistance, the Company issued Mr. Danielson 30,758 shares of common stock of the Company and issued Mr. DeHay 120,757 shares of common stock of the Company. The agreement with the Company and Rod Danielson and Wallace DeHay expired on December 11, 2014. Rod Danielson resigned from his position of President of Supply Management of the Company effective September 19, 2014.
Neil Leibman is party to a five (5) year credit facility agreement (the “2013 Leibman Credit Facility Agreement”) dated August 29, 2013 with the Company. Pursuant to the 2013 Leibman Credit Facility Agreement, Mr. Leibman agreed to act as surety and personal guarantor with respect to $413,000 of the Company’s depository requirements, consisting of a line of credit from a financial institution and certain extensions of credit by critical vendors that are necessary for the Company to carry out its business. As consideration for Mr. Leibman acting as surety and personal guarantor, the Company issued Mr. Leibman 413,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock. Neil Leibman was released from such obligation by the Company on May 6, 2014 when the Company exercised the Call Right reflected within the 2013 Leibman Credit Facility Agreement.
Tom O’Leary is party to a five (5) year credit facility agreement (the “2013 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement”) dated August 29, 2013 with the Company. Pursuant to the 2013 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement, Mr. O’Leary agreed to act as surety and personal guarantor with respect to $413,000 of the Company’s depository requirements, consisting of a line of credit from a financial institution and certain extensions of credit by critical vendors that are necessary for the Company to carry out its business. As consideration for Mr. O’Leary acting as surety and personal guarantor, the Company issued Mr. O’Leary 413,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock. Tom O’Leary was released from such obligation by the Company on May 6, 2014 when the Company exercised the Call Right reflected within the 2013 O’Leary Credit Facility Agreement.
In February 2014, among other investors, Andrew Bursten, Tom O’Leary and Neil Leibman, members of the Company’s Board of Directors, each entered into a Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement with the Company whereby Messrs. Bursten, O’Leary and Leibman purchased shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock with cash in a private placement transaction pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
On April 18, 2014, four members of the Company’s board of directors, Stuart Gaylor, Andrew Bursten, Tom O’Leary and Neil Leibman (“Guarantors”) guaranteed an Advance to Loan Note in the amount of $1,500,000. The Company agreed to issue the four Guarantors a total of 120,000 shares of the Company’s common stock per month (30,000 shares of common stock per month per Guarantor) reduced accordingly as the loan is reduced for agreeing to act as a Guarantor of the Advance to Loan Amount.
Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
We currently lease approximately 6,467 square feet of office space in Houston, Texas pursuant to a lease agreement, as amended, that expires on August 31, 2016. The base lease payments through August 31, 2015 are $11,182 per month. On September 1, 2015, the base lease payments will increase to $11,451 per month. The base lease payments are as follows:
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The financial statements required by this item are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, pursuant to Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, were effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness, as of December 31, 2014, of our internal control over financial reporting, based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on their assessment under the COSO framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to final rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
On March 12, 2015, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), the Company accepted a subscription from an accredited investor to purchase 100,000 Investment Units (“Units”), comprised of common stock and warrants for a purchase price of $1.00 per Unit, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $100,000. Each Unit consists of (i) one (1) share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) a warrant to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The Company granted piggyback registration rights to the investor in connection with this investment. The Company intends to use the proceeds from this investment for general corporate and working capital purposes.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company also issued an unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000.00 in favor of said investor (the “Note”). Interest accrues on the Note at a rate of 15% per annum. The Company agreed to make quarterly interest-only payments throughout the term of the Note. The entire unpaid principal balance of the Note, together with any accrued interest and other unpaid charges or fees, is due and payable on or before September 12, 2016. The Company may prepay the Note, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty.
If the Company is more than 30 days late on any payment, fails to perform any obligation owing under the Note and fails to correct any such failure within 30 days of written notice, or otherwise fails to perform any of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement, the entire amount of the Note, with all accrued interest thereon, shall be due and payable. In the event of any such default, any outstanding principal, together with any interest accrued thereon, shall bear interest at the rate of 18% per annum until paid in full.
The aforementioned securities were sold in reliance upon an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
Our reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 was based in part upon written representations made by the investor that: (a) such party is acquiring the securities for his, her or its own account for investment and not for the account of any other person and not with a view to or for distribution, assignment or resale in connection with any distribution within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, (b) the party agrees not to sell or otherwise transfer the securities unless they are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and any applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available, (c) the party has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters such that he, she or it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company, (d) the party had access to all of our documents, records, and books pertaining to the investment and was provided the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers regarding the terms and conditions of the offering or issuance and to obtain any additional information which we possessed or were able to acquire without unreasonable effort and expense, and (e) the party has no need for liquidity in its investment and could afford the complete loss of such investment. In any instant in which we relied upon Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, management made the determination, based upon written representations, that the investor was an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D. In addition, there was no general solicitation or advertising for securities issued in reliance upon Regulation D.
Our reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 was based in part upon the following factors: (a) the issuance of the securities was in connection with an isolated private transaction which did not involve any public offering; (b) there were a limited number of offerees; (c) there were no subsequent or contemporaneous public offerings of the securities by us; (d) the securities were not broken down into smaller denominations; and (e) the negotiations for the sale of the securities took place directly between the offeree and the placement agent or the Company, as applicable. The foregoing is qualified in its entirety to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the form of which is included in this Annual Report as Exhibit 10.30.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information with respect to our executive officers and directors appearing in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”), is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information with respect to compensation of our executive officers appearing in our Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information with respect to the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing in our Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions with management appearing in our Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
The information with respect to the principal accounting fees and services appearing in the Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)
(1) Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements, and related notes thereto of our independent auditor are filed as part of this Annual Report:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All other financial statement schedules were omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information required is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the accompanying index to exhibits immediately following the financial statements are filed as part of, or hereby incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
LBB & ASSOCIATES LTD., LLP
10260 Westheimer Road, Suite 310
Houston, TX 77042
Phone: (713) 800-4343 Fax: (713) 456-2408
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Summer Energy Holdings, Inc.
Houston, TX
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Summer Energy Holdings, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/S/ LBB & ASSOCIATES LTD., LLP
LBB & Associates Ltd., LLP
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2015
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
SUMMER ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
SUMMER ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
For The Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
SUMMER ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2014 and 2013
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. (formerly Castwell Precast Corporation) and its wholly owned subsidiaries Summer Energy, LLC (“Summer LLC”), and Summer EM Marketing, LLC (“Marketing LLC”) (collectively referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in these consolidated financial statements.
On March 27, 2012, Summer LLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. (previously known as Castwell Precast Corporation) through a reverse acquisition transaction, which resulted in the former members of Summer LLC owning approximately 92.3% of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc.’s outstanding common stock. The operations of Summer LLC are the Company’s sole line of business. The transaction was treated as a recapitalization of Summer LLC, and Summer LLC (and its historical financial statements) is the continuing entity for financial reporting purposes.
Summer LLC is a retail electric provider in the state of Texas under a license with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (“PUCT”). Summer LLC procures wholesale energy and resells to commercial and residential customers. Summer LLC was organized on April 6, 2011, under the laws of the state of Texas.
Marketing, LLC was formed in the state of Texas on November 6, 2012 to provide marketing services to Summer LLC.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 as well as the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue Recognition
Our electricity revenue is recognized by our Company upon delivery of electricity to a customer’s meter. This method of revenue recognition is commonly referred to as the flow method. The flow method of revenue relies upon Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”) settlement statements to determine the estimated revenue for a given month. Supply delivered to customers for the month, measured on a daily basis, provides the basis for revenues. Electricity revenue consists of proceeds from energy sales, including pass through charges from the Transmission and Distribution Providers (“TDSPs”) billed to the customer at cost.
Unbilled Revenue and Accounts Receivable
Electric services not billed by month-end are accrued based upon estimated deliveries to customers as tracked and recorded by ERCOT multiplied by our average billing rate per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) in effect at the time. At the end of each calendar month, revenue is accrued to unbilled receivables based on the estimated amount of power delivered to customers using the flow technique. Unbilled revenue also includes accruals for estimated TDSP charges and monthly service charges applicable to the estimated electricity usage for the period. All charges that were physically billed in the calendar month are recorded from the unbilled account to the customer’s receivable account. Unbilled accounts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were estimated at $4,350,713 and $1,939,126, respectively. Accounts receivable are customer obligations billed at the customer’s monthly meter read date for that period’s electricity usage and due within 16 days of the date of the invoice. The balances past due are customers subject to a late fee that is assessed on that billing.
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUTED)
The Company determines the allowance based upon a review of outstanding receivables, historical write-off experience and existing economic conditions. Receivables past due over 90 days are considered delinquent and reviewed individually for collectability. After all means of collection have been exhausted, delinquent receivables are written off. Management has determined that the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is $1,416,335 and $692,209, respectively. Bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is $1,137,166 and $636,890, respectively.
Cost Recognition
Direct energy costs are recorded when the electricity is delivered to the customer’s meter.
Cost of Goods Sold (“COGS”) include electric power purchased and pass through charges from the TDSP’s in the areas serviced by the Company. TDSP charges are costs for metering services and maintenance of the electric grid. TDSP charges are established by regulation of the PUCT.
The energy portion of our COGS is comprised of two components: bilateral wholesale costs and balancing/ancillary costs. These two cost components are incurred and recognized differently as follows:
Bilateral wholesale costs are incurred through contractual arrangements with wholesale power suppliers for firm delivery of power at a fixed volume and fixed price. We are invoiced for these wholesale volumes at the end of each calendar month for the volumes purchased for delivery during the month, with payment due 20 days after the end of the month
Balancing/ancillary costs are based on the customer load and are determined by ERCOT through a multiple step settlement process. Balancing costs/revenues are related to the differential between supply that we provided through our bilateral wholesale supply and the supply required to serve our customer load. The Company endeavors to minimize the amount of balancing/ancillary costs through our load forecasting and forward purchasing programs.
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Unit
Basic loss per share are computed by dividing net loss applicable to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is determined using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of share equivalents, using the treasury method, consisting of shares that might be issued upon exercise of share equivalents. In periods where losses are reported, the weighted-average number of shares outstanding excludes share equivalents, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Stock-Based Compensation
Under the fair value recognition provisions of the authoritative guidance, stock-based compensation cost granted to employees is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service or performance period, which is the vesting period. Stock options and warrants issued to consultants and other non-employees as compensation for services to be provided to us are accounted for based upon the fair value of the services provided or the estimated fair value of the option or warrant, whichever can be more clearly determined. We currently use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, the expected term of the award, the risk-free interest rate and any expected dividends. Compensation cost associated with grants of restricted stock units are also measured at
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
fair value. We evaluate the assumptions used to value restricted stock units on a quarterly basis. When factors change, including the market price of the stock, share-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what has been recorded in the past.
If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested securities, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned share-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of tax-related assets and liabilities and income tax expense. These estimates and assumptions are based on the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) relating to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. Our policy is to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
We assess whether previously unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized when the tax position is (1) more likely than not of being sustained based on its technical merits, (2) effectively settled through examination, negotiation or litigation, or (3) settled through actual expiration of the relevant tax statutes. Implementation of this requirement requires the exercise of significant judgment. Recognizing deferred tax assets will increase tax benefits and increase net income.
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the period in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense.
New Customer Implementation Costs
We ordinarily incur additional costs to implement our services for new customers. These costs are comprised primarily of additional labor and support. These costs are expensed as incurred, and have a negative impact on our statements of operations and cash flows during the implementation phase.
Warrants
The Company’s common stock warrants are measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model which takes into account, as of the measurement date, factors including the current exercise price, the term of the instrument, the current price of the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected dividends on the stock and the risk-free interest rate for the term of
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains its cash in demand deposit accounts or “noninterest-bearing transaction accounts” which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company’s management periodically assesses the financial stability of these banks. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all short-term investments and debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted cash represents funds held in escrow for customer deposits in the amount of $582,743 and $367,385 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company holds certificates of deposit in the amount $15,044 and $15,025 including interest earned, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company holds a $15,000 certificate of deposit to secure a credit card.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Expenditures for additions, major renewals and betterments are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations.
Deferred Financing Costs
The Company’s deferred financing costs were amortized over the life of the contract. Amortization of deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $785,389 and $168,383, respectively.
Recent Pronouncements
The Company is not aware of any new accounting pronouncements that would have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 - INCOME TAXES
Actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is reconciled from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes as follows:
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
There was a valuation allowance of $2,563,000 and $1,339,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income, projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, and the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, management does not believe it is more likely than not the Company will realize the full benefits of these deductible differences at December 31, 2014.
Net operating loss carryforwards attributable to federal was $6,268,000 at December 31, 2014 and expire at different dates through 2033.
There is not a provision for material uncertain tax positions for the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
NOTE 4 - 2011 CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENTS AND ADVANCES FROM RELATED PARTY
On November 30, 2011, the Company entered into separate Credit Facility Agreements (the “2011 Credit Facility Agreements”) with two individuals pursuant to which such individuals agreed to act as sureties in connection with a combined $500,000 line of credit from a financial institution and certain extensions of credit by critical vendors which are necessary for our business. Pursuant to such agreements, in consideration of the assisting parties’ extension of credit thereunder, we agreed to pay a total of $200,000 to the assisting parties or, at the assisting parties’ election, the assisting parties could each elect to receive 757,576 shares of common stock. The assisting parties agreed to make assistance available to us within 10 business days of our written request and provide a guaranty to a financial institution. On November 15, 2012, the two individuals irrevocably elected the option to receive payment in equity pursuant to the terms of the 2011 Credit Facility Agreements and on December 3, 2012, each such individual received 757,576 shares of our common stock. The Company recorded a $200,000 deferred financing cost that is being amortized over the three (3) year life of the agreements. The 2011 Credit Facility Agreements expired on November 30, 2014, and the balance, net of amortization, as of December 31, 2014, is zero.
During 2014, Neil Leibman advanced the Company $652,751 as part of the 2011 Credit Facility Agreement. As of December 31, 2014, the balance due to Mr. Leibman by the Company relating to such advance is zero.
NOTE 5 - 2013 CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENTS AND SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES
On August 29, 2013, Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. entered into two separate but identical Agreements to Assist with Credit Facility with two directors of the Company, one of whom is also an officer of the Company, whereby these two individuals (each individual is referred to as an “Assisting Party” and, together as the “Assisting Parties”) agreed to act as sureties and personal guarantors with respect to $826,000 ($413,000 each) of the Company’s depository requirements, consisting of a line of credit from a financial institution and certain extensions of credit by critical vendors that are necessary for the Company to carry out its business (“2013 Credit Facility Agreements”).
The 2013 Credit Facility Agreements each have a term of five (5) years. Given that each of the Assisting Parties entering into the 2013 Credit Facility Agreements is a member of the Company’s board of directors, the transaction was approved by the disinterested members of the board of directors.
As consideration for each Assisting Party agreeing to act as surety and personal guarantor of $413,000 of the Company’s critical depository requirements, the Company agreed that each Assisting Party would be issued 413,000 shares of a newly authorized Series A Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred”).
Pursuant to the 2013 Credit Facility Agreements, upon the earliest to occur of the following: (i) five (5) years from the date of the 2013 Credit Facility Agreements, or (ii) at such time as the Assisting Party is fully released from its obligations under any credit facility obtained by the Company pursuant to the Assisting Party’s guarantee, the Company shall have the right to purchase (the “Call Right”) all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred held by such Assisting Party in exchange for the granting of a five (5) year option to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The number of shares is calculated on the basis of an option to purchase one (1) share of common stock for each 2.733 shares of Series A Preferred purchased by the Company.
On August 28, 2013, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences, Privileges and Restrictions with respect to a class of preferred stock designated as Series A Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred”) with the Nevada Secretary of State. The Series A Preferred was issued in association with the Agreements to Assist with Credit Facility dated August 29, 2013. Dividends due to holders of such Series A Preferred may be paid at the option of the Company in shares of the Company’s $0.001 par value common stock valued at the fair market value of such shares of common stock as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors on the record date of the dividend.
On January 10, 2014, the Company issued 22,947 shares of common stock to each of the Assisting Parties as payment of dividends relating to the Series A Preferred accrued through December 31, 2013.
On April 10, 2014, the Company issued 12,220 shares of common stock to each of the Assisting Parties as payment on dividends relating to the Series A Preferred accrued for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
NOTE 5 - 2013 CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENTS AND SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES (CONTINUED)
On May 6, 2014, the Company issued 4,888 shares of common stock to each of the Assisting Parties as payment on dividends relating to the Series A Preferred accrued from April 1, 2014 through May 6, 2014.
On May 6, 2014, the Company exercised the Call Right reflected within each Credit Facility Agreement and as a result the assisting parties were released from their obligation and on May 13, 2014, granted a stock option to each of the Assisting Parties to purchase 151,115 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share.
The 2013 Credit Facility Agreements were previously recorded as a deferred financing asset in the amount of $826,000 to be amortized over the period of the agreements. The deferred financing costs associated with the 2013 Credit Facility Agreements were fully expensed on May 6, 2014, when the Company exercised the Call Right reflected within each of the 2013 Credit Facility Agreements.
NOTE 6 - PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF SERIES B PREFERRED SHARES
On February 19, 2014, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences, Privileges and Restrictions (the “Series B Designation”) with respect to a class of preferred stock designated as Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”). The Series B Preferred entitles holders thereof to receive a dividend payable in cash or common stock, at the election of the holder, at an annual rate of 12% of the Deemed Original Issue Price. The “Deemed Original Issue Price” of the Series B Preferred for purposes of calculating the Series B Preferred dividend is $1.00 per share, which the board of directors of the Company determined represents the estimated fair market value as of the date of grant. The Series B Preferred dividends are payable in cash or by the issuance of common stock ten (10) days following the end of each month, or portion thereof. The number of shares to be paid as a dividend shall be determined based on the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the record date for the dividend. On February 21, 2014, the Company entered into Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements (each an “Agreement” and collectively the “Agreements”) with several investors. Pursuant to the Agreements, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,900,000 shares of the Series B Preferred, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,900,000 as of December 31, 2014. Several members of the Company’s board of directors directly or indirectly participated in the offering.
Additional terms, conditions, rights, and privileges of the Series B Preferred include:
Voting: Each holder of Series B Preferred is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock into which such shares of Series B Preferred held by such holder could then be converted. The initial conversion price is $1.00 per share, and the per-share purchase price was $1.00. As such, the initial conversion ratio is 1-1.
Conversion: Optional Conversion. The Series B Preferred is convertible into common stock at the election of the holder, with an initial conversion price of $1.00 per share. The Certificate of Designation provides certain adjustments to the conversion price to adjust for stock splits, adjustments, and issuance of additional shares of stock. Mandatory Conversion. Additionally, the Series B Preferred will automatically be converted upon the earlier to occur of (A) the affirmative election of the holders of fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred, voting as a separate class, or (B) the affirmative vote of the board of directors upon the closing of a firmly underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which values the Company at least $50 million and in which the gross proceeds to the Company (after underwriting discounts, commissions and fees) are at least $10 million.
Liquidation. Upon the occurrence of any “Liquidation Event” (including a liquidation of the Company or a sale of the Company), before any distribution or payment will be made to the holders of common stock, the holders of Series B Preferred will be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company an amount equal to the amount of cash paid for the shares of Series B Preferred and accumulated but unpaid dividends. The
NOTE 6 - PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF SERIES B PREFERRED SHARES (CONTINUED)
Series B Preferred ranks pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock with regard to liquidation payments, as well as to any subsequent series of preferred stock.
Redemption. The Company may, at any time, redeem all or a portion of the Series B Preferred upon 20 days’ notice at a price of $1.20 per share.
The foregoing is only a brief description of the material terms of the Series B Designation and the offering of the Series B Preferred, and does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder and such descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Designation which was filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2014.
In accordance with the Series B Designation, dividends due to holders of Series B Preferred may be paid at the option of the holder in shares of the Company’s $0.001 par value common stock valued at the fair market value of such shares of common stock as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors on the record date of the dividend. On April 10, 2014, several holders of Series B Preferred opted to be paid dividends of common stock as opposed to cash, including members of the Company’s board of directors who had directly or indirectly participated in the Series B offering. Holders of Series B Preferred not electing to be paid dividends with shares of common stock were paid cash dividends.
The holders of outstanding shares of Series B Preferred are entitled to receive, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative monthly dividends at the annual rate of 12% of the Deemed Original Issue Price per share, in preference to and in priority over any dividends with respect to Common Stock. At the option of the holders of Series B Preferred Stock, dividends may
be paid to holders of Series B Preferred Stock in shares of the Company’s common stock valued at fair market value of such shares of common stock as determined in good faith by the board of directors.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had paid $184,379 of cumulative monthly dividends on Series B Preferred Stock. Four holders elected to be paid in shares of the Company’s common stock totaling 99,541 shares valued at $99,541 and the remaining holders were paid a total of $84,838 in cash.
NOTE 7 - LETTERS OF CREDIT
On February 26, 2014, the Company signed a Master Revolving Note with Comerica Bank in the amount of $500,000. The Master Revolving Note has a maturity date of August 25, 2014 with interest thereon at a per annum rate equal to the “Prime Referenced Rate” plus the “Applicable Margin”. The “Prime Referenced Rate” means, for any day, a per annum interest rate which is equal to the “Prime Rate” in effect on such day, but in no event and at no time shall the “Prime Referenced Rate” be less than the sum of the Daily Adjusting LIBOR Rate for such day plus two and one-half percent (2.5%) per annum. “Prime Rate” means the per annum rate established by Comerica Bank as its prime rate for its borrowers, as such rate may vary from time to time, which rate is not necessarily the lowest rate on loans made by Comerica Bank at any such time. “Applicable Margin” means 1% per annum. The Master Revolving Note is collateralized by $250,000 pledged in cash held in account with Comerica Bank and $250,000 of the Master Revolving Note is unsecured.
The Master Revolving Note secures an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit in the amount of $500,000 with a financial institution for the benefit of the PUCT. The letter of credit was previously secured by the 2011 Credit Facility Agreements entered into by the Company on November 30, 2011 (see Note 4). The letter of credit was for the benefit of the PUCT.
On August 15, 2014, the PUCT approved the Company’s application to amend its REP certification for
NOTE 7 - LETTERS OF CREDIT (CONTINUED)
meeting the financial qualifications and for a guarantor with an investment-grade credit rating or tangible net worth greater than or equal to $100 million, a minimum current ratio capitalization of 1.0 and a debt to total capitalization ratio not greater than .60 to provide the financial requirements on behalf of the Company. Subsequent to the approval, the PUCT released the irrevocable stand-by letter of credit in the amount of $500,000 for the benefit of the PUCT and the Master Revolving Note with Comerica Bank in the amount of $500,000 was terminated
NOTE 8 - ADVANCE TO LOAN AMOUNT NOTE
On April 18, 2014, the Company signed an Advance to Loan Amount Note with Comerica Bank in the amount of $1,500,000. The Note had an original maturity date of December 22, 2014, which was extended through February 22, 2015 and which is currently being extended again to a later, as-yet-undetermined date, with interest thereon at a per annum rate equal to the “Prime Referenced Rate” plus the “Applicable Margin”. The “Prime Referenced Rate” means, for any day, a per annum interest rate which is equal to the “Prime Rate” in effect on such day, but in no event and at no time shall the “Prime Reference Rate” be less than the sum of the Daily Adjusting LIBOR Rate for such day plus two and one-half percent (2.5%) per annum. “Prime Rate” means the per annum rate established by Comerica Bank as its prime rate for its borrowers at any such time. “Applicable Margin” means 2% per annum. Accrued and unpaid interest on the unpaid principal balance outstanding shall be payable monthly, in arrears, on the first Business Day of each month.
Guaranty of the Advance to Loan Amount Note has been made by four members of the Company’s board of directors (“Guarantors”). The Company agreed to issue the four Guarantors a total of 120,000 shares of the Company’s common stock per month (30,000 shares of common stock per month per Guarantor) reduced accordingly as the loan is reduced for agreeing to act as a Guarantor of the Advance to Loan Amount.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company issued 759,330 shares of common stock to the Guarantors and recognized $759,330 in financing cost, and the balance of the Advance to Loan Amount was $1,010,000 at year end.
NOTE 9 - PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERING
On May 27, 2014, the Company sold two investment units for total cash proceeds of $40,000 to two individuals. Each unit consists of 20,000 common shares and a warrant to purchase 10,000 of the Company’s shares of common stock at $1.50 per share, and exercisable within five years. The shares of common stock had a relative fair value of $39,673 and the warrants had a relative fair value of $327 at the date of issuance.
NOTE 10 - WHOLESALE POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT
On April 25, 2014, the Company closed a transaction with DTE Energy Trading, Inc. (“DTE”), with an effective date of April 1, 2014. As part of the transaction, the Company and DTE entered into an Energy Marketing Agreement for Electric Power (the “Energy Marketing Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Energy Marketing Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase its electric power and associated services requirements from DTE, and DTE agreed to provide the Company with certain credit facilities to assist the Company in the purchase of its electric power and associated service requirements. The Company also agreed to pay DTE a fixed monthly fee, as well as certain fees based on megawatt hours purchased. The terms of the Energy Marketing Agreement are governed by the ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, as well as a Schedule and Power Annex thereto (the “2002 Master Agreement”). In conjunction therewith, the Company and DTE also entered into a Credit Agreement, a Security Agreement and a Membership Interest Pledge Agreement.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, among other things DTE agreed to (i) provide a guaranty (a “Credit Guaranty”) to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”) for the benefit of the Company, and (ii) provide commodity loans for the purchase of electricity (“Commodity Loans”). Each Commodity Loan and any Credit Guaranty shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, from the date such
NOTE 10 - WHOLESALE POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT (CONTINUED)
Commodity Loan or Credit Guaranty is issued until it becomes due or is revoked, respectively, at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate (as reported by the Wall Street Journal) plus two percent (2%). The Company covenanted not to, among other things, (a) merge or consolidate with any other person, (b) acquire all or substantially all of the capital stock or property of another person, (c) create, assume or suffer to exist any lien on any property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company except for permitted liens (as set forth in the Credit Agreement) or (d) become liable for any indebtedness (other than permitted indebtedness, as set forth in the Credit Agreement).
In consideration of the services and credit support provided by DTE to the Company, and pursuant to the Security Agreement, the Company is required to, among other things (i) grant a priority security interest to DTE in all of its assets, equipment and inventory; (ii) require its customers to remit monthly payments into a lockbox account over which DTE has a security interest; and (iii) deliver monthly and annual forecasted and audited statements to DTE.
Pursuant to the Membership Interest Pledge Agreement, the Company pledged to DTE, and granted to DTE a security interest in all of the membership interests of Summer Energy, LLC owned by the Company, as well as all additional membership interests of Summer Energy, LLC from time to time acquired by the Company.
As part of the transaction, the Company, DTE and BP Energy Company (the Company’s prior wholesale energy provider) entered into a Novation Agreement (the “Novation Agreement”), whereby the Company transferred by novation, with an effective novation date of
May 1, 2014, to DTE, and DTE accepted, the rights, liabilities, duties and obligations of the Company under and in respect of each transaction entered into pursuant to that certain Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 9, 2011, between BP Energy Company and Summer Energy, LLC, thereby effectively terminating the BP Energy Company agreement as of May 1, 2014.
The foregoing is only a brief description of the material terms of the transaction with DTE and does not purport to be a complete description of the rights and obligations of the parties thereunder and such descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Energy Marketing Agreement, the 2002 Master Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Membership Interest Pledge Agreement and the Novation Agreement.
NOTE 11 - 2012 STOCK OPTION AND STOCK AWARD PLAN
On February 3, 2014, the Company granted stock options to purchase up to 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to a certain key officer. The options covering a total of 12,500 shares vested at the date of grant and 12,500 shares vested on August 3, 2014. The stock options have an exercise price of $1.00 per share and will expire ten (10) years from the date of grant. The fair value of the options of $4,242 was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair market value are as follows: (i) risk-free interest rate of 0.87% (ii) estimated volatility of 17% (iii) dividend yield of 0.00% and (iv) expected life of the options of 5 years. In addition, the officer is eligible to receive a future grant of 25,000 of options to purchase common stock of the Company upon reaching certain milestones related to the number of retail electricity customers and financial performance of the Company.
During 2014, the Company granted a total of 93,750 stock options to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors under the Plan as compensation for service on the Company’s Board. The director stock options were fully vested on the date of grant, have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, will expire ten (10) years from the date of the grant and are estimated to have a fair value of approximately $3,846 on the date of grant determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair market value are as follows: (i) risk-free interest rate of 0.87% (ii) estimated volatility of 17% (iii) dividend yield of 0.00% and (iv) expected life of the options of 5 years.
NOTE 11 - 2012 STOCK OPTION AND STOCK AWARD PLAN (CONTINUED)
During 2014, the Company granted 5,500 employee stock options to other key employees. Options covering a total of 5,500 shares will vest over two years from the date of grant. The stock options have an exercise price of $1.50 per share and will expire ten (10) years from the date of grant. The options covering 4,000 shares that were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014, are estimated to have had a value of approximately $164 on the date of grant and the 1,500 options that were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2014 are estimated to have had a value of approximately $62.
On September 9, 2014, the Company issued 1,000 shares of restricted common stock to a key employee of the Company. These shares vest one year from the date of grant. The 1,000 restricted shares are estimated to have a value of $960 on the date of grant. The restricted shares vest ratably over the vesting period of one year.
As a result of the above-mentioned activity, during 2014, the Company recognized approximately $29,052 of stock compensation for stock options and restricted shares issued. There remains approximately $1,305 of stock compensation to be recognized.
As of December 31, 2014, 630,250 securities have been awarded, net of forfeitures, from the 2012 Stock Option and Stock Award Plan with a remaining balance of 154,750 shares.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had granted stock options from the 2012 Stock Option and Stock Award Plan, net of forfeitures to purchase 479,250 shares summarized as follows:
The assumptions used and the weighted average calculated value of options issued during 2014, were as follows:
NOTE 12 - PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERING, MASTER MARKETING AGREEMENT AND ISSUANCE OF RELATED WARRANTS
On March 11, 2014, the Company entered into a Master Marketing Agreement with an entity which provides marketing services. The Marketer is in the business of using its multi-level marketing network to broker the services of electric providers to potential residential customers. The Company issued a warrant to the Marketer to purchase up to 275,000 shares (“Warrant Shares”) of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share (the “Warrant”). The Warrant has a term of ten (10) years and vests as follows: (i) as to one Warrant Share for each customer introduced by the Marketer that enters into a relationship with Summer LLC in a one year contract; (ii) as to two (2) Warrant Shares for each customer introduced by the Marketer that enters into a contract with Summer LLC with a two (2) year term; and (iii)
in the event that the Marketer meets certain other milestones related to the number of customers introduced to the Company by the Marketer, the Warrant becomes exercisable with respect to an additional 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The fair value of the warrants of $46,656 was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair market value are as follows: (i) risk-free interest rate of 0.87% (ii) estimated volatility of 17% (iii) dividend yield of 0.00% and (iv) expected life of the warrant of ten years. As of December 31, 2014, the number of Warrant Shares vested was 578.
As discussed above in Note 9, on May 27, 2014, the Company sold two investment units for total cash proceeds of $40,000 to two individuals. Each unit consists of 20,000 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase 10,000 of the Company’s shares of common stock at $1.50 per share, and exercisable within five years. The approximate relative fair value of the warrants is $327. The Black Scholes pricing model was used to estimate the fair market value of the 20,000 warrants issued to the two individuals using the assumptions of a risk free interest rate of 0.87%, dividend yield of 0.00%, volatility of 17% and an expected life of five years.
Warrant activity for the period ended December 31, 2014, was as follows:
NOTE 12 - PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERING, MASTER MARKETING AGREEMENT AND ISSUANCE OF RELATED WARRANTS (CONTINUED)
The assumptions used and the weighted average calculated value of warrants issued during 2014, were as follows:
NOTE 13 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives (3 to 7 years) using the straight-line method. Costs of assets include those capital expenditures which improve the efficiency of the assets or lengthen their useful lives. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against income as incurred. Costs and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are removed from accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income. Depreciation expense charged to operations totaled $243,847 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $167,279 for period from inception to December 31, 2013.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, property and equipment consisted of the following:
NOTE 14 - OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company has two office equipment leases requiring monthly payments of $99 and $143 and expiring in December 2017 and May 2018, respectively.
The Company assumed an operating lease for office space on November 1, 2011, under a non-cancellable lease obligation which expires on August 31, 2016.
Future minimum commitments including extension options under all non-cancellable operating lease obligations are as follows:
Lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is $129,925 and $128,155, respectively.
NOTE 15 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Dividends of Series B Preferred Shares
On February 3, 2015, the Company issued 3,058 shares of common stock and paid $19,364 in cash as dividend payments on Series B Preferred Shares relating to the month of January 2015 (See Footnote 6).
On February 27, 2015, the Company issued 2,762 shares of common stock and paid $17,490 in cash as dividend payments on Series B Preferred Shares relating to the month of February 2015 (See Footnote 6).
On March 25, 2015, the Company issued 3,058 shares of common stock and paid $19,364 in cash as dividend payment on Series B Preferred Shares relating to the month of March 2015 (See Footnote 6).
Advance to Loan Amount Note
On March 25, 2015, the Company made a payment of $25,000 to Comerica Bank (See Footnote 8).The balance of the Advance to Loan Amount Note as of March 31, 2015 is $985,000.
Common Shares Issued as Interest on Personal Guaranty
On February 2, 2015, the Company issued 80,800 shares of common stock to the Guarantors of the Advance to Loan Amount (See Footnote 8) as interest due relating to the month of January 2015.
On February 27, 2015, the Company issued 80,800 shares of common stock to the Guarantors of the Advance to Loan Amount (See Footnote 8) as interest due relating to the month of February 2015.
On March 25, 2015, the Company issued 76,315 shares of common stock to the Guarantors of the Advance to Loan Amount (See Footnote 8) as interest due relating to the month of March 2015.
Employment Agreements
On January 21, 2015, the Company entered into employment agreements with certain key employees. The agreements require total annual base compensation of $290,000 and provide the ability for the key employees to receive certain option or stock grants based on the achievement of performance goals. The agreements provide an average of six months of severance for Termination Without Cause or Change of Control totaling $145,000 along with the acceleration and immediate vesting of all unvested stock options, warrants and/or restricted stock granted.
Financing from Black Ink Energy, LLC
On March 2, 2015, Summer Energy, LLC (the “Borrower”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc. (“SEH”), entered into a Second Lien Term Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Black Ink Energy, LLC (“BIE”). Pursuant to the Agreement, BIE agreed to provide a term loan (the “Term Loan”) to the Borrower, and the Borrower agreed to borrow and repay funds loaned by BIE.
The amount of the Term Loan is Three Million Dollars $3,000,000, and the loan is not revolving in nature. Pursuant to the Agreement, any amounts prepaid or repaid may not be re-borrowed by the Borrower. The maturity date of the loan is September 2, 2016. The Term Loan will bear interest at a rate of 15% per annum, except in the occurrence of an event of default, at which point the default interest rate will be 18%. Interest is payable in arrears on the last day of each month and on the maturity date of the loan. The Term Loan was not evidenced by a promissory note.
Pursuant to the Agreement, the Borrower has the option to prepay the loan amount in whole by providing prior notice to BIE and by paying a pre-payment premium of $300,000. Additionally,
NOTE 15 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
the Borrower agreed to pay to BIE a facility fee equal to $30,000.
In connection with the Agreement and the Term Loan, SEH agreed to issue to BIE a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 800,000 shares of SEH’s common stock. The Warrant has a term often (10) years, has an exercise price of $1.50 per share, and is subject to adjustment as set forth in the Warrant. The Warrant also contains a cashless or net exercise provision, pursuant to which the holder of the Warrant may elect to convert all or a portion of the Warrant without the payment of additional consideration, by receiving a net number of shares calculated pursuant to a formula set forth in the Warrant. SEH agreed to reserve 120% of the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrant so long as the Warrant is exercisable and outstanding. Additionally, SEH agreed to grant to the holder piggyback registration rights.
Private Placement and Promissory Note
On March 12, 2015, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), the Company accepted a subscription from an accredited investor to purchase 100,000 Investment Units (“Units”), comprised of common stock and warrants for a purchase price of $1.00 per Unit, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $100,000. Each Unit consists of (i) one (1) share of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) a warrant to purchase one (1) share of common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. The Company granted piggyback registration rights to the investor in connection with this investment. The Company intends to use the proceeds from this investment for general corporate and working capital purposes.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company also issued an unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 in favor of said investor (the “Note”). Interest accrues on the Note at a rate of 15% per annum. The Company agreed to make quarterly interest-only payments throughout the term of the Note. The entire unpaid principal balance of the Note, together with any accrued interest and other unpaid charges or fees, is due and payable on or before September 12, 2016. The Company may prepay the Note, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty.
NOTE 16 - CONTINGENCIES
Rod Danielson, a former employee and current shareholder of the Company has initiated an arbitration proceeding with the American Arbitration Association in Houston, Texas seeking payment of $156,000 in contractual severance, plus incidental and consequential damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the allegations in the arbitration proceedings made by Mr. Danielson. The parties are engaged in settlement negotiations.
EHIBIT INDEX
* Each of these Exhibits constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SUMMER ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC.
By: /s/ Neil M. Leibman
Neil M. Leibman
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Principal Executive Officer
March 31, 2015
By: /s/ Jaleea P. George
Jaleea P. George
Chief Financial Officer and
Principal Financial Officer
March 31, 2015
POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
We, the undersigned directors and officers of Summer Energy Holdings, Inc., do hereby constitute and appoint each of Neil M. Leibman and Jaleea P. George as our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with power of substitution, to do any and all acts and things in our name and behalf in our capacities as directors and officers and to execute any and all instruments for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, which said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including specifically but without limitation, power and authority to sign for us or any of us in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) hereto; and we do hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Neil M. Leibman
Neil M. Leibman
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Director)
March 31, 2015
/s/ Jaleea P. George
Jaleea P. George
Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)
March 31, 2015
/s/ Stuart C. Gaylor
Stuart C. Gaylor
Director
(Non-executive Chairman of the Board)
March 31, 2015
/s/ Tom D. O’Leary
Tom D. O’Leary
Director
March 31, 2015
/s/ Jefferey Mace Meeks
Jefferey Mace Meeks
Director
March 31, 2015
/s/ Andrew Bursten
Andrew Bursten
Director
March 31, 2015
/s/ James P. Stapleton
James P. Stapleton
Director
March 31, 2015